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Business credit cards tend to be popular for full-time entrepreneurs and people with side hustles, mostly due to the fact that these cards tend to include lofty sign-up bonuses and good rewards on essential business purchases. But how do business credit cards differ from typical consumer cards, and what do you need to know before applying?
The Motley Fool analysts Michael Douglass and Nathan Hamilton answer a user-submitted question in the video below about what's required when applying for a business credit card. After tuning in, you may want to review The Motley Fool's picks of the best business credit cards to find a select few cards we like.
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Michael Douglass: Tracy asks -- I'm trying to summarize here -- what's the difference between a business credit card and a personal credit card, and what things should you be aware of when thinking about a business credit card? Great question.
Nathan Hamilton: The difference between a business and a consumer card, there's really not a whole heck of a lot in terms of how they work. Essentially, using it for spending just as you would any other card, incurs debts, acts the same exact way. Fees are typically the same. The difference is, essentially, who can qualify for them, and what sort of you get with each card. Cashback business cards are going to be focused on categories that are related to business. Whether that's marketing spending, office supplies, travel, also, as well, those are common bonus categories for business credit cards. Now, going to what you need to qualify for a business credit card is looking at, most small businesses are considered sole proprietorships, and some may not have an EIN, which is a federal employee identification number. You don't need one to apply for business credit card. All that's needed is either an EIN or your social security number. But you can get away with that and use that approach. Otherwise, applying for a business card is no different than a consumer card. You're going to have to provide basic details about yourself -- income, existing debts, anything you typically come across with a personal card.
