Business credit card eligibility: who can apply and what lenders check
FLD is not a lender or a credit broker and does not arrange credit. This is general information, not advice to borrow. Any representative APR shown is an example, not a personal quote: the rate you are offered depends on your circumstances and may be higher.
Important: This guide provides general information, not personalised financial advice. Financial products, rates and eligibility rules can change, so check the provider’s current terms before applying. You can check a firm’s details on the FCA Register.
Quick answer
Eligibility for a business credit card usually depends on three things: your business type (sole trader, partnership or company), your credit history and the business’s, and sometimes whether you already bank with the provider.
Our pick for limited companies of any age: Capital on Tap, which publishes no minimum trading history (companies must be active at Companies House). Our pick if you already bank with NatWest: its business credit card, which needs a NatWest business account in the same legal name.
Eligibility at a glance
| Card | Who can apply | Key conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Capital on Tap | Directors or 25%+ shareholders of a UK Ltd, LLP or PLC; not sole traders | Active at Companies House; no unsatisfied CCJs in the last 12 months; not a high-risk industry |
| NatWest Business Credit Card | NatWest business account holders (same legal entity), turnover up to £2m | UK address and tax registration; subject to status; business use only |
| Barclaycard Select Cashback | Subject to Barclaycard’s checks; minimum limit £1,000 | Approval depends on your financial circumstances and borrowing history |
| American Express Business Gold | Company liability supported by a business personal guarantee (check Amex eligibility) | Applicants must be 18 or over; subject to status |
Figures as of 3 October 2026, taken from each provider’s own website. Rates, fees and eligibility change and depend on your circumstances — check the provider before applying.
Who it’s for
- Businesses about to apply and wanting fewer surprises
- Owners declined before and trying to understand why
- Sole traders checking which cards accept them
- Directors weighing up a personal guarantee
Who should skip it
These are general points to weigh up, not advice. You may want to look elsewhere if:
- You have recent CCJs or missed payments — fix those first
- Your business isn’t registered or trading yet and the card needs trading history
- You only need occasional purchases a debit card could cover
- You want advice on borrowing — speak to an adviser
Full explanation
What lenders usually check
Expect checks on your personal credit file, the business’s credit history if it has one, how long you’ve traded, turnover and any county court judgments. Lenders also ask what the card is for, because business cards are for business spending.
Soft checks before you apply
Some providers offer an eligibility check that doesn’t affect your credit score — Capital on Tap says applying for its card won’t. A full application usually involves a hard search. Ask which type of check the provider uses.
See also: Credit Score Basics: A Simple Guide for the UK
Personal liability
Sole traders are personally responsible for business debts anyway. For companies, a personal guarantee means a director can be asked to repay if the company can’t. Read the terms before signing — see The catch with business credit cards.
Next steps: Business credit cards for sole traders, Business credit cards for limited companies and the Business credit card FAQs.
The catch
Business type can rule you out. Capital on Tap doesn’t accept sole traders or partnerships — it’s for Ltd, LLP and PLC companies.
Personal guarantees are common. American Express says new Business Gold cards carry company liability supported by a business personal guarantee.
Some cards need a current account. NatWest’s card is for NatWest business account holders with turnover up to £2m.
Check eligibility details with the provider before applying:
These go straight to each provider’s own website. They aren’t referral links and we don’t earn from them.
FAQs
Can a new business get a credit card?
Sometimes. Capital on Tap says there’s no minimum trading history for active companies. Other cards may want trading history or accounts.
Do business credit cards check my personal credit?
Often, yes — especially for sole traders and for directors giving a personal guarantee.
Can sole traders apply for business credit cards?
Some cards accept sole traders; Capital on Tap doesn’t. Bank cards often accept sole traders who hold that bank’s business account.
Do I need to bank with the card provider?
Not always. NatWest’s card does need a NatWest business account; Capital on Tap and Barclaycard don’t require their own current account.
Will a rejection hurt my credit score?
A hard search is recorded on your file. Several applications close together can affect how lenders see you.
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