Filling out a Chase business credit card application takes about 10 minutes, and most of the fields are straightforward once you know what Chase is actually asking for. The application collects two categories of information: details about your business and details about you personally. Here’s what each field requires and how to fill it out correctly, whether you run a large company or freelance on the side.
Business Information Fields
The first section of the application focuses on your business. You’ll need to provide the following:
- Business legal name. Enter the official name registered with your state or the IRS. If you’re a sole proprietor without a formal business name, use your own legal name.
- Business structure. Chase will ask you to select from options like sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, corporation, or nonprofit. Choose the one that matches your actual legal structure. Freelancers, independent contractors, and side-hustle owners almost always fall under sole proprietorship.
- Tax Identification Number. If your business has an Employer Identification Number (EIN), enter it here. If you don’t have one, you can use your Social Security number instead. Most sole proprietors don’t need an EIN, and Chase accepts an SSN as a substitute.
- Business address and phone number. Use the address where you conduct business. For home-based businesses, your home address works fine.
- Industry or business category. You’ll typically select from a dropdown or type in a description. Pick the category that most closely matches what your business actually does.
- Number of years in business. If you just started, entering “0” or “1” is perfectly acceptable. Chase does approve newer businesses.
- Number of employees. Count yourself. A solo freelancer would enter “1.”
How to Report Annual Business Revenue
This field trips up more applicants than any other. Annual business revenue is the total amount of money your business brought in over the past 12 months before subtracting any expenses. Include sales, lease income, asset appreciation, and any other income sources. Do not deduct operating costs, taxes, or other expenses. Chase wants the gross number.
If you’re a sole proprietor like a rideshare driver or freelancer, report your pre-tax income from the previous year as your revenue. If your business is brand new and hasn’t earned anything yet, report your best honest estimate of what you expect to bring in over the next 12 months.
One important distinction: if you work a day job while running your business on the side, do not lump your salary into the business revenue field. That W-2 income belongs in the personal income section, which comes later. Mixing the two can create problems. Chase expects you to be able to back up your revenue figure with documentation like invoices, receipts, contracts, or tax returns if asked.
Personal Information Fields
Chase also evaluates you personally because you’ll be the guarantor on the account. This section asks for:
- Full legal name as it appears on your government ID.
- Social Security number. This is required regardless of whether you already provided an EIN in the business section. Chase uses your SSN to pull your personal credit report.
- Date of birth and home address.
- Total annual income. This is your personal income from all sources: salary, investment income, rental income, and any other money you personally earn. If you’re 21 or older, you can include household income you have reasonable access to. This figure is separate from your business revenue and goes in its own field.
- Monthly housing payment. Enter your rent or mortgage payment.
Chase uses both your business details and your personal credit profile to make its decision. A strong personal credit score matters significantly, even if your business financials are solid.
The 5/24 Rule to Know Before You Apply
Before submitting your application, check whether you’re affected by Chase’s unofficial “5/24 rule.” If you’ve been approved for five or more credit cards (from any issuer) in the past 24 months, Chase will likely deny your application automatically. This count includes cards that you’ve since closed, as long as they were opened within that 24-month window.
One helpful detail: business credit cards from other issuers that don’t appear on your personal credit report won’t count toward the five-card limit. So if two of your recent cards are business cards that aren’t on your personal report, you may still be under the threshold.
The one potential exception involves “Just for you” offers that appear when you log into your Chase account. Some applicants have reported success applying through those targeted offers even when over 5/24, particularly when the offer shows a fixed APR rather than a variable one. This isn’t guaranteed, but it’s worth checking your Chase dashboard before applying through the main site.
Submitting and Checking Your Status
You can apply online at Chase’s website, and most applicants get an instant decision. If Chase needs more time, you’ll see a message saying your application is being reviewed, which can take up to two weeks.
If you’re not approved right away, don’t assume it’s a denial. Chase sometimes needs to verify information or wants to see additional documentation. You can call Chase Ink business credit card services at 1-800-945-2028 to ask about your application status. When you call, have your application reference number ready (Chase provides one when you submit) along with your Social Security number and business details.
If your application is denied, calling that same number lets you speak with a representative who can explain the reason and, in some cases, reconsider the decision on the spot. Common reasons for denial include too many recent credit inquiries, a high ratio of existing debt to income, or a business that Chase considers too new. Being prepared to explain your business and its revenue during that call can make a difference.
Tips for a Stronger Application
Report your revenue and income accurately. Inflating numbers might seem tempting, but Chase can request documentation, and inconsistencies with your tax records will cause problems. At the same time, don’t undercount. If your freelance income was $45,000 last year and your spouse earns $60,000, your total annual personal income could legitimately be $105,000 if you have access to that household income.
Keep your existing Chase credit utilization low before applying. If you already have Chase cards, paying down the balances before submitting a new application signals that you manage credit responsibly. Some applicants also find it helpful to have an existing Chase checking or savings account, since the banking relationship can work in your favor during the review process.
Space out your applications. If you were recently denied for a Chase card, waiting three to six months before reapplying gives your credit profile time to improve and avoids stacking up hard inquiries.