Can You Get Business Credit With a Low Personal Credit Score?

 If your personal credit score isn’t great, getting business funding can feel like hitting a wall. Lenders say no, interest rates skyrocket, and the offers you do get come with terms that could drain your cash flow before your business even finds its footing.

We’ve seen it happen over and over. A business owner takes the first offer they get, thinking it’s their only shot, only to regret it months later when the terms start crushing their bottom line. In fact, according to the Federal Reserve, nearly 40% of small business owners face this kind of funding rejection because of credit issues.

Instead of jumping at whatever comes your way, you can set your business up to qualify for the kind of credit that actually supports your growth, even if your personal credit isn’t perfect. This is what we do at Fund&Grow. We help entrepreneurs like you access high-limit business credit cards with a 680+ personal credit score. 

Let’s discuss how in detail!

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can build business credit even if your personal credit score is low.
• Setting up your business properly (LLC, EIN, business bank account) is the first step.
• Vendor accounts and secured business credit cards help you establish credit in your business name.
• The lenders we work with require a personal credit score of at least 680, but they also look at your business setup and structure, not just your score.
• Fund&Grow helps business owners with a 680+ credit score access up to $250,000 in unsecured business credit cards with 0% interest offers and no collateral required.

Why Do You Need a Business Credit Card?

Running a business comes with its own set of expenses, like inventory, tools, marketing, travel, and unexpected costs. The right business credit card gives you room to manage these expenses without dipping into your personal funds. It also helps you build your company’s financial reputation from the ground up.

When used right, a business credit card creates a track record. On-time payments, responsible use, and low balances all contribute to your business credit profile. Over time, this makes it easier to qualify for higher limits, better rates, and credit that doesn’t depend on your personal score.

It also keeps your finances clean. Mixing personal and business expenses can lead to confusion during tax season and hurt your chances of getting approved for larger loans down the line. A dedicated card shows lenders, vendors, and credit bureaus that you take your business seriously.

Can You Really Get Business Credit With Bad Credit?

Yes, you can get business credit even if your personal credit isn’t in great shape. It just takes a different approach.

Traditional lenders often lean heavily on your personal credit score, especially when your business is new or doesn’t have a strong credit history yet. That’s where many business owners hit a wall. But not all lenders work the same way, and not all credit-building methods require perfect personal credit to get started.

What matters more is how your business is set up. Things like having a legal business structure, a business bank account, and an EIN show that your business is separate from you. That’s the first signal to lenders that they can evaluate your business on its own terms.

There are also lenders and programs that specialize in helping small business owners who’ve been overlooked by the traditional system. These options look at other factors like your revenue, how long you’ve been in business, and how you handle money now. That opens the door to business credit you can actually use without being dragged down by your personal credit score.

How to Build Business Credit With Bad Personal Credit

Business credit can be built from scratch, even if your personal credit is in rough shape. Here’s how to get started the right way.

1. Form a Legal Business Entity

Before anything else, make your business official. Registering as an LLC or corporation separates your personal identity from your business. This is what allows you to start building credit in your business’s name, not yours.

2. Get an EIN and a DUNS Number

Think of your Employer Identification Number (EIN) as a Social Security Number for your business. You’ll need it to open a bank account, apply for credit, and file taxes. Your DUNS number, issued by Dun & Bradstreet, is used by credit bureaus and vendors to track your payment history.

3. Open a Business Bank Account

Once you have an EIN, open a business checking account. This step reinforces the separation between your personal and business finances. It also shows lenders that you’re managing your business professionally.

4. Start With Vendor Accounts

Not all credit starts with a business credit card or a loan. Many vendors offer “net-30” or “net-60” payment terms, which give you time to pay for supplies after purchase. Some of these vendors report your payments to business credit bureaus. That means every on-time payment helps build your business credit profile.

5. Use a Secured Business Credit Card

If your personal credit is holding you back from getting an unsecured card, start with a secured one. These require a deposit, but they report your activity just like a regular credit card would. Over time, they can help establish your business’s creditworthiness.

6. Work With Lenders That Look Beyond Personal Credit

Some lenders and programs focus more on your business activity than your personal credit score. They’ll look at your revenue, your business setup, and how you manage cash flow. These lenders are often more flexible and a better fit for new businesses with solid plans but limited credit history.

Contact Fund&Grow to Help You Access Business Credit Cards the Right Way!

Many business owners waste time applying for credit cards or loans that were never meant for them. They get denied, or worse, approved with terms that hurt more than they help.

We do things differently at Fund&Grow.

If you have a personal credit score of 680 or higher, we can help you access up to $250,000 in unsecured business credit cards with 0% introductory rates and no collateral required. If you’re serious about growing your business and you’re tired of running into walls, we can help you move forward with funding that fits your goals. Contact us now to get started!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to get business credit with bad credit?

Yes, it is. You can build business credit even if your personal score isn’t strong. It starts with setting up your business the right way—forming an LLC, getting an EIN, opening a business bank account, and using vendor accounts or secured business credit cards that report to credit bureaus. Over time, these steps help establish your business credit independently of your personal history.

What is the easiest business loan to get with bad credit?

Loans backed by collateral, like equipment or invoice financing, are usually easier to get with bad credit. Some online lenders also offer short-term loans based on your business revenue instead of your credit score. But keep in mind that “easy” often comes with higher interest or shorter repayment terms, so it’s important to weigh the trade-offs.

What is the minimum credit score for a business loan?

There’s no single cutoff, but many traditional lenders look for a personal credit score of at least 600–650. That said, if your score is lower, you can still explore alternative lenders and credit-building programs or use business credit cards and vendor accounts to start building up your profile before applying for larger loans.

Can I get a business credit card with a 550 credit score?

You might not qualify for an unsecured business credit card, but a secured business credit card is a good place to start. These require a cash deposit, but they report to business credit bureaus just like regular cards. With consistent use and on-time payments, you can build up your business credit and qualify for better options down the line.

About the Author:

Ari Page is the Founder and CEO of Fund&Grow, helping entrepreneurs, investors, and small business owners secure up to $250,000 in 0% interest business credit cards. Since 2007, he has grown Fund&Grow into an Inc. 5000 company, securing nearly $2 billion in business credit cards for thousands of clients. With 6,000+ 4.9-star reviews and an A+ BBB rating, Fund&Grow is a trusted leader in business funding. Ari is also the author of Fund&Grow: Easy & Affordable Ways to Get Money for Your Business and a passionate advocate for mindset, success, and the Law of Attraction. He lives in Spring Hill, FL, inspiring others to grow their businesses and achieve financial freedom.