If you run a small business and want simple, fast access to credit, Novo’s business card is worth a look. It is a charge card tied to your Novo checking account, built for founders who value cash flow over complex rewards. This guide walks you through how approval works, what Novo checks, and how to raise your odds on day one.
Quick Look: What This Card Is
- Type: Charge card that you pay in full each month
- Approval focus: Your business revenue and account health, not your personal credit
- Limit style: Dynamic, adjusts with your cash flow
- Fees: No annual fee, clear fee schedule for extras
- Management: In-app controls, real-time tracking, and smart integrations
Approval Process: How It Works
1. Open a Novo business checking account
You must be a Novo checking customer before you can apply.
2. Use your account for 30 to 60 days
Run normal business activity through Novo. Aim for steady deposits and clean bookkeeping.
3. Show consistent revenue
Novo looks for regular income hitting your account. A common target is 3,000 to 6,000 dollars per month or more, with a stable balance.
4. Apply in the app
The application uses a soft credit pull to check eligibility, so your personal credit score does not take a hit.
5. Get a decision fast
Many users hear back within one to two business days. If you accept and draw on the card, Novo may complete a harder review tied to use.
6. Use and repay monthly
Since it is a charge card, you pay the full balance each month. Healthy cash flow is key.
What Novo Looks For
- Active Novo checking: Regular deposits, vendor payments, and no overdrafts
- Steady revenue flow: Consistent monthly income and a healthy average balance
- Business tenure: Longer operating history helps, but strong recent activity is powerful too
- Fit for a charge card: Cash flow that supports paying in full each month
Good to know: There is no hard credit check to apply, so checking your eligibility does not affect your personal credit score.
Who Should Choose This Card
Pick Novo’s business card if you are a new or growing business with steady income and you prefer a card that aligns with cash flow. It is also a smart choice if you have been denied elsewhere or want to avoid a hard inquiry during the application phase. Skip it if you need to carry a balance, want premium travel rewards, or need very high limits right away.
10-Minute Prep Checklist to Boost Approval Odds
- Route client payments into Novo
- Keep a clean, stable average balance
- Avoid overdrafts and returned payments
- Connect Stripe, Shopify, or your processor to Novo
- Pay a few vendors or subscriptions from Novo
- Reconcile weekly so your books match your bank
- Maintain 30 to 60 days of consistent activity
- Apply inside the Novo app when trends are positive
Smart Use Playbook After Approval
- Turn on autopay so the full balance clears each month
- Set spending alerts and limits inside the app
- Use the card for predictable expenses like software, ads, and shipping
- Review partner offers for cashback and discounts you will actually use
- Schedule a monthly finance day to review spend by category and adjust
Final Thoughts
Novo’s business credit card is built for founders who want speed, control, and simple approval logic. If you keep steady revenue flowing into your Novo account and manage cash with care, you can unlock a dynamic limit without a hard credit check at the application stage. Use it as a cash flow tool, pay in full, and let your limit grow as your business grows.
