Business credit cards for sole traders: what’s open to you
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
Sole traders can get business credit cards, but fewer cards are open to you than to limited companies, and the debt is always yours personally. Bank-issued cards for business account holders are often the most accessible route.
Our pick for a sole trader who banks with NatWest: the NatWest Business Credit Card (available to NatWest business account holders with turnover up to £2m). Not open to sole traders: Capital on Tap, which only accepts limited companies, LLPs and PLCs.
Which cards accept sole traders?
| Card | Sole traders? | Annual fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NatWest Business Credit Card | Yes, if you hold a NatWest business account | £30 a card; waived in year one, and from year two if you spend £6,000+ a year | Turnover up to £2m; 1% cashback at fuel and EV charging |
| Barclaycard Select Cashback | Check with Barclaycard | £0 annual fee | 1% cashback in months you spend £2,000+ |
| Capital on Tap | No — Ltd, LLP and PLC only | Free card: £0. Pro: £299 a year | Not available to sole traders or partnerships |
| American Express Basic Business Card | Check with American Express | No annual fee | Charge card — pay in full each month |
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
- Sole traders wanting business spending on a separate card
- Tradespeople buying materials and wanting time to pay
- Sole traders who want card spending to feed their bookkeeping
- Self-employed people currently using a personal card for business
Who should skip it
These are general points to weigh up, not advice. You may want to look elsewhere if:
- You’d struggle to clear the balance monthly — you’re personally liable for the debt
- Your personal credit history is weak right now
- Your spending is low enough that a debit card works fine
- You’re about to incorporate — company cards have different terms
Full explanation
Business card or personal card?
Some sole traders use a separate personal card just for business. That can work, but a business card may give you business-specific features — employee cards, expense tools, accounting links — and makes it clearer which spending is business. Either way, keep business and personal spending apart.
Section 75 for sole traders
Because sole traders are individuals in law, a regulated card agreement can give Section 75 rights for single items priced from £100 to £30,000. Business card agreements with a credit limit above £25,000 for business purposes can be exempt from regulation. Check your card terms.
Banking first
Many bank cards need you to hold the bank’s business account. If you haven’t chosen one yet, see Business accounts for sole traders.
More: Business credit card eligibility, Sole trader banking FAQs and The catch with business credit cards.
The catch
You’re personally liable. A sole trader isn’t a separate legal entity, so business card debt is your debt.
Your personal credit file is usually checked — and how you manage the card may show on it. Ask the provider how it reports.
Section 75 may help — sometimes. Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act often doesn’t apply to business cards, especially for limited companies.
Sole traders and small partnerships may be covered on a regulated card, for single items priced between £100 and £30,000. Charge cards that must be paid in full each month generally fall outside Section 75.
Check a card’s current terms for sole traders:
These go straight to each provider’s own website. They aren’t referral links and we don’t earn from them.
FAQs
Can sole traders get business credit cards?
Yes, but not every card accepts them. Capital on Tap doesn’t; bank cards for business account holders often do.
Will a business card affect my personal credit score?
It can. Sole traders are personally liable, and providers usually check your personal credit file.
Do sole traders get Section 75 protection on business cards?
Possibly, if the card agreement is regulated and the item costs between £100 and £30,000. It often doesn’t apply to limited companies.
Can I add employee cards as a sole trader?
Some providers allow additional cardholders. You remain responsible for all spending.
Do I need a business bank account to get a card?
For some bank cards, yes — NatWest’s needs a NatWest business account.
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