Business Credit Card for a New LLC With No Credit History
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Yes, a new LLC can often get a business card, but it has no business credit history, so issuers look at something else. Many traditional cards ask the owner to sign a personal guarantee and run a personal credit check. Some newer issuers size the limit from the company's bank balance or its finances instead. Mercury's IO card page says it has no personal guarantee and no credit check at sign-up, with a limit based on balances held with Mercury. Ramp's page says no personal credit checks or personal guarantee, with a limit based on financial factors such as revenue or dollars raised. DoorRaise's suggestion: Mercury under $25,000 on deposit, Ramp at $25,000 or more.
Open an account: Mercury or Ramp. DoorRaise may earn a referral reward if you sign up through these links.
What issuers look at
| Issuer type | What it often checks | Result for a new LLC |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional bank card | Your personal credit, income, the business | Usually needs a personal guarantee; Chase's page says you, together with the business, are responsible for employee-card balances |
| Bank-linked charge card (Mercury IO) | Balances held with the bank | No credit check at sign-up per its page; low balances start on daily repayment |
| Spend platform card (Ramp) | Financial factors such as revenue or dollars raised | Per its page, no personal guarantee; subject to credit approval |
Steps for a newly formed LLC
- Form the LLC and get the EIN. See how to open a bank account for a real estate LLC.
- Open the business account and make a first deposit.
- Apply for a card that sizes the limit from the company, or from your balance.
- Use it for operating costs only and pay in full.
- After some months of history, compare traditional cards again.
Real estate warning
A card is not a way to pay a purchase deposit or to cover a shortfall in a raise. Investor money is held in escrow until the deal closes; it never goes on a card. And a personal guarantee on a card for a syndication company links your own finances to the company, so read it first.
Worked example (illustrative)
A sponsor forms Pine Lane LLC in March, opens its account with $10,000, and applies for a balance-based card with a small limit. Six months of on-time payments later the limit has grown with the balance. Numbers are hypothetical.
Related guides: Bank accounts and cards and Best credit cards for real estate.
How DoorRaise fits in
DoorRaise helps sponsors raise equity for apartment buildings; purchase funds sit in escrow at Enterprise Bank & Trust and investors send wires only. Fees: $1,500 to set up (non-refundable), then $5,000 a year from closing. See pricing.
FAQ
Can a new LLC get a business credit card?
Often yes, especially from issuers that size limits from the company's balance or finances instead of a credit history.
Do I have to sign a personal guarantee?
Many traditional cards require one. Mercury's and Ramp's pages say they do not for their cards. Read the current agreement.
Will it build business credit?
Only if the issuer reports to business credit bureaus. Check the issuer's terms.
Sources
This article is general information as of November 2026, not legal, tax or investment advice. The example is hypothetical. Card terms change. Ask your own attorney and accountant. DoorRaise is not a bank, law firm, broker-dealer, investment adviser or funding portal.