Can You Get a Business Credit Card Using Only an EIN?

Yes, you can get a business credit card using only an EIN, though these options come from fintech providers rather than traditional banks. Fintech providers like Ramp offer true EIN-only corporate cards without personal guarantees by evaluating business financials instead of personal credit. The catch is that requirements are substantial: most need either $1M+ in annual revenue or $50,000+ in cash reserves, and they typically function as charge cards requiring full monthly payment rather than revolving credit lines.

What EIN-only business cards actually require

EIN-only business cards are corporate charge cards that evaluate business financials rather than personal credit, requiring no personal guarantee from the cardholder. These fintech providers connect to your business bank accounts to verify consistent cash flow instead of running personal credit checks, which differs significantly from traditional business credit cards.

The requirements are substantial. Most providers evaluate one of two criteria:

• Revenue-based approval: Providers typically require $1M+ in annual revenue for monthly payment terms, though some approve companies below that threshold with daily payment requirements.
• Cash balance requirements: Providers evaluate your business bank balance as a proxy for creditworthiness, usually requiring $50,000 or more in reserves for venture-funded startups.

These financial thresholds help determine whether corporate card alternatives might better fit your current stage.

The trade-offs you're making

Avoiding a personal guarantee means accepting significantly higher financial requirements and different card structures than traditional business credit cards. Most EIN-only cards function as charge cards requiring full monthly payment rather than offering revolving credit. Understanding these differences helps when evaluating your overall spend management strategy.

Rewards and credit building considerations

EIN-only cards typically prioritize spend management features over rewards programs. Instead of competing on cash back percentages or travel points, these platforms focus on automated receipt matching, real-time categorization, and accounting software integration.

For companies with 50-500 employees, these operational benefits often outweigh traditional rewards structures, especially when combined with proper procurement practices. Platforms like Ramp take this operational approach with EIN-only approval, though they require meeting the revenue or cash thresholds mentioned above.

Most corporate charge cards don't report to business credit bureaus because they require full payment monthly rather than extending revolving credit. This means you're trading credit-building potential for the ability to avoid a personal guarantee. If you're planning to apply for business loans within the next 12-18 months, this trade-off matters more than if you just need spend management without personal liability. For more on reducing overall business expenses, check out our guide on cutting SaaS spend.

Frequently asked questions

Can you build business credit without a personal guarantee?

Most EIN-only corporate cards don't report to business credit bureaus since they're structured as charge cards requiring full monthly payment. If building business credit is a priority, you'll likely need a card with a personal guarantee that reports to commercial credit bureaus.

What's the minimum revenue needed for an EIN-only card?

Revenue requirements vary by provider, but most fintech platforms require either $1M+ in annual revenue or $50,000+ in cash reserves. Some providers offer more flexible approval for companies with strong bank account activity even below these thresholds.

Do EIN-only cards work for early-stage startups?

EIN-only cards can work for funded startups with significant cash reserves, but bootstrapped early-stage companies typically don't meet the financial requirements. For guidance on managing your finances at this stage, see our article on common bookkeeping mistakes to avoid.