Best Small Business Credit Cards For Fair Credit
Last Updated on April 5, 2025 by mia
Starting a business is exciting, but building credit can seem like a steep ascent, particularly if your score is just fair.
Without the right financial tools, managing day-to-day expenses or accessing funds for growth becomes a challenge.
The good news is that the best small business credit cards for fair credit are made to make it easier for you to get started, providing opportunities to build credit while earning valuable rewards.
Over 50% of small businesses rely on credit cards to manage cash flow.
New Startups exists to support you by offering clear advice on choosing the right credit card, so you can focus on growing your business.
We’re here to guide you, compare your options, and ease your financial concerns.
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What is the Easiest Small Business Credit Cards to Get Approved For
Choosing the right small business credit card can help startups manage expenses, build credit, and even earn rewards.
Here are the top three credit cards that are easy to get approved for and packed with features every business owner will appreciate.
1. Capital One Spark Classic for Business
This card is one of the easiest to get if you have fair credit, making it perfect for startups without a strong credit history.
It offers unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase, so you can earn rewards while managing your business expenses.
With no annual fee, it’s an affordable choice for entrepreneurs focused on building their business credit.
2. Brex Card for Startups
The Brex Card stands out because it doesn’t require a personal credit score; instead, approval is based on your company’s financials, like revenue and cash flow.
Startups can earn up to 7x points on key spending categories, including travel, software, and dining. With no personal guarantee needed, this card provides financial flexibility without putting your personal credit at risk.
3. Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card
This card is a great option for businesses with decent credit, offering up to 5% cash back in essential categories like office supplies and phone services.
It also features an attractive welcome bonus, which can provide extra value for new users. With no annual fee, it’s budget-friendly and offers rewards that address everyday business needs.
What Are The Best Small Business Credit Cards Available For Fair Credit?
1. Capital One Spark Classic for Business
The Capital One Spark Classic for Business is one of the best small business credit cards for fair credit, making it a popular choice for start-ups.
It provides unlimited 1% cashback on all purchases, which helps you save money as you grow.
There’s no annual fee, so you don’t have to worry about extra costs eating into your budget.
This card reports to business credit bureaus, which means it helps improve your business credit score with responsible use.
While the interest rate is a bit higher, making a monthly full payment on your amount can minimize added costs.
Plus, you can add employee cards at no extra charge, which is great if you have a small team.
Overall, this card is simple yet effective for small business owners managing fair credit.
2. Discover it Secured Credit Card
Although technically a personal card, the Discover it Secured Credit Card is a solid option for anyone with fair credit.
It only requires a security deposit as collateral, which makes it more accessible if your credit score needs work.
You can earn 2% cashback on restaurants and gas, plus 1% on other purchases, which adds value to your everyday spending.
At the end of your first year, Discover will match all your cashback rewards, giving you an extra earning boost.
The card has no annual fee, which makes it budget-friendly for start-ups managing tight finances.
The major credit bureaus are notified of payments, helping you move toward an unsecured credit option later.
Discover also reviews your account after about seven months to see if you qualify for an upgrade. It’s a reliable stepping-stone to building both personal and business credit.
3. Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card
The Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card is tailored for small business owners with fair credit who are want to build or restore their credit.
It enables you to establish your own credit limit according to the amount of your cash deposit, with a maximum of $25,000.
The card offers 1.5% cashback on all purchases or a points-based rewards system, letting you choose what works best.
Like other secured cards, it reports your payments to business credit bureaus, which helps you establish a positive business credit history.
There’s a $25 annual fee, but the rewards can offset that cost over time. The card also lets you issue free additional cards for employees, ideal for managing team purchases.
Having control over the credit limit is helpful for budgeting, especially for new businesses. Overall, it’s a safe option for building trust with lenders.
4. Stripe Corporate Card
The Stripe Corporate Card is designed for businesses that use Stripe’s payment platform and have steady revenue rather than a strong credit history.
This card charges no fees whatsoever, including no annual or late fees, which helps keep your costs low.
It comes with 1.5% cashback on every purchase, so you can save more as you spend.
Approval is based on your business’s financial data, which means you won’t need personal credit checks.
Using this card also helps you separate personal and business finances, critical for start-up management.
If your business already processes a lot of payments on Stripe, this could be an easy-to-access option.
It’s digital-friendly, which makes it great for tech-savvy entrepreneurs. While it has fewer perks for traditional needs, it’s practical for revenue-based financing.
5. Brex Card for Startups
The Brex Card is another excellent option for newer businesses that don’t rely on personal credit history.
Instead, Brex considers your business’s cash flow and funding to determine eligibility, so no personal guarantee is needed.
You’ll earn up to 7x points on eligible travel, 4x on restaurants, 3x on recurring software, and 1x on other purchases.
Since there’s no annual fee and no interest charges, it’s a cost-effective choice for new businesses managing cash flow.
Brex also offers business management tools like expense tracking and budgeting software.
While it’s designed for higher-growth start-ups with some cash flow, it’s worth checking out if you meet the criteria. It simplifies business credit without the burden of adding personal liability.
6. BBVA Secured Visa Business Credit Card
If you’re looking for flexibility, the BBVA Secured Visa Business Credit Card provides a chance to establish business credit with fair credit.
It requires a cash deposit as collateral but has competitive terms for building credit.
You can earn 1.5% flat-rate cashback on all purchases, which is a helpful feature for saving on everyday business expenses.
This card allows you to request additional employee cards without fees, which is ideal for companies managing multiple cost centers.
The major credit bureaus are notified of payments; carefully managing this card can boost your score over time.
The interest rate is higher than average, but it’s expected with fair credit options. If you’re in BBVA’s region and need support rebuilding credit, it’s worth considering.
7. OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card
The OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card does not require a credit check, making it accessible to start-ups with poor or no credit.
It works as a secured card, meaning you’ll need a refundable deposit to guarantee the credit line.
While you won’t earn rewards, the low barrier to approval makes it a good option to begin building credit history.
You can start with as little as a $200 deposit, which is helpful for budget-conscious entrepreneurs.
Payment reports are sent to the three main credit bureaus, which gradually raises your credit score.
There’s a $35 annual fee, but for many, it’s a small price to open doors to better financial options. OpenSky also offers financial tips and resources to help users build smarter habits.
8. Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is an excellent option for more established start-ups with fair credit.
It gives twice as many points for the first $50,000 spent annually, which is great for businesses that have higher spending needs.
There’s no annual fee, making it an affordable choice for those watching their budgets closely.
Amex allows you to extend your buying power over the card’s limit with no fees, which is helpful during high-expense months.
Payments are reported to business credit bureaus, so it’s a useful tool for building or improving business credit.
While approval criteria might be higher than secured cards, it’s worth considering if your business has a steady flow of income.
It’s ideal for those looking for rewards and flexibility alongside credit-building benefits.
Can I Get A Small Business Credit Card With No Personal Credit Check?
Getting a small business credit card with no personal credit check can be challenging, but there are options that might work for you.
Most lenders do require a personal credit check because it helps them assess the risk, but some cards focus heavily on your business credit history instead.
For start-ups, one option could be secured business credit cards, where you provide a deposit as collateral rather than depending on a personal credit score.
These secured cards can often be found when searching for the best small business credit cards for fair credit, making them a good fit for new business owners.
They are especially useful for entrepreneurs involved in software product development, where access to capital is crucial for innovation and growth.
Building your business credit is key, so using a business credit card responsibly might eventually qualify you for unsecured credit cards.
Additionally, some online lenders and financial institutions specialize in cards for businesses with fair credit, offering unique programs that don’t require a traditional personal credit check.
Entrepreneurs in industries like saas startup marketing often benefit from such programs, as they provide the flexibility needed to manage operational expenses effectively.
Researching the best small business credit cards for fair credit and comparing offers carefully will help you find the right card to meet your needs while growing your business.
Are There Business Credit Cards With Rewards or Cashback for Fair Credit?
Yes, there are business credit cards with rewards or cashback even if you have fair credit, and they can be a great way for start-ups to save money while covering expenses.
Many of the best small business credit cards for fair credit offer rewards like cashback on purchases such as gas, office supplies, or even dining, which can add up over time.
These types of cards are designed to help you earn something back while managing your business spending, so they’re worth considering if your credit score is in the fair range.
While rewards might not be as competitive as those offered to excellent credit holders, some cards still give practical benefits like flat-rate cashback or rewards for common business expenses.
Entrepreneurs venturing into areas like tech startup marketing can find these rewards especially valuable, as they often help offset day-to-day expenses for innovative enterprises.
At the same time, those in fintech startup marketing industries benefit from rewards and cashback that are tailored to recurring services or financial solutions investments.
Look for cards that have low or no annual fees, as these can help you keep costs down while still taking advantage of the perks.
Keep in mind that paying your balance on time not only helps you make the most of your rewards but also improves your credit, which could eventually open up better borrowing options in the future.
For individuals in roles such as a product development engineer, maintaining solid financial practices can significantly support the realization of innovative projects.
To find the best small business credit cards for fair credit with rewards, take the time to compare their rates, terms, and possible benefits that align with your business needs.
What Are The Credit Limits Like For Business Credit Cards For Fair Credit?
The credit limits for business credit cards aimed at fair credit are usually on the lower side compared to cards for excellent credit.
Most of these cards start with limits ranging between $500 to $5,000, depending on the particular card and your credit evaluation.
If you choose one of the best small business credit cards for fair credit, you might find that some issuers offer a chance to increase your limit after a few months of consistent, on-time payments.
While lower limits might seem limiting, they can be a good starting point for small businesses trying to build credit responsibly.
Keep in mind that the issuer may also consider factors like your business’s age, revenue, and overall financial health when determining your limit.
For businesses with fair credit, secured business credit cards can also be an option, as these give you the option to determine your own credit limit with a security deposit.
Over time, using your card wisely, paying off balances in full, and growing your business can lead to higher limits and access to better card options.
How Can New Startups Help My Business?
New Startups offers practical solutions to help your business grow, even if you’re just getting started.
We guide you in finding the best small business credit cards for fair credit, so that you can obtain the resources you require for managing expenses and build your business credit.
Our resources are designed to make it simple for start-ups to compare card options, focusing on features like low fees, fair approval odds, and useful rewards.
Whether you’re trying to understand your credit score or searching for cards that prioritize your needs as a new business owner, we provide clear, easy-to-follow advice.
With tips on improving your approval chances and detailed explanations of credit card benefits, you’ll feel confident making financial decisions.
By helping you choose the best small business credit cards for fair credit, New Startups ensures you have the financial flexibility to take your business to the next level.
Start exploring your options today with our straightforward guides and expert advice to new businesses.
Conclusion
Choosing the best small business credit cards for fair credit can be a smart move for new businesses looking to manage their finances while building a strong credit foundation.
These cards can help you cover essential expenses, track spending, and earn rewards that save money over time.
By focusing on options designed for fair credit, you’ll find cards with accessible approval odds and characteristics that meet your unique requirements as a start-up.
Comparing offers thoughtfully and understanding the terms, such as fees and limits, ensures you select the right card for your goals.
With the right card, you can establish trust with lenders while keeping your finances organized and manageable.
Making informed choices about your business credit can lead to future financial chances that are better.
New Startups is here to guide you every step of the way with clear advice and reliable resources to help you find the best small business credit cards for fair credit tailored to your business goals.