What are the requirements for a Bank of America business credit card?

To qualify for a Bank of America business credit card, you need a registered business, a solid personal credit score (typically 670 or higher), and verifiable income. The bank also checks your business structure, time in operation, and monthly expenses to determine approval.

If you’re applying as a sole proprietor or freelancer, you can use your Social Security Number instead of an EIN. For corporations and LLCs, additional documentation may be required, including proof of business registration and estimated revenue.

Bank of America offers different cards based on how your business spends. Each card has slightly different approval criteria.

Who should consider a Bank of America business credit card?

You should consider a Bank of America business credit card if you run a small to midsize business and want more control over your company's spending. Whether you're managing recurring expenses, purchasing inventory, or covering travel costs, these cards give you access to flexible credit with business-focused features.

If you have employees making purchases, you can issue additional cards and set individual spending limits. This helps you track expenses without relying on reimbursements or manual reporting.

Bank of America offers different cards to match your spending habits. You may qualify for more premium options if your business earns consistent revenue and you're looking to maximize rewards or streamline expense tracking.

Most small businesses use credit cards to finance operations. A dedicated business card can help you separate personal and business expenses, which is essential for accurate bookkeeping and credit building.

If you're looking to build your business credit profile, a Bank of America card reports to commercial credit bureaus. That means on-time payments can improve your business credit over time.

Bank of America also caters to startups and sole proprietors. Even if your business is new, you may still qualify based on your personal credit and financials.

If you’re looking for more control over employee spend or want real-time visibility into your expenses, a corporate card like Ramp’s may offer better oversight. Unlike traditional small business credit cards, Ramp lets you issue cards with custom limits, automate expense tracking, and skip personal credit checks entirely. It charges no annual fee or foreign transaction fees.

Business structures that qualify

Small and medium-sized businesses choose Bank of America for its flexible credit options, business-friendly rewards, and nationwide support. With millions of small business clients, Bank of America has built a reputation for offering credit tools that adapt to real business operations.

Sole proprietors

If you operate under your own name and use a Social Security Number for taxes, you're considered a sole proprietor. You don’t need to be incorporated to apply. Bank of America allows you to apply using your SSN, making access easier if you are just starting.

Using a business credit card helps you keep your work expenses separate from personal ones. It also gives you a clean record of purchases for tax reporting and deductions. As you build a payment history, you start forming a credit profile under your business name, even if you are the only employee.

LLCs and corporations

If your business is structured as an LLC or corporation, a Bank of America business credit card gives you the tools to scale. You can set employee spending limits, track business purchases in one place, and simplify end-of-month reconciliations.

Bank of America also offers cards with tiered rewards or flat-rate cash back, which can align with your business’s cost structure. If you have a company with a more established credit and revenue, you may even qualify for higher limits and expanded benefits. There are over 33.3 million small business firms in the U.S., and most rely on credit to manage working capital.

Freelancers and side hustlers

Freelancers and part-time small business owners often overlook business credit cards, but they are eligible, too. If you invoice clients, sell goods, or earn income from a side gig, you operate a business in the eyes of most banks. A business credit card helps you manage expenses tied to that income, from software subscriptions to advertising costs.

Bank of America allows freelancers to apply using an SSN or EIN. That flexibility makes it easier to qualify even if you have not incorporated. It also helps you build credit for future financing, like loans or lines of credit.

Minimum requirements to apply for a Bank of America business credit card

The application process for a Bank of America business credit card takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you have your information ready. You will complete it online and, in many cases, get a decision within seconds. In some situations, the bank may take a few business days to review your details more closely.

1. A registered business or income-generating activity. You don’t need to be incorporated, but you do need to operate a business that generates income. This includes side hustles, self-employment, and full-time operations. Bank of America accepts applications from sole proprietors, LLCs, partnerships, and corporations. You can apply using your Social Security Number or an Employer Identification Number, depending on how your business is set up.
2. Personal credit score of at least 670. Your personal credit plays a key role in the approval process. Bank of America checks your credit history to determine your ability to manage debt. A score of 670 or above puts you in a favorable position. You may still be eligible if your score is lower, but you will need to show strong financials in other areas.
3. Business revenue and time in operation. You will be asked to report your annual revenue and monthly expenses. There is no strict minimum, but Bank of America uses this information to evaluate your ability to repay. If your business is new and revenue is low, your personal financial history carries more weight.
4. U.S. address and legal presence. Bank of America requires applicants to have a U.S.-based address. Your business must be legally registered to operate in the United States. Applications from businesses without a U.S. presence will not be approved.
5. Need to provide complete and accurate information. The application asks for your legal business name, contact details, tax identification number, estimated revenue, and spending. Having this information ready helps avoid delays and increases your chances of approval.

Comparing specific Bank of America business card requirements

Not all Bank of America business credit cards follow the same approval criteria. Each card is designed for different spending habits, business sizes, and credit profiles. That means the requirements can vary based on the rewards structure, credit limits, and benefits tied to the card.

For example, a card with flat-rate cash back may have a lower entry threshold than a travel-focused card with premium perks. The bank adjusts its criteria to match the risk and return expected from each product.

Business Advantage Travel Rewards card requirements

The Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards card is designed for businesses that spend regularly on flights, hotels, and transportation. This credit card offers points on travel-related purchases and added value when you book through Bank of America's travel portal.

To qualify, you should have an excellent credit score of at least 690, along with a stable income from your business. The bank looks for a clean credit history with no recent delinquencies, bankruptcies, or high credit utilization. While no fixed revenue threshold exists, higher monthly business spending can support your application.

Bank of America also considers how long your business has been active. A business that's at least one year old and has consistent revenue stands out, though new businesses may still qualify with strong personal credit.

You’ll need to provide standard application details, including your business structure, contact info, tax ID, and revenue estimates. Make sure this information is accurate to avoid application delays.

Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards card requirements

The Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards card is designed for businesses that spend heavily in one or two key areas. It lets you choose a top-earning category, such as gas, dining, or office supplies, and earn more cashback where it counts.

You will need a FICO credit score of 680 or higher to qualify. Bank of America reviews your credit history for missed payments, credit utilization, and recent inquiries. A clean track record helps your application move faster.

You don’t need to hit a specific revenue mark, but the bank looks for steady income and healthy cash flow. Businesses at least six months to a year old and with recurring monthly expenses tend to qualify more easily. You will also need to provide details on your business structure, estimated annual revenue, and tax ID. These details help the bank verify your business and assign a credit card limit that aligns with your financial profile.

Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards card requirements

The Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards card gives business owners a simple way to earn flat-rate cash back without tracking spending categories. You earn the same rate on every purchase, which makes it ideal if your spending is spread across multiple areas.

To qualify, you should have a personal credit score of at least 680. Bank of America checks your credit history to assess how well you have managed past accounts, current balances, and payment activity. A lower debt-to-credit ratio and no recent late payments strengthen your application.

The bank also looks at your business’s income statement, expenses, and structure. You will need to show that your business brings in consistent revenue, even if it’s a smaller operation. Most approved applicants have been operating for six months or longer, but newer businesses can still qualify if your credit and cash flow are strong.

This card works well if you don’t have a dominant expense category. For example, if you spend evenly across software, office supplies, fuel, and marketing, this flat-rate model gives you predictable returns on every purchase.

If your business spends across many categories and you want a more automated approach to tracking and managing those expenses, Ramp’s flat-rate cashback corporate card offers a clean solution. It’s built for companies prioritizing flexibility and wants finance software built into the card experience.

How to improve your chances of getting approved

Getting approved for a Bank of America business credit card is about showing the bank that your business is financially responsible and that you have a plan for managing credit. Taking a few extra steps before applying can make a big difference.

• Review your personal credit score and take action if needed. Bank of America relies heavily on your personal credit history when evaluating your application. Check your score through a trusted source before applying. If it’s below 680, pay down existing balances, make all payments on time, and dispute any inaccurate information. These actions help raise your score and show the bank you are a low-risk borrower.
• Set up a dedicated business bank account. If you mix business and personal finances, open a separate business checking account. When you apply, you will need to report business income and expenses. Using a dedicated account gives you clean records, which adds credibility to your financials and helps the bank understand how your business handles cash flow.
• Keep your credit utilization low. Try to use less than 30% of your available personal credit before applying. For example, if your credit card limit is $10,000, keep your balance under $3,000. A lower utilization rate signals that you do not rely too heavily on credit, which can lead to a higher approval rate and better terms.
• Show steady, documented revenue. Even if your business is still small, consistent income matters. The bank will ask for your annual revenue and monthly expenses. Be honest and accurate. If you’ve been operating for less than a year, be prepared to explain how your business makes money and what your cash flow looks like.
• Avoid applying for multiple credit cards at the same time. Every credit card application triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report. Too many inquiries in a short time can lower your score and raise red flags. Focus on applying for one card that fits your business needs instead of submitting multiple applications.
• Make sure your business is legally registered and up to date. Use the correct legal name and structure on your application. If you have an EIN, use it consistently across all documents. The information you submit should match what’s on file with the IRS and your state’s business registry. Any mismatch can delay your application or cause it to be flagged.

Why companies choose Ramp to simplify spending

As Poshmark expanded its global presence, managing expenses across multiple entities became increasingly complex. The finance team grappled with manual processes that were time-consuming and prone to errors.

The company relied on Google Sheets for expense reporting, which required employees to manually fill out forms that the accounting team then processed. This system was not only inefficient but also consumed significant resources. “Every month, we had 50–100 expense reports that had to be manually processed and input into payroll,” explains Assistant Controller Carolynn Yipp. “That took up to half of one full-time employee’s workload.”

With Ramp, Poshmark was able to streamline its entire expense management process. It automated reporting, synced spend data across departments, and dramatically reduced time spent on manual tasks. The team replaced spreadsheets and disconnected card systems with a centralized platform that gave them real-time visibility and control.

“We use Ramp as our single source of truth,” says Assistant Controller Carolynn Yipp. “Now, employees know exactly what they’re spending, and finance knows exactly what’s been spent. It’s made reconciliation so much easier.”

Ramp also helped Poshmark get strategic. The platform’s automated reporting and insights allowed the team to reduce their month-end close time by 50% and hit their free cash flow goals five months ahead of schedule. Custom controls and approval flows gave every department the flexibility to move fast, without compromising accountability.

Choose a card that matches your spending behavior

Choosing the right Bank of America business credit card starts with knowing what your business qualifies for. Each card has different approval criteria tied to your credit history, revenue, and spending habits. Picking the right one helps you avoid denials and puts your business in a stronger financial position.

Applying for a card that matches your credit profile and cash flow increases your chance of approval and gives you access to benefits your business can actually use.

But if none of Bank of America’s cards match your business needs or if you're looking for something more flexible, Ramp’s corporate card could be a better fit. It comes with built-in spend controls, real-time tracking, and automation that reduces manual work for your finance team.