Business Credit Cards With No Credit Check

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 the repayments as part of responsible lending practice. Therefore, some form of check is required although your entire business credit profile may not be processed.

However, there are many options available to a business that has a bad credit score or an unproven credit history.

In this article, we will explore the available options and provide you with the best business credit cards for your circumstances.

What Is a Business Credit Card?

A business credit card is a financial product that allows your business to pay for purchases such as business expenses in advance. Just like personal credit cards, you will be charged interest for the purchases made, 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?

Not every credit card provider will conduct a full credit check, also known as a hard check. This type of credit check leaves a trail on your credit history, even if your application is unsuccessful. This may cause your credit rating to decline further, although temporarily.

Some credit card companies may complete a soft check instead, which does not leave a trail on your credit rating. A soft check informs you of your potential success when applying for a business credit card, so only successful soft checks are then moved to a hard check.

However, if you have a business bank account with a provider, you could be able to gain a business credit card through your account without a traditional credit check.

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 yet 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 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 then your business will be invoiced for the purchase at a later date, typically one week later.

4. Secured Credit Cards

A secured credit card is a good choice for businesses with a poor credit rating or no credit rating at all when they are a new, start-up business.

You will pay a deposit for the secured credit card which typically mirrors the credit limit provided. You can then use your credit card as normal, although you will not receive the deposit until you have closed the account or you have been upgraded to an unsecured credit card.

5. Charge Cards

Charge cards are used to pay for expenses in advance, however you must pay your balance in full every month.

At a Glance, Pros and Cons

Do you need a clear overview of the pros and cons of using credit cards in your business?

Look no further than this section:

Pros

✔️ Advanced purchases — You can pay for business expenses in advance and pay at a later date.

✔️ Credit scoring — As long as you are responsible with your credit card and make all necessary repayments, you can improve your credit score over time.

✔️ Low interest — Many providers may offer low interest rates or interest-free periods, reducing the amount of your repayments.

✔️ Managed cash flow — You may need to boost your cash flow whilst waiting for payments with credit cards offering a financial lifeline to your business.

Cons

❌️ Low credit score — A low credit score can limit your available options.

❌️ Upfront collateral — Some providers may require collateral, such as a cash deposit, before approving your application.

❌️ High fees — You may be charged high fees for missing a repayment from some providers.

❌️ High interest rates — You might need to pay high interest rates, particularly if you have a poor credit score.

Best Business Credit Cards With No Credit Check Alternatives — Reviews

What are the best alternatives to a business credit card with no credit check?

Take a look at our expert reviews:

1. Metro Bank Business Credit Card — Best for Low Interest Rates

Metro Bank Business Credit Card

Credit Limit

Minimum £500

Representative % APR (variable)

14.9% APR

• Free transactions in Europe.
• Interest-free period up to 56 days on purchases (when you pay your balance in full and on time).
• No annual fee.

Check my eligibility See more details

Representative Example – If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 14.9% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 14.9% 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 of Europe.
• 14.9% APR representative (variable).
• 56 days interest-free on purchases.
• 1% cashback on some purchases.

Eligibility:

• A business current account is required to apply.

The Metro Bank business credit card offers a soft credit check application, provided you already have a business current account with the provider.

You will pay zero annual fees for your business credit card and you will enjoy low interest rates of 14.9% APR representative (variable).

When making a card purchase or a cash withdrawal in Europe, you will be charged no transaction fees at all. You will also receive 56 days interest-free on purchases, helping you save even more of your hard-earned cash. Some purchases will also result in 1% cashback, straight back into your account.

When making a card purchase or a cash withdrawal outside of Europe, you will be charged a transaction fee of 2.99% of the purchase value. An additional fee of £1.50 is also applicable to cash withdrawals outside of Europe.

2. Capital on Tap Business Credit Card — Best for Instant Approval

Capital on Tap Business Credit Card

Credit Limit

Up to £250,000

Representative % APR (variable)

35.15% APR

• Up to 42 days interest-free.
• Uncapped 1% cashback with no annual fee.
• Unlimited free company cards.

Check my eligibility See more details

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).
• 42 days interest-free on purchases.
• 1% cashback on some purchases.
• Upgrade to Business Rewards.

Eligibility:

• Business turnover is at least £2,000 per month.
• No CCJs in 12 months.

Capital One Tap business credit card is a superb business credit card if you are looking for instant approval in no more than 2 minutes.

There is no annual fee to pay and you could secure a credit limit of up to £250,000. Rates as low as 15.5% APR (variable) is attainable with this business credit card, and you can enjoy 42 days interest-free on your purchases.

The Capital On Tap business credit card comes complete with the Free Rewards scheme, earning you 1% on cash back 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.

To be eligible for this business credit card, your business turnover must reach at least £2,000 each month and you must have zero CCJs across the past 12 months.

3. NatWest Business Plus Credit Card — Best for International Purchases

NatWest Business Plus Credit Card

Credit Limit

Minimum £500

Representative % APR (variable)

29% APR

• £70 annual fee.
• Up to 56 days interest-free credit period on purchases if you pay your balance in full.
• Cashback on everything you buy.

Check my eligibility See more details

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).
• 56 days interest-free on purchases.
• Generous cashback scheme.

Eligibility:

• Have a NatWest business bank account.
• 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.

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 and your own specific details.

The interest payable for this credit card is 29% APR representative (variable), although you can enjoy 56 days interest-free on purchases.

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 gaining 2% cashback on some trade suppliers.

A further 1% cashback credit card amount is attainable on some travel purchases as well as hotel accommodation bookings, whilst 0.5% cashback is enjoyed on almost every other type of purchase.

4. Soldo Prepaid Company Card — Best for Employee Cards

Soldo Prepaid Company Card

Credit Limit

None

Representative % APR (variable)

None

• Apply in minutes and get going in as little as one working day.
• Change or cancel your plan at any time.
• 30-day free trial.

Check my eligibility See more details

Get started with effortless expenses. Join 30,000+ businesses who’ve already made the switch.

Features:

• Mastercards and virtual cards provided.
• Integrate with accounting software.
• Zero fees for domestic transactions.
• 1% foreign exchange rate fee.

Eligibility:

• Identity documents required.

The Soldo company credit card is a good method to use when your employees need to pay for expenses. Perhaps your employees need to pay for accommodation or other travel expenses? Whilst a fuel card will help your employees pay for fuel, a company credit card will allow all expenses to be paid in one place.

You can then pay the balance before the required date whilst tracking and monitoring the expenses in your business.

Users of the Soldo company credit 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 typically 1%.

A substantial benefit of the Soldo company card is that you can integrate accounting software into your account.

For example, Xero’s web-based accounting software can be integrated so that all transactions are automatically uploaded to your accounting software. This saves you time and money when completing admin tasks, as well as increasing accuracy.

5. Barclaycard Select Business Charge Card — Best for Paying Expenses

Barclaycard Select Business Charge Card

Credit Limit

Minimum £1,000

Representative % APR (variable)

3.6% APR

• Up to 38 days interest free on purchases.
• Total annual fee £42 per account with no additional cardholder fees.
• Purchase protection and cardholder misuse insurance.

Check my eligibility See more details

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 total annual fee.
• Pay your balance in full each month.
• 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.

Your total annual fee is £42 with this card, regardless of how many cards are issued. You will receive 38 days interest-free on your purchases, by which time your balance must be paid in full.

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 be able to show an annual turnover of at least £10,000 as well as evidence of 12 months of good financial management.

Leading Business Credit Cards With No Credit Check: The Verdict

Our favourite business credit card with no credit check is the Metro Bank business credit card, offering low interest rates as well as no annual fees. You will pay no fees on European purchases and cash withdrawals, whilst a low fee of 2.99% is applicable for purchases outside of Europe.

An interest rate of 14.9% APR representative (variable) is applicable, although you will receive 56 days interest-free on purchases. So, if you pay your balance within the 56 day period, you will pay no interest at all.

You can also enjoy 1% cashback on many purchases, whilst a business current account with Metro Bank is the only prerequisite for eligibility.

Related Guides:

• Understanding the Different Types of Credit Cards
• How Do Credit Cards Work?
• What Credit Cards are the Easiest to Get