When applying for business credit do they check personal credit?
Emma Miller
Updated on February 06, 2026
1. A credit inquiry when you apply. When you apply for a business credit card, the card issuer may consider both your business’s track record and your personal credit. This could include running a hard credit check on your personal credit, which could drop your credit scores by a few points.
How do I get credit for my LLC?
Eight steps to establishing your business credit
- Incorporate your business.
- Obtain an EIN.
- Open a business bank account.
- Establish a business phone number.
- Open a business credit file.
- Obtain business credit card(s)
- Establish a line of credit with vendors or suppliers.
- Pay your bills on time.
How long does it take to get a business line of credit?
How long does it take to get approved for a line of credit? It can take anywhere from a day or two to several months to be approved for a line of credit. As a general rule, online lenders are faster than banks, and banks are faster than the SBA. For credit cards, you’re looking at seven to 10 days in most cases.
Can a business credit card appear on my personal credit?
Whether or not information related to a business credit card account shows up on your personal credit report depends on how the account is set up. If you are an employee of a corporation and the company provides you with a business credit card to cover work expenses, it’s unlikely this card will be listed on your personal report.
Do you need personal credit to get a business loan?
Even if you’re applying for an actual business loan, you may need to rely on your personal credit history if your company is new and doesn’t have its own history or successful revenue to trade on. If you’re ready to start or grow your business, check out your loan options.
Why is your business should have its own credit?
Credit is your ability to borrow money (or get something now and pay later). You may be familiar with the concept when it comes to your personal credit scores. Most business owners would probably prefer to keep their personal and business credit separate.
Do you need a personal guarantee for a business credit card?
Nearly all business credit cards require a personal guarantee, and some will even report your account activity on your personal credit report. Before you apply for a small business credit card, it’s important to know how it can affect your personal credit and what you can do to make the most of the opportunity.
