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A few years ago, I heard people talking about EINs and immediately assumed it was “real business owner” territory… you know, lawyers, paperwork, fees, the whole deal.
But then someone casually mentioned, “Oh, I just got mine online in five minutes.”
And I was like.
Wait… what?
That fancy acronym that sounds intimidating? It turns out it’s one of the easiest things you’ll ever do for your business, and it’s totally free.
Lately, with people buzzing about EINs being helpful (and sometimes required) when it comes to business credit cards, I wanted to walk you through exactly what it is, and how to get one the easiest way possible. Then you won’t have to overthink it like I did.
And if you’re brand new to travel rewards in general, my free Beginner’s Guide is the perfect place to start.
What is an EIN?
An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is basically a Social Security number for your business. It’s issued by the IRS and is used to identify your business for things like taxes, banking, and even business credit cards.
Even if you’re a one-person business or side hustle, an EIN helps separate your personal finances from your business activity. You don’t need employees, a storefront, or an LLC to have one. Many freelancers, resellers, and small side hustles qualify.
Banks often use it when you apply for business credit cards or open business bank accounts, especially if you want to keep your business separate from your personal finances.
Think of it as a simple administrative tool that makes everything cleaner, more organized, and easier as your business grows.
Who Should Get One (Even If You’re “Just” Starting)
Let’s make this simple: If you are building something that will make money, then you’re qualified.
An EIN Makes Sense If…
- Income is earned outside of a traditional W-2 job
- Products or services are sold online or in person
- Freelance, consulting, or contract work is involved
- Content creation brings in (or will bring in) money
- Items are flipped or resold for profit
- A blog, shop, or small business is being built
- Future plans include making money — even if it hasn’t happened yet
An EIN Is Not Required If…
- An LLC has not been formed yet
- No employees are on payroll
- Revenue hasn’t started coming in
- Everything still feels “small” or unofficial
- Experience is limited or brand new
- Permission hasn’t been given by anyone else
An EIN is about intention — not size, structure, or income level.
A business credit card is not as hard to get as you think, even if you have what you consider a “side hustle.” This article is for you.
The Only Website You Should Use (And Why It Matters)
There is only one correct place to get an EIN:
The IRS website.
Not Google ads or some kind of “registration services.” And certainly not websites charging $49–$99 to “file it for you.”
Those are middlemen charging you for something you can do yourself in minutes.
How the Application Works
When you click “Apply Online,” the process feels surprisingly short.
You’ll choose:
Business Type
Select Sole Proprietor, meaning one person owns and runs the business.
Personal Info
Name, address, and Social Security number (this is only to confirm you’re real).
Business name
This can be your name, your blog name, or your store name. Basically whatever fits how you plan to operate.
Your activity
Pick the category that’s closest: online sales, services, consulting, media, etc.
Then you submit, and your EIN will appear instantly on your screen.
Download your confirmation letter, and you’re done! No waiting period!
Common Worries I Had (And What’s Actually True)
The Part Everyone Worries About
“Am I registering a company I can’t undo?”
“What if I mess this up?”
“Will this create some obligation I don’t understand yet?”
Here’s the truth:
- An EIN does not create an LLC or corporation.
- There are no fees to apply.
- It does not automatically change how taxes are filed.
- Nothing is locked in or permanent.
- Your personal credit is not affected.
An EIN simply gives your business an identification number. That’s it.
If things grow later, or if the business changes, that number can move with you.
Why an EIN Helps When Using Points for Travel
If your long-term goal is using business cards to earn points and miles faster for family travel, then an EIN is one small but powerful step.
It keeps:
- business activity separate
- applications cleaner
- approvals simpler
And if you love learning how to turn points into actual trips (not just balances on a screen), don’t miss How to Start Using Points and Miles for Travel.
But if you just aren’t sure how to do it, you could read How to Choose the Best Credit Care for Your Travel Goals.
If you’d like to see the type of business cards I recommend for everyday owners, not corporations, here’s a curated list.
Let’s Stay Connected
If you’re building something small now that you hope becomes big later, you’re my people.
Come hang out with me:
Email newsletter
Instagram
Facebook group
The Bottom Line
If you’ve been procrastinating getting an EIN because it “felt complicated,” it really isn’t!
Five minutes.
Free.
Official.
Done.
Future you will be glad you got it out of the way.
And when you’re ready to turn your everyday life into free family travel, start with my Beginner’s Guide.
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