Bank of America business credit card requirements

- Who should consider a Bank of America business credit card
- Business structures that qualify
- Minimum requirements to apply for a Bank of America business credit card
- Documents you need for the application
- Comparing specific Bank of America business card requirements
- How to improve your chances of getting approved
- Why businesses choose Ramp over traditional business credit cards
- Choose a card that matches your spending behavior

To qualify for a Bank of America business credit card, you need a registered business, a personal credit score of 670 or higher, and verifiable income. The bank also reviews your business structure, time in operation, and monthly expenses before making an approval decision.
Bank of America offers several cards with different requirements depending on your spending habits and credit profile.
Note: The cashback percentages, limits, fees, and other figures mentioned in this article are for illustrative purposes only. They do not represent guaranteed or expected rates. Actual terms, credit limits, rewards, and approval criteria vary by card issuer and may change at any time. Readers should verify current details directly with each issuer before applying.
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 simplify expense tracking.
If you already have a Bank of America business checking or savings account, the Preferred Rewards for Business program can unlock bonus cashback tiers and other perks. That existing banking relationship also tends to strengthen your application.
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 charge 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.
If you've obtained an EIN for your sole proprietorship, you can use it on the application instead of your SSN. This is a common path for sole proprietors looking for the best business credit cards with EIN only.
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.
Before applying, gather your 1099 forms and recent business bank statements showing consistent income. These documents help verify your revenue if you don't file a traditional business tax return.
Minimum requirements to apply for a Bank of America business credit card
To qualify for a Bank of America business credit card, you need a registered business or income-generating activity, a personal credit score of at least 670, and verifiable revenue.
The application process for a Bank of America business credit card takes about 10–15 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.
- 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. Bank of America accepts sole proprietors, LLCs, partnerships, and corporations using either a Social Security Number or an employer identification number (EIN).
- Personal credit score of at least 670. Your personal credit plays a key role in the approval process. A score of 670 or above puts you in a favorable position, though lower scores may still qualify with strong financials elsewhere.
- Business revenue and time in operation. You'll be asked to report your annual revenue and monthly expenses. If your business is new and revenue is low, your personal financial history carries more weight.
- U.S. address and legal presence. Bank of America requires a U.S.-based address and a business legally registered to operate in the United States
- 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.
- Beneficial ownership information. If anyone owns 25% or more of the business, you'll need to provide their name, date of birth, SSN, and address. This is a federal regulatory requirement, not specific to Bank of America.
- Existing banking relationship (optional but advantageous). Having a Bank of America business checking or savings account with consistent deposits over the previous 90 days can strengthen your application, though it's not required
Documents you need for the application
Bank of America doesn't publish a universal document checklist, but applicants report being asked for the following during the application:
- Proof of business registration: Articles of Organization, Fictitious Name Certificate, or equivalent documents showing your business is legally established
- Recent business and personal tax returns: Bank of America may request these to verify income, especially for newer businesses
- Business bank statements: At least 90 days of statements showing cash flow and deposits. Having a BofA business account makes this easier, since the bank can pull the data directly.
- Government-issued ID: A valid driver's license or passport for the primary applicant
- EIN letter from the IRS: If your business has an Employer Identification Number, bring the confirmation letter. Sole proprietors using their SSN can skip this.
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 Business Advantage Travel Rewards card suits businesses that spend regularly on flights, hotels, and transportation. It earns points on travel-related purchases and adds 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.
The current welcome bonus is 50,000 points after spending $5,000 within the first 90 days of account opening. The card also comes with a 0% intro APR for the first 7 billing cycles on purchases, no annual fee, and no foreign transaction fees.
Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards card requirements
The Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards card lets you choose a top-earning category, such as gas, dining, or office supplies, and earn 3% cash back where your business spends the most.
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.
New cardholders can earn a $500 statement credit after spending $5,000 in the first 90 days.
Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards card requirements
The Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards card earns flat-rate cash back on every purchase without tracking spending categories. That makes it a fit if your spending is spread across multiple areas. It's also the most popular Bank of America business card if your spending is spread across multiple categories.
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 corporate charge card offers cashback rewards on purchases. It's built for companies that prioritize flexibility and want finance software built into the card experience.
Platinum Plus Mastercard Business card requirements
The Platinum Plus Mastercard Business card prioritizes low interest rates over a rewards program. It carries a variable APR of 14.74%–25.74% and offers a 0% intro APR for the first 7 billing cycles on purchases.
The estimated credit threshold is lower than the rewards cards, at around 670+ personal FICO. That makes it the easiest unsecured Bank of America business card to qualify for. The bank still reviews your credit history, business revenue, and time in operation, but the absence of a premium rewards program means the approval bar is more accessible.
New cardholders can earn a $300 statement credit after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days. There's no annual fee, and you can issue free employee cards.
This card is best suited for businesses that carry balances and want to minimize interest costs. If you don't need a rewards program and want to keep borrowing costs low, the Platinum Plus is worth considering.
Secured Business Unlimited Cash Rewards card requirements
The Secured Business Unlimited Cash Rewards card is the pathway for business owners who don't meet the requirements for any unsecured card. It requires a minimum $1,000 security deposit, and your credit line equals your deposit amount.
Despite being a business secured credit card, it earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no annual cap. There's no annual fee, and you can add free employee cards.
With consistent on-time payments, Bank of America periodically reviews your account and may transition you to an unsecured card over time. That makes it an effective way to build your business credit profile from scratch.
There's no welcome bonus and no intro APR offer. The card is ideal for startups, businesses with limited credit history, or owners whose personal credit score falls below the 670 threshold. If your score currently disqualifies you from the unsecured options, the secured card lets you start building a track record without waiting.
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. Check your personal credit score through a trusted source before applying. If it's below 680, pay down balances, make all payments on time, and dispute inaccurate information.
- Set up a dedicated business bank account. Open a separate business checking account to keep business and personal finances apart. Clean records add credibility and help the bank assess your cash flow.
- Keep your credit utilization low. Keep your balance under 30% of your available personal credit before applying. A lower utilization rate signals that you don't rely too heavily on credit.
- Show steady, documented revenue. The bank will ask for your annual revenue and monthly expenses, so be honest and accurate. If you've been operating for less than a year, be prepared to explain your income sources.
- Avoid applying for multiple credit cards at the same time. Every application triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, and too many inquiries can lower your score. Focus on one card that fits your business needs.
- Make sure your business is legally registered and up to date. Use the correct legal name and structure, and if you have an Employer Identification Number (EIN), use it consistently across all documents. Any mismatch with IRS or state records can delay your application.
- Open a Bank of America business checking account first. Applicants who already have an active BofA checking or savings account with at least 90 days of consistent deposits report smoother approvals. It's not a formal requirement, but it gives the bank direct visibility into your cash flow and strengthens your application.
- Consider the secured card as a stepping stone. If your credit score falls below 670 or your business is brand new, the Secured Business Unlimited Cash Rewards card lets you start building business credit with a $1,000 deposit. Over time, you may qualify to upgrade to an unsecured card.
Bank of America does not currently offer a formal pre-qualification tool for its business credit cards. Preparing your documents and checking your credit score beforehand is the best way to gauge your chances before submitting a full application.
Why businesses choose Ramp over traditional business credit cards
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 consolidated its expense management process. It automated reporting, synced spend data across departments, and cut 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.
Try an interactive demo to see how Ramp can simplify your company's spending.
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 charge 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.

FAQs
You typically need a personal FICO score of 670 or higher for most unsecured Bank of America business credit cards. The Travel Rewards card may require 690+, while the Customized Cash Rewards and Unlimited Cash Rewards cards look for 680+. If your score falls below these thresholds, the Secured Business card is an option with a $1,000 minimum deposit.
The Secured Business Unlimited Cash Rewards card has the lowest barrier to entry because it's backed by a security deposit rather than unsecured credit. Among unsecured options, the Platinum Plus Mastercard Business card has the lowest estimated credit threshold at around 670+, since it doesn't carry a premium rewards program.
You can use your EIN on the application, but Bank of America also requires personal identification from the business owner. Having an EIN doesn't exempt you from the personal credit check. Sole proprietors without an EIN can apply using their Social Security Number instead.
Yes. Bank of America reviews your personal credit history as part of every business credit card application. They typically pull your report from Experian, though they may use Equifax or TransUnion. If the business defaults, the personal guarantee means your personal credit can be affected.
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