Business Cards
Separate expenses, build business credit, and earn on company spending.
Business Credit Cards for Startups: What Actually Works
Most business card content is written for established companies. This is for startups: founders managing cash flow, building credit, and separating personal from business expenses.
Corporate Card vs Business Card: Which Does Your Company Need?
Most founders confuse corporate cards with business cards. They are different products solving different problems. Here is the clear breakdown and when to use each.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a startup with no revenue get a business credit card?
Yes, but options are limited. Many issuers require personal credit history rather than business revenue for new companies. Secured business cards — where you deposit collateral — are available to startups with no trading history. Multi-currency business accounts like Airwallex often have lower revenue requirements than traditional card issuers.
Should I use a personal or business credit card for startup expenses?
Always use a business card for business expenses. It simplifies bookkeeping, keeps personal and business credit separate, and makes tax filing significantly cleaner. Mixing personal and business spending on the same card creates accounting problems that compound over time.
What credit limit can a startup expect on a business card?
Initial limits for startups without established revenue are typically low — $500 to $5,000. Limits increase as you demonstrate responsible use and as your business grows. Some charge cards (like Amex) have no pre-set spending limit but require payment in full each month.
What is the main difference between a corporate card and a business credit card?
Business credit cards typically require a personal guarantee from the owner — meaning personal credit is on the line. Corporate cards are underwritten based on company financials, with liability falling on the company, not the individual. Corporate cards usually require established revenue and a minimum number of employees.
Can a small business get a corporate card?
Traditional corporate cards from banks typically require 50+ employees and $4M+ in annual revenue. Newer fintech corporate card products have much lower thresholds — some accept businesses with $100K+ in annual revenue. Modern business account platforms like Airwallex blur this line further.
Who is liable if an employee misuses a corporate card?
On company liability cards, the business is responsible for charges, and the company pursues the employee for unauthorized use. On individual liability corporate cards, the employee pays the card directly and expenses to the company — which carries different risk profiles.