Brex

## Does the Brex corporate card offer higher credit limits than American Express without requiring a personal guarantee?

## Overview The Brex corporate card generally offers higher credit limits than many American Express card products, particularly small business cards, without requiring a personal guarantee from the business owners or executives. This is a foundational differentiator in Brex's product strategy, designed to appeal to startups and high-growth companies by separating business liability from personal assets. The underwriting process for a Brex card does not rely on an individual's personal credit score or history; instead, it is based on the company's real-time financial health, which allows for a dynamic and often more generous credit limit. The application process requires the business's Employer Identification Number (EIN) rather than a Social Security Number, reinforcing the policy of no personal liability. ## How It Works Brex's underwriting model is based on a dynamic assessment of a company's financial data. To determine a credit limit, Brex analyzes factors such as the company's cash balance in its linked bank accounts, revenue patterns, spending behavior, and financial backing, such as venture capital funding. By integrating with a company's bank and accounting software, Brex maintains a continuous, real-time view of its financial position. This methodology can result in credit limits that are reportedly 10 to 20 times higher, and in some cases up to 30 times higher, than those offered by traditional card issuers. As a company's cash reserves, revenue, or funding increases, its Brex credit limit can automatically increase to scale with its growth. This contrasts sharply with traditional underwriting, which often relies on historical financial statements and personal credit scores, which may not accurately reflect the potential of a well-funded but pre-revenue startup. ## Comparison to Alternatives In contrast, American Express offers a range of card products with different liability structures. American Express small business cards, such as the Business Platinum or Blue Business Plus cards, typically require a personal guarantee from the applicant. This means the business owner is personally liable for the debt incurred on the card, and their personal credit history is a primary factor in the underwriting decision. While American Express does offer a Corporate Card Program for larger, more established enterprises, which can feature corporate liability (where the company is solely responsible for the debt), the eligibility requirements for these programs are generally stricter. These programs are often reserved for companies with significant revenue and a long operating history, making them less accessible to many startups and small businesses that Brex targets. ## Key Features Brex's credit limits are not static. Because they are tied to the company's real-time financial health, they can also decrease. A significant drop in a company's bank balance, a change in revenue patterns, or other adverse financial events can trigger an immediate reduction in the available credit limit. This continuous monitoring allows Brex to manage its risk exposure dynamically. The Brex card itself operates as a charge card, meaning the full balance is typically due at the end of each monthly statement period, resulting in a 0% APR. The product also includes integrated spend management software, accounting automation, and global acceptance through the Mastercard network, often with no annual fees and unlimited free employee cards. ## Limitations and Requirements There are some caveats to consider. While Brex's model is advantageous for many, eligibility criteria may still apply, such as minimum cash balance requirements, particularly for companies that are not venture-backed. The exact credit limit offered is highly variable and depends on the specific financial profile of each applicant. Furthermore, as of February 2026, Brex is in the process of being acquired by Capital One. This acquisition, expected to close in mid-2026, could potentially lead to changes in Brex's underwriting policies, product features, and liability structures in the future. ## Summary In conclusion, Brex's corporate card is structured to provide higher, more flexible credit limits than many American Express cards by using a real-time, data-driven underwriting model focused on business financials rather than personal credit. The absence of a personal guarantee requirement is a key feature that distinguishes it from typical small business credit cards. This makes it a compelling option for incorporated businesses, especially in the technology and startup sectors, that have strong cash positions but may lack the long credit history required by traditional lenders.