The term EIN-only is the “holy grail” of business credit because it means you are applying using only your Employer Identification Number, often without a personal credit check or a personal guarantee.
However, “EIN-only” is a bit of a spectrum. Here is how the companies from your list handle it in 2026:
1. The “True” EIN-Only (No SSN Required)
These are fintech corporate cards. They don’t care about your personal credit; they care about your business bank balance and revenue.
- Brex: The gold standard for EIN-only. They do not require an SSN for a hard credit pull. You generally need to be a registered Corp or LLC and have a significant cash balance (e.g., $25,000+) or high monthly revenue.
- Ramp: Similar to Brex, they offer cards based on your business’s financial health. No personal guarantee is required, but you must be a corporation or LLC (no sole proprietors).
- Divvy (now BILL): Offers an EIN-only path for established businesses. However, for smaller businesses, they may still ask for an SSN or Passport just to verify your identity (KYC laws), even if they don’t do a hard credit pull.
2. The “Hybrid” EIN (SSN for ID, not Credit)
Some companies ask for your SSN but don’t use it to “grade” you.
- Capital on Tap: They usually require an SSN for a “soft” credit check (which doesn’t hurt your score) to verify who you are, but the primary approval is based on your business revenue (minimum $2,500/month).
- Hatch: Focuses on small business credit. While you use your EIN, they typically still require an SSN to verify the “Authorized Signer” of the account.
3. The Traditional EIN (Still needs SSN)
- Sam’s Club: You can apply with an EIN, but unless your business is massive (multi-million dollar revenue), Synchrony Bank will almost always require an SSN as a backup (personal guarantee) to approve the line.
Comparison Table for EIN Applications
| Company | SSN Required? | Credit Check Type | Main Approval Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brex | No | None | Cash in Bank / Revenue |
| Ramp | No | None | Cash in Bank / Revenue |
| Divvy | Optional* | Soft Pull | Business Cash Flow |
| Capital on Tap | Yes | Soft Pull | Revenue ($2.5k+/mo) |
| Sam’s Club | Yes | Hard Pull | Personal Credit Score |
Pro Tip: To qualify for “True EIN-only” cards, you must have your business legally registered (LLC or Corp) and a Business Bank Account with at least 3–6 months of history. Most will ask you to connect your bank via a tool like Plaid so they can see your real-time revenue.
Would you like me to find the specific “Cash on Hand” requirements for Brex or Ramp so you know if you’re eligible to apply without an SSN?