In search of reliable business credit cards tailored for fair credit scores? Look no further—here’s our handpicked selection just for you.
The Top Business Credit Cards Tailored for Fair Credit
Best Pick for Building Credit Without Collateral
Capital One Spark Classic for Business
Our Bankrate reviewers award this card a solid 3.9 stars out of 5, recognizing it as a solid contender for entrepreneurs lacking strong credit history. This option skips annual fees and skips the hassle of a security deposit for secured cards. Plus, it doles out a modest cash back: 1% on all purchases and a tempting 5% on flights and hotels booked via Capital One Travel.
Pros
- No annual fee or security deposit required.
- Earn cashback effortlessly on everyday business expenses.
- Extra rewards when booking travel through Capital One’s platform.
Cons
- Absent any welcome bonus incentives.
- High APR means carrying balances can quickly become costly.
Top Choice for Maximizing Rewards Potential
BILL Divvy Corporate Card
With a commendable 4.2-star rating from our Bankrate experts, this card operates like a strict no-carry balance policy—meaning balances must be cleared monthly.
Pros
- Generous rewards if your business clears dues weekly or biweekly.
- Credit lines stretch from $1,000 all the way up to $5 million, depending on business scale.
Cons
- Qualifying often requires at least decent credit; your business revenue and payment history also play a crucial role.
- Monthly payments limit the rewards you can rack up.
Best Option for Businesses Needing Elevated Credit Limits
Brex Card
This no-credit-score-needed charge card earned a perfect 5-star rating at Bankrate. It evaluates your business metrics—like revenue, funding rounds, and expenses—to set your credit threshold, rather than relying on personal credit history.
Rack up to 7X points on select categories and boost rewards even more with daily automated payments.
Pros
- No credit score prerequisite.
- Potential for a sky-high credit limit, tied to your business’s financial health.
- High-value rewards on dining, travel, software, and more—especially with consistent daily payments.
Cons
- Being a charge card, it requires full balance repayment every month—no revolving credit.
- Your company should have substantial funding and revenue to qualify.
Prime Choice for Secured Rewards with Credit Building
Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Business Credit Card
If you’re not yet eligible for an unsecured business card, this secured option might be your gateway—requiring a minimum $1,000 security deposit but waiving the annual fee. It gives 1.5% cashback on every single purchase.
Use it to establish stellar payment habits and strengthen your credit profile, paving the way to an unsecured card down the road.
Pros
- Easier approval and no annual charges.
- Earn rewards on all spending while boosting your creditworthiness.
Cons
- Variable APR can climb as high as 27.49%, making balances expensive.
Ideal for Secured Cards with High Credit Limits
First National Bank of Omaha Business Edition® Secured Mastercard® Credit Card
Without a robust credit score, you can still work on credit-building with this option, which asks for a refundable security deposit between $2,000 and $10,000. This deposit sets your initial credit limit, potentially much higher than typical secured cards.
Responsible usage leads to an upgrade opportunity and refund of your deposit.
Pros
- Allows applications regardless of credit status, aiding business credit building.
- Deposit-based credit limit flexibility.
- Earn interest on your security deposit (terms apply).
Cons
- A $39 annual fee applies, with no rewards program.
- Available only in select states: CO, IL, IA, KS, NE, SD, TX, and WY.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Leading Cards for Fair Credit
| Capital One Spark Classic for Business | Unsecured Credit-Building | $0 | Good to Very Good (670+) |
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| Brex Card | High Credit Limits | $0 | N/A (No Credit Score Required) |
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| Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured | Secured Rewards Earning | $0 | Fair to Good (580+) | 1.5% cashback on every purchase without caps |
| First National Bank of Omaha Business Edition® Secured Mastercard® | Secured High Credit Limit | $39 | Fair (620+) | Interest earned on deposit; no rewards program |
Key Stats Worth Knowing
Business credit scores typically range from 0 to 100, with scores above 80 considered excellent. According to Dun & Bradstreet, over 29 million US businesses have established credit profiles, and companies with scores over 80 experience 75% fewer credit issues. Many cards require personal credit scores of 580 or higher to qualify, but the best rewards usually come with scores above 700.
How to Pinpoint the Best Business Credit Card for Fair Credit
- Get a clear picture of your current credit rating. Knowing whether your score drifts within the fair spectrum (typically 580-669) helps in targeting cards you can realistically qualify for. The closer you edge toward ‘good’ credit territory, the more attractive card options open up.
- Identify what rewards mean most to you. Rewards come in many forms—cash back, points, miles—and hinge on factors like card type (secured vs unsecured) and your payment habits (e.g., frequency of paying off balances). For instance, some cards reward more if you pay balances biweekly instead of monthly.
- Scrutinize fees and perks. Cards targeting fair credit often differ widely in fees and benefits. You might value travel insurance, cash flow tools, or free employee cards—so weigh these extras against any annual or hidden fees.
- Consider if you’re ready for a secured card. If your credit leans toward the lower end of fair, secured cards could be your launchpad. They demand refundable cash deposits, but reward disciplined use with credit improvement and potential upgrades.
- Build a business credit foundation. Establishing a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number through Dun & Bradstreet is critical. This unique identifier helps separate your business’s credit footprint from your personal score.
Building and Maintaining Business Credit
Establish your business credit by registering for an EIN, opening dedicated business accounts, and ensuring your credit activity gets reported to commercial bureaus. On-time payments to vendors and lenders alike reinforce your credit reputation.
Keep a vigilant eye on bills, loans, and supplier invoices—timeliness here is the bedrock of a stellar business credit profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to obtain a business credit card with bad credit?
Absolutely. While many cards ask for good-to-excellent credit, secured or credit-builder cards welcome applicants with bad or fair credit. These often carry higher fees, security deposits, and modest rewards. Consistent, timely use can boost your credit, opening doors to better cards down the road.
What credit score is typically needed for a business credit card?
The cream of the crop business cards usually seek a FICO score between 740 and 850, rewarding cardholders with hefty perks and bonuses. Nevertheless, some cards cater to startups or smaller ventures without stellar credit histories by offering secured or charge card options.
How can I grow my business credit profile?
Kick off credit building by registering your business entity with an EIN, maintaining a business bank account, and responsibly managing a business credit card. Ensure your credit activity reports to bureaus—regularly checking your business credit reports reveals your progress and areas for improvement.
Note: Card information for Capital One Spark Classic, Brex, BILL Divvy, Bank of America Business Advantage Secured, and FNBO Business Edition Secured was independently gathered by Bankrate. These details have not been endorsed or validated by the respective card issuers.
The Bank of America details were last refreshed on May 5, 2025.