How to qualify for a Chase business credit card: Requirements explained
- What credit score do you need for a Chase business credit card?
- Who can apply for a Chase business credit card?
- Chase Ink business card requirements by card type
- What documents are required to apply for a Chase business credit card?
- How to submit a Chase business credit card application
- Factors that affect your Chase business card approval odds
- Tips to improve your Chase business credit card approval chances
- How to check your Chase business credit card application status
- Can you get a Chase business credit card with an EIN only?
- Get a Ramp business credit card with no credit check or personal guarantee
To qualify for a Chase business credit card, you generally need a personal FICO score of 670 or higher, a U.S.-based business of any size or structure, and willingness to provide a personal guarantee. Chase evaluates your personal credit report, not your business credit score, so your credit history, utilization, and the number of new accounts you've recently opened all affect your chances.
Chase offers several popular Ink business credit cards—Preferred, Cash, and Unlimited—each designed for different spending patterns and rewards goals.
What credit score do you need for a Chase business credit card?
To qualify for a Chase business credit card, you'll generally need a FICO® score of 670 or higher. Chase pulls your personal credit report when you apply, not a business credit report, and you're personally liable for the debt on the card. Your personal credit score is the single most important factor in the approval decision.
Personal vs. business credit requirements
Chase evaluates your personal credit history, not your business credit score, to determine eligibility. Even if you have an established business with strong credit, the owner must have solid personal credit to qualify. A healthy business credit history can be a helpful supporting factor, but it's not the primary consideration for approval.
Minimum credit score for each Chase Ink card
The three main Chase Ink cards have slightly different credit score expectations. The Ink Business Preferred typically requires the highest score, while the Ink Business Unlimited may be more accessible if your score falls in the lower end of the "good" range.
| Chase Ink Card | Recommended Credit Score Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Ink Business Preferred | Excellent (740+) | Travel rewards and high spend |
| Ink Business Cash | Good to Excellent (670+) | Cash back on office expenses |
| Ink Business Unlimited | Good to Excellent (670+) | Flat-rate cash back |
How to check your credit score before applying
Check your FICO score before submitting a Chase business application. You can do this through free services like Credit Karma or directly through your existing bank accounts. Note that some free tools show VantageScore, which can differ from FICO. Checking your own score is a soft inquiry and won't affect your credit.
Who can apply for a Chase business credit card?
Any for-profit business owner can apply for a Chase business credit card. This includes sole proprietors, freelancers, and startups. You don't need a formal business structure like an LLC—even side hustles qualify. Applicants must be at least 18 years old (21 in some states for co-signers or corporate entities) and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid U.S. address.
Sole proprietors and self-employed business owners
Sole proprietors can apply for a Chase bank business card using their Social Security Number (SSN) as their Tax ID and their personal legal name as the business name. No separate business registration is required to apply.
Freelancers and independent contractors
Freelancers and independent contractors qualify for Chase small business credit cards. You can report your freelance income as business revenue and use your legal name in the business name field on the application.
Gig workers and side businesses
Even part-time gig work, such as rideshare driving, food delivery, and other side businesses, counts as a business. New businesses with no income can still apply, as Chase allows you to enter $0 for annual revenue on the application.
LLCs and corporations
Formal business entities like LLCs and corporations should use their Employer Identification Number (EIN) instead of an SSN on the application. The person applying must be an owner of the business or have the authority to apply on its behalf.
Chase Ink business card requirements by card type
Chase offers three main Chase credit card Ink options, each with slightly different Chase Ink business qualifications. Here's what you need to know about the credit thresholds and best-fit business profiles for each card.
| Card | Recommended Credit Score | Best For | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ink Business Preferred | Excellent (740+) | Businesses with frequent travel and advertising spend | $95 |
| Ink Business Cash | Good to Excellent (670+) | Businesses with steady office, internet, or utility expenses | $0 |
| Ink Business Unlimited | Good (670+) | Newer or smaller businesses wanting flat-rate cash back | $0 |
Ink Business Preferred
This card has higher credit requirements and is best suited for established businesses. It comes with a $95 annual fee.
- Credit threshold: Typically requires excellent credit (740+)
- Best fit: Businesses with higher monthly spend on travel, shipping, and advertising
Ink Business Cash
This card has mid-tier requirements and no annual fee, making it a solid option if you're looking for category-based cash back.
- Credit threshold: Good to excellent credit (670+)
- Best fit: Businesses with regular office supply or internet expenses
Ink Business Unlimited
This is often considered the easiest Chase biz card to get approved for. It has no annual fee and offers simple, flat-rate rewards.
- Credit threshold: Good credit may suffice (670+)
- Best fit: New businesses or those wanting simplicity without tracking bonus categories
What documents are required to apply for a Chase business credit card?
When you apply for a Chase business credit card, you'll need to provide personal, business, and financial information so the bank can verify your identity and assess your company's creditworthiness. Make sure all information is accurate. Inflating numbers or providing incorrect details can lead to denial or account closure.
Personal information
Chase asks for standard details to confirm identity and evaluate risk, including:
- Full legal name: Must match your government-issued ID
- Social Security Number: Required for the personal credit check
- Home address and contact information
- Date of birth: You must be 18+ (or 21 in some states for certain roles)
- Personal annual income
Like most business card issuers, Chase typically requires a personal guarantee, meaning you're personally responsible for any debt if the business can't repay.
Business information
You'll also provide details about your business:
- Business legal name: This can be your personal name for sole proprietors
- Business address: This can be your home address
- Business phone number
- Industry type (for example, services, retail, or manufacturing)
If you're a newer business, having at least three months of consistent revenue can improve approval odds. Chase may also request a business license or registration documents to verify legitimacy.
Business financials
Chase may review recent financial documentation to gauge your company's stability:
- Annual business revenue: Be honest. This can be $0 for new businesses.
- Years in business: New businesses can enter 0 or 1
- Number of employees: Include yourself in this count
Chase may also request bank statements, tax returns, or profit and loss (P&L) statements during the review process.
| Documentation | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Business license/registration | Confirms business legitimacy |
| Bank statements | Verifies cash flow and account activity |
| Tax returns | Confirms revenue and expenses |
| P&L statements | Shows profitability and financial trends |
| Owner ID and TIN/EIN | Confirms identity and tax verification |
Legal and ownership details
Chase will also require information about your business's legal standing and ownership structure:
- Tax ID: Use your SSN for sole proprietorships or an EIN for LLCs/corporations
- Business structure: Sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, etc.
- Ownership percentage
How to submit a Chase business credit card application
Once you've gathered your documents, the actual Chase business credit card application process is straightforward. Here's how to apply for a Chase Ink business card step by step.
1. Gather your documents
Have all the personal and business information listed in the section above ready before you begin. This helps you avoid errors or abandoning the application midway through.
2. Choose the right Chase Ink card
Compare the three Ink cards based on your business's spending patterns and your personal credit profile. If your credit is borderline, the Ink Business Unlimited is typically the most accessible starting point.
3. Complete the online application
The Chase business application is available at chase.com and takes about 10–15 minutes to complete. Double-check that all business information you enter matches your records exactly. Mismatched details are a common reason for delays or denials.
4. Wait for a decision or respond to verification requests
Some applications receive instant approval, while others go to manual review. Chase may call you to verify business details. If they do, answer all questions honestly. Most applications receive a decision within minutes, but manual reviews can take 7–10 business days.
Factors that affect your Chase business card approval odds
Beyond meeting the minimum requirements, several other factors can significantly influence whether you're approved. Understanding these helps you proactively address potential reasons for denial.
Credit utilization ratio
Credit utilization is the percentage of your available credit that you're currently using. High utilization signals risk to lenders like Chase, even if you have a decent credit score. Aim to keep utilization below 30% across all your personal credit cards before applying.
The Chase 5/24 rule
The 5/24 rule is a strict, unwritten policy from Chase. If you've opened five or more personal credit cards (from any bank) in the past 24 months, Chase will likely automatically decline your application for most of its business credit cards. This rule applies regardless of your credit score or income.
You can check your credit report to count how many new accounts you've opened in the last two years. If you're at or above five, wait until older accounts age past the 24-month window before applying.
Existing Chase banking relationship
Having a Chase business checking account or other existing Chase credit cards can improve your approval odds. It demonstrates to Chase that you're already a trusted customer with visible deposits and cash flow.
Business age and annual revenue
While new businesses can be approved, established businesses with consistent revenue generally have better approval odds. Chase considers the full picture of your financial stability. Newer businesses or those in higher-risk industries, such as real estate investment or cryptocurrency, may face closer scrutiny and need stronger personal credit or income to qualify.
If your application is denied, Chase will send a written notice explaining why. You can use that feedback to strengthen your profile before reapplying.
Tips to improve your Chase business credit card approval chances
A few targeted steps can meaningfully improve your odds before you submit a Chase business application.
1. Pay down existing balances before applying
Lower your credit utilization ratio across all your personal credit cards before submitting your application. Reducing your balances by even a few percentage points can make a difference. Aim for utilization below 30%. Below 10% is even better.
2. Wait until you're under 5/24
If you've opened five or more credit cards in the last 24 months, wait until older accounts age out before applying. Check your credit report to count your recent accounts and plan your application timing accordingly.
3. Open a Chase business checking account first
Establishing a banking relationship with Chase can improve your chances. Some applicants report better approval odds after opening a Chase account and maintaining regular deposits for a few months before applying.
4. Double-check your business information for accuracy
Mismatched information, such as a misspelled business name, an incorrect address, or inconsistent revenue figures, can trigger a manual review or an automatic denial. Verify that everything matches your official records before you hit submit.
5. Start with the easiest Chase Ink card to get
If your credit is borderline, consider applying for the Ink Business Unlimited first. Once you build a relationship with Chase and demonstrate responsible use, you can apply for other Ink cards later.
How to check your Chase business credit card application status
After you apply, you can check your application status by calling the Chase automated status line at 1-800-432-3117 or by checking online at chase.com. If your application goes to manual review, a decision can take anywhere from several days to two weeks. You'll also receive communication via mail with the final decision.
Can you get a Chase business credit card with an EIN only?
No, you can't get a Chase business credit card with only an EIN. Chase requires your SSN regardless of your business structure because they perform a hard inquiry on your personal credit report to assess your creditworthiness. You can't avoid a personal credit check by using only an EIN—this is not a Chase no doc business credit card.
If you're looking for a business credit card that doesn't require a personal credit check, you'll need to look beyond Chase.
Get a Ramp business credit card with no credit check or personal guarantee
If you're looking for a business credit card without the need for a credit check or personal guarantee, consider the Ramp Business Credit Card. Our streamlined, hassle-free application process focuses on your business's financial health rather than your personal credit score.
Our card can help you save an average of 5% across all business spending, while offering global acceptance through Visa, compatibility with Apple Pay and Google Pay, and access to over $350,000 in partner discounts.
You also get access to an all-in-one spend management platform. Set custom controls to prevent out-of-policy spending, issue virtual or physical cards for specific vendors or categories, and submit expenses effortlessly through SMS, mobile app, or integrations with Gmail, Lyft, and Amazon.
Want to learn more? Get started with a free interactive product demo.
FAQs
The Ink Business Unlimited is generally considered the most accessible Chase Ink card. It has no annual fee and may accept applicants with good (rather than excellent) credit, making it a solid starting point if you're new to Chase.
Yes. Chase performs a hard inquiry on your personal credit report when you apply, which can temporarily lower your score by a few points. The impact typically fades within a few months.
Some applicants receive instant approval. If an application goes to manual review, it may take several days to two weeks to receive a decision. You can check your status online or by calling Chase's automated line.
Yes. Chase allows you to report $0 in annual revenue on your application. New businesses and startups can still qualify based on the owner's personal creditworthiness.
Chase may request documentation to verify your business revenue or legitimacy, particularly for newer businesses or those requesting a large credit limit. Always report accurate figures on your application.
Most experts recommend waiting at least 30 days before reapplying. It's also wise to first address the likely reason for denial—such as high credit utilization or being over the 5/24 limit—before submitting a new application.
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