Applying for Business Credit Cards [Consolidated]
Jun 29, 2013, 1:58 pm
#211
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 304
just got approved for 2 business cards today. First was the big one, Amex platinum for biz, 100,000 MR points for $10k spending in 3 months. Ambitious but I know I can do it. Second was Citibusiness AA World Mastercard for 35k miles after spending $1500. I only got a thousand dollar credit line (called for "reconsideration" since I got the "we'll get back to you in a week" message, and rep said he could approve me right away but only for one thousand, did I still want it?). I'm hoping Citi will allow me to shift some of my personal credit line WAYYYYY into 5 figures with them, to my business one so I can knock out my minimum spending faster and not worry about collecting my sign up bonus. anyone successful getting them to shift personal to business? My biz is 2 and a half years old, sole proprietor
Jul 16, 2013, 5:31 pm
#212
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Hilton, Hyatt, Priority, SPG - AA, Hawaiian Airline, United, US Airline
Posts: 608
How can I apply a tax ID to apply a business card?
I want to apply a business card. I know I can use my SSN. What about a tax ID? how can apply for a tax ID? What advantages and disadvantages for applying a tax ID?
Anybody knows? Thanks in advance!
Anybody knows? Thanks in advance!
Jul 16, 2013, 5:42 pm
#213
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: LAX/SNA
Programs: AA, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,887
Jul 16, 2013, 5:44 pm
#214
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: HHonors diamond, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold, UA Silver, Marriott Silver
Posts: 280
Jul 16, 2013, 7:57 pm
#216
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,042
You can apply for a business tax ID under your own name or yourself "doing business as _______" as a sole proprietor, no LLC or incorporation required. The downside is you would have to file a tax return for the business tax ID number, whether or not it made a profit.
Jul 17, 2013, 12:29 am
#217
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: LAX/SNA
Programs: AA, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,887
And some states/counties etc required DBAs to be registered.
Jul 17, 2013, 1:49 am
#219
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: New York, NY, USA
Posts: 12,482
It is not if you need to file all those for your business anyway. It is not worth it just to apply for business credit card without a business purpose. Some states also has a business franchise tax which you need to pay every year with or without business activities.
Sep 6, 2013, 12:42 pm
#220
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 352
Easiest bank for business credit cards and “sole proprietor”
Probably been asked before but more difficult to search on than I expected.
I don't own a business and have exactly zero business credit cards but plan on trying on my next churn. Are some banks easier to get business cards than others? (and better yet auto approved without a phone call). With all things being equal like great credit, low debt, yada yada... Or is the success rate/auto approve the same if it's business or personal cards?
Just wondering if say Citi is easier to get a business card than Chase or AMEX, etc, etc.
I don't own a business and have exactly zero business credit cards but plan on trying on my next churn. Are some banks easier to get business cards than others? (and better yet auto approved without a phone call). With all things being equal like great credit, low debt, yada yada... Or is the success rate/auto approve the same if it's business or personal cards?
Just wondering if say Citi is easier to get a business card than Chase or AMEX, etc, etc.
Sep 6, 2013, 7:45 pm
#222
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: MKE
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, Hilton Gold, Club Carlson Gold,
Posts: 639
I only have 2 biz cards. Ink and newly acquired spg biz. With ink I called in and talked for 20min and was grilled. With amex I called in gave my app number and she approved it on the spot. Just my experience. Not sure about citi
Sep 6, 2013, 10:22 pm
#223
In memoriam
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,020
Dear OP,
I suggest an attitude adjustment. This biz card thing is not a scam. You are just a businessperson who has yet to make the big bucks but are perfectly legit. What business would you like to be in?
By the way, I have had dozens of business cards for many, many businesses (some of which never made a penny). You don't have to have a successful business to get a biz card, just an idea that you are starting to move on.
As far as banks, IMHO, they are all about the same. Easy.
Just remember, you need decent personal credit to get a biz card because the bank is really holding you responsible for the bills you run up.
I suggest an attitude adjustment. This biz card thing is not a scam. You are just a businessperson who has yet to make the big bucks but are perfectly legit. What business would you like to be in?
By the way, I have had dozens of business cards for many, many businesses (some of which never made a penny). You don't have to have a successful business to get a biz card, just an idea that you are starting to move on.
As far as banks, IMHO, they are all about the same. Easy.
Just remember, you need decent personal credit to get a biz card because the bank is really holding you responsible for the bills you run up.
Sep 6, 2013, 10:32 pm
#224
Join Date: May 2013
Programs: Hyatt Platinum, IHG Platinum, Aadvantage Platinum
Posts: 180
biggestbopper wondering what is the right answer to give when asked about your business revenue. I assume that they wouldn't be too keen on Zero as an answer? Can one project revenue?
Sep 7, 2013, 6:25 am
#225
In memoriam
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,020
from the Citi AA Best Offers thread stickie--in this forum:
5. Can I apply for a business card if I don’t have a business?
Anyone can apply for a business card. You do not need a registered business with an EIN. If you do not have a business with an EIN or with bills/accounts in the business name, you can apply using your name as the business. The three possibilities are that: 1. You could be approved unconditionally, 2. You could be asked to fax a couple of bills or accounts (water, electricity, gas, cable, or phone bills, bank accounts, etc.) in the name of the business to Citi, or 3. You could be required to fill out and send a 4506-T tax form. Whatever you do do not make up income etc. about the business. Plenty of people have been issued cards for businesses with $0 annual revenue, 1-5 employees, and 0 years in business."
5. Can I apply for a business card if I don’t have a business?
Anyone can apply for a business card. You do not need a registered business with an EIN. If you do not have a business with an EIN or with bills/accounts in the business name, you can apply using your name as the business. The three possibilities are that: 1. You could be approved unconditionally, 2. You could be asked to fax a couple of bills or accounts (water, electricity, gas, cable, or phone bills, bank accounts, etc.) in the name of the business to Citi, or 3. You could be required to fill out and send a 4506-T tax form. Whatever you do do not make up income etc. about the business. Plenty of people have been issued cards for businesses with $0 annual revenue, 1-5 employees, and 0 years in business."