How Brex is redefining underwriting to empower modern businesses

Most business credit cards force founders into an impossible choice: risk personal assets with a personal guarantee, or settle for credit limits that don't match your business goals. It's a frustrating paradox. The more you invest in growth, the more capital you need — yet traditional underwriting treats that investment as a risk rather than an opportunity.

The problem isn't founders or their businesses. It's that legacy underwriting systems were built for a different era. They rely on static financial snapshots, rigid formulas, and manual processes that can't keep pace with how modern businesses actually operate. Whether you're a bootstrapped SaaS company with recurring revenue, a VC-backed startup scaling rapidly, or an enterprise managing global operations, traditional credit providers use the same outdated underwriting playbook.

And even after you're approved, you face hurdles. Need to increase your limit as revenue grows? Prepare for another lengthy underwriting process. Expanding internationally? You'll need separate applications for each entity – or even a new provider per country. Make a larger-than-usual purchase during a critical launch? Risk having your card frozen at the worst possible moment. You face friction at every stage of growth.

Brex built something different: a comprehensive underwriting system designed for the needs of today's founders.

7 ways Brex underwriting works better

1. Apply in minutes, start spending instantly

Traditional business credit applications require extensive paperwork, in-person meetings, multiple financial statements, and weeks of waiting. At Brex, you can apply in 10 minutes or less by simply connecting your bank account and providing basic business information. And the moment you're approved, you can start spending with virtual cards. No more waiting around while your business needs capital now.

2. No personal guarantees

Brex assesses your business on its own merits, not your personal credit score or assets. We believe founders shouldn't have to put their personal credit on the line to access business credit. Our underwriting evaluates business risk directly using real-time cash position, revenue patterns, and operational fundamentals — the same dynamic, data-driven approach that earned us our AAA rating. You get credit based on your actual business performance, so you can grow without personal liability hanging over your head.

3. Up to 30x higher limits

Brex customers often receive credit limits up to 30x higher than traditional providers offer. We tailor limits to your specific business model and financial reality — whether you're processing millions in monthly revenue or just getting started with your first round of funding. This means you can make the purchases you need to scale without constantly bumping up against arbitrary restrictions.

4. Stable, AAA-backed reliability

Credit lines that get locked up when you need them most aren't just frustrating, they're dangerous to business operations. Our dynamic underwriting process sets you up with the right limit for your business from day one. And with Brex's AAA rating, you can trust we'll be here for the long haul. That kind of reliability matters when you're trying to execute on ambitious plans and can't afford financial uncertainty.

5. Dynamic scalability

Your business doesn't stand still, so your credit limit shouldn't either. As you raise funding, grow revenue, or expand operations, your credit limit grows with you. And when you need to request an increase, it takes just a few clicks, not a full re-application. This means your credit keeps pace with your ambition instead of forcing you to slow down and wait.

6. Global reach

As your business expands internationally, most providers force you to juggle separate card programs in each country, fragmenting your visibility and control. Brex offers one global credit limit that works across subsidiaries, with spending in local currencies wherever you operate. Manage everything from a single platform, with the flexibility to distribute credit across entities as your operations demand. It's a simplified experience that lets you focus on growth.

7. White-glove underwriting for complex needs

For companies with unique revenue streams, complex ownership structures, or specialized industry requirements, we work directly with you to craft tailored credit solutions. You get personalized attention that understands your specific situation, not a one-size-fits-all formula. And once you’re on Brex, a dedicated team is available 24/7 to troubleshoot issues, and answer questions.

Credit built for how you actually work

Traditional underwriting treats all businesses like they're the same, and doesn’t account for the changing needs of modern companies and their founders. Brex is changing that. We use AI automation to deliver faster approvals, tailored limits, and AAA-backed credit that scales dynamically.

This isn't automation for automation's sake — it's about creating better outcomes: credit that reflects your actual business capacity and adapts as you grow. And for complex situations that need a human touch, our dedicated underwriting team works directly with you to tailor solutions to your company's specific needs. The result? Credit that reflects how your business operates today, not how businesses operated a decade ago.

Ready to experience business credit that's built for your business? Apply for Brex in 10 minutes and see what modern underwriting can do for you.

Brex intends to provide accurate information but cannot guarantee this content is current, correct, or complete.