business cards for non-business owners?

[dealmaster]

Hi, i would appreciate if some can please tell me if a non-business owner can open a business card? is there a difference between diff. card issuers? thanks!

[Definitions]

I'm not a big credit card guru, others are.

What I do know is that you can sign up for a business card as a sole proprietorship. Which basically means any sort of little business that you do i.e. selling stuff on eBay. I don't think they ever ask you for proof of your business although Im not sure.

I don't think there's a difference in regards to opening a business card between different issuers.

[dealmaster]

What I do know is that you can sign up for a business card as a sole proprietorship. Which basically means any sort of little business that you do i.e. selling stuff on eBay. I don't think they ever ask you for proof of your business although Im not sure.

1st off,Thanks for replying!
2nd,Is that legal? and what if i dont do any such activities?

[CountValentine]

Thanks!is that legal? and what if i dont do any such activities?

If you don't have a real business then don't open a business card. Consult with a tax attorney and contrary to what they tell you here selling an item on eBay or cutting someone's lawn is not a business under IRS guidelines.

[Definitions]

If you don't have a real business then don't open a business card. Consult with a tax attorney and contrary to what they tell you here selling an item on eBay or cutting someone's lawn is not a business under IRS guidelines.

Not denying your post. What's the worst that could happen if you open even if you don't have a real business?

[dealmaster]

If you don't have a real business then don't open a business card. Consult with a tax attorney and contrary to what they tell you here selling an item on eBay or cutting someone's lawn is not a business under IRS guidelines.

Not denying your post. What's the worst that could happen if you open even if you don't have a real business?

+1(from a legal prespective)

[CountValentine]

Not denying your post. What's the worst that could happen if you open even if you don't have a real business?

99.9% of the time, probably nothing.

[dealmaster]

If you don't have a real business then don't open a business card. Consult with a tax attorney and contrary to what they tell you here selling an item on eBay or cutting someone's lawn is not a business under IRS guidelines.

Not denying your post. What's the worst that could happen if you open even if you don't have a real business?

99.9% of the time, probably nothing.

that does not answear as to the legality of opening such a card

[CountValentine]

that does not answear as to the legality of opening such a card

Consult with a tax attorney...

[dealmaster]

consult with a tax attorney...

anyone out there?

[CountValentine]

anyone out there?

In general, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers an activity a business if "it is carried on with the reasonable expectation of earning a profit.". One way the IRS determines if your side activity is a business is whether you were able to show a profit in three of the last five years.

[ckmk47]

But Chase is not the IRS.
If they ask, you can say your are thinking of starting to sell stuff. (on ebay, in the flea market, )
They may even ask details about your ideas.  But vague answers won't stop them from giving you a card.

today's DDMS https://www.dansdeals.com/credit-cards/chase-ink-cash-card-earning-5-ultimate-rewards-points-per-dollar-amazon-everyday-spending/

[as2]

CV is a straight shooter, and nothing he's stating is incorrect. Although, if your personal ethical standard approves, you can technically make anything up, and get approved. You may need to provide proof of whatever you say though. Again, I'm not commenting on the ethics or legality, just the facts as I see them.

[elimmm]

It seems like the card issuers are more than happy to sign you up, hence they rarely ask for any verification. You can even tell them you never made any profit yet and don't think you'll ever make too much.
For then every card is potentially more money in their pockets and since a sole proprietor is personally responsible for the business, the risk is the same as if they have you another personal card.

[Fish Tank]

If you don't have a real business then don't open a business card. Consult with a tax attorney.

Tax attorney?  He isn't inquiring about paying taxes.
 

Contrary to what they tell you here selling an item on eBay or cutting someone's lawn is not a business under IRS guidelines.

Are you sure? I know many landscapers that have large businesses, and the IRS treats them all too well like a legit business.

[ckmk47]

I don't think cc's use the same guidelines as the IRS.  If you do any sort of "business", they'll potentially give you a business card.

[CountValentine]

This is to funny. Be honest on the app and lets see what percentage get approved.

[grodnoking]

This is to funny. Be honest on the app and lets see what percentage get approved.

Well obviously they wouldn't approve people who are honest and don't lie on their application. Those people have no risk and therefore no reward.

[justmeha]

are biz card harder to get then personnel if you have a lower credit score