Quick answer
Freelancers and sole proprietors can apply for business credit cards using their SSN and business name, even without an EIN or LLC. The best card depends on where you spend.
- Best flat rate, no annual fee: Amex Blue Business Cash (2% cash back on the first $50,000 a year, then 1%).
- Best for internet, phone and office supplies: Chase Ink Business Cash (5% on the first $25,000 a year in those categories, $0 annual fee).
- Simple unlimited cash back: Chase Ink Business Unlimited (1.5% on everything, $0 annual fee).
- Unlimited 2% for big spenders: Capital One Spark Cash Plus ($150 annual fee, pay in full each month).
- Best for travel and ads: Chase Ink Business Preferred (3x points on the first $150,000 in select categories, $95 annual fee).
Welcome bonuses change constantly, so we do not list them. Terms are as of September 2026. Check the issuer’s site before applying.
Comparison table
| Card | Annual fee | Rewards | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Blue Business Cash | $0 | 2% on first $50K/yr, then 1% | Most freelancers |
| Amex Blue Business Plus | $0 | 2x points on first $50K/yr, then 1x | Points and travel transfers |
| Chase Ink Business Cash | $0 | 5% office supplies, internet, cable, phone (first $25K); 2% gas and restaurants (first $25K); 1% else | Remote workers with big tech bills |
| Chase Ink Business Unlimited | $0 | 1.5% on everything | Simplicity |
| Capital One Spark Cash Plus | $150 (refunded at $150K spend) | 2% on everything, no cap | High spenders |
| Chase Ink Business Preferred | $95 | 3x on travel, shipping, social and search ads, internet, cable, phone (first $150K); 1x else | Ad spend and travel |
Card terms, including caps and categories, can change. The issuer’s terms are final.
Short reviews
Amex Blue Business Cash and Blue Business Plus
Both cards earn 2% or 2x on the first $50,000 of purchases each calendar year, then 1%. Neither has an annual fee. Cash gives statement credits. Plus earns Membership Rewards points you can transfer to travel partners.
They suit most freelancers who spend under $50,000 a year on the card.
Chase Ink Business Cash
This card pays 5% on the first $25,000 a year at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services. It pays 2% on the first $25,000 at gas stations and restaurants. Everything else earns 1%.
It suits remote freelancers with big phone, internet and software bills paid through those categories.
Chase Ink Business Unlimited
A flat 1.5% on every purchase, with no annual fee and no caps. It pairs well with Ink Business Cash if you want Chase points.
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Unlimited 2% with no cap. It is a charge card meant to be paid in full monthly. The $150 annual fee is refunded each year you spend $150,000 or more.
It suits freelancers who put large equipment or contractor costs on a card.
Chase Ink Business Preferred
Earns 3x points on the first $150,000 a year across travel, shipping, social media and search advertising, and internet, cable and phone. It carries a $95 annual fee. It suits freelancers who spend heavily on ads or travel.
Worked example: which card earns most?
Rosa, a freelance web developer, spends $24,000 a year on her card:
- $3,600 on internet, phone and office supplies
- $4,800 on restaurants and gas
- $15,600 on everything else
| Card | Calculation | Yearly rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Amex Blue Business Cash | $24,000 × 2% | $480 |
| Chase Ink Business Cash | $180 + $96 + $156 | $432 |
| Chase Ink Business Unlimited | $24,000 × 1.5% | $360 |
| Capital One Spark Cash Plus | $480 minus $150 fee | $330 |
For Rosa, the no-fee 2% card wins. Someone with heavier internet and phone spending would do better with Ink Business Cash. Spark Cash Plus makes more sense above $50,000 a year, when Amex’s 2% cap kicks in.
Things to know before applying
- Personal guarantee. Most small business cards make you personally liable for the balance.
- Credit reporting. Issuers check your personal credit. Some report card activity to business bureaus, and some also to personal bureaus.
- Fewer consumer protections. Some federal CARD Act protections apply only to consumer cards.
- Business use only. Keep personal charges off the card to keep records clean. See How to Separate Business and Personal Finances.
Tax treatment
- Annual fees and interest on a card used for business are deductible business expenses.
- Cash back on purchases is generally treated as a rebate that reduces the cost of what you bought, not as income. Welcome bonuses tied to spending are usually treated the same way.
- You still deduct only the net business cost. See Self-Employed Tax Deductions: The Complete List.
How to choose
- List your yearly card spending by category.
- Check caps. Many rewards rates drop after $25,000 or $50,000 a year.
- Count the annual fee against the extra rewards.
- Pay in full. Interest at typical card rates wipes out any rewards.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a business credit card as a sole proprietor?
Yes. Issuers accept sole proprietors. You can apply with your SSN and your own name or DBA as the business name.
Do I need an LLC or EIN?
No. An EIN is optional for most sole proprietors. See Do I Need an EIN as a Sole Proprietor?
Will a business card hurt my personal credit?
The application usually triggers a hard inquiry on your personal credit. Late payments can be reported personally. Pay in full to avoid interest and damage.
Are credit card rewards taxable?
Rewards earned from spending are generally treated as a price reduction, not income. Bonuses not tied to spending may be taxable. Ask a tax professional about your case.
This article is general information, not financial or tax advice. Prices and rates change often.
Related guides
- Best Accounting Software for Freelancers and Self-Employed (2026)
- Best Tax Software for Self-Employed (2026)
- Best Business Bank Accounts for LLCs and Freelancers (2026)
- QuickBooks Self-Employed vs FreshBooks vs Wave (2026)
About this guide
Written by the Freelancer Tax HQ editorial team, based on our professional experience, official US government sources (IRS, SSA and other agencies) and reputable informational articles listed in the sources below. Last reviewed on . Tax rules change often, and we update this guide when they do. Read our editorial policy or report an error.
Sources
Chase business credit cards; Chase Ink Business Cash; Chase Ink Business Preferred; Capital One Spark Cash Plus; One Mile at a Time: Amex Blue Business Plus vs Cash. Example figures are FreelancerTaxHQ illustrations.
Official resources linked in this guide: IRS: Get an EIN.