Small Business Card Interview: Juan Ruiz
Juan is our first small business card reader success story to share how he was approved for a small business card. And what the process was like.
A big thank you to Juan for sharing his story!
1. Please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your small business.
I’m Juan, also known on my blog as Double Duty Daddy, a dad of twins and avid points and miles enthusiast. Beside my day job as a higher education professional, I’m a licensed realtor and need a small business card for all my real estate expenses.
2. Why did you decide on the card(s) you chose?
A few years ago, I had the Chase Ink Bold and Ink Plus (no longer available), both business credit cards from Chase.
Then, both were discontinued and I downgraded to Chase’s only no-annual fee business card, the Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card. I love the Chase Ink Cash because I earn 5% cash back (or 5X points) per $1 spent on monthly bills like cell phone, internet and cable, AND office supply stores up to $25,000 each anniversary year.
You also earn 2 points per $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants with NO annual fee. Coupled with the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve and a no-annual-fee Chase Freedom or Chase Freedom Unlimited, you have the ideal Chase trifecta if you ask me.
3. Describe the application. ex. Did you apply as a sole proprietor with your social security number or some other way?
I am a licensed realtor, so on my Chase Ink applications I applied with my Social Security Number. No need for an EIN (Employer Identification Number). It’s easy to be approved if you are a sole proprietor and can prove you bring in some income, even if it’s a small amount.
4. Which factors do you think lead to your applications being approved?
Getting approved for a business credit card is easier than you may think.Be prepared to estimate your gross income from your sole proprietorship. Whether it be reselling items on eBay, selling houses, or owning your own dental practice, they most likely will ask you a few basic questions about your business. Normally, how much revenue you bring in and what the business is about.
I was approved for one of my Ink cards for having a resell ticket business where I simply purchased event tickets and resold them on 3rd-party websites.
5. What would you tell someone who’s never applied for a small business card?
Don’t be scared. If you have a legitimate small business, one as small as buying items and reselling on eBay or Amazon, then apply. Just do your research ahead of time to know which is the right small business credit card for you.6. Now the fun part! How do you plan to use your miles or points to get Big Travel with Small Money? 🙂
I am consistently earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points from the trifecta of credit card products I have, so I plan to continue utilizing Chase’s transfer partners like British Airways, Southwest and Hyatt to get Big Travel with Small Money.
Thanks for sharing your small business card experience, Juan!