Do American Express business cards report to personal credit bureaus?

No, American Express business cards generally do not report to personal credit bureaus. Its business cards may report to business credit bureaus (like Dun & Bradstreet), but this primarily affects your business creditworthiness.

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On-time payments and responsible credit use on a business card typically do not affect your personal credit score, but the flip side isn’t true. If you default on your business card payments, it can negatively impact your personal credit score.

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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.

Do Amex business cards pull personal credit?

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.

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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.

What credit bureau does American Express use?

American Express reports credit data for personal accounts to all three major credit bureaus:   

• Equifax
• Experian   
• TransUnion   

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This includes information such as payment history, credit limits, and account status.

Amex business cards

Amex offers a variety of business cards, including general travel rewards cards and cards with exclusive benefits for spending with specific partners. Your options include:

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• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• American Express® Business Gold Card
• The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
• The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
• The Plum Card® from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
• The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

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Only one American Express business card doesn’t have an annual fee: The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express. Others charge upwards of $695 a year.

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. 

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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.

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.

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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.

When does Amex report to the credit bureaus?

Amex reports to credit agencies once a month, though the specific timing usually occurs a few days after your billing cycle ends.

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» Learn more: Minimum credit scores for business credit cards this year

Amex business card requirements

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. 

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

How to build business credit

An established business credit report offers significant advantages, including higher credit approval rates, more favorable interest rates, and improved repayment terms on lines of credit and loans. 

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First, formalize your business entity (e.g., LLC, corporation) and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. An EIN is crucial for opening a business bank account and reporting credit activity to business credit bureaus. It also separates your personal and business finances, which can safeguard your personal credit score from potential business liabilities.

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Next, apply for a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). This unique identifier will help build your business credit report and is often required by lenders and partners. It also establishes your business within D&B’s Paydex score system.

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Once you’ve secured a business credit card, corporate charge card, or secured business card, factors like timely payments and credit utilization will improve your business credit score.

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» Read more advice on how to build your business credit

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. 

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

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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.

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