For many business owners, the biggest hesitation when applying for a business credit card isn’t the interest rate or rewards — it’s personal risk. Traditional business credit cards often require a personal guarantee, meaning founders are personally responsible for the debt if the company can’t repay it.
Access to capital remains one of the biggest challenges for small businesses. A 2024 survey found that 77% of small businesses are concerned about their ability to access capital, highlighting how difficult it can be to secure financing under favorable terms.
This concern is especially pronounced when personal assets are at stake. For startups and growing companies, tying business spending to a personal guarantee can blur financial boundaries and increase personal exposure, even when the business itself is generating revenue.
That’s why many founders now ask a practical question: Can I get a business credit card without a personal guarantee? Yes, it is possible to get a business credit card without a personal guarantee, but these cards typically approve businesses based on cash flow, revenue, or funding rather than the owner’s personal credit.
What Is a Personal Guarantee on Business Credit Cards?
A personal guarantee is a legal commitment that makes a business owner personally responsible for repaying a company’s credit card balance. If the business cannot pay, the issuer can pursue the individual who signed the guarantee.
- Personal liability: The card issuer can hold the founder or authorized signer personally accountable for unpaid balances, even if the business closes.
- Impact on personal credit: Missed payments or defaults can appear on the owner’s personal credit report and lower their credit score.
- Risk to personal assets: In severe cases, personal savings or assets may be at risk during collections.
- Common with traditional cards: Many standard business credit cards require a personal guarantee, especially for newer companies with limited financial history.
Because of these risks, many founders prefer business credit cards that do not require a personal guarantee. These alternatives rely on the company’s financial strength instead of personal credit, helping businesses keep finances separate and reduce personal financial exposure.
How to Apply for a Business Credit Card With No Personal Guarantee
Applying for a business credit card without a personal guarantee works differently than traditional cards. Instead of checking the owner’s personal credit, lenders focus on the company’s financial health. Here’s what you need to know:
- Provide an EIN: Use your company’s Employer Identification Number, not your personal SSN.
- Share financial info: Recent bank statements, revenue details, and basic incorporation info are usually required.
- Credit checks may not be needed: Many cards don’t check personal credit scores.
- Strong cash flow helps: Businesses with steady revenue or backing from investors may qualify for higher credit limits.
Below, we’ve gathered the top business credit card options, including no-personal-guarantee, to help you get started.
1. Brex: No Personal Guarantee Required
Brex is designed for businesses that want access to a no-personal-guarantee business credit card without relying on an owner’s personal credit history or SSN. Instead of evaluating individual credit scores, Brex focuses on a company’s financial fundamentals, such as cash position and operating activity, to determine eligibility.
This approach makes Brex especially relevant for startups, LLCs, and growing businesses that want credit decisions tied to business performance rather than personal liability. For founders who are building and scaling operations, it provides a way to manage company spending while keeping personal finances separate from business obligations.
What Makes Brex Different
Brex stands out as a no-personal-guarantee business credit card because it qualifies companies based on their business fundamentals rather than personal financial details. Businesses can apply without a personal guarantee or personal credit check, allowing founders to reduce personal liability and keep personal and business finances separate.
Credit limits are determined by factors such as cash balance, revenue, and growth trajectory, which can result in significantly higher spending capacity compared to traditional business credit cards. Brex also offers built-in spending controls that are automatically enforced at the point of sale, helping teams manage expenses more effectively as they scale.
Through a direct partnership with Mastercard, Brex issues cards without a processing intermediary, enabling faster setup, deeper transaction data, enhanced security, and global usability across more than 200 countries and 60 currencies.
What Users Say About Brex
Many users highlight Brex’s reliability and ease of use as key reasons for continuing to use the card for day-to-day business spending. Reviews often mention wide acceptance, flexible card options, and strong expense management features.
One verified G2 reviewer, Robin H., shared that:
“I appreciate that Brex is accepted everywhere, as I’ve not encountered any rejections yet, which assures me of its reliability. I like the flexibility of having both physical and virtual card options, which caters to diverse transaction needs. Brex’s connection to an app allows me to manage my expenses efficiently, making the process of tracking and organizing costs much simpler. The app’s notifications feature is incredibly helpful as it immediately alerts me to attach receipts or provide descriptions in accordance with company policy, ensuring compliance. Overall, Brex has proven to be the easiest and most complete corporate card solution I’ve ever used, which makes it highly recommendable.”
2. Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card by Citi
The Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card by Citi is a traditional business credit card option tied to Costco membership. It is commonly used by small business owners who already shop at Costco and want to earn rewards on everyday business spending.

Unlike most corporate cards, this card follows a more conventional approval process and may involve personal credit evaluation. It is best suited for established businesses that are comfortable with standard business credit requirements.
Key Features
- No annual fee with active Costco membership
- Rewards on eligible spending categories
- Widely accepted wherever Visa is accepted
3. Sam’s Club Mastercard
The Sam’s Club Mastercard is another membership-based business credit card designed for small businesses that frequently purchase inventory, fuel, or supplies through Sam’s Club locations and partners.

It operates more like a traditional business credit card and is typically used by small or retail-focused businesses that want predictable rewards tied to everyday spending.
Key Features
- Membership-based access
- Rewards on qualifying purchases, including fuel
- Broad acceptance through the Mastercard network
Comparison: No Personal Guarantee Business Credit Cards
| Feature | Brex | Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card by Citi | Sam’s Club Business Mastercard |
| Personal guarantee required | No | Typically required | Typically required |
| Personal credit check | Not required | Yes | Yes |
| EIN-only eligibility | Yes | No | No |
| Approval based on | Business financials | Personal credit profile | Personal credit profile |
| Spending limit model | Cash flow & revenue based | Traditional credit limits | Traditional credit limits |
| Expense controls | Advanced, automated | Basic | Basic |
| Reporting to business bureaus | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best suited for | Startups, funded companies, scaling teams | Costco-member small businesses | Retail & fuel-focused small businesses |
While all three cards serve business needs, Brex checks the most boxes for companies specifically looking for a no personal guarantee business credit card. It stands apart by removing personal liability, avoiding personal credit checks, and basing credit decisions on business performance rather than individual credit history.
The other options work well for membership-based purchasing and everyday spending, but they follow more traditional credit models and offer fewer controls for growing or operationally complex businesses.
Conclusion
Choosing a no personal guarantee business credit card is ultimately about risk management and fit. For many businesses, reducing personal exposure is just as important as earning rewards or accessing credit.
Some cards are designed for predictable, membership-based spending, while others are built for companies with evolving needs and more complex expense structures. Understanding how each option evaluates risk and supports day-to-day operations helps avoid friction as a business grows.
The right choice depends on your company’s stage, spending patterns, and comfort with personal liability. Aligning the card with how your business actually operates leads to cleaner finances and more confident decision-making over time.
