How to Apply for a Business Card Without an LLC

The term “business card” seems daunting. Especially as someone who has done “business” in the past, but did not have an official LLC or Corporation established. 

Why Business Cards?

Business cards are an absolute game changer to points & miles experts and are the gateway to becoming an intermediate points & miles strategist. The main reason for this is that business cards do not count toward your 5/24.

What is 5/24?

5/24 refers to the amount of cards that you have applied for in the past 24 months. Some banks (like Chase) are notorious for using this standard to approve you for a card. For example, if you have applied for 3 cards in the past 24 months, and you apply for a Chase card, you should be automatically approved (given that you qualify in all other ways). However, if you have applied for 6 cards in the past 24 months and apply for that same Chase card now, you will likely get denied. Similarly to this, other banks have a 6/24 rule, but we don’t need to worry about this here. 

This means that you can apply for multiple business cards in addition to personal cards, and it won’t count towards this rule. 

If it Doesn’t Count Toward 5/24, Do I Still Need to Wait 90 Days?

Yes! Even though business cards do not count towards the 5/24 personal card rule, it is important to wait 90 days in between applications. With every credit card application there will be a credit pull (even business cards) so it is best to wait 90 days. This will help with your credit health and it will help your approval odds. 

Don’t You Need an LLC to Apply?

Here’s the great part about business cards. Even though they are called “business” cards, this is a loose term and there are a lot of ways that you can be eligible! Here are some of the most common ways that you can be eligible:

• Dog walking 
• Lyft/Uber
• Doordashing
• Selling on Facebook Marketplace
• Selling on Etsy
• House Sitting
• Tutoring
• Private Consulting

With these, you can apply as a “sole proprietorship”! Instead of using a business EIN, you will use your social security number. 

I know this seems daunting, but don’t worry! I will walk you through the application step-by-step!

Note: this will be for a Chase Business Card application, but it should be relatively the same for AMEX or any other major bank.

Let’s dive in! 

1. For “Authorizing Officer Title”, choose “Owner”.
2. For “Tax ID Type”, enter your SSN.
3. Enter your Total Gross Income (total household income).
4. For “Business Legal Name”, enter your first and last name. You can choose a different name to be shown on the card.
5. For “Business Legal Structure”, choose “Sole Proprietorship”.
6. Choose “No” where it asks if you have another business name.
7. For “Tax ID Type”, enter your SSN.
8. When it asks if it has the same address as your home address, say “yes”.
9. Enter your business income as anything above $250.
10. Fill the rest of the business section out as accurately as possible. Including business category.
11. For estimated monthly spend say “$2000” (or whatever amount will meet the minimum spend).
12. Submit your application and reach out if you have any questions!

See! It’s that simple! 

You should be approved instantly, and if not don’t worry! Just wait for your answer. If you get denied, read this article about what to do when you get denied! It happens to the best of us!

Did you apply for a business card using this guide? Let me know below!