Having access to the right financial tools can make all the difference when running a business. One of the most valuable tools for business owners is a business credit card.

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Unlike personal credit cards, business credit cards are designed to support business-related transactions by offering higher credit limits, specialized rewards, and financial flexibility.

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A business credit card is an important asset for managing cash flow and establishing a strong financial foundation. Keeping personal and business expenses separate simplifies bookkeeping, tax reporting, and financial planning.

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While many business credit cards require a personal guarantee and personal credit check, some allow business owners to apply using only an EIN, thereby eliminating the need for a Social Security Number (SSN).

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In this article, we will discuss the best EIN-only business credit cards and tips for choosing the right one for your company’s needs.

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What is an EIN Number?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique, nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to businesses for tax identification purposes. Often referred to as a Federal Tax ID, an EIN functions similarly to a Social Security Number (SSN) but is specifically used to identify business entities.

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The main purpose of an EIN is to allow businesses to:

• File business taxes and report financial information to the IRS
• Open business bank accounts and establish financial credibility
• Apply for business credit cards and loans
• Hire employees and manage payroll taxes
• Separate business and personal finances for liability protection

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Who Needs an EIN?

Not all businesses are required to obtain an EIN, but it is recommended for most business structures. The following entities must have an EIN:

• Corporations (C-Corp and S-Corp)
• Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) with multiple members
• Partnerships
• Sole proprietors with employees
• Nonprofit organizations
• Trusts and estates

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Even single-member LLCs and sole proprietors can benefit from having an EIN, especially when opening a business bank account or applying for business credit.

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Differences Between EIN and SSN in Business Credit Applications

Many business owners wonder whether they should use an EIN or SSN when applying for business credit. Here’s how they differ:

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What Are Business Credit Cards With EIN Only?

Business credit cards with EIN only are financial tools designed for businesses that allow applicants to qualify based solely on their EIN rather than their SSN. These cards help businesses build credit under their company’s name, separate from the owner’s personal credit history.

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Unlike traditional business credit cards, which often require a personal guarantee and a credit check on the business owner, EIN-only credit cards rely on the company’s financial status, revenue, and creditworthiness.

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This makes them ideal for entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses that want to protect their personal credit while securing financing for business expenses.

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Features of EIN-Only Business Credit Cards

Business credit cards that operate only with an EIN usually come with the following features:

• No Personal Guarantee Required: Unlike most traditional business credit cards, these cards do not require business owners to use their SSN as a guarantee.
• Credit Building for Businesses: Payments and account activity are reported to business credit bureaus such as Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business, helping to establish or strengthen a company’s credit profile.
• Higher Credit Limits: Lenders assess the company’s financial stability rather than personal income, often resulting in higher credit limits.
• Expense Management Tools: Many EIN-only business cards offer built-in expense tracking, employee card controls, and budgeting features for better financial management.
• Rewards and Perks: Some EIN-only credit cards provide cashback, travel rewards, or discounts on business services.

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Differences Between Traditional Business Credit Cards and EIN-Only Business Credit Cards

The table below highlights the main differences between traditional business credit cards and EIN-only business credit cards:

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How Business Credit Cards With EIN Only Work

The process involved in applying for an EIN-only business credit card differs from that of a traditional business card. Here’s how it works:

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Business Must Be Properly Registered

To qualify, the company must be legally registered as an LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp (sole proprietors usually do not qualify). The business must have an EIN issued by the IRS and a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet.

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Creditworthiness Is Based on Business Financials

Lenders assess the business’s revenue, profitability, and existing credit history instead of the owner’s personal credit. Some lenders may require a minimum business revenue (e.g., $50,000+ per year) to qualify.

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No Personal Credit Check or SSN Required

Unlike traditional credit cards, EIN-only applications do not check the owner’s credit report or impact their personal credit score. Some providers offer corporate credit lines based on a company’s cash flow.

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Payments Are Reported to Business Credit Bureaus

Responsible usage helps build business credit scores (e.g., Paydex score from Dun & Bradstreet). Late payments or high credit utilization may negatively impact the business’s ability to secure future financing.

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Benefits of Getting Business Credit With an EIN Only

Business credit cards that allow EIN-only applications offer significant benefits, especially for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to separate their personal and business finances.

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Here are the benefits of using an EIN-only business credit card:

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Protecting Personal Credit

When you use a business credit card that relies solely on an EIN, you are not personally responsible for repaying the debt. This means that if your business encounters financial trouble, your personal assets—such as your home, car, or personal savings—are protected from creditors.

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Traditional business credit cards often require a personal guarantee, meaning late payments or high credit use can negatively impact your personal credit score.

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By using an EIN-only business card, you avoid this risk, as payments and balances are reported to business credit bureaus rather than personal credit agencies. This separation helps maintain your personal credit score while building strong business credit.

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Higher Credit Limits

Unlike personal credit cards, which base credit limits on individual income and creditworthiness, EIN-only business credit cards consider business revenue, cash flow, and financial stability. This allows businesses to access higher credit limits, enabling larger purchases and more substantial investments.

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A higher credit limit allows businesses to fund important purchases like equipment, inventory, or marketing campaigns without draining their cash reserves. This is beneficial for growing businesses that need capital to scale operations without resorting to high-interest loans.

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Better Cash Flow Management

Mixing business and personal finances can lead to accounting errors, tax complications, and financial mismanagement. A dedicated business credit card ensures clear separation, making it easier to track business-related expenses, simplify bookkeeping, and prepare for tax season.

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With a business credit card, companies can make necessary purchases without immediately impacting cash reserves. This is useful for businesses that experience seasonal fluctuations in revenue, as it allows them to maintain operations while awaiting incoming payments.

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Rewards and Perks

Many EIN-only business credit cards offer:

• Cashback on purchases: Earn money back on essential business expenses such as office supplies, software subscriptions, and advertising.
• Travel rewards: Ideal for businesses with frequent travel needs, these cards provide airline miles, hotel discounts, and airport lounge access.
• Expense management tools: Many cards have built-in expense tracking and reporting tools, making financial oversight easier.

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Some business credit cards offer discounts on business-related services, such as shipping, software, and marketing tools. For example, the Brex Business Credit Card provides exclusive deals on platforms like AWS, Slack, and Google Ads, helping businesses reduce operational costs.

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No Personal Guarantee Required

Traditional business credit cards often require a hard inquiry on your personal credit report, which can temporarily lower your credit score.

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EIN-only credit cards eliminate this requirement, making them ideal for business owners who want to maintain their personal credit while accessing business financing.

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Entrepreneurs with limited or damaged personal credit may struggle to qualify for conventional business credit cards. However, EIN-only cards focus on business financials rather than personal credit history, making them more accessible to startups and growing businesses.

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Business Credit Cards You Can Get With Only an EIN

Business credit cards with only an EIN fall into three main categories: corporate business credit cards, corporate store cards, and corporate gas cards.

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Corporate Business EIN Credit Cards

Corporate business credit cards are designed for established businesses with significant revenue, strong cash flow, and a solid financial track record. Unlike small business credit cards, these cards are issued based on a company’s financial standing rather than the personal credit of its owner or executives.

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To qualify for a corporate business credit card with only an EIN, businesses need to meet certain eligibility criteria, including:

• High annual revenue
• Established business history
• Strong business credit profile
• Multiple employees
• Legal business entity

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Several financial institutions offer EIN-only corporate business credit cards, including:

• Ramp corporate card
• Brex business card
• BILL Divvy corporate card
• Stripe corporate card
• American Express corporate card

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Corporate Store Cards

Corporate store credit cards are specialized business credit accounts that allow companies to make purchases from specific retailers or suppliers. These cards are used to buy office supplies, equipment, and inventory.

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Unlike general-purpose business credit cards, corporate store cards can only be used at the issuing retailer. Some store cards offer net-30, net-60, or net-90 payment terms, allowing businesses to delay payments without interest. Cardholders often receive bulk purchase discounts, special promotions, and flexible financing options.

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Examples of companies offering EIN-only corporate store cards include:

• Amazon business Prime card
• Home Depot commercial account
• Lowe’s business credit card
• Staples business more account
• Walmart business credit card

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Corporate Gas Cards

Corporate gas cards help businesses manage fuel expenses by offering discounts, expense tracking, and convenient payment options for fleet vehicles or traveling employees.

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These cards are ideal for logistics companies, rideshare drivers, and businesses with frequent travel needs. Many gas cards provide rebates of $0.02–$0.10 per gallon at participating fuel stations. Some cards offer GPS tracking, purchase controls, and usage reports.

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Examples of gas cards available for EIN-only applications include:

• Shell fleet plus card
• BP business solutions fuel card
• WEX fleet card
• ExxonMobil business card
• Fuelman business card

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5 Best Business Credit Cards With EIN Only

Here are the five best business credit cards that allow EIN-only applications:

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Ramp Business Credit Card

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The Ramp Business Credit Card is designed for businesses that prioritize expense automation, cashback rewards, and no fees. It stands out for its AI-driven financial insights and unlimited 1.5% cashback on all purchases.

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Features

• 1.5% unlimited cashback on all transactions, with no category restrictions.
• AI-powered expense tracking and analytics to optimize business spending.
• No annual fees, interest rates, or foreign transaction fees.
• Automated receipt matching and integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, and NetSuite.
• Custom spending controls to manage team expenses.

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Eligibility Requirements

• No personal guarantee is required.
• Businesses must have at least $75,000 in a U.S. business bank account to qualify.
• Must be a U.S.-registered business (LLC, C-Corp, or S-Corp).

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Who Is It Best Suited For?

• Tech startups and venture-backed businesses with high monthly expenses.
• Companies that need AI-powered spending analytics and automation.
• Business owners who prefer a flat-rate cashback structure instead of points.

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BILL Divvy Corporate Card

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The BILL Divvy Corporate Card (formerly known as Divvy) offers flexible credit limits, a dynamic rewards program, and a real-time budgeting system for businesses that require spending control.

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Features

• Dynamic credit limits that adjust based on revenue and spending behavior.
• Tiered rewards system based on payment frequency (7x points on dining if paid semi-monthly, 5x on hotels, 2x on software, and 1.5x on everything else).
• Real-time budget tracking with spending controls for employees.
• Auto-sync with accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, and NetSuite.
• No personal guarantee required—approval is based on business cash flow.

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Eligibility Requirements

• Available only to U.S.-registered businesses.
• Businesses must pass Divvy’s financial evaluation to determine credit limits.

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Who Is It Best Suited For?

• Businesses that need flexible spending limits and real-time budgeting tools.
• Companies with teams that require corporate cards with spending restrictions.
• Businesses that prefer a rewards program tailored to travel and dining expenses.

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The Brex Business Credit Card

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The Brex Business Credit Card is a top choice for startups and fast-growing companies, offering a credit limit based on business cash flow instead of credit history. It also provides high-value rewards and exclusive perks tailored to tech-driven businesses.

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Features

• High credit limits determined by business cash flow and financial health.
• 8x points on rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.).
• 5x points on travel booked through Brex Travel.
• 4x points on dining, 3x on software subscriptions, 1x on all other purchases.
• Over $150,000 in startup perks, including AWS, Google Ads, and Slack credits.

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Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a U.S.-registered business.
• Requires a minimum bank balance of $50,000 (for bootstrapped startups) or $100,000 for venture-backed businesses.
• No personal guarantee or SSN is required.

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Who Is It Best Suited For?

• Tech startups, e-commerce brands, and high-growth companies.
• Businesses that value premium startup perks and cashback rewards.
• Companies that have strong revenue but lack traditional credit history.

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Stripe Corporate Card

The Stripe Corporate Card is an invite-only business card designed for Stripe users, especially e-commerce and SaaS businesses. It offers flat-rate cashback, no fees, and seamless integration with Stripe payment processing.

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Features

• 1.5% cashback on all purchases with no caps.
• No annual fees, no interest, and no personal credit check.
• Instant virtual card issuance for immediate business purchases.
• Automated transaction categorization within Stripe’s dashboard.
• Custom spending limits for employees and departments.

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Eligibility Requirements

• Businesses must process payments through Stripe to qualify.
• Stripe selects businesses based on transaction history.
• No personal guarantee is required.

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Who Is It Best Suited For?

• E-commerce businesses and SaaS companies using Stripe for payments.
• Entrepreneurs who prefer a cashback structure over travel rewards.
• Businesses needing seamless expense tracking within Stripe.

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Nav Prime Card

The Nav Prime Card is a business credit-building tool designed for small businesses and startups. Unlike traditional credit cards, this card helps businesses establish credit by reporting to major business credit bureaus.

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Features and Benefits

• Reports to Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, and Equifax, helping businesses build credit.
• No hard credit pull—approval is based on business financials.
• Cashback rewards on business purchases.
• Discounts on Nav’s credit monitoring services.
• No personal guarantee required.

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Eligibility Requirements

• Requires a Nav Prime membership ($49.99/month).
• Available to small businesses looking to improve their credit profile.

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Who Is It Best Suited For?

• Small businesses and startups with little to no business credit history.
• Business owners who want to build their EIN-based credit score.
• Companies looking for access to credit-building insights and financing options.

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Factors to Consider When Choosing a Business Credit Card

Consider these factors to maximize financial benefits and ensure your business has the best credit-building opportunities:

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Higher Credit Limits

Business credit cards with EIN-only applications often have different credit limits based on the applicant’s business revenue, cash flow, and financial status.

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Corporate cards like Ramp Business Credit Card and Brex Business Card offer dynamic credit limits, meaning they evaluate spending power based on revenue rather than a fixed limit. Other options, such as Nav Prime Card, may provide lower initial limits but help build credit over time.

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If you’re aiming for a higher credit limit, consider these tips:

• Maintain a strong cash flow
• Increase business revenue
• Open trade credit accounts
• Provide financial statements to justify a higher credit limit

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No Personal Guarantee

Most traditional business credit cards require a personal guarantee. However, some EIN-only cards, like Ramp, Brex, and BILL Divvy, do not require a PG, instead evaluating business financial health.

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To improve your chances of securing a no-personal-guarantee business credit card:

• Operate as an LLC or corporation to strengthen your application
• Establish trade lines and maintain a positive payment history
• Have a strong revenue stream
• Keep low debt-to-income ratios

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Exclusive Partner Discounts

Many business credit cards provide exclusive discounts on essential services, such as:

• Brex: Discounts on software like QuickBooks, AWS credits, and advertising platforms.
• BILL Divvy: Partner savings on travel, coworking spaces, and subscription services.
• Nav Prime: Business financing tools and vendor-specific discounts.

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Some credit cards offer vendor-specific rewards, such as:

• Discounts on fuel with corporate gas cards.
• Hotel and airline credits for frequent travelers.
• Reduced SaaS subscription costs for cloud-based business tools.

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Fees and Interest Rates

When choosing a business credit card, compare the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and annual fees.

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Some cards offer 0% introductory APRs for new applicants, while others may have variable APRs ranging from 14% to 29%, depending on creditworthiness. Also, many EIN-only business credit cards, like Ramp and Brex, have no annual fees, while others may charge fees based on perks and benefits.

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Hidden fees to watch out for include:

• Foreign Transaction Fees: If you make international purchases, ensure your card doesn’t charge extra for foreign transactions.
• Late Payment Fees: Some cards charge up to $39 per missed payment—setting up autopay can help avoid penalties.
• Cash Advance Fees: If you plan to withdraw cash, check if there are fees or limits.

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Wrapping Up

Getting a business credit card with an EIN only is a smart financial move for entrepreneurs interested in separating their personal and business finances while building a strong credit profile.

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Throughout this guide, we’ve discussed the best EIN-only credit card options and factors to consider when choosing the right card for your business.

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To increase your chances of approval, ensure your business is legally registered as an LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp and has an EIN. Establish business credit by opening a business bank account, setting up trade lines with vendors, and maintaining timely payments.

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Also, regularly monitor your business credit score with agencies like Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, and Equifax to track your progress. When applying, choose a business credit card that aligns with your financial needs, whether for rewards, high credit limits, or no personal guarantee.

Once you’ve secured a business credit card, use it wisely to strengthen your financial standing. Make on-time payments to avoid late fees and build a positive payment history.

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Keep your credit utilization low by using less than 30% of your available limit, and monitor your spending with expense-tracking tools to manage cash flow effectively.

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FAQs

Can I get a credit card with EIN only?

Yes, you can get a business credit card using only an EIN, but the options are limited. Most traditional business credit cards require a personal guarantee, meaning they check your personal credit score and may require an SSN. However, some corporate credit cards and specialized business credit cards allow businesses to qualify solely based on their EIN and business credit history.

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How can I apply for business credit without SSN?

You can apply for a business credit card without an SSN by using your EIN instead. However, most business credit card issuers require a personal guarantee. Follow these steps to get approved without an SSN:

• Establish business credit
• Apply for EIN-only business credit cards
• Use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if required
• Apply through a business bank
• Start with vendor credit and store cards

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Can I get a line of credit with EIN?

Yes, you can get a business line of credit using only an EIN, but approval depends on your business’s credit history, revenue, and financial health. Many lenders and financial institutions offer EIN-only credit lines, but most still require a personal guarantee if your business credit profile is not well-established.

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