Can you apply for a business credit card when it’s just a side hustle?
How to Apply for a Business Credit Card When It's a Side Hustle
f you're trying to travel more with your family by earning points and miles, you've probably heard that applying for a business credit cards is a great way to boost those rewards. But if you’re running a side hustle — whether it’s selling things online, freelancing, or offering a service — you might be wondering, "Can I apply for a business credit card even if my business is small- like really small. Like, $100 a year small"
The answer is YES!
Here’s a breakdown of how you can fill out that application, especially if you’re just getting started with your side hustle. Let’s dive in!
1. Authorizing Officer
For this, you’ll want to select "Owner." If it’s your side hustle, you’re the one in charge. There’s no need to overthink this one!
2. Total Gross Annual Income
This refers to what you and your spouse or partner bring in as a household. So, think about your combined income from your main job(s), side hustles, and any other sources. Banks look at your total income to see if you can handle a credit line, so don’t just include what your side hustle brings in—use the household number!
3. Legal Business Structure
If you haven’t officially registered your business as an LLC or corporation, don’t worry! You’ll likely be a "Sole Proprietorship," which just means that you’re running the business as an individual.
4. Business Legal Name
Easy peasy—this is simply your own name. Since you don’t have an official company name yet, you’re running the business as you, the owner.
5. DBA (Doing Business As)
If you haven’t set up a separate name for your business, select “No.” Not all side hustles need a DBA unless you’re using a name other than your own.
6. Tax ID Type
Here, you can choose “Social Security Number (SSN).” You don’t need a special tax ID for your side hustle, especially if you haven’t set up an LLC or formal business structure.
7. Business Established
Think back to when you first sold something as part of your side hustle. It could be the first time you sold an item on an online platform, started freelancing, or accepted money for a service you provided. That’s your "Business Established" date.
8. Annual Business Revenue
This is where you estimate how much you expect your side hustle to make in a year. If you’re just starting out, don’t stress too much! Just give your best estimate based on what you think you might make in the next year. This doesn’t need to be an exact number.
9. Business Category
This depends on what your side hustle is. Here are a few examples:
If you’re selling items you no longer need on sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace, select “Retail.”
If you’re freelancing (maybe as a writer or virtual assistant), you might choose “Professional Services.”
Just pick the category that feels closest to what you do!
10. Business Type
Again, this depends on what you do. For those selling items online, you can choose "Merchandise Stores."
11. Business Sub Type
If your side hustle involves selling items (maybe things you’ve flipped or items you no longer need), you can go with "Used Merchandise Retailers." If this doesn’t quite fit, scroll through the list and pick the sub-type that best describes your business.
And that’s it! Applying for a business credit card isn’t as intimidating as it sounds, even if your business is small or just a side hustle. The rewards can make a huge difference in how you travel, allowing you to earn more points and miles with your everyday purchases.
Remember, many moms use these strategies to save on family vacations, and you can too. It’s just a matter of taking that first step and getting those points rolling in.
