You might be really surprised that you can qualify for a business card even without a HUGE business or tax ID number. In fact, if you have a side hustle that generates income, you are eligible for a business card! You do not need to have employees and it doesn’t have to be your primary source of income! Some examples of side hustles may include tutoring, piano teacher, pet sitting, babysitter, reselling items on Ebay or Craigslist, blogging etc.

*If you have a business with a tax ID number, of course you are eligible!

3 Reasons why business cards are a great option:

1.) A lot of them come with a low annual fee and a high welcome offer which is amazing when you can combine points with your personal cards!

2.) Many times business cards come with solid card benefits such as travel insurance, purchase protection and TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry credits.

3.) Most business cards don’t add to your 5/24 status which can be super helpful when you are trying to keep your personal card applications under the 5/24 rule.

How to apply for a business card without an EIN number

*If you are applying without an EIN(tax id#) you will be applying as a Sole Proprietor with your SS#

Legal name of business—your full name

Business name on card—your full name

DBA—select “no”

Business mailing address—your personal address unless you have a different business address

Type of business—sole proprietor

Business phone #—your personal # unless you have a business #

Tax ID #—your social security number

Number of employees-0, unless you have more than yourself

Annual business revenue/sales—your best estimate

Years in business—however long you’ve had your business (profitable and non profitable)

General industry-match up your side hustle or business the best you can with the categories

Your title as authorizing officer—owner

Total household income—-your total income of your entire household—not just business income

What happens if my application goes into review?

Rule #1–Do not panic. Sometimes when your application goes into review, the bank just needs to verify your identity or get some additional information. They may call you on the phone or send you a letter. If its been about a week and you haven’t heard anything from the bank, then you can call them to check on the status of your application.

What if my application gets denied?

Rule #1–Again, do not panic. Denials come sometimes to all of us and its not the end of the world. The bank will usually mail you a letter explaining why they didn’t approve you for the application and at that point you can and should call the banks reconsideration line! It can feel intimidating, but its most definitely worth a call! They may ask you questions about your business, so make sure you remember what you put on your application. Sometimes its just a matter of moving credit from one card to another so make the call and see what they say!

My final thoughts

Business cards are a super important part to my points and miles strategy. Two of my most favorite business cards that I recommend for everyone are the Chase Ink Business Cash® credit card and the Chase Ink Business Unlimited® credit card. Both of these have a $0 annual fee and earn a really nice chunk of flexible points! The first time I applied for a business card I was super nervous, but I quickly learned they are so valuable. So, just remember that you can do this and I’m always cheering you on!

*You can learn more about some of my favorite business cards on my current best offers page!