In a Nutshell
Owning a business can bring unexpected financial down times and credit hits. When it comes time to apply for a credit card, there are a few options that can help you get back on your feet and build business credit.This offer is no longer available on our site: Capital One Spark Classic for Business
Starting a business means taking risks, making changes and building from the ground up. Every small-business owner has a story. And if your story includes navigating rough financial waters (or just barely getting your feet wet), it can be difficult to access a line of credit.
We’ve rounded up three of our favorite cards for small-business owners with poor credit. While you’re busy building your empire, these cards will help you build your credit, without necessarily sacrificing features you’ll see on more-exclusive cards.
Capital One Spark Classic for Business
Who’s it for?
The Capital One Spark Classic for Business card is a solid choice for the small-business owner who wants a low-maintenance card that will help build credit.
Why we like it
This card is nothing flashy, but it gets the job done. It’s an unsecured card for users with “fair” credit. By Capital One’s standards, “fair credit” could mean you’ve defaulted on a loan sometime in the past five years or that your credit history is very limited.
We like that this card is simple to use with limited fees.
- Annual fee: $0
- Foreign transaction fee: None
- Fee to add additional employee cards: $0
You’ll also receive 1% cash back on all eligible purchases — with no sign-up or activations required, and the rewards are unlimited and won’t expire while your account is open.
Watch out for
Capital One reports business card activity to the business credit bureaus, but it may report to the three major consumer credit bureaus as well. So be aware that how you use Capital One Spark Classic for Business could affect both your personal and business credit. But paying your card balance off in full and on time every month can help you build your business credit (and maybe your personal credit, too).
How to use it
The Capital One Spark Classic for Business works great for building credit, and that’s what it should be used for. If you’ve got your eye on the rewards and perks that come with business cards reserved for those with excellent credit, the Capital One Spark Classic for Business could be a stepping stone to help you get there.
Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit
Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit
Who’s it for?
While not a business credit card, the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit can still be helpful for small-business owners by helping you build your personal credit. Lenders may check your personal credit along with your business credit when deciding whether to approve you for a business card. So building your personal credit first, with positive personal credit card use, could potentially help you get approved for a business credit card in the long run.
Why we like it
Your unsecured options may be limited if your credit has taken a dive, but the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit card is just that. If you apply on Credit One’s site, you’ll find out if you prequalify in less than a minute (without dinging your credit scores).
We like that this credit-building card doesn’t skip out on rewards. You’ll earn 1% cash back, in the form of statement credit, on eligible purchases in the following categories:
- Gas
- Groceries
- Internet
- Mobile phone service
- Cable and satellite TV services
You’ll also be able to monitor your credit health with free monthly access to your credit score and credit report summary. And you’ll be automatically reviewed for credit line increases with this card. That’s helpful for a growing business (and a busy entrepreneur).
Watch out for
Credit cards intended for users with poor credit are taking on higher risk, so they can come with higher fees. The annual fee for the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit card is $75 for the first year, $99 thereafter (billed at $8.25 per month) (you might see different terms on Credit Karma).
How to use it
If you’re intending to use the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit card for business, keep your personal expenses on a separate card. Pay off your statement balance in full and on time every month, while keeping a close watch on your credit limit — and you’ll be on your way to better credit and, hopefully, some business credit card options.
Bottom line
If you struggle with credit, growing your business can feel like an uphill climb. But there are cards intended to help you steadily build your credit. Despite high fees or deposits, these cards can help you work on your credit health if you use them responsibly.
Choose a card with features that matter most to you and offer an opportunity to grow, and soon you’ll be applying for a business credit card that better suits you and your work.