Can you really secure a business credit card in the UK with no credit check whatsoever? Unfortunately, the answer is no.
All business credit card providers have a duty to check that you can afford your monthly repayments to ensure they lend responsibly. Therefore, some form of credit check will be carried out before you can get a business credit card.
However, there are options available to businesses that have a bad credit score or have yet to establish a credit history.
In this article, I'll explore the available options and provide you with the best business credit cards with no credit checks.
Card Name | Score | Details |
---|---|---|
1. Capital on Tap Business Credit Card | ★★★★★ | Click Here |
2. Metro Bank Business Credit Card | ★★★★★ | Click Here |
3. NatWest Business Plus Credit Card | ★★★★★ | Click Here |
4. Soldo Prepaid Company Card | ★★★★★ | Click Here |
5. Barclaycard Select Business Charge Card | ★★★★★ | Click Here |
Can I Get a Business Credit Card With Bad Credit?
You could still be successful in applying for a business credit card with bad credit.
Here are the options that could be available to you:
1. Personal Credit Card
If you cannot secure a business credit card, but your personal credit score is good, you could successfully apply for a personal credit card.
However, check that the provider allows both personal and business expenses to be paid for using the credit card, as well as other limitations and restrictions.
2. Prepaid Cards
If you need to provide employees with expenses, prepaid business expense cards could be the alternative for you.
Load a sum of money onto the prepaid card and distribute the card to an employee. They can then use the card like a credit card, except you have paid for those expenses in advance.
3. Fuel Cards
If you need to provide fuel expenses to employees, a fuel card is the perfect choice. Employees can use a fuel card to pay for fuel at a fuel station and your business will be invoiced for the purchase at a later date, typically one week later.
Read More: How To Get a Business Fuel Card Without a Credit Check
4. Charge Cards
These allow you to make purchases and pay for them later, but unlike credit cards, you must pay off the balance in full every month. You'll still need to pass a credit check to qualify though.
5. Business Credit Cards with a Personal Guarantee
Some card providers might ask you to sign a personal guarantee that says you will step in and make the repayments if your business can't. This reduces the risk for the lender so it may be easier to get accepted for this type of credit card.
Best Business Credit Cards With No Credit Check in the UK
If you're looking for an alternative to a business credit card with no credit check, take a look at the below.
1. Capital on Tap Business Credit Card — Best for Instant Approval
Capital on Tap Business Credit Card
35.15% APR
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Up to 42 days interest-free.
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Uncapped 1% cashback with no annual fee.
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Unlimited free company cards.
Representative Example – If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 35.15% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 35.15% APR (variable). Your APR and credit limit may vary depending on your circumstances.
Features:
- Zero annual fee.
- Receive your approval in 2 minutes.
- Up to £250,000 credit limit.
- Rates as low as 15.5% APR (variable).
- Up to 42 days interest-free on purchases.
- 1% cashback on purchases.
- Upgrade to Business Rewards.
Eligibility:
- Business turnover must be at least £2,000 per month.
- No CCJs in 12 months.
- Your business must be listed on Companies House.
The Capital On Tap business credit card is a superb business credit card if you are looking for instant approval in less than 2 minutes.
There is no annual fee to pay and you could secure a credit limit of up to £250,000. You can enjoy up to 42 days' interest-free on your purchases.
The Capital On Tap business credit card comes complete with the Free Rewards scheme, earning you 1% cashback on purchases, including when you pay your bills. Points are redeemable against the account balance or for gift cards.
You can upgrade your Free Rewards plan to the Business Rewards plan at a cost of £99 per year. For this fee, you can redeem points for Avios and enjoy 10,000 bonus points if you spend £5,000 on your Capital On Tap card during your first three months as a customer.
Read More: Best Avios Business Credit Cards
This card is for limited companies or limited liability partnerships only.
2. Metro Bank Business Credit Card — Best for Low Interest Rates
Metro Bank Business Credit Card
Minimum £500
18.9% APR
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Free transactions in Europe.
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Interest-free period up to 56 days on purchases (when you pay your balance in full and on time).
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No annual fee.
Representative Example – If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 17.44% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 18.9% APR (variable). Your APR and credit limit may vary depending on your circumstances.
Features:
- Zero annual fees.
- Zero fees for European card purchases and withdrawals.
- 2.99% fee on purchases outside Europe.
- Up to 56 days interest-free on purchases.
- Link up to nine nominated cardholders to account.
Eligibility:
- A Metro business current account is required to apply.
The Metro Bank business credit card has no annual fees and you can also benefit from fee-free transactions in Europe, making it ideal if you travel overseas for business.
When making a card purchase or a cash withdrawal outside Europe, you will be charged a transaction fee of 2.99% of the purchase value. An additional fee of £1.50 is applicable to cash withdrawals.
You will also receive up to 56 days' interest-free on purchases, helping you save even more of your hard-earned cash. You can add up to nine cardholders on the account.
3. NatWest Business Plus Credit Card — Best for International Purchases
NatWest Business Plus Credit Card
Minimum £500
29% APR
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£70 annual fee.
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Up to 56 days interest-free credit period on purchases if you pay your balance in full.
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Cashback on everything you buy.
Representative Example – If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 13.9% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 29% APR (variable). Your APR and credit limit may vary depending on your circumstances.
Features:
- £70 annual fee for each cardholder.
- Zero fees for international purchases.
- Minimum credit limit of £500.
- 29% APR representative (variable).
- Up to 56 days interest-free on purchases.
- Generous cashback scheme.
Eligibility:
- Have a NatWest business bank account.
- Annual turnover up to £2 million.
The NatWest Business Plus credit card is a good choice for businesses that deal with numerous international transactions. Many business credit cards will charge you a transaction fee and sometimes a flat fee for making international purchases. However, this business credit card will charge you no fees whatsoever.
However, there is an annual fee of £70 for every cardholder on the account and the minimum credit limit is £500. The maximum credit limit you can obtain will depend on your business circumstances.
A significant benefit of the NatWest Business Plus credit card is the generous cashback scheme provided. You will receive 3% cashback at some fuel stations when purchasing fuel or charging an electric vehicle, as well as 2% cashback on eligible trade/business supplies.
A further 1% cashback can be earned on some travel purchases as well as hotel accommodation bookings, whilst 0.5% cashback can be earned on almost every other type of purchase.
4. Soldo Prepaid Company Card — Best for Employee Cards
Soldo Prepaid Company Card
None
None
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Apply in minutes and get going in as little as one working day.
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Change or cancel your plan at any time.
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30-day free trial.
Get started with effortless expenses. Join 30,000+ businesses who’ve already made the switch.
Features:
- Prepaid card.
- Mastercards and virtual cards are provided.
- Integrate with accounting software.
- Zero fees for domestic transactions.
- 1% foreign exchange rate fee.
- Monthly fee.
Eligibility:
- Identity documents required.
The Soldo company prepaid card is a good option when your employees need to pay for expenses. Perhaps your employees need to pay for accommodation or other travel expenses? You can preload the card with funds and your employees can spend what they need. You can keep track of what is spent where.
Users of the Soldo company card will receive a plastic Mastercard as well as a virtual card for their digital wallet. There are zero fees to pay for domestic transactions, whilst the foreign exchange rate is 1%.
A substantial benefit of the Soldo company card is that you can integrate accounting software into your account.
For example, Xero or QuickBooks web-based accounting software can be integrated so that all transactions are automatically uploaded to them. This saves you time and money when completing admin tasks, as well as increasing accuracy.
However, there is a monthly fee to pay which depends on the plan you choose. The Standard plan is £21 a month, the Plus plan £33 a month and the Enterprise plan has custom pricing.
5. Barclaycard Select Business Charge Card — Best for Paying Expenses
Barclaycard Select Business Charge Card
Minimum £1,000
3.6% APR
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Up to 38 days interest free on purchases.
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Total annual fee £42 per account with no additional cardholder fees.
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Purchase protection and cardholder misuse insurance.
The approval of your application depends on your financial circumstances and borrowing history, so do the terms you may be offered. The interest rates may differ from those shown.
Features:
- £42 annual fee.
- Must pay your balance in full each month.
- Up to 38 days interest-free on purchases.
- Make contactless payments with Apple Pay.
Eligibility:
- Annual turnover required: £10,000.
- Evidence 12 months of good financial management.
The Barclaycard Business charge card is a good alternative for businesses that possess an unpredictable cash flow and need to pay for expenses upfront. However, as this is a charge card, not a credit card, you must repay your balance in full every single month.
The card has an annual fee of £42, regardless of how many cards are issued. You will receive up to 38 days' interest-free on your purchases, by which time your balance must be paid in full.
It's also possible to incorporate Apple Pay into your account so you can use your Barclaycard Business charge card with your digital wallet.
To be eligible for this card, you must have an annual turnover of at least £10,000 and your existing financial commitments must not be overdue. You must be a business owner or director.
What Is a Business Credit Card?
A business credit card works in the same way as a personal credit card, but is designed to help cover the cost of business expenses. Just like personal credit cards, you will be charged interest on your balance, unless you have secured an interest-free option.
However, whereas a personal credit card can be used for any purchase, a business credit card should only be used for business purchases, separating personal and business finances.
Will a Lender Conduct a Business Credit Card Credit Check?
Yes, all lenders will need to carry out a credit check when you apply for a business credit card. Some companies might offer an eligibility checker which only carries out a soft credit check and doesn't leave a mark on your credit report. This lets you see how likely you are to be accepted for a particular credit card.
However, if you are approved, you will then need to make your application in full and the card provider will conduct a full credit check, also known as a hard check. This type of credit check leaves a mark on your credit file, even if your application is unsuccessful. This may cause your credit rating to decline further, although this is usually temporary.
In very rare cases, you might find a provider that only carries out a soft credit check. But this is more likely if you already have a business bank account with the provider as they can assess your business' financial situation more easily.
At a Glance, Pros and Cons
Take a look at the pros and cons of using a business credit card.
Pros
✔️ Streamline expense tracking — A business credit card can help you better manage your employees' expenses and reduce admin.
✔️ Build your business credit score — As long as you are responsible with your credit card and make all the necessary repayments, you can improve your credit score over time.
✔️ Rewards – Some business credit cards offer reward points that can be used for travel or exchanged for vouchers.
✔️ Managed cash flow — You may need to boost your cash flow whilst waiting for payments and a credit card can help with this.
Cons
❌️ Lack of Section 75 protection — Unlike personal credit cards, business credit cards don't offer purchase protection under Section 75.
❌️ Could damage credit score — If you don't repay your balance on time each month, you risk hurting your credit score.
❌️ High fees — Some business credit cards have high annual fees.
❌️ High interest rates — You might need to pay high interest rates, particularly if you have a poor credit score.
Leading Business Credit Cards With No Credit Check: The Verdict
Business credit cards with no credit check don't exist. But there are plenty of steps you can take to improve your business credit score and increase your chances of acceptance, or you could explore alternatives such as prepaid cards or a personal credit card.