Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure

Nobody likes the feeling of rejection. It stings when you get turned down socially, and it hurts when you aren’t given a job. And as a small business owner, it can be very frustrating to be denied for small business credit card.

If this has happened to you, don’t worry about it too much. There are still some steps you can take to be approved for the card that you applied for, and some alternative credit cards you can apply for that will increase your chances of acceptance.

Step one: Call for reconsideration

It’s important to realize that the initial decision made by a credit card issuer is not final. It’s likely that the card issuer’s computer made the decision, but thankfully you can appeal it to a human. To do so, simply call the card issuers reconsideration team, which can manually review your application.

When you speak to a representative, you can ask why your application was declined, and make your case for approval. For example, you might be able to clarify your household income to include eligible sources such as child support, alimony, government benefits, and investment income. You can also include any household income that you have access to, including your spouse’s. Finally, you can volunteer to shift part of your line of credit from another card issued by the same company. This allows you to receive the rewards benefits of the new card, while limiting the card issuer’s exposure to default.

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Look for ways to improve your credit score

Even though a small business credit card has your company’s name on it, you will still be relying on your personal credit history and credit score when you apply. Thankfully, there are several things that you can do to improve your score.

One of the largest factors in your credit score is the amount you owe. However, your credit report will show your debt according to your most recent credit card statement balances, even when you avoid interest charges by paying your balance in full. But if you pay your balance off before your statement period closes, then no debt will be listed on your credit report, helping your credit score. Other ways to help your credit score include making sure that you pay all of your bills on-time, and not applying for too many new lines of credit in a short period of time.

Once you obtain your business credit card, it can help you build your business credit scores so that your business starts to become a credible borrower separate from you as an individual. Just make sure you make on time payments on the card so your business credit scores move in the right direction.

Consider a small business credit card made for those with less than perfect credit

If you need a small business credit card now, and you can’t qualify for most credit cards, then consider one made for those with “fair” or “average” credit. For example, the Capital One Spark Classic for Business is a small business card that features unlimited 1% Cash Back on every purchase and 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Also, the Visa Business Rewards from BBVA Compass offers cardholders one Compass Point for every dollar spent. It features double and triple Compass Points when you make purchases in the categories you select, such as office supplies, utilities, groceries, gas, travel, and healthcare, and there’s no annual fee for this card.

Finally, there are even secured cards for small business owners. Secured cards work almost exactly like unsecured cards, except that they require the payment of a refundable security deposit before you can open an account. But afterwards, they work just like any other credit card. You will receive a monthly statement, and must make a payment each month. But most importantly, secured cards are typically available to applicants with any credit profile.

Bottom line

Being denied a small business card doesn’t have to be the end of the story, it can actually be the beginning. By considering all of the options available, you can be sure to find a credit card that works for your business.