Phone:
(844) 462-4730
Business Hours
Mon-Fri: 9AM - 6PM
Address
97 Newkirk Street, 3rd Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Phone:
(844) 462-4730
Business Hours
Mon-Fri: 9AM - 6PM
Address
97 Newkirk Street, 3rd Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Struggling with bad credit shouldn’t stop you from running a successful business. Whether you’re just starting out or bouncing back from financial setbacks, the right business credit card with bad credit can help you cover expenses, build your credit profile, and unlock future funding opportunities. Let’s explore the best options available in 2025—and how to use them wisely.
Compare top business credit cards even if your credit score is below 600
Discover secured and unsecured options tailored for startups and sole proprietors
Learn how to responsibly use credit to strengthen your financial profile
If you’re running a small business or startup with a shaky credit history, getting financing can feel like running uphill in cement shoes. Traditional business loans are often out of reach, and even basic financing tools come with red tape.
But there’s good news: business credit cards for bad credit are designed to help you get back on your feet. Whether you’re just starting out or bouncing back from missed payments or bankruptcy, these cards give you a way to cover day-to-day expenses while building or rebuilding your credit.
Before we dive into card recommendations, here’s what matters most when choosing:
Approval Requirements: Look for cards with flexible underwriting or no credit checks.
Reporting: Choose cards that report to business credit bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet or Experian Business.
Fees: Avoid high annual fees and hidden maintenance costs.
Security Deposit: Some cards require a deposit, but it’s often refundable.
Rewards: Yes, even credit-building cards can offer cash back or travel points.
If you’re not sure where to start, using a business loan calculator can help you estimate what type of monthly payments your business could handle.
Here are the best options available, including both secured and unsecured credit cards that can help you manage spending while building business credit.
Best for: Fair credit with no deposit
Type: Unsecured
Credit Needed: Fair (580–669)
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards: 1% cash back on all purchases
Reports To: Business and personal credit bureaus
This is one of the few unsecured business credit cards that accepts fair credit. It offers modest rewards and helps build both your business credit score and personal credit profile.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep your credit utilization ratio under 30% to improve your score faster.
Learn how business lines of credit can work alongside credit cards to boost your financial flexibility.
Best for: Dedicated business credit building
Type: Secured
Deposit: $1,000 minimum
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards: 1.5% cash back
Reports To: Business credit bureaus
Backed by one of the largest U.S. banks, this card is a great stepping stone. It rewards your purchases and reports to credit reporting agencies, helping you graduate to unsecured cards in 6–12 months.
💡 Pro Tip: Set up auto-pay to never miss a payment—timely payments are the #1 driver of credit score improvement.
Best for: No credit check required
Type: Secured (personal)
Deposit: $200 minimum
Annual Fee: $35
Reports To: All 3 personal bureaus
Though not a business card per se, it’s ideal for sole proprietors. OpenSky doesn’t require a credit check, making it perfect for those denied elsewhere.
💡 Pro Tip: Use it exclusively for business expenses and track transactions separately to avoid mingling funds.
See OpenSky’s full review here.
Best for: Quick approval for poor credit
Type: Unsecured
Credit Needed: Poor (500–580)
Annual Fee: $59–$99
Reports To: All three personal credit bureaus
Destiny is known for accepting applicants with significant credit challenges. While it doesn’t offer rewards, it’s a solid card to build history if you’re currently unbankable.
Check out Destiny Mastercard terms here.
Best for: Recent bankruptcy or charge-offs
Type: Unsecured
Credit Needed: Poor to very poor
Annual Fee: $75–$99
Credit Limit: $300 fixed
Reports To: Equifax, TransUnion, Experian
The Milestone Mastercard is a great fallback if you’ve been denied elsewhere. It pre-qualifies you with no hard pull and can be used for smaller recurring business charges.
💡 Pro Tip: Add one of these credit cards to your strategy while applying for bad credit business loans to build a stronger financial profile over time.
Best for: Cash-based startups with no credit history
Type: Corporate charge card
Credit Pull: Not always required
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards: Up to 7x on certain categories
Reports To: Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business
Bill.com uses cash flow-based underwriting and is perfect for tech-savvy founders or agencies. It includes expense management tools and integrates with popular accounting platforms.
💡 Pro Tip: Schedule payments weekly or semi-monthly to unlock the highest rewards tiers.
Explore Bill.com full review to see how it compares.
Having a card isn’t enough—you have to use it strategically:
Pay in full each billing cycle
Stay under 30% utilization
Avoid unnecessary hard pulls
Monitor your business credit reports through Dunn & Bradstreet or Experian Business.
💡 Pro Tip: Explore credit card options from Mastercard specifically designed for people looking to rebuild their credit. View Mastercard’s recommended cards for bad credit.
Yes, some secured and subprime unsecured cards, like Destiny® or OpenSky®, are designed for scores under 580.
It can if you’re a sole proprietor—but it’s better to get cards that report to business bureaus to build business credit separately.
Yes. Cards like the Bank of America Business Secured can graduate in as little as 12 months with responsible use.
Not all—corporate cards like Divvy may waive the personal guarantee if your business has strong cash flow.
Start with one, prove reliability, and then consider adding more to expand credit limits and earn layered rewards.
If you’re working with bad credit, your credit card strategy is about control, not convenience. Choose a card that fits your current situation—not your ideal future—and use it to build momentum. Whether you’re rebuilding post-bankruptcy or just starting a side hustle, a well-managed credit card is one of the most effective ways to build trust with lenders, vendors, and future investors.
💬 Remember: A low credit score isn’t a life sentence. It’s a starting point.
©2025 All Rights Reserved.
Address
97 Newkirk Street, 3rd Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07306