The answer depends on whether you are applying for a Small Business Credit Card or a Corporate Card.
1. Small Business Credit Cards (Usually Require SSN)
Most traditional banks (Chase, Amex, Capital One) require your Social Security Number (SSN), even if you have an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
- The Personal Guarantee: Banks use your SSN to perform a credit check and ensure you are “personally guaranteeing” the debt. If your business can’t pay the bill, you are legally responsible for it.
- Who this is for: Sole proprietors, freelancers, and small LLCs without years of high-revenue history.
2. Corporate Cards (Often EIN-Only)
Many of the fintech companies in your image (like Brex, Ramp, and Rho) offer “EIN-only” applications.
- No Personal Guarantee: These companies don’t usually require an SSN for a hard credit pull. Instead, they link to your business bank account and verify your cash flow and revenue.
- The Catch: To skip the SSN/Personal Guarantee, these companies often require you to have a significant amount of cash in the bank (e.g., $25,000–$50,000 minimum balance) or a registered corporation (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp).
Comparison: SSN vs. EIN Applications
| Feature | Small Business Card (SSN) | Corporate Card (EIN Only) |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Check | Hard pull on your personal credit. | No personal credit check (usually). |
| Liability | You are personally liable for debt. | The company is liable for debt. |
| Approval Basis | Your personal credit score. | Business revenue & bank balance. |
| Reporting | May appear on your personal credit report. | Usually only reports to business bureaus. |
| Examples | Sam’s Club, Capital One Spark. | Brex, Ramp, Rho, Stripe. |
Summary for the Names in Your List
- Sam’s Club & Capital on Tap: Generally require an SSN and a personal guarantee for small businesses.
- Brex & Ramp: Famous for not requiring an SSN/personal guarantee if your business meets their revenue or cash-on-hand requirements.
- Divvy: Often requires an SSN for the initial “Know Your Customer” (KYC) identity verification, even if they don’t do a hard credit pull.
Would you like me to check which of these specific companies allow you to apply with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of an SSN?