Pretty sure you should just put your name on it. You are the buisness.
Probably better suited for the 'Business Credit' section but it's straightforward to answer. Unless you've registered with your state for a Doing Business As (DBA) or other Ficticious Name (i.e. an LLC or corporation), just use your name. Do not make something up (banks ask for proof of EIN, DBA, etc. if you list those in the application).
My sole prop is currently just using my name, but I'm planning to register a DBA at some point.
Unless you've registered a name for a real business with your state, I agree with above to not just make something up. I've applied for multiple AMEX and Chase cards with few questions using my name and claiming sole proprietorship similar to your description. My job title is just "Owner." I never claim more than 2 employees, which would be myself and DW. And I'm careful not to exaggerate revenues beyond what I could reasonably support if there was requests for documentation. Some lenders will want more information about your business and may ask for documentation. And some will shut you down if you put a lot of personal spending on your business cards, but AMEX and Chase seem more lenient. I also know that if you get offers for business banking accounts, most banks will want to see more documentation and real business revenue.
Just keep in mind that if you make up some crazy name, that name will appear below your name on the card and will be visible everywhere you use it. I would think changing it later on could draw unwanted attention, so I would just stick to using your name.
@Aim_High wrote:Unless you've registered a name for a real business with your state, I agree with above to not just make something up. I've applied for multiple AMEX and Chase cards with few questions using my name and claiming sole proprietorship similar to your description. My job title is just "Owner." I never claim more than 2 employees, which would be myself and DW. And I'm careful not to exaggerate revenues beyond what I could reasonably support if there was requests for documentation. Some lenders will want more information about your business and may ask for documentation. And some will shut you down if you put a lot of personal spending on your business cards, but AMEX and Chase seem more lenient. I also know that if you get offers for business banking accounts, most banks will want to see more documentation and real business revenue.
Just keep in mind that if you make up some crazy name, that name will appear below your name on the card and will be visible everywhere you use it. I would think changing it later on could draw unwanted attention, so I would just stick to using your name.
I will echo @Aim_High 's sage advice. I'm fully retired now, but I had a legitimate side business for over a decade. When applying for business credit cards, I always put my real name as my business name and specified sole proprietorship as the business structure. I also declared the true good faith estimate of business revenue.
