If you want to take your travel rewards game to the next level, you need business credit cards. These are the secret weapon behind every successful points and miles strategy — and yes, even your small side hustle can qualify.

Read on to learn why business cards are so valuable, what counts as a business, and exactly how to fill out your first application with confidence.

Why You Want Business Credit Cards

Business credit cards aren’t just for entrepreneurs with employees or LLCs — they’re one of the smartest tools for earning more rewards and keeping your personal credit strong.

Here’s why:

1. They Help You Stay Under 5/24

If you’re familiar with Chase’s 5/24 rule (you can’t be approved for most Chase cards if you’ve opened 5+ personal cards in the past 24 months), here’s the good news — most business cards don’t count toward that limit.

That means you can keep earning big welcome bonuses without slowing down your points strategy.

2. More Welcome Bonuses = More Free Travel

Each business card is another opportunity for a large sign-up bonus. These bonuses often equal tens of thousands of points, which can cover flights, hotel stays, or even an entire family vacation.

3. Bonus Categories You’ll Actually Use

Many business cards earn extra points on internet, phone, shipping, and advertising — categories that often get overlooked on personal cards.

4. No Impact on Personal Credit Utilization

Business cards don’t usually report to your personal credit unless you default, which means they won’t affect your credit utilization ratio — one of the biggest factors in your credit score.

5. Built-In Purchase Protections

Business cards often come with extended warranties and purchase protection on electronics and business expenses — even if you use them for household items.

6. Many Have $0 Annual Fee Options

You don’t have to pay an annual fee to start earning big. Some of the best beginner business cards come with no annual fee and valuable bonus categories.

What Qualifies as a Business?

You might be surprised how easy it is to qualify. If you earn (or plan to earn) income outside your regular job, you’re likely eligible.

You can apply as a sole proprietor, which simply means you’re running a small business under your own name — no LLC required.

Examples of side hustles that qualify:

• Photography or videography
• Tutoring or teaching
• Babysitting or childcare
• Fitness or dance instruction
• Selling items on Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, or eBay
• Coaching or consulting
• Lawn mowing or snow removal
• Selling beauty or wellness products

Even a few hundred dollars a year counts as business income.

How to Fill Out a Business Credit Card Application

Applying for your first business card can feel intimidating, but it’s actually simple once you know what to expect.

These steps are based on my personal experience (I’m not a financial advisor, just a fellow traveler who’s done this many times!).

Personal Information Section

This part is just like a regular credit card application.

Address and Contact Info: Use your home address and phone number unless you have a separate business location.

Total Annual Income: Include your entire household income, not just your personal salary.

Personal portion of the application

Completing the personal information portion of an application should be self-explanatory.

Remember to include your ENTIRE HOUSEHOLD income on the total gross annual income question.

Now for the business portion of the application.

Business Information Section

Here’s how to complete each field if you’re applying as a sole proprietor:

Field	What to Enter
Legal Business Structure	Sole Proprietorship
Legal Name of Business	Your full name
Business Name on Card	Your name or your side hustle name
DBA/Trade Name	Usually “No”
Tax ID Number	Your SSN
EIN	Leave blank or enter SSN if you don’t have one
Business Address	Your home address
Number of Employees	1
Business Phone	Your personal phone
Business Start Date	Approximate start (earlier is better)
Annual Business Revenue	Estimate or project based on income
Business Category/Type/Subtype	Choose what fits best — e.g., “Retail / Online Sales” or “Services / Education”
Estimated Monthly Spend	Estimate how much you’ll put on the card

Pro Tip: Don’t overthink this section. It’s totally normal for small businesses and side hustles to earn a modest income in their first year.

If Your Application Goes Pending

Don’t panic! A “pending” status is completely normal for business cards.

If it doesn’t go your way, hang up and try again later — another rep may see it differently.

Wait 24–48 hours to see if a decision updates automatically.

If it’s denied, call the reconsideration line.

Ask (politely!) why it was denied.

Offer to provide more information or explain your business purpose.

Final Thoughts

Business credit cards are the most powerful tool to grow your points and miles stash without hurting your 5/24 status.

Whether your “business” is a side hustle, passion project, or just selling a few things online, these cards can unlock massive travel rewards and new opportunities.

If you need help choosing or applying for your first business card, send me a DM on Instagram @pointsandmilesteacher — I’d love to help you start earning more points for free travel!