Minimum Revenue for Business Credit Cards: A Barrier or Just a Number?

When you're a startup founder, freelancer, or small business owner in the U.S., a business credit card can be a powerful financial tool. It helps manage expenses, build business credit, earn rewards, and provide short-term financing. But when you're just starting out, one question often stands in your way: what is the minimum revenue for business credit cards?

For many entrepreneurs, this requirement feels like a locked door. But is it really as restrictive as it seems? Or is the minimum revenue for business credit cards simply a flexible guideline rather than a hard barrier?

Let's break down the truth behind this key requirement and how you can work around it-even if your business is new or hasn't generated significant revenue yet.

• Why Revenue Matters for Business Credit Cards

Business credit card issuers evaluate risk when reviewing applications. Unlike personal credit cards, where your credit score and income are the main considerations, business cards involve additional factors, including:

1. Type of business
2. Time in operation
3. Personal and business credit
4. Estimated monthly spend
5. Annual business revenue

Revenue tells the issuer how much money your business earns and whether it can realistically repay the credit extended. For example, if your startup earns $100,000 a year, a $10,000 credit limit might make sense. But if your revenue is $2,000, they'll likely hesitate to offer much credit without other strong qualifications.

• Is There a Set Minimum Revenue?

Here's the good news: there is no universal minimum revenue requirement across all business credit card issuers in the U.S.

Each issuer sets its own criteria, and some are more flexible than others. In fact, many cards do not publish a specific minimum revenue at all. Instead, they ask for:

1. Estimated annual revenue
2. Estimated monthly spend
3. Time in business

If your business is new or has zero revenue, some applications even allow you to enter "$0" without automatically disqualifying you.
So while revenue is considered, it's often weighed alongside other factors-especially your personal credit.

• How Much Revenue Is Typically Expected?

While issuers rarely state a firm threshold, here are some general insights based on trends from major credit card providers:

1. $5,000 to $10,000+ annual revenue may be the starting point for basic business cards.

2. $50,000+ annual revenue is often expected for mid-tier cards with better rewards or higher limits.

3. $100,000+ is more likely needed for premium business credit cards with perks like travel rewards, insurance, or large credit lines.

However, these are not hard rules. You may still qualify with low or no revenue if you meet other requirements.

• Other Factors That Can Offset Low Revenue

If you're applying with low or zero revenue, here are some things that may help your approval odds:

1. Strong Personal Credit

Most issuers rely heavily on your personal credit score, especially for new businesses. A score of 680 or higher is often required for the best cards, but some issuers accept scores in the 640-670 range.

2. Personal Guarantee

Nearly all business credit cards require a personal guarantee, meaning you agree to pay back the debt personally if your business can't. This reduces the issuer's risk and can make them more willing to overlook low revenue.

3. Alternative Income

Even if your business is new, issuers often let you include other sources of personal income (e.g., salary from a job or spousal income). This shows you have the means to repay debt.

4. Type of Business

Some industries have seasonal or inconsistent revenue. For example, a freelance designer may have irregular income but still be a reliable borrower. Issuers consider your business model and expense needs.

5. Business Banking and Cash Flow

If you bank with the same institution you're applying to (like Chase or Bank of America), they can view your cash flow directly-which may help if your revenue doesn't look strong on paper.

• Best Business Credit Cards for Low Revenue Businesses

If you're worried about the minimum revenue for business credit cards (https://ramp.com/blog/how-to-apply-for-a-business-credit-card), consider these startup-friendly options:

1. Chase Ink Business Unlimited®

• No annual fee
• Earn 1.5% cashback on all purchases
• Often approves sole proprietors and side hustlers with low revenue

2. Capital One Spark 1.5% Cash Select - Good Credit

• No foreign transaction fees
• Straightforward cashback model
• Accepts personal credit history for new businesses

3. American Express Blue Business CashTM Card

• 2% cashback on first $50,000 spent per year
• No annual fee
• Ideal for startups and low-revenue companies with strong credit

4. Brex Card for Startups (No Personal Guarantee)

• No credit check required
• Available only to incorporated startups with bank balance or investor backing
• Great for early-stage companies with venture capital

• Can You Apply with $0 Revenue?

Yes! Many new founders apply with $0 in declared business revenue, especially if they're still pre-revenue but plan to start operations soon.

In this case, be honest about your status. Lying on your application can result in denial or even account closure. Instead, focus on:

• Strong credit
• Clear business intent
• Other income sources

Many issuers understand that early-stage businesses (https://www.svb.com/startup-insights/startup-growth/what-are-the-three-stages-of-a-startup/) are still ramping up and will review the entire picture before making a decision.

• Conclusion
So, is the minimum revenue for business credit cards truly a barrier? Not necessarily. It's one piece of a larger puzzle.

For many U.S.-based small business owners and startups, especially those with good personal credit and clear business plans, revenue isn't the gatekeeper it's often believed to be. It's more of a guideline used in conjunction with other metrics.

If your business is new or your revenue is low, don't let that stop you from applying. Choose cards that cater to entrepreneurs, be transparent in your application, and work on strengthening other aspects like credit score and personal income.

With the right preparation, that "barrier" becomes just another number-and one you can overcome.

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This release was published on openPR.