> the last one is a business card but this is HN so I suspect a bunch of people have ways of getting one of those Given that the primary difference between a c

> the last one is a business card but this is HN so I suspect a bunch of people have ways of getting one of those Given that the primary difference between a credit card application and a business card application is possession of an EIN, I refer you to the IRS (http://www.irs.gov/Help-&-Resources/Tools-&-FAQs/FAQs-for-Individuals/Frequently-Asked-Tax-Questions-&-Answers/Small-Business,-Self-Employed,-Other-Business/Form-SS-4-&-Employer-Identification-Number-%28EIN%29/Form-SS-4-&-Employer-Identification-Number-%28EIN%29-1 http://www.irs.gov/Help-&-Resources/Tools-&-FAQs/FAQs-for-In...), Question: Does a small company that operates as a sole proprietorship need a tax ID number? Answer: A sole proprietor who does not have any employees and who does not file any excise or pension plan tax returns does not need an employer identification number (EIN) (but can get one if they choose). In this instance, the sole proprietor uses his or her Social Security number as the taxpayer identification number. However, at any time the employer hires an employee or has to file an excise tax return, they will need a new, separate EIN. In other words, in the absence of a more formal business structure requirement by the credit card issuer, you can be considered to be your own business. EDIT: tldr, use your SSN