5 Best Business Credit Cards For Fair Credit

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated September 15, 2025

Many small business owners struggle to find credit cards that accept fair credit while still offering meaningful rewards. These five business credit cards are designed to help build credit, manage expenses, and access perks without requiring excellent scores. With straightforward approval and practical features, they’re ideal for businesses in early growth stages.

  • Capital One Spark Classic For Business

    The Capital One Spark Classic for Business is designed for business owners with fair or limited credit. It helps build business credit while offering simple rewards.

    This card appeals to those who want a straightforward cash back option without complicated terms or high fees. It’s a good starting point for entrepreneurs new to business credit cards.

    Earning Structure:

    • Earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase, with no category restrictions
    • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

    Welcome Bonus:

    It does not typically offer a large welcome bonus, focusing more on steady rewards.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: High variable APR applies
    • No security deposit required
    • Reports to business credit bureaus

    Key Benefits:

    • Helps build or rebuild business credit
    • Simple cash back rewards with no caps
    • No annual fee lowers cost of ownership
    • Easy approval compared to other business cards

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back can be redeemed as statement credits or checks, providing flexible reward use.

    Credit Requirements:

    Generally available to those with fair to good credit (scores starting around 580).

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The high APR can be costly if you carry a balance, and there are no premium perks, like travel insurance or airport lounge access.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    The card’s low barrier to entry and straightforward rewards make it a practical tool for new business owners building credit.

  • BILL Divvy Corporate Card

    The BILL Divvy Corporate Card is a charge card designed for businesses that want flexibility in managing employee spending and maximizing rewards through frequent payments. It supports expense control, virtual cards, and dynamic credit lines, making it ideal for fast-moving companies.

    Businesses that can pay off their balances weekly or semimonthly get the most out of its rewards structure. It also appeals to startups and midsize companies looking to avoid hard credit pulls during application.

    Earning Structure:

    • Earn 2x–7x points on restaurants (higher if paid weekly)
    • Earn 2x–5x points on hotels
    • Earn 1.5x–2x on recurring software subscriptions
    • Earn 1x–1.5x on all other purchases
    • Rewards rates vary depending on your payment frequency

    Welcome Bonus:

    Spend $500 and get $500 in rewards.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: Not applicable (charge card)
    • No hard credit inquiry upon application
    • Credit limits from $1,000 to $5 million

    Key Benefits:

    • Flexible spending limits tailored to business size
    • Easy expense tracking through virtual cards
    • Rewards increase with more frequent payments
    • Employee spending controls and budget setting

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel, statement credits, or gift cards. However, non-travel redemptions tend to have lower point values.

    Credit Requirements:

    Typically requires good to very good credit (670+), or strong business financials, such as high revenue or a solid operating history.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    You must pay the full balance regularly, and rewards diminish if you only pay once per month. Non-travel redemptions are less valuable.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    Its flexible credit lines and clear spending controls help new businesses manage their expenses while building credit responsibly.

  • Brex Card

    The Brex Card is designed specifically for startups and small businesses. It stands out because it does not require a personal guarantee or Social Security number to apply.

    This card offers a flexible approach to business spending. It fits businesses that want to avoid personal credit checks while earning rewards on expenses.

    Earning Structure:

    • Earn 7x points on rideshare
    • Earn 4x points on Brex travel bookings
    • Earn 3x points at restaurants
    • Earn 2x points on recurring software
    • Earn 1x point on all other purchases
    • Higher reward tiers available with Brex Exclusive and daily payments

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 30,000 points after spending $3,500 in 30 days, or 50,000 points after spending $9,000 in 30 days.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: Not applicable (charge card)
    • No personal guarantee or credit history required
    • Credit limit based on business financials and spending behavior

    Key Benefits:

    • Earn high rewards on common business expenses
    • Easy approval process without personal credit impact
    • No fees or hidden charges
    • Designed for startups and rapidly growing businesses

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel, statement credits, gift cards, or transferred to airline partners for added flexibility.

    Credit Requirements:

    No credit history or personal credit check is required, but you need a business checking account with at least $50,000 deposited.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Daily payments are required to earn top-tier rewards, and the complex structure may not suit businesses with diverse expenses.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It helps new business owners build credit without risking personal credit scores, while offering useful rewards on everyday expenses.

  • Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Business Credit Card

    The Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Business Credit Card is designed to help business owners build credit while earning cash back. It is a secured card, meaning a deposit is required, making it easier to qualify for those with fair credit.

    This card offers a simple way to manage business expenses and earn rewards on every purchase. It works well for businesses that want straightforward rewards without complicated rules.

    Earning Structure:

    • Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no limits or categories
    • Rewards do not expire as long as the account is open

    Welcome Bonus:

    This card does not currently offer a welcome bonus.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: Variable APR up to 27.49%
    • Minimum refundable security deposit of $1,000
    • Eligible for upgrade to unsecured card with responsible use

    Key Benefits:

    • Helps build or rebuild business credit with on-time payments
    • Unlimited flat-rate cash back rewards
    • No penalty APR for late payments
    • Ability to combine with Bank of America business checking for higher rewards rates

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back can be redeemed as statement credits, checks, or direct deposits into a linked Bank of America account.

    Credit Requirements:

    Designed for applicants with fair to good credit, typically with scores starting at 580.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The required security deposit can be a barrier for some, and there is a minimum spending requirement to earn the welcome bonus.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It combines simple rewards with credit-building features, ideal for those starting to establish or improve business credit.

  • First National Bank of Omaha Business Edition® Secured Mastercard® Credit Card

    The First National Bank of Omaha Business Edition® Secured Mastercard® is designed for small business owners with fair to poor credit. It helps build both personal and business credit by reporting to major credit bureaus.

    This card requires a refundable security deposit, which sets the credit limit. It does not offer rewards but provides important credit-building features and financial control.

    Earning Structure:

    • No rewards or cash back program

    Welcome Bonus:

    There is no welcome bonus offered with this card.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $39
    • Foreign transaction fees: Not specified
    • APR: Variable APR applies
    • Refundable security deposit between $2,000 and $10,000
    • Earns interest on the deposit (terms apply)
    • Reports to both business and personal credit bureaus

    Key Benefits:

    • Helps build or rebuild credit for business owners
    • Interest is paid on refundable deposits
    • Provides a large credit line, depending on deposit and approval
    • Suitable for applicants with credit scores as low as 300

    Redemption Options:

    Not applicable, as this card does not earn points or cash back.

    Credit Requirements:

    Available to applicants with fair credit (typically 620+), though geographic restrictions apply.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    There are no rewards, and the card requires a security deposit. This may not appeal to businesses seeking cash back or points.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers a way for business owners with poor credit to build credit safely and access a useful credit line without strict credit score barriers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility criteria for obtaining a Capital One Spark Classic for Business credit card?

The Capital One Spark Classic is designed for business owners with fair credit scores, typically starting around 630. Applicants need an established business and must provide identification and basic financial details. It’s a practical option for those new to business credit cards.

How can I apply for a business credit card using only my EIN and not my personal credit history?

Most issuers still require a personal credit check, even if you have an EIN. However, cards like the Brex Card allow you to apply without a personal guarantee or credit pull, relying instead on business financials. Strong revenue or cash balances are usually required.

Which of the featured cards typically approve applicants with a 650 credit score?

The Capital One Spark Classic, BILL Divvy Corporate Card, and FNBO Secured Mastercard are all accessible around a 650 credit score. These cards are built for fair credit and may consider additional business factors like revenue and history. Approval odds improve with consistent income and responsible financial behavior.

Do any of these cards help build both personal and business credit?

Yes, the Capital One Spark Classic and FNBO Secured Mastercard report to both personal and business credit bureaus. This can help users strengthen their credit profile on both fronts. Responsible use and on-time payments are key to gaining the most benefit.

What should I look for in a business credit card if I have fair credit?

Look for cards with low or no annual fees, easy approval requirements, and tools that help build credit. Features like flat-rate rewards and no hard credit check can make a big difference when starting out. The five cards in this article are strong examples of beginner-friendly options.