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The best business credit cards for bad credit
We all know unexpected expenses can pop up and throw your finances into a tailspin, but the extra demands of being a business owner can easily threaten even the highest credit score. Credit card companies understand the responsibilities that come with owning a business. However, there are still several credit solutions available when you have bad credit. From cash back to special rewards on everyday purchases, you can score big with our picks for the best business credit cards for bad credit.
Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card
Best business rewards
The Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card is designed to make purchases for everyday business expenses, like office supplies and online payments. You get up to 10 employee cards, automatic account alerts, and spending reports are made available online. Plus, your purchases are secured with Wells Fargo's Zero Liability protection, fraud monitoring, and chip technology.
The Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card gives you the option of either cash back or rewards points, with the structure varying for both. When you redeem your points online, you can receive an additional 10% points credit with extra bonus points. Regardless of which structure you choose, there are no annual fees, spending caps, or required spending categories.
There is an available credit line of $500 to $2,500, depending on how much you want to put down at account opening. Cardholders will need an open Wells Fargo business savings or checking account before applying. You cannot apply for a new Business Secured Credit Card at Wells Fargo branches and instead must apply online.
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First National Bank of Omaha Business Edition® Secured® Visa Card
Best for a high credit limit
The First National Bank of Omaha Business Edition Secured Visa Card does not offer cash back rewards, but you do receive automatic discounts on qualifying purchases with Visa SavingsEdge. Your credit will ultimately determine how much of a credit limit you receive, but cards are available with limits from $2,000 to $100,000 in multiples of $50.
You simply request the credit limit you want at application and wait to see what approval you receive. You will be required to make a security deposit that is 110% of the credit limit amount that you receive, but you receive interest on this amount. There is a $39 annual fee but no monthly fees.
With your FNBO Business Edition Secured Visa Card, there is added security, including Visa® Zero Liability's 24/7 guarantee. Business owners also appreciate free management reports with easy cash flow management. To get started, you can pre-qualify online without impacting your credit.
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- Earn 1% cash back rewards on eligible gas, grocery purchases and mobile phone, internet, cable and satellite TV services. Terms apply.
- Earn 1% cash back rewards on eligible gas, grocery purchases and mobile phone, internet, cable and satellite TV services. Terms apply.
With the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit, cardholders earn 1% cashback for everyday purchases like gas and groceries, as well as your monthly mobile phone, internet, cable, and satellite TV services.
There are also added security perks to protect your finances and keep your business safe. With your account, you get Zero Fraud Liability, automatic notifications, and free online access to Experian so you can monitor your credit score.
There is a potentially expensive annual fee. It can be discounted to between $0 and $99 for the first year and then $99 annually thereafter. There is an option to pay your annual fee in monthly installments if you qualify. A nice perk is that Credit One will regularly reward your account use with credit line increases when you meet the necessary requirements.
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Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically.
- Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically.
- Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
With Discover, there is a straightforward rewards structure. You receive 2% cash back on gas and dining, up to $1,000 quarterly, with unlimited 1% cash back on all of your other purchases. Discover also offers a special introductory rewards rate that gives cardholders automatic 2x Cashback Match for the first year of having the card. You can redeem for cash at any time or use your rewards directly at Amazon.com or PayPal. Either way, your cash back never expires. Plus, there is no annual fee.
The Discover it Secured card comes with extra protection, including Discover's zero fraud liability guarantee, free Social Security number alerts, and a free annual FICO credit score.
Your credit line matches the amount of cash you put down, with your refundable security deposit starting at $200. Cardholders can get their deposit back after upgrading to an unsecured card after 6 consecutive on-time payments and 6 months of good status.
There is an easy online pre-approval process that has no impact on your credit. You can also apply online. If approved, Discover will regularly review your account after eight months to identify areas for growth.
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Discover it® Secured Credit Card
What is a business credit card?
A business credit card is similar to a personal credit card, but it has special features to meet the unique needs of a business owner. It is designed to accommodate a higher threshold of purchases with additional options like special rewards, higher spending thresholds, and extra users.
What is the difference between a secured card and an unsecured card?
A secured credit card is different from an unsecured card because it requires you to put down an upfront cash deposit. That money is then used to fund your credit card.
An unsecured card requires no deposit upfront.
What is a line of credit?
When you receive a new business credit card, it comes with a specific line of credit that tells you how much you can spend. The line of credit can vary from card to card, with some issuers limiting spending to $500, while others allow up to $100,000 or more.
What is a bad credit score for a business credit card?
The FICO model is one of the most popular ways to determine a person's credit score. A bad credit score is considered the worst type of credit score with scores ranging from 300 to 579. The next level is a fair credit score, which ranges from 580 to 669. Although you receive the best rates with a high credit score, it is possible to get a new business credit card with bad credit.
Are there alternative cards worth considering?
Whether you prefer a secured or an unsecured credit card, there are other options available for your consideration:
- Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card
- BBVA Compass Business Secured Visa Credit Card
- Brex Card
- Capital One Spark Miles for Business
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
- Ink Business Cash Credit Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
- OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
- Suncrest Bank Business Card