No SSN? No problem. Fuel your business the smart way
EIN Only Fuel Cards | In today’s rapid-fire business environment, startups and small business owners need flexible, fast, and scalable tools for growth. But there’s a catch to traditional business credit cards: Most of them require you to submit a Social Security Number (SSN) and possess a solid personal credit score, something that a lot of business owners either don’t have or don’t want to give up.
That’s where EIN Only Fuel Cards step in with an up-to-date, privacy-friendly, credit-building solution that is revolutionizing the way new companies do business.
What Are EIN Only Fuel Cards?
EIN only fuel cards are business credit cards or charge cards that are used solely for fuel and other fuel expenses and do not require the business owner to provide their personal Social Security Number or their personal guarantee (PG). Instead, these cards depend on your Employer Identification Number (EIN), and the business’s financial health determines your qualifications.
This opens a quick, low-risk path for many startups, solopreneurs, and non-citizen founders to vital business funding.
Why They’re a Breakthrough for Startups and New LLCs
Why They’re a Game Changer for Startups and New LLCs
Let’s be honest, starting a business is already difficult enough. Among cash-flow management, marketing, and your operational duties, the last thing you want to do is personally back your business’s success or failure with your credit.
Why EIN Only Fuel Cards Are Huge for Startup Companies:
- ✅ Personal credit check not required; there won’t be a hard pull on your credit score
- ✅ No SSN required to keep your personal information safe
- ✅ Assists you in establishing credit for your business under your EIN
- ✅ Perfect for LLCs, e-commerce businesses, and nonresident entrepreneurs
- ✅ A fantastic tool to keep your team’s fuel spend under control and costs managed in real time
Whether you’re building a delivery startup, overseeing a fleet, or simply keeping your business on the move, these cards are designed for growth without financial entanglement.
The Rise of Fintech and the “No PG” Movement
Traditional banks are known for their slow pace of change. But fintech companies? They’re rewriting the rules.
The top EIN-based fuel card providers of today, such as Brex, Divvy, Coast, and AtoB, are rethinking what business credit can be. These companies use real-time data on bank balance, payment history, and cash flow patterns rather than antiquated credit scores.
What that means is approval time is often instantaneous, automated, and built around the actual performance of your business, instead of, say, your personal financial history.
🧠 Pro Insight: EIN only cards often integrate with tools such as QuickBooks, Plaid, or Stripe to analyze the health of your business, likely the right option for digital-first businesses and tech-savvy founders.
Who Benefits Most from EIN Only Fuel Cards?
- 🚀 New LLCs with no credit history
- 🌍 U.S. businesses owned by foreigners with no SSN
- 🔒Entrepreneurs who put an emphasis on privacy and don’t want to mix their personal and business lives
- 📉 Owners who have poor or no personal credit
- 🧾 Businesses in need of establishing credit under their EIN
This new breed of cards isn’t merely more inclusive; it’s also more in sync with the way that businesses today increasingly work.
What Are EIN Only Fuel Cards?
EIN only fuel cards are a new method of funding that enables businesses, such as LLCs and startups, to purchase fuel and to control vehicle expenses based upon their Employer Identification Number (EIN) and not their Social Security Number (SSN). These cards are intended for businesses, not consumers, and provide a way around the traditional gas cards, which usually involve a personal guarantee and credit check.
Unlike traditional business credit cards, Legacy EIN only fuel cards are based on your business credit identity. That way, your personal credit score isn’t used to approve the account, nor is it reported on at all, providing business owners a greater layer of financial separation and control.
Distinction Between Personal and Business Credit
With old-fashioned gas cards, including those labeled “business,” the application often depends on your personal credit history. That means that if your FICO score is lackluster or if you just don’t want to mingle your business finances and personal finances, personal funds will have to be the business’s go-to source for funds.
EIN only fuel cards are a rarity. They connect directly to your business’s EIN, with approval being determined by
- Your company’s cash flow
- Age of the business
- Linked business bank accounts
- Trends in revenues and financial behavior
That’s a big win for startups or for founders who don’t want to risk their own personal credit just to fill a gas tank.
🔒 EIN vs. SSN: Why Business Owners Prefer Separation
EIN only fuel cards are becoming popular for a number of reasons, not least the legal and financial distance they can provide between you and the liabilities associated with your personal vehicle and your business car usage.
Key Legal and Financial Benefits of Using an EIN Instead of SSN
Asset Protection
Being able to use an EIN protects your personal assets from business debt. If your company ever goes belly-up or down, your house, your car, and your credit report are unaffected so long as there is no personal guarantee.
Business Credit Building
A lot of EIN-only fuel cards report to the commercial credit bureaus (Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business) to help build a strong business credit profile without touching your personal score.
Improved Loan Access
As you build stronger business credit, your company might become eligible for larger loans, equipment financing, or lines of credit, none of which require an SSN.
Importance of Privacy, Control & Credit Shielding
And let’s be real: With all the data breaches and identity theft happening these days, leaving your SSN off applications would be a wise move. EIN only fuel cards offer:
- ✅ Increased privacy for your non-US citizens and digital nomad founders
- ✅ Personal protection from liability
- ✅ Easier to manage money for LLCs and corporations
With EIN-only accounts, fuel costs are kept separate so businesses can better monitor costs, establish spending limits for employees, and keep personal and business expenses separate.
Who Qualifies for EIN Only Fuel Cards?
EIN only gas cards. If you’re asking yourself, “Can my business be approved for EIN only fleet fuel cards?” You’re not alone, and the silver lining is that eligibility is more lenient than with regular credit cards. These are fuel cards for the modern-day entrepreneur or small business owner and for startup business owners with no credit or personal guarantee.
Here’s a closer look at who is eligible and what you need to apply.
✅ Sole Proprietors, LLCs, Corporations—Who’s Eligible for EIN Only Fuel Cards?
If you are a freelancer with an established EIN or running a growing LLC or corporation, it is possible that your business qualifies for an EIN-only fuel card if it meets these very basic requirements:
✔️ Basic Qualification Checklist:
- You have an EIN issued by the IRS (not your SSN)
- Your business is already legally formed (LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp, or sole prop)
- You trade under a registered business name
- You have a business bank account in the U.S.
- Optional, but a plus: A business website or digital footprint
Most EIN only fuel card providers prefer formal structures like LLCs and corporations over sole proprietorships, but many still consider sole proprietorships if other factors (like revenue or bank balance) check out.
💡 Startup-Friendly: No Credit History or Revenue? You Still Have Options
Believe you have to have years of history and ideal credit? Think again. A lot of the popular EIN only fuel cards, AtoB, Coast, and Brex, among others, make approvals easy by using today’s technology.
Rather than access your own FICO score, these fintech-powered providers look at:
- Business cash flow from linked bank accounts
- Deposit activity
- Spending behavior and patterns
- Business model or industry risk profile
That means even if you’re a brand-new LLC, or a side hustle, or an e-commerce brand, you still have a shot at funding without putting yourself personally on the line.
🧠 Pro Tip: If your business is less than 6 months old and you don’t have revenue, get low-limit or secured EIN only fuel cards and move on to unsecured once your accounts show activity.
Best EIN Only Fuel Cards for LLCs & Startups [2025 Rankings]
When you’re in the process of starting a business or running an LLC, seeking out credit can seem like a daunting task, not least of all because putting your personal assets on the line is another cost in the inevitable long list of costs. This is where EIN only fuel cards fit in, made for enabling companies to qualify with nothing more than their EIN (Employer Identification Number), no Social Security Number (SSN) or personal guarantee necessary, and are a great way to keep track of fuel costs and build business credit.
In this review, we highlight the 7 best EIN only fuel cards of 2025 based on features, flexibility, and ease of approval for LLCs and startups.
🥇 1. Divvy – Best for Spend Management + Rewards
Why it ranks #1:
Divvy is our pick as the top EIN only fuel card for businesses that need more than fuel. And with no SSN or personal guarantee for eligible LLCs and corporations, it serves as a business charge card with budgeting features built in.
Top features:
- Real-time expense tracking
- Custom limits per card/user
- Get cash back in categories including gas, software, and travel
- Works with QuickBooks, NetSuite, and others
Ideal for scaling startups, especially if you have a team to corral, Divvy. It reports to all the main business credit bureaus, so you can start building a financial footprint with just your EIN.
💼 2. Shell Small Business Card – Trusted Brand, EIN-Based Access
Why it ranks #2:
If your business goes through a lot of fuel and you prefer something simple from a trusted name, then the Shell Small Business Card will work for you. It provides EIN-based access with an easy application process, which is perfect for local LLCs and contractors.
Top features:
- Fuel-only use is accepted at all Shell locations nationwide
- Fuel rebates and discounts
- Easy expense tracking
- Opportunity to establish business credit if paid on time
It does require some simple business verification, though many startups say they were approved without an SSN.
💸 3. Brex Card – Best for Funded Startups & Tech Teams
Why does it rank #3
Brex is designed for venture-backed startups, remote-first companies, and tech entrepreneurs. If your business is incorporated and has good bank activity or investor support, and you are a fan of modern financial tools, Brex is an excellent option.
Top features:
- For eligible LLCs or C-corporations: No SSN, no PG
- Bank balance and turnover-based, high credit limits
- Access to premium startup perks: AWS credits, Uber discounts , and more
- Spend limits and virtual cards on the fly
This is EIN only fuel card that is designed to work for digital-first teams, boasting a sleek dashboard and real-time spend visibility.
⚙️ 4. AtoB Fuel Card – Ideal for Fleets and Delivery-Based Startups
Why it ranks #4:
AtoB fuel card LIFE JUST GOT EASIER. Whether you run a fleet of vehicles or manage a mobile workforce, AtoB fuel card is the best fuel card with EIN only approval. It is exclusively for fleet management and does not require the inconvenience of an SSN or hard credit pull.
Top features:
- Bank account-based approvals happen credit approval-free
- Accepted at 99% of U.S. gas stations
- Optimized routing and fraud protection
- Custom controls per vehicle, driver, or department
If you are in delivery, logistics, or any on-the-road services, AtoB makes fuel tracking easy and scalable!
🔁 5. Coast Card — Flexible, Modern, And Made For Teams
Why it ranks #5:
A growing star in the fuel card industry is Coast, which provides EIN-based approvals and strong spend controls for expanding teams. It’s a match for companies looking for flexibility, not only in terms of approvals but also in how they can use their fuel cards.
Top features:
- No SSN needed for most LLCs
- Accepts both fuel and non-fuel commercial purchases
- Real-Time Transaction Controls for each Cardholder
- Neat dashboard with real-time reports
Coast can be used to support the team of the future by defining your own rules, granting access at the employee level, and integrating with APIs.
🚀 Choosing the Right EIN Only Fuel Card in 2025
The top EIN only fuel cards for you will depend on your operation, budget model, and team. From solopreneurs to e-commerce brands to fleets of delivery vehicles, there’s a no-SSN option tailored to fit your needs — and help you build business credit and separate personal liability to boot.
For maximum value:
- Begin with 1–2 EIN only cards that report to business credit bureaus
- The key is to pay on time every time to grow your Paydex or Experian Biz score.
- Stay on top of team spending with integrated dashboards.
💡 Pro Tip: Pair your EIN-only fuel card with net 30 vendor accounts to build a rock-solid business credit profile — without a personal guarantee.
🧾 EIN Only Fuel Cards Comparison Table (2025)
Card Name | SSN Required | Reports to Business Credit | Best For | Key Features | Acceptance Scope |
Divvy | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (D&B, Experian, SBFE) | Spend Management & Rewards | Real-time tracking, budgets, cashback, integrations | All business expenses |
Shell Small Biz Card | ❌ Not Always | ✅ Yes (varies by issuer) | Fuel-Only Simplicity | Fuel rebates, easy EIN approval, trusted brand | Shell stations only |
Brex Card | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (D&B, Experian) | Funded Startups & Tech Teams | High limits, startup perks, expense automation | Fuel + all business expenses |
AtoB Fuel Card | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (D&B) | Fleets & Delivery-Based Startups | High limits, startup perks, and expense automation | Fuel only |
Coast Card | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Experian Biz) | Teams Needing Flexibility | Spend controls, real-time limits, physical + virtual cards | Accepts 99% of U.S. stations, route tools, and balance-based approval |
EIN-Only Cards vs Traditional Business Credit Cards: What’s Best for Your Business?
For business owners, one of the forks in the financial road can be deciding between EIN-only fuel cards and traditional business credit cards. One toward freedom from your own personal risk and credit checks, and the other leading toward higher limits, better perks, and wider access to capital. The best choice? It varies with your goals and risk tolerance, and where your business is today.
Let’s break it down.
🔍 Key Differences in Access to Capital, Reporting & Flexibility
One type of fuel card that works exclusively off your EIN is offered by new-age fintechs that rely on bank integrations, AI underwriting, and cashflow data to make their underwriting decisions. These cards:
- Offer fast, no-SSN approval
- Assist you in building commercial credit with your EIN
- Add-ons for real-time spend tracking, employee card control, and more
- Work at big-name fuel stations (though some are for fuel purchases only)
- In contrast, ordinary business credit cards tend to have:
- Personal Liability via a PG
- Higher credit limits provided
- Travel, dining, and software rewards programs
- A credit-building path that could blend personal and business credit histories
💡 If your business is new or you want to separate personal liability, EIN-only cards are a low-risk, entry-level win.
🔐 When a Personal Guarantee Might Be Worth It
Sometimes, it does, and you will have to choose a card that requires your SSN and personal guarantee. Consider it if:
- You have good personal credit (700+ score)
- You want a high-limit card for travel or equipment expenses
- You’re looking to secure some elite benefits, such as 0% intro APR or points programs
- You have a desire to begin a joint personal/business credit history for future loans.
In such cases, traditional business credit cards may secure you better terms, higher credit limits, and flexible repayment, but at the price of hitching your personal finances to your business loans.
✅ The Bottom Line: Know Your Strategy
- If you want to achieve credit separation, minimize your risk, and speed up the approval process, EIN-only fuel cards are the most effective first move you can make.
- And if you want to leverage your rewards or finance a significant purchase, a typical credit card (PG and all) may offer better terms.
In either case, you don’t have to commit to just one forever. A lot of business owners begin with EIN-only cards, grow a strong business credit file, and eventually move on to traditional financing when their business takes off.
⚖️ EIN-Only Cards vs Traditional Business Cards: Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature | EIN-Only Fuel Cards | Traditional Business Credit Cards |
SSN Required | ❌ Not required | ✅ Yes, almost always required |
Personal Guarantee (PG) | ❌ No PG needed | ✅ Sometimes—depends on the issuer |
Credit Check | ❌ No hard pull (often fintech-based) | ✅ Yes—often a personal credit inquiry |
Based on Business Credit? | ✅ Yes—uses EIN and business financials | ⚠️ Sometimes, but often relies on personal credit |
Reports to Business Bureaus | ✅ Frequently (D&B, Experian Biz, SBFE) | Often lower, flexible, based on cash flow |
Rewards & Perks | Limited (fuel-only, spend controls) | Extensive (travel, cash back, lounge access, etc.) |
Credit Limits | Ideal for LLCs, startups, and privacy-focused | Higher, based on personal credit strength |
Use Cases | Ideal for LLCs, startups, privacy-focused | ✅ PG is usually required |
How to Apply for EIN Only Fuel Cards (Step-by-Step Guide)
That got me thinking: should I apply for one of those EIN-only fuel cards that do not require a personal credit check or a Social Security Number? Smart move. These cards are a practical option for businesses, particularly startups, limited liability companies, and non-citizen entrepreneurs, that need to establish credit, manage expenses, and safeguard personal finances.
But if you want to be approved fast (and on your terms), you need to nail the application process right from the get-go.
Here’s how to get an EIN only fuel card, everything you need to know step by step, without the hassle of guessing.
📝 Documents You’ll Need Before You Apply
Before you click over to “Apply Now,” here are the key business documents that serve as a filing station for the fuel card issuers to seek. EIN only fuel card providers: Unlike regular credit card companies, EIN only fuel card providers won’t base their approval on your personal credit score—they’ll base it on your business structure, banking habits, and legitimacy.
Here’s what the majority of providers will request:
- EIN Confirmation Letter: Official letter from the IRS (CP 575 or 147C) showing your business is legit
- Business License: Varies by state and industry, but often not necessary (Check your state’s requirements.
- Business Formation Docs: Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (Corp)
- Voided Business Check or Routing Info: to connect your U.S. business bank account
- Business Bank Statements: Often used for cash-flow-based underwriting
- Official Business Address & Business Email: 3 plus points if not a free Gmail address
- Website or Online Presence(optional but good to see): Adds fintech issuer credibility
✅ Pro tip: Most fintech fuel cards (such as Brex, Divvy, AtoB) leverage bank integration technology such as Plaid to verify your business revenue in seconds.
💳 Application Tips for Fast Approval
Your EIN only fuel cards approval is no matter of fortune; it is simply a matter of representing your business as a healthy, reliable, and engaged company. Here’s how to do that:
1. Use a Formal Business Structure
If you are still a sole proprietor, consider registering as an LLC or a corporation. Issuers will be more inclined to approve businesses that are formally established, have an EIN, and have legal entity status.
2. Make Sure Everything Matches
Simple mistakes such as addresses that don’t match, as your EIN letter vs. your bank account can slow down approval. Triple-check that your business name, address, and EIN are the same on all the forms.
3. Link a Real Business Bank Account
This is non-negotiable. Fuel card companies will be looking for a business account with a U.S. presence with several months of cash flow or deposit activity. Forget the personal accounts and open an account with a fintech bank, such as Relay, Mercury, or your local credit union.
4. Create a Simple Business Website
Even a simple landing page providing your business name, what you do, and your contact details can lend you some credibility. It communicates to underwriters that you are a legitimate, operating business, not some empty LLC.
5. Apply Only to No SSN Providers
Don’t spend your time on cards that could require a personal guarantee. Look for providers that make it a point to mention “No SSN required” and focus on EIN-only underwriting. Some favorite options: Divvy, AtoB, Coast, Brex.
6. Avoid Multiple Applications at Once
Each application leaves a mark, even when no credit check is involved. Too many consecutive applications may also prompt internal fraud or risk filters. Apply strategically.
Best EIN-Only Business Cards for Specific Use Cases
Not all businesses are created equal, and it doesn’t take too long to see that the same is true of business credit cards. Whether you’re a new-to-credit startup, rebuilding after some challenges, or simply looking for a smarter way to manage fuel spend across teams, an EIN only fuel card exists to meet your exact needs.
Let’s dissect the best EIN-only business cards for practical scenarios.
🚀 Startups with No Credit? Try This EIN-Only Card First
Just launched your LLC? No business credit file yet? You’re not the only one, and you’re not out of luck.
Several EIN only fuel cards don’t call for years of financial history or a shiny credit score. What they do instead is assess your bank balance, cash flow, or even your Stripe or QuickBooks data.
Top Pick: Brex Card is Ideal for tech startups and online-first individuals. And no SSN or personal guarantee is required. Existing credit approval is derived from business activity, not a FICO score. It also pays earnings on categories such as software, ads, and travel.
Runner-Up: AtoB (now known as BP) is Perfect for business owners who drive or make frequent fuel stops. It’s EIN-only, reports to business credit bureaus, and takes startups with low revenue.
💡 Tip: Make sure your LLC has an American business bank account and an EIN that is in good standing before you apply.
🛠️ Bad Credit or Rebuilding? These EIN-Only Cards Help
If your personal credit isn’t the best or if you’ve had a few tough years, the last thing you need is another mark against it by way of an inquiry.
Introducing no PG (personal guarantee) fuel cards. We’re talking about these EIN-dependent cards that don’t have the SSN requirement and won’t pull your credit.
Top Pick:
AtoB Secured Card is a PG fuel card with only EIN and choices for rebuilding trust for your business. No personal credit pull, reports to Dun & Bradstreet.
Other Options:
- Shell Small Business Card: Easier to qualify for than some of the big banks, often flexible with credit history.
Net-30 Fuel Vendors: Some will work with you to do a pre-payed fuel if you are still reporting to the credit bureaus.
🔍 Keyword tip: Fuel cards for bad credit businesses = lots of search traffic + an underserved niche.
💼 High Spenders & Corporate Teams? Go Here
Require control over many cards, users, or fuel-intensive operations? There are EIN only business cards designed for managing large teams, fleet spend, and budget transparency.
Top Pick: Divvy Built especially for high-growth companies, Divvy comes with real-time spend tracking, category-specific limits, and virtual cards for teams. EIN-only approvals, No Personal Credit Check.
Runner-Up: Ramp Card Made for finance teams. Provides spend management, live reporting, and flat-rate cashback. EIN-Only coverage and strong integration with others.
Why it works: Using these cards, you can track employee spending, cut down on misuse, and streamline expense reporting as it relates to fuel, without putting it on your personal credit.
📦 E-Commerce or Online Businesses? Best EIN-Only Picks
Digital businesses have unique spending demands shipping, SaaS subscriptions, ad spend, and cloud hosting. You require a card that not just authorizes based on your EIN, but also understands your model.
Top Pick: Brex Sign up for Brex. Provides extra points on advertising, software, and warehouse spending. No SSN is required if your business has high enough linked revenue.
Alternative: Ramp is Good for online brands seeking real-time controls and integrations with Shopify, Stripe, and QuickBooks.
Key Feature: No personal liability approval based on your LLC or corporation’s EIN and financials.
What Credit Bureaus Do EIN Only Fuel Cards Report To?
If you’re considering also applying for some EIN only fuel cards to help you build business credit without affecting your personal credit score, here’s the key question that should be on your mind: Do they report to business credit bureaus—and which ones?
Because when it comes to building your company’s financial credibility, what you report does matter.
🧾 Which Business Credit Bureaus Matter for EIN Only Fuel Cards?
In the US, there are three primary business credit bureaus that lenders, vendors, and insurers use to assess your business:
- Dun & Bradstreet (D&B): D&B is among the most significant bureaus for monitoring trade credit and vendor relationships and is the provider of the PAYDEX score. Payment details will arrive here for any EIN only fuel cards that are reporting.
- Experian Business: Lenders, insurers, and commercial property managers rely on Experian to support comprehensive credit profiles and credit scores for small businesses.
- Equifax Small Business: Equifax provides risk scores based on your company’s credit behavior and is frequently used by banks and traditional financial institutions.
Some may also report to SBFE (Small Business Financial Exchange), a private database that collects data on small business owners who apply for loans or other business financial products.
📈 Why Reporting to Business Credit Bureaus Matters
It does more than just show you’re paying on time when it reports just your EIN only fuel card activity; it helps you:
- Establish a robust business credit profile in the name of your business.
- Earn credit lines and get better financing in the future
- Unlock net-30 vendor accounts, equipment financing, and commercial cards
- Keep personal and business financial reputations separate
✅ You build a record that others can trust more quickly, the sooner you start reporting.
💡 Not All EIN Only Fuel Cards Report—Check Before You Apply
Some EIN-only fuel cards (specifically fleet cards or charge cards) don’t report at all… or even better, only report negative activity! That will do nothing to help you build credit.
Before you apply, ask the provider:
- Are you reporting to Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, or Equifax?
- Do you report monthly?
- Does the report reflect on-time payment history?
Explore EIN-based fuel card companies such as:
- Brex – “Reports to D&B, Experian Business”
- Divvy – Reports to SBFE, D&B
- AtoB – Reports to D&B
🔍 EIN Only Fuel Cards: The Credit-Building Edge
The true power of EIN-only fuel cards is not simply in avoiding personal credit risk —it’s in strategically using them in order to build credibility over the long haul in the name of your business. If you make payments on time and pick a card that reports to the appropriate bureaus, you’ll lay a base that will unlock doors to actual funding.
Bottom line: Don’t just apply for any EIN only fuel card; apply for one that will build your business credit file the smart way.
Do You Need an SSN for a Business Credit Card?
If you are starting a business or growing a start-up, you’ve probably wondered:
“Can I use my Social Security Number to apply for a business credit card?”
The short answer? Not always. Thanks to new-age fintechs and EIN-only approval systems, now you can get business credit cards and EIN only fuel cards, without offering your SSN at all. But it varies by the type of card you’re getting and who’s issuing it.
In this guide, we will debunk common myths, explain the difference between Visa- or Mastercard-based business credit cards and fuel-only cards, and explain how some card issuers are now underwriting businesses instead of (or in addition to) personal credit.
Let’s get into it.
🔍 Do You Really Need an SSN for a Business Credit Card?
✳️ Myth #1: Every Business Credit Card Requires an SSN
False. So-called “legacy” (which are most traditional bank-issued) business credit cards like Chase Ink or Amex Blue Business Plus do require a PG and SSN; however, not ALL business cards do.
Several EIN only fuel cards and some fintech business credit cards provide approval entirely based on the financial health of your business, which means you can qualify without a personal credit check.
Below are some cards that don’t require an SSN (for those that qualify):
- 🟢 Brex Card
- 🟢 Divvy Card
- 🟢 AtoB Fuel Card
- 🟢 Ramp Card
- 🟢 Coast Fuel Card
These cards tend to use EIN-only underwriting, specifically for LLCs and corporations that have demonstrable income.
✳️ Myth #2: No SSN = No Credit Check = No Risk for the Lender
Also false—but with nuance. But lenders are doing the due diligence, even if you’re not providing your SSN.
Instead of a FICO pull, fintechs and fuel card issuers look at your:
- Connected business bank (ad through Plaid or the like)
- Monthly revenue or cash flow
- Type of business (LLC/corporation)
- Length of time in business
- Accounting platforms (e.g., QuickBooks, Stripe, Gusto, to name a few)
This alternative underwriting system means that businesses (even those just starting with no personal credit) can qualify for EIN only fuel cards without risking their identity.
🧾 Visa & Mastercard vs. Fuel-Only Card Networks: What’s the Difference?
It depends on what network your card is based on.
💳 Visa/Mastercard Business Credit Cards
These are all-purpose credit cards issued by major financial institutions.
- ✅ Accepted at most places where Visa or Mastercard is accepted
- ⚠️ Nearly always SSN + personal guarantee required
- ✅ Ideal for rewards, travel points and versatility
- ❌ Could affect your personal credit score
⛽ Fuel-Only Cards (WEX, FleetCor, AtoB, Coast)
These are store-specific or fleet-oriented cards.
- ✅ for gas maintenance and fleet costs
- ✅ Most have EIN-only applications
- ✅ No need for any SSN, or a personal Credit check many times
⚠️ May only be available at gas stations or select retailers
💡 Pro Tip: Need the features of a credit card without the personal guarantee? Begin with EIN only fuel cards to establish business credit, then move to full-blown Visa/Mastercard options down the road, all without putting your SSN on the line initially.
🔐 How Fintechs Underwrite Without Personal Data
We have modern fintech card providers to thank for changing how underwriting works. Rather than depending on an antiquated credit score, they analyze your business health through real-time financial integrations.
Here’s what they see instead of your SSN:
- Cash flow via linked accounts
- Autopilot itself (similar to how Stripe, Quickest, and Shopify integrate)
- Payroll activity and expenses
- Date and Form of Incorporation of the Company for business.
- Industry risk level
This approach gives preference to digitally-native businesses, bootstrapped startups and international founders who may not have U.S. credit but who do have real revenue and good cash management.
👥 Who Should Apply for a Business Credit Card Without an SSN?
EIN only fuel cards and fintech business cards are great for:
- ✅ LLCs and corporations wanting to keep business vs personal credit separate
- ✅ Startups with no credit history
- ✅ Non-US citizens or foreign founders with no SSN
- ✅ Entrepreneurs with poor or no personal credit
- ✅ Business owners who want privacy and liability protection
🧠 Final Word: SSN-Free Business Credit Is No Longer a Dream
Thanks to fintech innovation, obtaining a business credit card with only your EIN isn’t exclusively reserved for giant corporations anymore. Whether you’re a one-woman e-commerce shop or you’re responsible for a fleet of trucks, EIN only fuel cards mean real, accessible funding without the need for your personal identity to be associated with business debt.
So, the next time someone tells you, “You must have an SSN for business cards,”
Just smile and apply smarter.
Can Non-Citizens or ITIN Holders Apply with Just an EIN?
It’s not exactly a walk in the park to start a business in the US as a non-citizen or ITIN holder, but it doesn’t have to be difficult to obtain essential financial tools like fuel cards. The good news? Most add-only cards are built for modern business models and global founders. With the right information, it’s completely feasible to be approved without an SSN or even US citizenship.
Here’s a look at how foreign entrepreneurs can qualify for a fuel card with nothing but an EIN and how some providers offer the flexibility that most big banks won’t.
🌍 Yes—Non-Citizens and ITIN Holders Can Apply with Just an EIN
Non-U.S. citizens are eligible to receive tax refunds if non-residents United States and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). S. citizens and foreign companies to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) regardless of whether they have a Social Security Number (SSN). This EIN is what becomes your Canadian business’s official tax ID in the US and is often all that is needed to apply for certain business fuel cards.
Today, some fintech issuers and corporate card platforms even offer businesses to apply based on just the EIN, bypassing the personal guarantee and credit check altogether.
This opens the door for:
- Foreign-based founders of U.S.-based LLCs or C-Corp
- Startups with ITIN holders
- Remote founders working from overseas with a focus on the US market
🏦 Banks vs Fintech: Who’s More Flexible for Non-Citizens?
Here’s the reality: Traditional banks often demand SSNs, personal guarantees, and domestic credit history. This may disqualify the non-citizen or new foreign-owned business even if they do have a valid EIN.
- ✳️ Traditional Banks
- ❌ SSN + US credit history is usually required
- ❌ Might require in-person verification
- ❌ New LLCs with foreign owners are a common but high-risk investment there.
Unless you already have a US address, credit file and years of financial history, the vast majority of fuel cards from banks are essentially off the table.
Fintech & Modern Fuel Card Providers
- ✅ Fintech & New Fuel Card Companies
- ✅ EIN only applications accepted
- ✅ No SSN/PERS guarantee needed
- ✅ Business cash flow, not personal credit
- ✅ Provide instant or fast online approvals
Some of the best EIN only fuel card choices for foreign Founders are:
- Brex: For remote teams, funded startups, and foreign LLCs
- AtoB: Great for logistics-intensive businesses (i.e., delivery, trucking)
- Coast: Offered to G.S.T. Licensees, U.S. based L.L.C.s and Team Drivers
- Divvy: Good if you are a remote SaaS or E-commerce business, as you can really control expenses
A lot of these cards are also linked up to business bank accounts through Plaid and prove they know who you say you are using some combination of your tax documents, and not your passport or FICO score.
What You’ll Need to Apply Without an SSN
To get a business fuel card with your EIN only, for a non-citizen and an ITIN holder, gather the items below:
- ✅ IRS Issued EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575 or 147C)
- ✅ US business entity documents (LLC/Corporation docs)
- ✅ A US business checking account (try Mercury, Relay, or Wise Business)
- ✅ Physical business address (can even use a registered agent)
- ✅ Optionally: A company website or LinkedIn page Shows You’re Credible
🛡️ Bonus: EIN Only Fuel Cards Don’t Impact Personal Credit
And because these cards don’t require a personal guarantee, they don’t check or report to your personal credit score perfect for any foreign founders who haven’t built a US Credit file yet.
Many of these cards report to business credit bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet and Experian Business, so you can start building business credit right off the bat.
🔍 Secondary & semantic keywords: fuel card for foreign-owned LLC, business credit with EIN only, apply for fuel card without SSN.
🚀 Final Word: You Don’t Need U.S. Citizenship to Build U.S. Business Credit
With fintech at its best, you don’t need to be a US citizen or have an SSN at all to take advantage of powerful business tools like EIN only fuel cards.
With proper configuration and documentation, they can:
- Fuel your business fleet
- Build US business credit
- Keep your printed identity and bank accounts safe
For a global entrepreneur or a non-resident founder, an EIN is more than just a tax ID. It’s a bridge to the US business infrastructure.
How Long Does EIN Only Fuel Card Approval Take?
If you are a business owner and you are looking for a fuel card that doesn’t require your Social Security number, you aren’t alone. An increasing number of start-ups, LLCS and even non-citizen founders are applying for EIN only Fuel Cards to finance fuel costs, manage spending all while establishing business credit independently from their own personal credit.
But just how long does it take to get approved? Let’s break it down.
⏱️ Typical EIN Only Fuel Card Approval Timelines
Approval rates differ depending on the provider, of course but most EIN only fuel cards are built with the modern business in mind, which means they’re quick digital-first and rarely require extended beefy underwriting processes.
Here’s what you can expect:
Provider Type | Approval Time | Examples |
Fintech Fuel Cards | Instant to 2 business days | Divvy, Brex, Ramp, Coast |
Fleet Card Providers | 2 to 5 business days | AtoB, Fuelman, Coast |
Legacy Fuel Cards | 3 to 7 business days | Shell, ExxonMobil, WEX |
Other fintech fuel cards can give you instant approval if your business account is connected through Plaid or similar APIs. These platforms look at your company’s cash flow instantly and don’t require a credit check or manual underwriting.
⚠️ Red Flags That Can Delay Your EIN Fuel Card Application
Although most EIN only approvals are fast, a number of factors can throw a curveball into the process. These are the most common problems:
1. Inconsistent or Incorrect Business Info
What is the discrepancy between your EIN, business name, and bank information? That’s a red flag. Make sure your documents always match exactly across the board especially with your IRS-issued EIN letter (CP 575 or 147C).
2. Sole Proprietor Status
Some EIN only good fuel cards may favor LLCs or corporations more than sole proprietors. While not an outright deal breaker, it could prompt additional verification efforts.
3. No U.S. Business Bank Account
You must have a U.S. business checking account. If you’re working with a personal account or don’t have bank integrations set up, it could slow down your application.
4. Lack of Online Presence
It’s not always the case, but some companies may verify legitimacy using your company’s website, LinkedIn, or business directory listings. If you don’t have a digital paper trail, expect some lag time or a request for more info.
5. Low or Irregular Cash Flow
EIN only trucker fuel cards frequently view cash flow in place of credit history. If you don’t use your account that much or do a bunch of weird transactions it could slow them down or get them to say no.
✅ Tips to Speed Up EIN Only Fuel Card Approval
Fancy the quickest approval you can get? Here’s how to make it happen:
- Link your business bank account while you apply (using Plaid, Stripe or QuickBooks)
- Utilize your official EIN assigned by the IRS, not your SSN
- Double-check all your documents and contact info
- Begin with no SSN and no PG cards that are known to exist (such as Brex, AtoB, or Coast)
- List your business in directories such as D&B, Yelp, and Google Business Profile
Security, Risks & Limitations of EIN Only Fuel Cards
EIN cards are revolutionizing the game for startups and LLCs’ business credit with NO SSN, NO hard pull, and NO personal guarantee. Sounds perfect, right?
⚠️ Not quite
While they have built-in benefits, like privacy, the potential to build credit and fast approval, they are not without risk. The security policies, default obligations, and practical limitations of EIN-based fuel cards are crucial to safeguarding yourself and your credit.
Here’s what nobody tells you once you hear “You’re approved.”
⚠️ No SSN = No Risk? Not Exactly
One of the most attractive features of EIN only fuel cards is that they do not require a Social Security Number. That means:
- No hard pull on your personal credit profile
- There is no personal liability in the majority of cases
- When it comes to personal finances, business is not mixed with it.
But here’s something that’s often overlooked: you’re still responsible for the card.
💳 Default Liability Still Applies—Even Without a PG
Though quite a few EIN-only fuel cards don’t need a personal guarantee (PG), it’s not to say there’s no financial responsibility. If your company doesn’t pay off its balance:
- Your business can still be referred to collections
- It can hurt your business credit profile.
- You might be blocked from future funding, including from fintech lenders
- In rare instances, unpaid balances can result in lawsuits or tax liens
💡 Pro Tip: Read the fine print every time. Certain cards maintain the option to ask for a PG later should your business go into default, or your usage goes through the roof.
🕵️♂️ Fraud & Misuse—You’re Still on the Hook
A lot of EIN only fuel cards have virtual cards, spend controls, and real-time tracking so that they can help prevent fraud. But they’re not bulletproof:
- “Employee abuse remains a business liability.
- You may not be reimbursed for fraudulent charges if you don’t abide by the card terms.
- Some fintech cards do not provide the same chargeback protections as banks
When you’re giving cards to drivers, team members, or contractors, you decide the controls, track spend and make sure that the usage policies are understood.
🔐 Protecting Your Business Credit & Data
So how do you keep safe and still reap the benefits of EIN only fuel cards? It begins with knowing the security measures inherently built into leading service providers and what you can do.
🛡️ Security Features From Top EIN Only Fuel Card Providers
Many new players such as Coast, AtoB, and Divvy have revolutionized card security. Here’s what many now include:
- Role permissions for multiple users (power user, finance user, cardholder)
- Real-time expense alerts
- Merchant / Category exclusion (fuel only, location-based)
- Freeze/suspend cards from the dashboard or app
- Two-step verification or two-factor authentication (2FA)
They generally rely on Plaid, Stripe, or bank APIs to securely link your financials during the application process; no need to upload PDFs or compromise sensitive information.
✅ Responsible Usage = Stronger Business Credit
EIN only business owners often believe these are set-and-forget cards. But to truly establish business credit, you want to:
- Pay your balance on time
- Don’t max the limit (utilization does matter)
- Check your business credit report for errors
- Regular use, including small purchases on the card
Don’t forget, simply having the card itself doesn’t help your score — it’s your use of it that matters.
🔍 SEO Tip: Naturally weaving in search terms such as “business gas cards with EIN only” and “fuel card no SSN required” is a good starting point for driving targeted traffic.
Final Thoughts: Are EIN Only Fuel Cards Right for Your Business?
By now, you’ve probably heard the pitch: EIN Only fuel cards for LLCs, startups, and other non-traditional founders to give you access to business credit—no personal guarantee or Social Security Number required. But are they right for your business? It’s time for a quick gut check as we wrap this one up.
✅ Who Benefits Most from EIN Only Fuel Cards?
If you are any of these, EIN Only fuel cards may be the right fit:
- You started a brand-new LLC or startup that doesn’t have an established credit history.
- You’re a non-citizen, an ITIN holder, or like to keep your personal and business finances separate.
- And you want to develop business credit under your EIN and begin small.
- You are the operator of a fleet, a contractor’s team , or a delivery-based business that is power/fuel-intensive.
- You’re unprepared (or unwilling) to put your personal credit on the line to grow the business.
In each of those scenarios, a liability-only EIN fuel card can provide a financial on-ramp that’s safer, easier, and more startup-friendly than going out for credit.
🚧 When You Might Need a Different Fuel Card
Though EIN Only fleet cards provide flexibility, they aren’t all the same. Look at others if:
- You’re looking for higher spending limits or cash-back travel credits
- You own an enterprise business and have great personal credit already
- You are looking for payment terms on an extended basis, installment financing, or revolving credit
- You want one card for all your business spending, not just fuel and fleet
Some EIN-only cards have narrow usage categories, only report to the bureaus under certain conditions or require great cash flow documentation on the front end.
🧠Tip: Hybrid cards such as Brex and Ramp fall somewhere in between EIN-first approval and additional features as your business scales.
💬 When to Consult a CPA or Financial Advisor
If you are unsure if an EIN Only fuel card is a good fit for your financial goals, you can always consult a small business accountant or financial advisor. They can help you:
- Determine where a new card fits within your business credit strategy
- Know the tax ramifications of fuel rewards or usage
- Suggest a bookkeeper’s approach to keep fuel expenses clean
- Check the underwriting on whether your cash flow is sufficient
Having professional guidance can help you avoid credit traps, stay compliant, and develop EIN credit in the best way you can.
People Also Ask:
❓Do EIN Only Fuel Cards Help Build Business Credit?
Yes, a lot, but not all. EIN only fuel cards will help you build business credit —but only if they report your payments to the big credit bureaus, which are:
Dun & Bradstreet (D&B)
Experian Business
Equifax Small Business
Small Business Financial Exchange (SBFE)
Cards from issuers such as Divvy, AtoB, and Brex usually report to at least one of these bureaus. By regularly using the card and making on-time payments, you can build a positive credit history under your business’s EIN, not your personal name.
❓Can I Get a Fuel Card with an LLC but No Revenue?
Yes, you can be approved for an EIN only fuel card if your LLC has not yet started producing income or profits. The trick is in picking the right card.
Alternative underwriting methods are employed by many of today’s fuel card providers. Rather than looking at your credit score or hunting for revenue, they might:
Check your linked business bank account for matching balances
Assess your company’s business model and the risk of the industry
Look for recent poorly-realized deposits, even if small.
❓Will These Cards Impact My Personal Credit?
Generally not—EIN only fuel cards are created to help you distinct your business and personal financials. As long as the card:
Doesn’t request your SSN
Can do without PG (Personal Guarantee).
Not reported to the consumer credit bureaus
Nothing will damage your credit, even if things go awry.
❓How Do I Upgrade from a Fuel-Only Card to a Full Business Credit Card?
The responsible use of EIN only fuel cards is a building block leading to higher credit levels. Once your company starts to build a track record of on-time payments and demonstrates the ability to handle spend, you’ll be in a better position to:
Business credit cards with no guarantor (higher amounts and wider use options)
Be eligible to apply for working capital loans
Trade line or equipment financing from a reputable vendor
Here is how to prepare for the upgrade:
Use your fuel card regularly and pay it off in full every month.
Track your business credit score through offerings, like Nav or Experian Business.
Then, after 6–12 months of responsible use, you would apply for a multi-purpose business card that’s subject only to business underwriting.