Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!
Best Credit Card for New Business with No Credit in 2026
July 1, 2025
Editor's Picks
Best Credit Card for New Business with No Credit
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice for new entrepreneurs as it's designed to help build a credit history from scratch. By reporting to all three major credit bureaus, it provides a clear path to establishing the credit needed for future business growth.
Top Cards
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3058", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Credit Builders", "headerHint": "1.5% Flat Cash Back"} ]]
Why we picked it it
- The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card (See Rates & Fees) offers a rare combination of credit-building features and a straightforward cash back rewards program. Unlike many other secured cards, it allows you to earn rewards on your spending while you focus on establishing a positive payment history.
- This card provides a clear pathway to better credit by reporting to all three major credit bureaus and offering automatic credit line reviews. With responsible use, cardholders may be able to graduate to an unsecured version of the card, making it an excellent long-term tool for financial growth.
Chime Card™
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3069", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "101", "bestForText": "No Credit Check", "headerHint" : "SECURE YOUR PATH TO BETTER CREDIT" } ]]
Why we picked it it
- The Secured Chime Visa® Credit Card is an excellent choice for those new to credit or looking to rebuild their score. Because it doesn't require a credit check to apply, it's a highly accessible tool for individuals who might not qualify for traditional credit cards.
- This card's unique structure helps you build credit using your own money from a linked Chime Checking Account. This approach helps ensure on-time payments are reported to the major credit bureaus, which is a key factor in establishing a positive payment history.
Secured Self Visa® Credit Card
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3065", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Credit Builders", "headerHint": "Guaranteed Credit Limit"} ]]
Why we picked it it
- The Secured Self Visa® Credit Card offers a unique, structured path for individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit. Unlike many traditional secured cards, eligibility is tied to an existing Self Credit Builder Account, making it accessible even for those with poor or limited credit history. This system helps users establish a record of on-time payments reported to all three major credit bureaus.
- A standout feature is that it doesn't require a traditional security deposit or a hard credit inquiry to apply. Instead, the savings you build in your Credit Builder Account secure your credit line. This process removes common barriers for many applicants and focuses on rewarding consistent savings and payment habits.
Other Options to Consider
opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "1397", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Cash Back Seekers", "headerHint": "No Credit Check Required"} ]]
Revvi Card
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3039", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Boosting Your Credit Score", "headerHint" : "CREDIT BUILDER" } ]]
How to Choose a Credit Card for New Business with No Credit
For new business owners, securing a credit card without an existing credit history can feel like a classic chicken-and-egg problem, but several pathways exist to establish and build your company's financial standing.
Navigating the options requires a sharp eye for potential traps, such as high annual fees and interest rates that can stifle a new venture before it gets off the ground. It's also critical to understand whether a card requires a personal guarantee, as this could make you personally liable for business debts.
Key Factors
- Personal Guarantee: Understand if the card requires a personal guarantee, which holds you personally responsible for the debt if your business cannot pay.
- Secured vs. Unsecured Cards: Determine if a secured card, which requires a security deposit, is a more accessible starting point for building your business credit profile before graduating to an unsecured card.
- Fees and Interest Rates: Scrutinize the annual percentage rate (APR) and any associated fees, such as annual or late payment fees, as these costs can quickly accumulate for a new business.
- Credit Bureau Reporting: Ensure the card issuer reports your payment history to major business credit bureaus, as this is essential for establishing and building your company's credit score.
- Rewards and Benefits: Look for a card with a rewards structure that aligns with your anticipated business expenses, such as cash back on office supplies or travel points.
- Scalability: Consider whether the card offers a path for growth, such as opportunities for credit limit increases as your business revenue and credit history improve.
What to Watch Out For
When you're just starting out, it's tempting to grab the first card that approves you, but this can be a costly mistake. Many cards aimed at applicants with no credit history come saddled with high annual fees and punishing interest rates. Furthermore, ensure the card reports to business credit bureaus and be cautious of personal guarantees, as failing to do so can undermine your credit-building efforts and expose your personal finances.
Decision Flow
Choosing the right card isn't a one-size-fits-all process. Your business's immediate needs should steer your decision. Use this flow to pinpoint the best starting point for your company.
If your absolute top priority is building a business credit history... then a secured business credit card is your most direct path. These cards are easier to obtain because you provide a security deposit, which minimizes the lender's risk. The single most important feature to verify is that the issuer reports your payments to the major business credit bureaus. Without that, your efforts to build credit will be for naught.
If you want to avoid personal liability at all costs... your options will be narrow, but not nonexistent. Most traditional business credit cards for new ventures require a personal guarantee. Your best bet is to investigate corporate charge cards, often from fintech providers, that base approval on your business's cash flow and bank balance instead of your personal credit history. Keep in mind that these are typically charge cards, meaning you must pay the balance in full each statement period.
If your primary concern is minimizing upfront costs... then hunt for a card with no annual fee. While many secured cards require a deposit, this money is typically refundable, whereas an annual fee is a sunk cost. A low APR is always a plus, but if you maintain the discipline to pay your balance in full each month, the annual fee (or lack thereof) will have a more significant impact on your bottom line.
If you already have significant and predictable business expenses... you can begin to think about rewards. Even some starter cards offer modest benefits. For instance, if your business model relies heavily on online advertising, shipping, or office supplies, look for a card that offers elevated cash back in those specific categories. However, treat this as a secondary goal; securing a card that builds your credit profile should always come first.
Maximize Your Return with New Business with No Credit
Getting the most out of your credit card rewards requires more than just swiping your card; here are a few strategies to maximize your return:
- Stack your rewards: Use a shopping portal or browser extension on top of your credit card's rewards to earn from multiple sources on a single purchase.
- Time purchases with a welcome offer: If you've recently opened a new card, use your shopping to help meet the minimum spending requirement for a valuable welcome bonus.
- Use the right card for the category: Pay with a card that offers bonus rewards for the specific spending category of your purchase, such as dining, travel, or online shopping.
- Redeem points for maximum value: Transfer your points to a high-value travel partner or redeem them for statement credits during a promotional period to get the most out of your earnings.
- Activate rotating category bonuses: Don't forget to opt-in to your card's quarterly bonus categories each period to earn elevated rewards on specific types of spending.
Supercharge your Rewards with Kudos
This free app automatically selects your highest-earning credit card across over 2 million merchants, so you never have to guess which card to use again. Get started for free.
Other Things to Consider
Beyond selecting your first card, consider the broader financial landscape your new business will navigate. A store-specific credit card, for instance, might be easier to obtain and can be a practical tool for building your company's credit history with a key supplier. However, this is just one piece of the puzzle; disciplined debt management is paramount, which means paying your balance in full each month to sidestep costly interest charges. This requires diligent cash flow management and a cautious approach to other financing options like Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) plans. Ultimately, successfully juggling these credit lines without accumulating unmanageable debt is crucial for your business's long-term financial stability.
Our Methodology
We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.
Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a business credit card with no credit history?
Yes, it's possible to get a business credit card even if your business is new and has no credit history. Issuers will often look at your personal credit score instead, and some cards are specifically designed for this situation.
Will applying for a business credit card affect my personal credit score?
It depends on the issuer, but many will perform a hard inquiry on your personal credit when you apply, which can temporarily lower your score. Some business cards also report activity to personal credit bureaus, impacting your personal credit history.
How can I build business credit with a new card?
To build business credit, use your card responsibly by making on-time payments and keeping your credit utilization low. This positive history helps establish a strong credit profile for your company as it's reported to business credit bureaus.
Unlock your extra benefits when you become a Kudos member
Turn your online shopping into even more rewards
Join over 400,000 members simplifying their finances
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)