Looking for a corporate credit card EIN only? Discover the best EIN-only cards for startups—no SSN, no personal guarantee required in 2025.
Introduction: What Does “EIN Only” Mean?
When launching a startup, founders often face a frustrating problem: most banks and credit card issuers want a Social Security Number (SSN) and a personal guarantee before approving a business card. This ties your personal credit to your business expenses — something many entrepreneurs want to avoid.
That’s where the corporate credit card EIN only option comes in. These cards rely solely on your Employer Identification Number (EIN) and your company’s financial profile, rather than your personal SSN. In simple terms, you can qualify for a credit card based on your business’s health, not your personal credit history.
This article is your complete 2025 guide to EIN-only corporate credit cards. We’ll explain what they are, how they work, who qualifies, which providers offer them, and how they compare to traditional business cards.
Why EIN-Only Corporate Credit Cards Matter for Startups
For new and fast-growing startups, separating personal and business finances is crucial. Using an EIN-only corporate card can:
- Protect your personal credit score.
- Simplify accounting and bookkeeping.
- Provide higher credit limits based on company revenue.
- Help your startup establish independent business credit.
- Reduce personal liability if your business faces risks.
This is especially important for venture-backed startups that scale quickly and need to spend on ads, hiring, and software tools. Instead of putting those costs on a founder’s personal card, an EIN-only solution keeps the liability where it belongs — with the company.
How EIN-Only Corporate Credit Cards Work
Unlike a traditional business credit card that checks your personal credit report, EIN-only corporate cards rely on:
- Company financials (bank account balance, revenue, cash flow).
- Funding stage (seed, Series A, venture-backed).
- Business model stability (SaaS, e-commerce, fintech, etc.).
- Investors or partners backing your business.
The card issuer evaluates whether your company can repay its debts. If approved, the account is opened under your EIN, not your SSN.
💡 Key difference: If your startup fails, you are not personally liable — unlike with a traditional small business credit card.
Eligibility and Requirements
Not every business will qualify for an EIN-only corporate card. Here’s what most issuers look for:
- A registered business entity (LLC, C-Corp, or Inc.).
- A valid EIN from the IRS.
- A U.S. business bank account.
- Minimum monthly or annual revenue (often $25k–$50k+).
- Proof of venture capital funding or investor backing (preferred by some issuers).
📌 Startups without revenue or funding may find it harder to get approved. In that case, you might need to look at secured business cards or traditional small business credit cards first.
Benefits of EIN-Only Corporate Credit Cards
Why do founders prefer EIN-only options over regular business credit cards? Let’s break it down:
- No Personal Guarantee – Your personal assets and credit are not at risk.
- Build Business Credit – Payments are reported under your EIN.
- Higher Limits – Based on company revenue, not personal FICO scores.
- Expense Management Tools – Many cards include dashboards, employee cards, and spending controls.
- Startup-Friendly Rewards – Discounts on SaaS tools, ads, and travel.
- Simplified Bookkeeping – Easy integration with QuickBooks, Xero, and other platforms.
Limitations and Risks
While EIN-only cards are powerful, they’re not perfect:
- Not available to sole proprietors or small freelancers.
- Require significant revenue or funding for approval.
- Some charge annual fees or high interest rates.
- Limited consumer protections compared to personal credit cards.
⚠️ If your startup has no revenue yet, you may not qualify for EIN-only cards. In that case, check out entry-level business cards that still require a personal guarantee.
EIN-Only vs. Traditional Business Credit Cards
| Feature | EIN-Only Corporate Card | Traditional Business Card |
|---|---|---|
| Approval Based On | Company revenue & financials | Personal credit score |
| Requires SSN | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Personal Guarantee | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Credit Limits | Higher (revenue-based) | Lower (credit-score based) |
| Best For | Funded startups & growing businesses | Small businesses & sole proprietors |
Best EIN-Only Corporate Credit Card Options (2025)
Now, let’s look at the top providers in 2025 offering EIN-only corporate cards:
🔹 Brex
Brex is one of the most popular EIN-only cards. It doesn’t require a personal guarantee, offers high limits, and comes with rewards for SaaS, advertising, and travel.
👉 Read our full Brex Corporate Credit Card Review 2025.
🔹 Mercury
Mercury offers a corporate card that acts more like a charge card. It’s built for startups that already use Mercury’s banking services.
👉 Check our full guide on Mercury Corporate Cards for Startups.
🔹 Ramp
Ramp focuses on expense management with smart insights and cashback rewards. It’s a strong competitor in the EIN-only space.
🔹 American Express (Amex Corporate Card)
Amex has corporate cards for larger startups, but unlike Brex or Ramp, some Amex options may still require personal backing.
👉 See our comparison: Best Corporate Credit Card for Startups (2025): Amex vs Brex vs Mercury.
🔹 Other EIN-Only Options
- Divvy (now part of BILL)
- Stripe Corporate Card
- Airbase
👉 For a broader overview, don’t miss our guide to the Best Corporate Credit Cards for Startups (2025).
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an EIN-Only Corporate Card
- Register your business as an LLC or corporation.
- Get your EIN from the IRS (takes minutes online).
- Open a U.S. business bank account.
- Build up business revenue or secure startup funding.
- Choose the right provider (Brex, Mercury, Ramp, etc.).
- Apply online with your EIN, business documents, and financials.
- Get approved (often within a few days).
- Start using employee cards and tracking expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get a corporate credit card with EIN only and no SSN?
Yes, but only from select providers like Brex, Mercury, Ramp, and Divvy.
2. Do EIN-only corporate cards check personal credit?
No, these cards do not pull your personal credit or require a personal guarantee.
3. Do I need funding to qualify?
Most EIN-only issuers prefer startups with revenue or investor funding. Bootstrapped startups may struggle to qualify.
4. What’s the difference between EIN-only cards and secured business cards?
Secured cards require a cash deposit. EIN-only corporate cards do not, but they require strong business financials.
5. Do these cards report to business credit bureaus?
Yes, they usually report to business credit bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet.
6. Which is better for startups: Brex or Mercury?
Brex offers more rewards and higher limits. Mercury integrates tightly with its banking system. Your choice depends on business needs.
Conclusion
If you want to keep your personal finances safe while scaling your business, corporate credit cards EIN only are the best solution. They help startups establish business credit, access higher limits, and streamline expenses — all without putting your personal credit at risk.
Whether you’re looking at Brex, Mercury, Ramp, or Amex, choosing the right card depends on your startup’s stage and funding.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. While some providers may approve corporate credit cards using only an EIN without requiring a Social Security Number (SSN) or personal guarantee, requirements vary by issuer and may change over time. Approval decisions are always at the discretion of the card issuer and may depend on factors such as business revenue, funding, banking history, and other financial details. Readers should verify current terms directly with the card provider before applying.
