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For those considering an American Express business credit card, it's important to know whether your personal credit will be evaluated, how difficult it is to get approved, and what specific requirements American Express has for business credit card applicants. 

This article addresses key questions about American Express's evaluation process, including whether they pull personal credit, the difficulty of getting approved, eligibility criteria, and how they verify business income.

Does American Express pull personal credit for business cards?

When you apply for an American Express business credit card, American Express typically pulls your personal credit. This means they will check your personal credit report as part of the application process, which can result in a hard inquiry on your credit report. This inquiry can temporarily impact your credit score.

American Express uses this information to assess the overall creditworthiness of the applicant, considering both personal and business credit histories if applicable. It is important to be aware that even though it’s a business credit card, your personal credit will be scrutinized during the application process.

Is it hard to get approved for an American Express business credit card?

The approval process for an American Express business credit card can be rigorous, as American Express has strict criteria for its applicants. Factors that influence approval include your personal credit score, business revenue, and overall financial health. 

Generally, a good to excellent personal credit score (typically 700 or above) can improve your chances of getting approved. Additionally, having a stable and sufficient business income can also be beneficial.

Can anyone get an American Express business credit card?

Not everyone can get an American Express business credit card. Applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, including having a valid business, which can range from a sole proprietorship to a larger corporation. 

Additionally, applicants must provide a Social Security number and business tax identification number. American Express evaluates the creditworthiness and financial stability of both the business and the individual applying for the card.

Does American Express verify business income?

Yes, American Express may verify business income as part of the application process for a business credit card. They might request financial statements, tax returns, and other documentation to confirm the revenue and financial health of the business. This verification helps American Express determine the credit limit and terms they can offer based on the business’s ability to repay the credit.

These measures are part of American Express's thorough evaluation process to ensure that they extend credit responsibly and to minimize risk. If there are discrepancies or the information provided isn't sufficient, the application might be delayed or denied until further verification is completed.

Get a Ramp Corporate Card with no credit check or personal guarantee

If you're looking for a business credit card that doesn’t require a credit check or personal guarantee, consider Ramp

Ramp is a corporate card designed to simplify expense management and streamline financial operations for your business.

Ramp focuses on your business’s financial health rather than your personal credit, making it a good alternative if you’re looking to avoid personal liability.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article has not been officially confirmed by American Express and is subject to change.

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Finance Writer and Editor, Ramp
Ali Mercieca is a Finance Writer and Content Editor at Ramp. Prior to Ramp, she worked with Robinhood on the editorial strategy for their financial literacy articles and with Nearside, an online banking platform, overseeing their banking and finance blog. Ali holds a B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy from York University and can be found writing about editorial content strategy and SEO on her Substack.
Ramp is dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes make informed decisions. We adhere to strict editorial guidelines to ensure that our content meets and maintains our high standards.

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