If you run a small business—or even a side hustle—you can apply for a Chase business credit card to separate expenses, build business credit over time, and access small-business perks. This guide walks you through eligibility, documents you’ll need, how to apply step-by-step, and what to expect after you submit. Nothing here is financial advice; terms can change, so always review the issuer’s official disclosures before you apply.

Eligibility & basic requirements

• Business types accepted: Sole proprietors, LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and most registered entities. Side hustles (e.g., freelancing, online reselling) can qualify as sole proprietorships.
• Identity & business info: Legal business name (or your own name if sole prop), business address, phone, industry/NAICS category, time in business, annual revenue, and estimated monthly spend.
• Tax ID: You can typically apply with an EIN or your SSN (sole proprietors often use SSN).
• Personal guarantee: Most small-business cards require a personal guarantor. Expect a personal credit check; keep balances low and payments on time to protect your credit.
• Banking relationship (nice-to-have): A business checking account with the issuer and consistent deposits may help the overall profile (not a guarantee).

Tip: Be consistent. Your business name, address, and industry description should match across the application, banking, and any business documents you provide.

What to have ready (documents & data)

• Government-issued photo ID (for the guarantor).
• SSN (and EIN if you have one).
• Legal business name and DBA, if applicable.
• Business address and phone (no PO box for principal address).
• Industry / NAICS code and brief description of what you do.
• Time in business and estimated annual revenue (OK to be conservative and honest for new ventures).
• Monthly spend estimate and existing business credit cards (if any).
• If incorporated/LLC: formation documents may be requested later for verification.

How to apply (online, branch, or phone)

Online application (most common)

1. Go to the issuer’s official business credit card page.
2. Choose the product that fits your needs (e.g., cash back vs. travel).
3. Start the application and select your business type (Sole Proprietor, LLC, etc.).
4. Enter business info (name, address, industry, time in business, revenue).
5. Enter personal info for the guarantor (name, address, SSN, income).
6. Review required consents & disclosures (credit check authorization).
7. Submit and watch for an instant decision or “pending” review.

In-branch or phone

• You can apply with a banker who will input your details and submit on your behalf. This is useful if you have complex ownership or want to discuss product differences.

Heads-up on credit inquiries: Issuers commonly perform a hard inquiry on your personal credit when you apply. One hard pull is normal; multiple recent pulls can lower approval odds.

Approval timelines & application status

• Instant approval: Sometimes granted within seconds if your profile is straightforward.
• Pending/needs review: Many small-business applications go to manual review. You might be asked for documents or clarifications.
• Reconsideration call: If you receive a denial or need to clarify details, you can usually speak with an application analyst (phone number provided in the issuer’s notice). Be ready to explain your business model, revenue sources, and expected spend.

Choosing the right product (evaluate features, not hype)

When comparing business cards, focus on:

• Rewards structure: Cash back vs. points/miles; bonus categories that match your spend.
• APR & fees: Ongoing APR range, annual fee, balance transfer fee, cash advance fee, foreign transaction fee.
• Protections & benefits: Extended warranty, purchase protection, travel insurance, lounge access (varies by product).
• Employee cards: Add cards for team members and set per-card spend limits.
• Integrations: CSV/OFX exports, accounting connections, receipt capture—save time at tax season.

Avoid chasing a welcome bonus you can’t earn responsibly. Missing a minimum spend can wipe out the value—and overspending just to hit a bonus is rarely worth it.

Tips to improve your approval odds

• Keep personal credit clean: On-time payments, low utilization, and limited recent hard pulls.
• Be realistic with revenue: It’s fine if revenue is low or $0 for a new business—just be honest and consistent.
• Match business category to spend: If you buy inventory or digital ads, say so. Vague descriptions raise questions.
• Consider an existing relationship: Opening a business checking account and establishing deposits can help your overall profile.
• Start with a simpler product: If you’re new to business credit, a no-annual-fee product can be easier to manage early on.

After you’re approved: set up the account right

• Enable autopay (at least the statement balance) to avoid interest.
• Create employee cards (if needed) and spend limits by role.
• Organize categories (travel, software, ads, inventory) to track deductions with your accountant.
• Monitor statements and due dates; know your statement closing date (that’s when balances are reported).
• Export to accounting monthly (QuickBooks, Xero, CSV).
• Avoid cash-equivalent transactions that may incur fees or violate terms.

When not to apply (and alternatives)

• Thin or damaged credit: Consider secured business cards or work on personal credit first.
• Irregular income or high utilization: Stabilize cash flow, lower balances, and try again later.
• Need financing, not a card: A business line of credit or invoice financing may fit better.
• Barely any business spend: A solid personal cash-back card (kept strictly for business purchases) could be simpler—ask your tax pro about recordkeeping.

FAQs

Do I need an EIN to apply?
No. Sole proprietors can often apply with an SSN. If you already have an EIN, use it and keep records consistent.

Can sole proprietors get a business card?
Yes. Freelancers, creators, and resellers commonly qualify as sole proprietors.

Does the issuer do a hard pull?
Plan on a hard inquiry on your personal credit when you submit an application.

How long does approval take?
Anywhere from instant to several business days if manual review is needed.

What documents might be requested?
Photo ID; verification of address; formation docs for LLC/corp; proof of EIN; sometimes bank statements or invoices for newer businesses.