Best business credit cards for fair credit

Getting approved for a business credit card with fair credit can be frustrating, especially when many issuers expect good or excellent personal credit before they’ll consider an application. That often leaves business owners unsure whether they have any realistic options.

In practice, fair credit doesn’t necessarily shut you out of business cards entirely. Depending on your score, cash position, and business structure, you may qualify for secured cards, basic unsecured cards, or corporate cards that look at your business finances instead of your personal credit.

What is fair credit and why does it matter for business cards?

Fair credit generally refers to a FICO score between 580 and 669. It sits below good credit but above poor credit, and it signals to lenders that you’ve had some challenges managing credit, even if you’re currently in good standing.

For business credit cards, this range matters because most issuers rely on your personal credit score when evaluating applications. With fair credit, you’re not automatically disqualified, but you’re more likely to see lower limits, higher interest rates, and tighter approval criteria.

Limited credit history

If you’re relatively new to credit, lenders have less information to evaluate how you manage debt over time. A thin credit file can put you in the fair range even if you’ve never missed a payment.

Past financial issues

Late payments, collections, or a past bankruptcy can weigh on your score for years. Even after you’ve stabilized your finances, those marks can continue to affect how issuers assess risk.

High credit utilization

Carrying balances close to your available limits can push scores down, even when payments are made on time. From a lender’s perspective, high utilization suggests tighter cash flow and increases perceived risk.

With fair credit, premium business cards with high rewards and generous limits are usually out of reach. Instead, most applicants qualify for secured cards, entry-level unsecured cards, or alternatives that evaluate business finances rather than personal credit.

The difference between personal and business credit scores

Personal credit scores, such as FICO and VantageScore, range from 300 to 850 and reflect how you manage individual credit obligations. Business credit scores are issued by bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business, and they use different scoring models and ranges.

In practice, most small business credit cards still rely on your personal credit score and require a personal guarantee. That means you’re personally responsible for the balance if the business can’t pay, and late payments can affect your personal credit. This is why your personal score often matters more than your business credit profile when applying for a business credit card.

Types of business credit cards available with fair credit

Not all business credit cards evaluate applicants the same way. With fair credit, understanding how different card types work can help you focus on options with higher approval odds and avoid unnecessary credit checks.

The table below outlines the three main categories available to fair credit applicants and how they typically compare.

Secured business credit cards

Secured business credit cards require an upfront deposit that becomes your credit limit. Because the issuer’s risk is lower, approval is typically easier, even for applicants with fair or poor credit.

These cards work much like unsecured cards in daily use. Your payment history and balances are reported to credit bureaus, which means responsible use can help you build credit over time. Many issuers also offer a path to upgrade to an unsecured card after several months of on-time payments, at which point your deposit may be returned.

The main drawback is that your deposit ties up cash you could otherwise use for operating expenses. Rewards are also usually modest compared to higher-tier unsecured cards.

Unsecured business credit cards for fair credit

Unsecured business cards don’t require a deposit, which makes them appealing if you need to preserve cash. Approval is more selective, but applicants with scores in the upper fair range and consistent business income may qualify.

These cards typically come with lower starting limits and higher APRs than premium cards. In return, you may earn basic cash back or rewards and avoid the upfront cost of a security deposit.

Corporate charge cards with no personal credit check

Corporate charge cards evaluate your business’s financial health rather than your personal credit score. Approval is based on factors like cash balance, revenue, and spending patterns, and most do not require a personal guarantee.

Because these are charge cards, balances must be paid in full each month. In exchange, limits are often higher and tied to your business performance. Many corporate cards also include spend controls and expense management tools that aren’t available with traditional business credit cards.

Best business credit cards for fair credit in 2026

The cards below represent some of the most accessible options for business owners with fair credit. They’re grouped by card type to help you compare approval requirements, costs, and trade-offs more easily:

Best secured business credit cards

Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card

Annual Fee

$0

APR

N/A

Foreign Transaction Fees

$0

Rewards

Cashback

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Unlimited 1.5% cashback on all categories
• Option to upgrade to an unsecured card
• No annual fee

Cons:

• Requires deposit as collateral for your line of credit
• 3% foreign transaction fee
• No intro APR offer

View full details

This card is a common entry point for business owners who want to build credit while earning basic rewards. It offers unlimited 1.5% cash back, no annual fee, and requires a minimum $1,000 security deposit. Applicants with fair or poor credit are typically eligible.

FNBO Business Edition Secured Mastercard Credit Card

Annual Fee

$39

APR

25.24% (variable)

Foreign Transaction Fees

3%

Rewards

None

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• A secured card option that reports to Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax, and Experian Business
• High credit limit potential (up to $100,000)
• Helps establish or rebuild business credit

Cons:

• Requires 110% security deposit
• No rewards program
• Modest annual fee

View full details

FNBO’s secured card stands out for its wide deposit range, which can support larger credit lines for businesses that have available cash. Deposits range from $2,000 to $100,000 and earn interest, though the card carries a $39 annual fee. Approval is generally available regardless of credit score.

Valley Visa Secured Business Credit Card

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Introductory APR

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• No annual fee
• 0% intro APR
• Cashback rewards

Cons:

• 4% balance transfer fee
• You must put in 110% of your desired credit limit to receive that limit
• 2% foreign transaction fee

View full details

This option is designed for low-cost credit building. It has no annual fee, a minimum deposit of $500, and reports to business credit bureaus. Valley does not publish a minimum credit score requirement.

Best unsecured business credit cards for fair credit

Capital One Spark Classic for Business

Annual Fee

$0

APR

29.99–30.74% (variable)

Foreign Transaction Fees

$0

Rewards

Cashback

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Accessible for business owners with fair credit
• Virtual card numbers enhance security
• Set up AutoPay so you know your bills are getting paid each month

Cons:

• No welcome bonus
• Limited perks compared to other cards
• Low cashback compared to other cards

View full details

The Spark Classic is one of the few unsecured business cards built specifically for fair credit. It offers unlimited 1% cash back, no annual fee, and free employee cards. Approval is typically available for applicants in the 580–669 FICO range.

Capital on Tap Business Credit Card

Annual Fee

$0

APR

17.24%–86.74% variable

Foreign Transaction Fees

$0

Rewards

Cashback

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Simple 1.5% cashback on all purchases
• Fast application and approval process
• No annual or foreign transaction fees
• High credit limits available

Cons:

• APR can be extremely high, depending on credit profile
• Fewer business perks than larger issuers
• Only for U.S. or U.K. businesses registered as an LLC, corporation, or partnership

View full details

Capital on Tap targets small businesses with fair-to-good credit and consistent revenue. The card offers 1.5% cash back, no annual fee, and credit limits that can scale up to $50,000. It generally requires a personal credit score closer to the top of the fair range and is not available to sole proprietors.

Best corporate cards with no personal credit check

Ramp Corporate Card

Email

Get started for free

Annual Fee

$0

APR

N/A

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Offers a comprehensive platform that includes expense management, travel booking, procurement, and accounts payable
• Unique cost-cutting features and AI-powered savings insights to help businesses reduce expenses
• No annual, application, or late payment fees
• Access to over $350,000 in partner rewards and perks from leading companies

Cons:

• Only available to US-based corporations and LLCs, excluding sole proprietors and unregistered businesses
• Requires a minimum of $25,000 in a business bank account to qualify
• Balances must be paid in full each month, which may not provide the flexibility some businesses need for managing cash flow

View full details

Ramp evaluates applications based on business cash flow rather than personal credit and does not require a personal guarantee. Limits are tied to available cash, and the card must be paid in full each month. Ramp also includes built-in expense management and spend controls.

Brex Corporate Card

Annual Fee

$0

APR

N/A

Foreign Transaction Fees

N/A

Rewards

Points

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Global reach: Supports multi-currency transactions and card acceptance in over 200 countries.
• Credit flexibility: Determines credit limits based on business performance instead of personal credit scores.
• Rewards program: Offers points on key spending categories with flexible redemption options.
• Expense management: Provides automated tools for tracking and managing expenses.
• No personal guarantee: Does not require a personal guarantee for approval.
• Partner perks: Includes discounts on business services and products.

Cons:

• US-based businesses: Only available to companies with primary operations in the US.
• No cashback option: Rewards are points-based without direct cash-back functionality.‍
• Cash balance requirement: Requires a minimum cash balance of $50,000 for funded businesses, though this may vary based on referrals or other factors.

View full details

Brex is geared toward venture-backed startups and companies with strong cash reserves. Approval depends on cash balance and investor backing rather than personal credit. Like Ramp, Brex operates as a charge card and requires full monthly payment.

BILL Divvy Smart Corporate Card

Annual Fee

$0

APR

N/A

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Customizable spending limits
• Real-time reporting
• Expense categorization

Cons:

• Inadequate expense management tool integration
• Customer support slow to respond
• Confusing fee structure and hidden charges

View full details

BILL Divvy focuses on budgeting and spend controls for growing businesses. Approval is based on business cash flow, and no personal guarantee is required. Unlike many corporate cards, Divvy is available to sole proprietors who meet its cash requirements.

How to choose the right business credit card for fair credit

Choosing the right business credit card with fair credit comes down to balancing approval odds, cost, and how you plan to use the card day to day. The best option for you depends less on the name on the card and more on what problem you’re trying to solve.

Start by asking yourself a few practical questions:

1. What is your primary goal right now? Are you focused on building credit, accessing a higher limit, or earning rewards on everyday spending
2. Can you afford to tie up cash in a security deposit? If so, a secured card may offer the easiest approval path. If not, an unsecured or corporate card may be a better fit.
3. How strong are your business finances? Consistent revenue and healthy cash balances can open the door to corporate cards that don’t rely on personal credit
4. Where does your credit score fall within the fair range? Applicants closer to the upper end generally have more unsecured options available

Key factors to evaluate

Beyond eligibility, a few details can make a meaningful difference over time. Approval requirements vary widely, even among cards marketed to fair credit applicants. Some issuers are more flexible about credit history but stricter about income or time in business.

Fees matter more when margins are tight. Look closely at annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and penalty fees, and weigh them against any rewards the card offers.

Credit limits affect both purchasing power and utilization. Secured cards offer predictable limits based on your deposit, while corporate cards can scale limits with business performance.

Operational features can also influence value. Employee cards, spending controls, receipt capture, and accounting integrations can save time and reduce errors, even if rewards are modest.

How to improve your approval odds with fair credit

With fair credit, small improvements can meaningfully affect whether an application is approved. Taking time to prepare before you apply can help you avoid unnecessary denials and hard inquiries.

Before you apply

1. Check your credit reports for errors: Pull your reports and dispute any incorrect late payments, balances, or accounts. Even minor corrections can improve your score.
2. Lower your credit utilization: Paying down existing balances, especially on personal cards, can quickly reduce risk signals lenders care about
3. Gather your business documentation: Having your Employer Identification Number (EIN), formation documents, and recent bank statements ready can prevent delays during review
4. Use prequalification tools when available: These tools rely on soft credit pulls and can help you gauge approval odds without affecting your score

During your application

• Apply for one card at a time: Multiple applications in a short window can signal financial stress and reduce approval chances
• Space applications several months apart: This gives your credit score time to recover between inquiries
• Confirm eligibility based on your business structure: Some cards exclude sole proprietors or require a minimum time in business

Building business credit strategically with your card

A business credit card can do more than cover day-to-day expenses. How you use it plays a direct role in how quickly and reliably your business credit profile improves.

Establish business credit files

Start by confirming that your business has active credit files with the major bureaus. A D-U-N-S Number from Dun & Bradstreet is often required before lenders will report activity, and without one, card usage may not build business credit at all.

It’s also important to understand where your card reports. Some issuers report to both personal and business credit bureaus, while corporate cards typically report only to business bureaus. Knowing this helps you set realistic expectations for how card activity will affect each profile.

Manage your card for maximum credit building

• Pay on time, every time: Payment history has the largest impact on credit scores, and even a single late payment can undo months of progress
• Keep utilization low: Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit. Making multiple payments throughout the month can help keep reported balances down.
• Request credit limit increases when appropriate: After 6–12 months of consistent, on-time use, a higher limit can improve utilization without increasing spending

Timeline expectations

• Months 1–6: Establish consistent payment behavior and generate initial business credit activity
• Months 6–12: See early score improvements and become eligible for higher limits or better terms
• Months 12–24: Qualify for stronger unsecured cards and expand your business credit profile
• Beyond 24 months: Access more competitive financing options as your credit history matures

Alternatives to traditional business credit cards

If traditional business credit cards aren’t a good fit, there are other ways to access payment flexibility or working capital without relying heavily on personal credit. These options can be especially useful if your business has stable cash flow but your credit profile is still improving.

Corporate cards without personal guarantees

Corporate cards evaluate your business based on factors like cash balance, revenue, and spending patterns rather than personal credit scores. Because they don’t require a personal guarantee, they can be a good option if you want to separate personal and business risk.

The main limitation is that most corporate cards function as charge cards, meaning balances must be paid in full each month. For businesses with predictable cash flow, that trade-off can be worthwhile.

Charge cards

Traditional charge cards also require full monthly repayment but may offer more flexible approval criteria than standard credit cards. Since they don’t have preset spending limits, they typically don’t report utilization in the same way, which can help avoid utilization-related credit pressure.

That said, charge cards still require consistent cash management. Missing a payment can have immediate consequences, so they’re best suited to businesses with steady inflows.

Vendor credit accounts

Some suppliers extend net-30 or net-60 payment terms, allowing you to purchase goods and pay later without using a credit card. Vendors such as Uline, Grainger, and Quill often report payment history to business credit bureaus.

Used responsibly, vendor accounts can help establish or strengthen business credit without a personal credit check. They’re most useful as a supplement to a credit card rather than a replacement.

Requirements and application process

Applying for a business credit card with fair credit is more straightforward when you know what information issuers typically ask for. Preparing these details ahead of time can help you avoid delays and unnecessary follow-ups.

What you’ll need to apply

Personal information

• Legal name and home address: Used to verify your identity
• Social Security Number and date of birth: Required for personal credit checks when a personal guarantee applies
• Personal income and monthly housing payment: Helps issuers assess overall financial stability

Business information

• Legal business name and DBA: Must match formation and tax records
• Employer Identification Number: Used to identify your business for credit reporting
• Business structure and contact details: Including address, phone number, and industry type
• Date of formation: Indicates how long the business has been operating

Business financial information

• Estimated annual revenue and monthly expenses: Used to gauge cash flow and repayment capacity
• Number of employees: Provides context about business size
• Business bank account details: Commonly required for corporate cards

Application process overview

1. Gather documentation: Having all required information ready reduces the risk of timeouts or incomplete applications
2. Check for prequalification when available: Some issuers offer soft-pull checks that estimate approval odds without affecting your credit
3. Complete the application carefully: Errors or inconsistencies can trigger manual review or delays
4. Await a decision: Many applications are approved instantly, though some take seven to 10 business days
5. Provide additional documents if requested: Responding quickly can speed up underwriting

Receive and activate your card: Cards typically arrive within seven to 10 business days after approval

Apply for the Ramp Business Credit Card—no credit check required

Ramp takes a different approach to approval than traditional business credit card providers. The Ramp Business Credit Card doesn’t require a personal credit check or personal guarantee for approval. Instead, Ramp looks at factors like your revenue and cash on hand.

That means you can access the funding you need without risking your personal assets or credit score. On top of that, Ramp offers credit limits higher than traditional business credit cards and gives you access to over $350,000 in partner rewards and perks.

Coupled with Ramp’s built-in spend controls and intelligent expense management automation software, customers save an average of 5% a year across all spending. Try our savings calculator and see how much your business could save with Ramp.