If you’re serious about maximizing your points and miles, business credit cards are a must-have in your award travel strategy. They offer massive welcome bonuses, extra earning opportunities, and valuable perks—all while being surprisingly easy to get (even if you don’t have a traditional business). Applying for a business credit card is simple and not limited to large businesses. Here’s who can apply and how to apply:

Who can apply?

Business credit cards are key to earning more points and miles, and chances are, you qualify! If you’re unsure, consider starting a small side hustle—it’s easier than you think. For long-term success in award travel, business cards are a must, and the best part? They don’t appear on your personal credit report!

Any small side hustle can qualify you for a business card. Here are some ideas and examples:

• Dog Sitting

• Airbnb Hosts

• Selling on FB marketplace/eBay

• Bloggers/Instagrammers

• Consultants

• Babysitters

• Caterers

• Photographers

• Real Estate Agents

• Yard Work

• Tutoring

• Uber, Lyft, Doordash

One of the most common side hustles people already have is selling old clothes or household items on Facebook Marketplace! Many don’t realize they’re already running a small business.

How to apply with your SSN?

If you do not have a formal business, you will apply as a sole proprietor. You do not need a long business history or large business income, because the application is based on your credit score and gross income. You don't even need an EIN to apply.

Here are the step-by-step instructions:

Authorizing Officer: Owner

Personal Details & Financial Info: Complete with all of your personal details and employed gross income

Business structure: Choose sole proprietor if using your SSN

Legal business name: Use your full name as your legal business name when applying as a sole proprietor. Do not make up a name unless you have an EIN.

DBA: You can leave this blank

Business Tax ID: Use your Social Security number here.

Business Financials: Add the details of your starting date, business revenue, and monthly spend. Estimate your revenue for the year. It's ok if the amount is small, just be honest. People have been approved with as low as $100.

Business Category: Here, you can select from a range of categories. Be sure to select the options that best describe your business. Try not to choose “Other”.

Number of employees: For a sole proprietor, the number of employees is zero. Also, you may want to wait to add employee cards even if they are free to add because sometimes you can get additional bonus points for adding an employee later.

Pending/Rejection: If your application goes pending, hold tight until you get an answer. Do not call at this point unless you need the card quickly. If you find out you are rejected, call the reconsideration line and find out why. You may still get approved if you do this step.

What is the best business card to start with?

The best business card to start with is the Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card. Earn $350 after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 6 months after account opening.

Why are business cards essential for award travel?

Business credit cards are essential for maximizing award travel because they offer huge welcome bonuses, often without impacting your personal credit report long-term. One of the biggest advantages is that many business card bonuses can be earned again, allowing you to continuously build up points and miles. They also provide more earning opportunities, with bonus categories tailored for business expenses, and help you unlock valuable perks like hotel statuses or the Southwest companion pass. Business cards generally don’t count against your 5/24 status, allowing you to get cards more often. If you’re serious about traveling for nearly free, business cards can take your strategy to the next level!

What to do when you get denied?

If your application goes into review, don’t worry—just hold tight! If you haven’t heard back within a week, call the bank to check the status. If they need any additional information, they can ask you then and hopefully move your application forward. If you’re denied due to too much open credit or not enough business history, don’t give up—ask for reconsideration. Many times, this extra step can turn a denial into an approval!

Some of you know my story—before I started applying for business cards, I had a ton of personal cards. Every time I applied for a business card, it either went into review and got denied, or was denied outright. The game-changer for me was reconsideration—that’s how I finally got approved! While most banks are fairly easy for business card approvals, one in particular can be a little tougher.

If you’re applying for a Chase business card, make sure you’re at 4/24 or under before applying. If you haven’t been keeping track, I highly recommend downloading the Travel Freely app—it makes it easy to track your cards and know exactly where you stand.

Final Thoughts: Business cards are the key to earning tons of points in award travel

Jumping into business credit cards is one of the best ways to take your award travel strategy to the next level. The extra points, valuable perks, and ability to earn bonuses again make them a game-changer for nearly free travel. Don’t wait too long to start—getting into business cards early will get you started on the right path to earning tons of points and miles for free travel. It might feel overwhelming or intimidating at first, but once you take that first step, you’ll be comfortable in no time and begin reaping the rewards.

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