Editor’s note: This is a recurring post with regularly verified card details.
If you’re a sole proprietor, it’s likely your expenses range across several spending categories. For that reason, you should consider business credit cards that pay fixed-rate rewards. Cards like these typically free you of annual fees, provide cheap introductory financing, and pay out big when it comes to sign-up bonuses—all benefits we believe can help get your business off the ground.
The best sole proprietorship business credit cards are:
- Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM: Best overall for 1.5% cash back and a sign-up bonus
- American Express Blue Business CashTM Card: Best for a high fixed-rate cash back return
- American Express Blue Business® Plus: Best for earning 2x points per dollar
- U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card: Best for no-interest financing on purchases and balance transfers for 20 billing cycles
- Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business: Best for fair credit (580 to 669)
For more details on how we evaluated business credit cards for this list, see our methodology.
Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM: Overall Best Sole Proprietorship Business Credit Card
Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card
Best For: Pocketing 1.5% cash back on every single purchase
| Intro APR ?0% APR for 12 months on purchases | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Credit Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% Intro APR on Purchases | 13.24% - 19.24% Variable | $0 | Good - Excellent |
Why we like it: As an expert who’s evaluated nearly every card on the market, I’m confident in saying that Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM stands out because of its perfect mix of offers and features. It combines a sign-up bonus, fixed-rate rewards, and cheap introductory financing. Fixed-rate rewards are typically a smart approach as your expenses may spread across a variety of reward categories. You can count on unlimited 1.5% cash back.
Not only can you expect rewards on every purchase, but this business credit card also gives you a shot at earning hundreds of dollars through a sign-up bonus. If you typically spend at least $1,000 per month, then you’re set up to cash in on that bonus. In my mind, sign-up bonuses are a handy way to earn extra cash you can use to get your sole proprietorship up and running.
This card also offers exceptional value through an interest-free financing period. You can finance purchases for 12 months with no interest. Skipping past interest for 12 months is the perfect way to make necessary purchases for your sole proprietorship now that you can repay later.
American Express Blue Business CashTM Card: Best for Earning High Fixed-rate Rewards
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Best For: Earning 2% cash back every time you swipe and 0% introductory APR for 12 months
| Intro APR ?0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Credit Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% on purchases | 13.24% - 19.24% Variable | No annual fee | Good, Excellent |
Why we like it: It’s pretty common for sole proprietors to have expenses that range across a variety of spending categories, such as gas stations, office supplies, and even dining or groceries. Using a card like the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card that pays the same rewards rate on every purchase is a quick fix for maximizing your rewards 24/7. You’ll earn the highest fixed-rate rewards on our list at 2% cash back on up to $50,000 annual spending.
This card also provides an interest-free financing period for 12 months on purchases, making it a solid startup business credit card too. What stands out about this card is the fact that most cards that offer this financing and 2% cash back rewards usually will tack on annual fees close to $100. This card charges no annual fee.
There is one downside to this card: it offers no introductory rewards. However, American Express makes up for it by giving you the ability to spend above your credit limit. There’s a cap on how much above your limit you can spend, but it still proves beneficial for sole proprietors who need the extra capital.
💡 Tip: If you choose to spend over your limit, do so wisely. After the introductory period ends, any unpaid balances, whether above or below your limit, will be charged interest until you repay it fully. Only spend what you know you can afford.
American Express Blue Business® Plus: Best for Fixed-rate 2x Points Rewards
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Best For: Pocketing 2x points per $1 and 0% introductory APR for 12 months
| Intro APR ?0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Credit Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% on purchases | 13.24% - 19.24% Variable | No annual fee | Good, Excellent |
Why we like it: Trust me, I understand that cash back rewards aren’t for everyone, and that’s why we believe the 2x points you can earn on the American Express Blue Business® Plus card makes it worthy of this list. This card is nearly identical to the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card. It differs only in how you receive rewards: points vs cash back.
This also means both of these American Express business cards share the same strong introductory financing offer of 0% annual percentage rate (APR) for 12 months on purchases. An offer like this can relieve the stress of having to save up enough cash to make a purchase that is necessary for your business.
While sole proprietors won’t have the chance to earn a welcome bonus, the card does offer expanded buying power. This means if you need extra capital, American Express Blue Business® Plus has you covered. You’ll be able to spend above your credit limit if you need the financing. However, the extra limit is not unlimited.
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card: Best for 0% APR for 20 Billing Cycles
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
Best For: Extended 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers
| Intro APR ?0% APR for 20 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Credit Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0%* | 9.99% - 17.99% Variable | $0 | Excellent |
Why we like it: If all you want of a card is the best introductory financing offer, this is the one for you. The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card offers no-interest for a whopping 20 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers. An offer like this opens the gates to financing large purchases or paying down other high-interest credit cards. Once the introductory period ends, you’ll also have a card with one of the lowest ongoing APRs available.
While this card gives you some of the cheapest introductory financing, it’s missing common business features other cards on this list offer. For example, it offers no welcome bonus or ongoing rewards, so the card’s value lives within the 0% APR offer and low ongoing APR. Only choose this card if you value cheap financing over rewards.
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business: Best for Fair Credit
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business
Best For: Fair credit business owners (580 to 669)
| Intro APR | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Credit Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 26.99% (Variable) | $0 | Average, Fair, Limited |
Why we like it: If you happen to have fair credit (580 to 669), don’t worry because there are cards like Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business that give you a shot at accessing capital. But what’s even better is you can build both your business and personal credit while earning 1% cash back on all spending.
While this card offers some ongoing rewards, they aren’t the best available. However, you should look at these rewards as an added benefit to building your credit score. Once your score improves to at least 670, you can apply for a traditional business credit card that offers a more lucrative rewards program.
How We Evaluated Sole Proprietor Business Credit Cards
Small business credit cards offer a variety of sign-up bonuses, and ongoing rewards as well as a range of APRs and low annual fees. We looked at these factors closely when choosing cards for this list. The best credit card for your sole proprietorship is one that offers the strongest mix of rewards and benefits that can help your business.
Applying for a Sole Proprietor Business Credit Card
As a sole proprietorship, you can apply for a business credit card with an employer identification number (EIN) or your Social Security number. You’ll still need to provide a personal guarantee, which means you’ll become personally liable for the business’s debt if it fails to repay its obligations. However, there are some business credit cards without personal guarantees.
💡Tip: To ensure you don’t end up with interest charges and become personally liable for your company’s debt, it’s best to pay off your balance every month. If you have a card with an introductory 0% APR period, be sure to repay those balances before the introductory period ends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Some questions are asked more often than others, and we address those here. If you have any additional questions, please leave a comment below, and we will provide an answer.
Can you get a business credit card as a sole proprietor?
You’re a sole proprietor if you own and run your business by yourself, and there’s no distinction between you—the owner—and your business. If you fall into this category, you don’t need an EIN to get a small business credit card. Instead, you can get a business credit card as a sole proprietor using your Social Security number. This also means there is no distinction between your business and personal debts.
Can I get a business credit card with my EIN?
If your business has employees, you must have an EIN. Once you have an EIN, you can use it to apply for a business credit card. You can apply for an EIN online, receive it immediately, and use it right away for most business purposes.
How do you get approved for a business credit card?
To get a business credit card, we recommend having a personal credit score of at least 670. When you know your credit score, compare credit cards to find an option that fits your business. Once you’ve found the right card, apply online with your EIN or Social Security number, and you could receive an immediate decision.
Bottom Line
Sole proprietors should consider opening a business credit card that pays fixed-rate rewards to help maximize earnings on varied expenses. While rewards can help your business save money, the best cards also offer cheap introductory financing and no annual fees. Consider these factors when comparing and choosing cards for your business.
For rates and fees on the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card, please click here.
For rates and fees on American Express Blue Business® Plus, please click here.
