Business Credit Cards With No Personal Guarantee: Your Complete Guide
Personal guarantees are the hidden trap of business credit cards. When you sign a personal guarantee, you're agreeing that if your business can't pay, creditors can come after your personal assets—your home, savings, vehicles, even retirement accounts.
The good news? You can get business credit cards without personal guarantees. This guide explains which cards offer this protection, what you need to qualify, and how to build toward no-PG credit options.
What Is a Personal Guarantee on a Business Credit Card?
A personal guarantee is a legal agreement that makes you personally responsible for your business's debts. Even though the credit card is in your business's name, if your business can't pay the balance, the card issuer can pursue you personally.
With a personal guarantee, creditors can:
- Sue you in personal capacity
- Place liens on your home and property
- Garnish your wages
- Seize personal bank accounts and investments
- Damage your personal credit score
- Pursue you even after bankruptcy
Which Business Credit Cards Have No Personal Guarantee?
Several modern corporate cards evaluate your business's creditworthiness without requiring personal liability. Here's a comparison of the top options:
| Card | Min. Bank Balance | Annual Fee | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brex | $50,000+ | $0 | VC-backed startups | 10-20x higher limits |
| Ramp | $75,000+ | $0 | Growing businesses | Spend management tools |
| BILL Divvy | $20,000+ | $0 | Small businesses | Lower requirements |
| Stripe Corporate | Stripe users | $0 | E-commerce | 1.5% cash back |
| Mercury | $50,000+ | $0 | Startups | Banking integration |
What Do You Need to Qualify for No-PG Credit Cards?
No-PG cards evaluate your business, not you personally. Here's what they typically look for:
1. Strong Bank Balance
Most no-PG cards require $20,000-$75,000+ in your business bank account. This shows you have cash reserves to cover purchases. Your credit limit is often calculated as a percentage of your balance.
2. Established Business Credit
A PAYDEX score of 80+ with Dun & Bradstreet significantly improves your chances. Business credit history shows you're responsible with credit under your EIN.
3. Consistent Revenue
Lenders want to see steady business income. While some cards focus on bank balance (good for startups), others evaluate your monthly revenue patterns.
4. Time in Business
Some no-PG options work for new businesses with funding, but most prefer 1-2+ years of operating history. Longer history means lower risk.
5. Proper Business Structure
LLCs and Corporations qualify more easily than sole proprietorships. Formal incorporation shows you're running a serious business.
How to Build Toward No-PG Business Credit Cards
If you don't qualify for no-PG cards yet, here's the path to get there:
Phase 1: Foundation (Weeks 1-4)
- Ensure you have an EIN and DUNS number
- Open a dedicated business bank account
- Start building cash reserves
- Open 5-8 Net 30 vendor accounts (Uline, Grainger, Quill)
Phase 2: Build Credit History (Months 2-6)
- Pay all vendor accounts early or on time
- Build your PAYDEX score above 80
- Add store credit cards (may require PG initially)
- Continue building bank balance
Phase 3: Upgrade to No-PG (Months 6-12)
- Apply for BILL Divvy (lowest requirements)
- If VC-funded, apply for Brex
- Once approved, transition spending to no-PG cards
- Close or downgrade PG cards over time
Need help with this process? Organic Business Credit guides you through the exact sequence of vendors and credit products to build toward no-PG funding. Our $397 program includes the complete roadmap.
Should You Always Choose No-PG Cards?
Yes, whenever possible. Even if you have excellent personal credit and could easily qualify for traditional business cards, no-PG options offer significant advantages:
- Asset protection – Your personal assets stay protected regardless of business outcomes
- Higher limits – No-PG cards often offer 10-20x higher limits based on your bank balance
- Better expense tools – Modern no-PG cards include spending controls, receipt management, and accounting integrations
- Personal credit preservation – No impact on your personal credit utilization or score
- Clean separation – Maintains the legal separation between you and your business
Frequently Asked Questions About No-PG Business Credit Cards
Can I get a business credit card without a personal guarantee?
Yes. Cards like Brex, Ramp, BILL Divvy, and Stripe Corporate Card offer no-personal-guarantee options. They evaluate your business's bank balance, revenue, and cash flow instead of requiring personal liability.
What are the requirements for no-PG business credit cards?
Requirements vary by issuer but typically include: established business credit history, strong bank balance ($20K-$50K+), consistent revenue, and 1-2+ years in operation. Some cards focus on VC-backed startups or high-revenue businesses.
What happens if I default on a card with a personal guarantee?
With a personal guarantee, the card issuer can pursue your personal assets including your home, savings, vehicles, and retirement accounts. They can also garnish wages and damage your personal credit score.
How do I build toward no-PG credit cards?
Start with Net 30 vendor accounts that report to business credit bureaus, build your PAYDEX score above 80, maintain consistent business revenue, and keep a healthy bank balance. After 6-12 months of strong business credit, you'll qualify for more no-PG options.
Do no-PG cards report to business credit bureaus?
Yes, most corporate cards without personal guarantees report to business credit bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet and Experian Business. This helps you build business credit history without affecting your personal credit.
What credit limit can I expect without a personal guarantee?
No-PG card limits are based on your business metrics. Cards like Brex offer limits 10-20x higher than traditional cards based on your bank balance. Limits typically range from $10,000 to $500,000+ depending on your business size.
Are there any fees for no-PG business credit cards?
Most modern no-PG cards like Brex, Ramp, and BILL Divvy have no annual fees. They make money from interchange fees when you use the card, so they're free for cardholders who pay their balance.
Can a startup get a business credit card without personal guarantee?
Yes, if you have adequate funding. Cards like Brex specifically target startups, especially those with VC funding. They look at your bank balance rather than time in business. Having $50K+ in the bank often qualifies you.
What is the difference between limited and unlimited personal guarantees?
An unlimited personal guarantee makes you liable for the full balance plus fees and interest with no cap. A limited guarantee caps your liability at a specific amount. No guarantee means zero personal liability.
Should I use no-PG cards even if I qualify for traditional business cards?
Yes. No-PG cards protect your personal assets regardless of your credit score. They also typically offer better expense management tools, higher limits, and don't affect your personal credit utilization.
Ready to Get Business Credit Without Personal Guarantees?
Our proven system helps you build the business credit profile needed to qualify for no-PG credit cards and funding.
30-day money-back guarantee | Programs from $49/month