Owners with poor credit scores won’t qualify for most business credit cards. Easy approval business credit cards allow owners with credit scores below 670 to build credit while managing expenses. While most cards on our list offer ongoing rewards, they have lower rewards and higher annual percentage rates (APRs) than credit cards for good credit.
Business owners looking to earn high rewards won’t find them here, but what these cards lack in rewards, they make up for with their credit-building potential. Owners with poor credit can qualify for a business secured card that can repair their credit.
Compare Secured Business Credit Cards
Top 5 Easy Approval Business Credit Cards November 2019
Easiest Business Credit Card to Get | Best for |
|---|---|
(Best overall) Unsecured credit card for owners with fair credit | |
Building credit with a secured business card | |
Earning an introductory offer on a secured credit card | |
Lowest security deposit needed for a credit line | |
Managing employee cards with no credit check |
What Easy Approval Business Credit Cards Are
An easy approval business credit card is a card that requires a lower credit score for approval than traditional credit cards. Business owners who have a personal credit score below 670 will have a hard time getting approved for most business and personal credit cards. The easiest business credit cards to get are cards that owners with fair to bad credit can get approved for. Owners with a score between 300 and 669 can qualify for one or more of the cards on this list.
The goal for owners that want an easy approval business credit card is to build their credit scores to qualify for a better credit card later. It’s best to keep your costs down through minimal fees and responsible credit use while doing so. Easy approval business credit cards offer rewards and added perks like travel accident insurance that makes using the card even more beneficial. You can apply online and receive a decision instantly.
How We Evaluated the Easiest Business Credit Cards to Get
We measured the easiest business credit cards to get by looking at both the required credit score and additional features each card offers. We also considered the combined costs that come with each card, like annual fees and security deposits. We wanted to include cards that offered easy approval as well as reasonable prices.
The criteria we used to evaluate easy approval business credit cards include:
- Credit score: The personal credit score needed for approval. Easy approval business credit cards typically allow for credit scores that are between 580 and 669, although owners with lower scores can qualify for the secured cards on our list.
- Security deposit: The cash deposit that serves as collateral on your secured credit card account. Security deposits on our list range from $49 to $25,000.
- Annual fee: The yearly fee that acts as a cost of card ownership. Most cards on our list do not have an annual fee.
- Ongoing APR: The cost of financing purchases on this card. Most cards offered to businesses with fair to bad credit have higher APRs than credit cards for good credit.
- Rewards: When you earn points, cash back, or miles on your card as you make purchases. Most easy approval cards don’t offer rewards. Three of the cards on our list offer rewards between 1% and 2% cash back.
We recommend the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business as an easy approval business credit card. This card offers benefits that are popular with most owners, like cash back rewards and purchase protection. Compared to other easy approval credit cards, this card is a cut above the rest for its added perks, rewards, and $0 annual fee. Cardholders can build both their personal and business credit while earning rewards.
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business: (Best Overall) Card for Owners With Fair Credit
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business
- Earn unlimited 1% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions
- No annual fee
- Build and strengthen credit for your business by using this credit card responsibly
- $0 Fraud Liability if your card is lost or stolen
- Free employee cards, which also earn unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases
- Rewards won't expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem your cash back for any amount
- No foreign transaction fees
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 24.49% (Variable) | $0 | Average, Fair, Limited |
on Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business's secure website.
The Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business is best for owners looking to improve their credit profile. This is the only card on our list that reports to both the business and personal credit bureaus. That means cardholders looking to build both their personal and business credit will find this card most useful. We also like the fixed-rate cash back rewards this card earns.
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business Costs
The Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business has a fee structure that’s not unlike business cards for owners with excellent credit. It has a variable APR of 24.49% and no annual fee. Unlike other rewards cards on our list, this is the only card that doesn’t require a deposit to fund spending.
- Credit line: Requires no security deposit
- Introductory APR: None
- Ongoing APR: 24.49% variable APR, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Penalty APR: A higher APR rate of 30.90% variable will be applied if you miss two late payments within any 12 billing cycles
- Late fee: Up to $39
- Foreign transaction fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: None
- Annual fee: None
As the credit score requirement drops, it’s common for credit cards to have annual fees. This card has no annual fee and no fee for transferring balances. Some cards on our list charge as much as 5% for transfers. Business owners should be careful not to miss any payments because the penalty APR of 30.90% is very steep. This is the only card on our list that has a penalty APR.
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business Rewards
The Capital One® Spark® Classic offers fixed-rate rewards of 1% on all purchases made, although you won’t have a chance to earn an introductory bonus. This card is one of three cards on our list that offers rewards. Other cards on our list, like the Wells Fargo Business Secured Card, offer higher ongoing rates, but they aren’t traditional credit cards. The lower rewards on this card are consistent with other easy approval business credit cards.
How to Redeem Rewards
Cash back rewards on this card are 1% on all spending. Once collected, these rewards can be redeemed for cash or for other purchases. Cardholders have multiple ways to redeem rewards, including gift cards and statement credits.
Owners can redeem rewards in the following ways:
- Statement credit or check: Receive rewards in the form of a statement credit, or by having a check mailed directly to you.
- Redeem for purchases: Use your rewards towards a purchase made on your Capital One business card.
- Redeem for gift cards: Redeem rewards for gift cards at select retailers or hotels.
- Automatic redemption: Set an automatic schedule for your rewards redemption based on a preselected time each year or a specific dollar threshold ($25, $50, $100, $200, $500, or $1,500).
This card offers low rewards. However, for business owners looking to build business credit, the rewards are a bonus. The Discover it® Secured card offers rewards as high as 2% on spending in select categories. Most rewards cards have higher ongoing rates, but they also require credit scores of 670 or above. The rewards on this card are decent for a business credit card that’s easy to get.
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business Additional Features
The Capital One® Spark® Classic provides additional features that add more value. Most Capital One business credit cards come with purchase security and travel assistance services.
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business includes the following additional features:
- Purchase security: Capital One replaces, repairs, or reimburses cardholders for eligible purchases in the event of theft or damage within the first 90 days, up to $10,000 per claim, and $50,000 per cardholder.
- Extended warranty protection: Capital one adds an additional year of protection to the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Cardholders are covered for damage due to collision or theft on eligible car rentals.
- Travel and emergency assistance services: Get additional services that make travel easier like travel services include legal or medical referrals and ticket replacement.
Like the Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card, this card also offers purchase protection. It comes with features that are popular with many card users but don’t expect premium additions like TSA Pre✓ ® or 24-hour concierge service. If your goal is to use this card to raise your credit score, it’s more than sufficient.
What Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business is Missing
The Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business is a great start for business owners looking to rebuild their credit with a business credit card. However, this card lacks the most desirable offers, like introductory no-interest periods and sign-up bonuses. The Discover it® Secured card is the only card on our list that offers an intro bonus.
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business Reviews
We searched online and through our own editorial database to get the Capital One Spark Classic for Business reviews. Editorial reviews consistently rank this card as one of the best business credit cards for owners with average to fair credit. Users also find this card useful for establishing new credit.
User Reviews
Most online users gave this card a high rating. Users praised the customer service and felt the card was a solid pick for businesses starting out. People complained that there weren’t as many benefits offered on this card compared to others. Users also felt the card’s limits were low.
Editorial Reviews
We ranked this card as the best business card for fair credit because of its rewards and its easier approval requirement. Our reviews list this card as an excellent unsecured card for owners looking to build credit. Although the ongoing rewards are low compared to cards for people with excellent credit, this card is top of its class for fair credit business owners.
How to Apply for Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business
You can apply for the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business online and get a decision instantly. If you’re approved, you’ll typically receive your card within seven to 10 business days.
Wells Fargo Business Secured Card: Best for Building Credit with A Secured Business Card
Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card
- Cash Back option: Earn 1.5% cash back on every $1 spent
- Reward Points option: Earn 1 point on every $1 spent and receive 1,000 bonus points when your company spend is $1,000 or more in any monthly billing period
- $0 annual rewards program fee
- $500 to $25,000 credit line
- Zero liability protection
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Prime + 11.90% on purchases | $25 per card | N/A |
On Wells Fargo's Secure Website
The Wells Fargo Business Secured Card is best for owners that have a credit score below average who are looking to rebuild their credit. This card also requires a minimum security deposit of $500, but owners can get the maximum credit limit by depositing $25,000. You’ll have the option between earning cash back rewards as high as 1.5% or earning points. This card’s variable APR rate of 16.90% is excellent compared to most secured cards.
Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card Costs
The Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card has a minimum deposit requirement to get started. Cardholders will need to make a cash deposit equal to the limit you’d like, up to $25,000. The costs on this card are average, but the APR is lower than most cards on our list. It’s also the only card on our list to charge an annual fee.
Financing costs and fees on the Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card include:
Credit line: A cash deposit equal to the amount of the credit limit from $500 to $25,000
Introductory APR: None
Ongoing APR: 16.90% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
Penalty APR: None
Late fee: Up to $39
Foreign transaction fee: None
Balance transfer fee: Transfers aren’t allowed
Annual fee: $25 per card, up to 10 cards per account max
Businesses that want employee credit cards will still be able to set limits on each card; however, owners will have to pay an additional $25 annually per card. Wells Fargo periodically reviews your account for payment activity and responsible management. Eligible businesses can have their cards upgraded to an unsecured credit card. Owners can save on yearly costs with a card, like the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business, that has no annual fee.
Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card Rewards
The Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card offers rewards that are even higher than our top pick. Business owners get to choose whether they want cash back rewards of 1.5% for every dollar or point. This card is the only card on our list that allows businesses to choose the way they want to earn rewards. Cardholders can build their credit while taking advantage of this additional option.
How to Redeem Rewards
Select how you want your rewards in two ways:
- Cash back: Cardholders earn a 1.5% flat rate on every dollar spent. Cash back rewards are redeemed automatically to either your statement or deposited into your checking or savings account.
- Points: Cardholders earn 1 point for every $1 spent on this card. Businesses also earn an additional 1,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in any monthly statement cycle. Points are redeemable for gift cards, merchandise, or airline tickets.
Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card Additional Features
This Wells Fargo business card offers only purchase protection as an additional perk. Cardholders get reimbursed for lost or damaged goods within the first 90 days of purchase. Wells Fargo may also cover the cost of repairing the item. The Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business also offers purchase protection but, unlike this card, it offers an extended warranty as well.
What Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card Is Missing
This card offers business owners a way to build their business credit, but it doesn’t report to your personal credit reports. Those looking to build both business and personal credit won’t benefit much from this card. It also lacks the $0 annual fee that most cards on our list offer. Cardholders looking to build personal and business credit with no annual fee should consider the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business.
Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card Reviews
We considered both online user reviews and our own Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card review when listing reviews for this card. This card is a solid pick for businesses looking to repair their credit and earn rewards. Some complaints about the slow card upgrades are common for secured business cards.
User Reviews
Online user reviews are mostly positive, with most people using this card as a stepping stone to establishing better business credit. Some users complained they weren’t upgraded to an unsecured card despite their regular use of the card. Wells Fargo periodically reviews cards for upgrade eligibility and makes the decision based on multiple factors, including payment history, credit utilization, and management of the card.
Editorial Reviews
Our review of the Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card is positive overall. This card is a solid pick for businesses looking to repair their credit and earn rewards. It’s also good for startups looking to establish credit. Other business cards offer higher rewards with no annual fee, but those cards were either for excellent credit or unavailable nationally.
How to Apply for Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card
Because this is a secured card, only people with a Wells Fargo relationship may apply for the Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card online. If you don’t have an account with Wells Fargo, you can apply in person at your local branch.
Discover it® Secured: Best Introductory Offer on a Secured Credit Card
The Discover it® Secured card is best for business owners looking to build personal credit. Cardholders will also earn an intro bonus that is unlike any other card on this list. Discover will match the rewards earned on this card in the first 12 calendar months. This offer is only valid for new members. Unlike the Wells Fargo Business Secured Card, owners aren’t able to build business credit with this card because it doesn’t report to the business credit bureaus.
Discover it® Secured Costs
The costs on the Discover it® Secured card are rather forgiving considering some of the higher fees that some secured cards dish out. The ongoing APR is higher than the Wells Fargo secured card, and the credit limit is relatively low.
Credit line: The amount you deposit is equal to your credit limit, from $200 to $2,500
Ongoing APR: Ongoing APR is 24.99%, which adjusts with the prime rate
Penalty APR: None
Late fee: The first late fee on the account is waived as a courtesy; late fees are up to $39 after that
Foreign transaction fee: None
Balance transfer fee: 3% intro fee on balances transferred by December 10, 2019, and up to 5% fee on transfers after that
Annual fee: None
Unlike other cards on our list, this card waives the first late fee and doesn’t have a penalty APR. Business owners working to manage their credit responsibly will appreciate that there aren’t such harsh penalties for late payments. However, if you want to graduate to an unsecured card, you’ll still need a consistent payment history. Businesses shouldn’t make a habit of paying late because it can hinder your chances of qualifying for an unsecured credit card in the future.
Discover it® Secured Rewards
The Discover it® Secured card offers the highest rewards on our list. With an introductory offer that matches yearly cash back earned, cardholders could get rewards worth even more than with the Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card. This card earns %5 cash back on the first $1,000 spent on combined gas and restaurant purchases each calendar quarter. After that, owners earn 1% rewards until the next quarter.
How to Redeem Rewards
Cardholders can redeem rewards in several ways, including gift cards, donations, or cash deposits to an account of your choice. Businesses can also use their rewards for Amazon purchases. Each cash reward earned equals one Amazon dollar, so cardholders won’t lose out on the transfer. Once you’ve linked your rewards account to Amazon, you can select the cash rewards option on checkout.
Discover it® Secured Additional Features
The Discover it® Secured card offers owners the ability to freeze their accounts in case of fraud or unauthorized transactions. This feature doesn’t stop recurring payments, returns, or credits. Although this card offers cardholders the ability to monitor their FICOⓇ score for free, it doesn’t have the additional protection like car rental collision waiver that the Capital One® Spark® Classic offers.
What the Discover it® Secured Is Missing
This card doesn’t report to business credit bureaus because it’s a personal credit card, so owners looking to build business credit may be disappointed. This card’s ongoing APR is also a little steep when compared to other cards on our list. If you’re a business looking to finance expenses, you might be deterred by the low credit limit and cost of financing.
Discover it® Secured Reviews
We looked at both online user reviews and for the Discover it® Secured card. Although this card is a personal secured card, the rewards and intro offer make this card an appealing credit builder for businesses too.
User Reviews
Online user reviews were mostly positive. Users liked that the credit card was easy to get and helped them build their credit. Some users were able to graduate to an unsecured card within 6 to 7 months. Other users complained that the credit limits were too low, and the quarterly cap wasn’t high enough.
Editorial Reviews
This card offers great rewards for a secured card and a decent way to build personal credit. Because this is a personal card, businesses should beware of the low credit limits and high APR. Businesses looking to finance large expenses may need to look elsewhere.
Where to Apply for the Discover it® Secured
You can apply for the Discover it® Secured card online and receive a decision within seconds. It may take a little longer to process the security deposit before the card is sent. Once approved, you’ll receive your card within 14 days.
Capital One® Secured Mastercard®: Lowest Security Deposit Needed for a Credit Line
The Capital One® Secured Mastercard® is a personal secured card that is best for business owners looking to get a higher credit limit than the required cash deposit. Although the credit limits are low compared to business credit cards, it’s a nice way to build your personal credit on your way to a better card.
Capital One® Secured Mastercard® Costs
Based on your credit, the Capital One® Secured Mastercard® allows owners to put down a cash deposit as low as $49 and get a minimum credit limit of $200. This card’s APR is higher than other secured cards on our list, like the Discover it® Secured, which is 2 percentage points lower than this card.
The costs for the Capital One® Secured Mastercard® are:
Credit line: To get a minimum credit limit of at least $200, this card requires a minimum security deposit of either $49, $99, or $200, based on your creditworthiness
Introductory APR: None
Ongoing APR: APR is 26.74% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
Penalty APR: None
Late fee: Up to $39
Foreign transaction fee: None
Balance transfer fee: None
Annual fee: None
This card charges no annual fee and allows cardholders to have a credit limit that’s higher than their security deposit. Most secured cards grant credit limits equal to or slightly less than the amount of the cash collateral. On the Capital One® Secured Mastercard®, businesses won’t have to worry about penalty APR in case of late payment.
Capital One® Secured Mastercard® Rewards
The Capital One® Secured Mastercard® earns no rewards. Other secured cards on our list like the Wells Fargo Business Secured Card earn 1% cash back on all purchases. Owners looking to earn cash back as they build their business credit should choose that card instead.
Capital One® Secured Mastercard® Additional Features
One of the best things the Capital One® Secured Mastercard® has going for it is the additional features. This secured card offers features that even some unsecured cards don’t offer like car rental collision waiver and travel accident insurance.
The Capital One® Secured Mastercard® additional features include:
- Card lock: Similar to the “freeze” option on the Discover it® Secured, this card allows you to stop all activity in the case of misplacement or theft. You can then unlock your card when it’s safe to do so.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Use this card to rent a car, and Capital One will cover it for damage from collision and/or theft up to $50,000.
- Travel accident insurance: Cardholders are covered up to $100,000 in travel accident insurance when you use the card to purchase travel fare.
- Extended warranty: Capital One will add an additional year to the manufacturer’s warranty for items purchased using this card.
This card doesn’t come with premium features that cards for good credit offer like lost luggage reimbursement. However, it does offer more features than most secured credit cards. Businesses looking to maximize travel perks should look for a card that also earns rewards redeemable for travel.
What the Capital One® Secured Mastercard® Is Missing
Although this card offers a flexible credit limit option, this card is missing rewards that owners can use to save money on expenses. With this card being a personal card, It has a relatively low credit limit, and it doesn’t allow owners to build business credit. The main purpose of this card would be to strengthen your personal credit while you look to graduate to a better unsecured card in the future.
Capital One® Secured Mastercard® Reviews
We considered both online user reviews for the Capital One® Secured Mastercard®. Although this card has some good features, it’s not a card that is recommended for high-dollar business expenses.
User Reviews
Online reviews for this card are mostly positive. Most users agree it’s useful for building credit while some cardholders complain about the high APR.
Editorial Reviews
The Capital One® Secured Mastercard® is a good choice for owners looking to establish credit without putting too much money down. However, this card comes with a low limit and high APR, which makes it not ideal for long-term business use. Owners looking to build business credit should consider the Wells Fargo Business Secured Card.
Where to Apply for the Capital One® Secured Mastercard®
You can apply for the Capital One® Secured Mastercard® and get a decision within seconds. Your card should arrive within 2 to 3 weeks after your security deposit to processes.
Bento for Business Prepaid Card: Best for Managing Employee Cards With No Credit Check
Bento For Business Visa® Debit Card
- Instant Decision
- No Credit Check Required
- One-click card controls & expense reports
| NUMBER OF CARDS | MONTHLY COST | DAILY LOAD LIMIT | DAILY SPEND LIMIT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | $0 for the first 2 cards. $29-149 monthly for more | None | $25,000 |
on Bento For Business Visa® Debit Card's secure website.
The Bento for Business Prepaid Card is best for business owners looking to manage employee expenses without a personal or business credit check. This prepaid card allows owners to preload funds and set limits for each employee card. This card is ideal for businesses looking for two cards or less with Bento issuing the first two cards for free. After that, you’re looking at higher expenses than you would with a secured card.
Bento for Business Costs
Bento for Business has a tiered cost structure that’s based on the number of cards you issue on the account. The first two cards are given to you at no additional cost. More cards than two can get expensive for businesses looking to save money while managing employee spending.
The Bento for Business tiered pricing is:
- $0 for the first two cards issued on the account
- $29 per month for three to 10 cards
- $69 per month for 11 to 25 cards
- $149 per month on accounts with more than 25 cards
This card comes free of the loading and transaction fees that some prepaid business cards have. Businesses looking to manage more than 25 cards are facing monthly charges higher than the annual fee of most unsecured business cards. The Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business is one of our easy approval business credit cards that offers free unlimited employee cards without a need to fund a credit line directly.
Bento for Business Rewards
The Bento for Business prepaid card does not offer any rewards, which is common for prepaid business cards. Business owners looking for cash back rewards for bad to fair credit should consider a secured credit card. The Wells Fargo Business Secured Card allows owners to build business credit while earning 1% cash back on all purchases.
Bento for Business Additional Features
The Bento for Business prepaid card offers two additional features that other cards on our list have as well. What makes these features unique is that most business prepaid cards don’t offer any added perks like purchase protection.
Two additional features Bento for Business has are:
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Cardholders can waive the car rental collision coverage because they are covered for collision car rental when this card is used to make the purchase.
- Purchase protection: Cardholders are made whole for stolen or damaged goods up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per year on claims within the first 90 days of purchase.
Purchase protection also comes as an added feature on the Wells Fargo Business Secured Card, which also covers purchases up to 90 days. These features aren’t normally found on prepaid business cards. For businesses keeping their account to less than three cards, this card is well worth it.
What the Bento for Business Is Missing
The Bento for Business card doesn’t allow owners a way to build their business or personal credit since prepaid cards do not report to credit bureaus. It’s missing rewards that cards like the Discover it® Secured card earn. In addition, it’s not a low-cost option for those looking to manage more than two cards.
Bento for Business Reviews
We went over online user reviews as well as our own editorial reviews to gather the best feedback on the Bento for Business Prepaid card. Reviews are generally positive when compared to other business prepaid cards.
User Reviews
Online user reviews were positive overall, with the most common feedback being about how easy it was to track and manage expenses. Cardholders praised the good customer service while others didn’t appreciate the longer than 2-day processing times for transfers. Funding the Bento account can take up to 3 business days.
Editorial Reviews
We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. This card is a good option for those looking for two cards or less as the tiered pricing only gets more costly from there. Owners looking to build credit should opt for a secured business credit card instead.
Where to Apply for the Bento for Business
You can set up a Bento for Business Prepaid Card online within minutes. Funding your account will take two to three business days. You’ll typically receive your card within seven to 10 business days.
Bottom Line
The ongoing APR for easy approval credit cards is higher than with cards for those with excellent credit. These cards can be a great tool to help you build your credit and manage your business expenses. You should know your credit score before you apply for any business credit cards.
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