Guides

Capital On Tap Eligibility for Self-Employed Business Owners

By Afshin · · 6 min read · Updated

Self-employed people in the UK operate through different business structures, and that can affect card eligibility. Capital On Tap lists UK Ltd, LLP and PLC businesses as eligible structures; sole traders are not listed. This guide explains what to check in the issuer's current criteria and referral terms. Eligibility, approval and any reward are not guaranteed.

How business structure affects eligibility

“Self-employed” describes people working through different structures; it does not by itself establish card eligibility.

Capital On Tap lists UK Ltd, LLP and PLC businesses as eligible structures. Check the current requirements for the business and applicant directly with the issuer. Meeting a published criterion does not guarantee approval.

Sole traders are not listed among those structures. Do not change your structure solely to qualify for credit or a referral reward; incorporation can affect tax, reporting duties and liability, so seek independent professional advice.

  • UK Ltd, LLP and PLC businesses are listed by the issuer; check current criteria
  • Sole traders are not listed as eligible structures
  • Approval and any referral reward depend on current issuer checks and terms

What the current referral offer may include

Eligible applicants may receive 7,500 points worth £75 after a qualifying transaction, subject to approval and Capital On Tap's current referral terms.

The offer amount, qualifying activity, eligibility and reward timing can change. Check the terms shown by the issuer before applying; do not treat the reward as guaranteed.

Check the card's ongoing rewards separately

Welcome rewards and ongoing card rewards are separate parts of the product. Review the current card fees, rates, redemption choices and account terms directly with Capital On Tap, and compare them with other options before deciding.

How to check the reward conditions

Start from the referral link and check that code 2REFY893A52 appears in the application. Review the offer shown there, including the qualifying transaction and any reward conditions, before submitting.

Reward posting time and available redemptions depend on the offer and account terms. Check your account and contact Capital On Tap if a reward that appears due under your terms is missing.

What self-employed people typically spend on the card

If your business is eligible and the card suits your needs, assess it using your actual business spending and the current rewards schedule. Confirm which transactions qualify and keep business and personal expenses separate.

  • Software subscriptions (Xero, Adobe, Microsoft 365, Notion, Canva, Slack, Zoom)
  • Cloud services (AWS, Google Workspace, hosting, domains)
  • Marketing (Meta, Google Ads, LinkedIn, Bing Ads)
  • Professional services (accountant, solicitor, insurance broker)
  • Stock, materials, equipment, tools
  • Travel — fuel, train tickets, parking, hotels, flights for client visits
  • Business travel and other expenses permitted by your card agreement
  • Phone bills, broadband, co-working space
  • Stationery, postage, printing, signage

Estimate value using current card terms

Calculate potential rewards from your own eligible spending and the rates and fees that apply to the card you are offered. Treat welcome rewards as conditional on the current referral terms, not as guaranteed income.

If your business structure is listed

Review the issuer's current business and applicant criteria, fees and credit agreement. If you choose to apply, use the referral link and verify the code and offer terms shown in the application before submitting.

Capital On Tap's application and credit-search process can change. Read the issuer's current explanation of searches and decisions; an application or referral code does not guarantee approval or a particular limit.

If your current structure is not listed

Sole traders are not listed among Capital On Tap's eligible business structures. Do not incorporate or change your business structure solely to seek a card or referral reward; a change can affect tax, reporting duties and liability and does not guarantee approval.

If you are considering a structural change for broader business reasons, seek independent accounting or legal advice and check current Companies House requirements.

Consider borrowing costs and suitability

A rewards offer should not outweigh the card's fees, interest rate or suitability for your business. Check the APR and agreement offered to you, and consider whether you can repay what you borrow.

Do not assume that applying, qualifying for a code or meeting a published criterion will result in approval or a reward. The issuer's current terms and checks control.

Frequently asked questions

Can self-employed business owners apply for Capital On Tap?
Eligibility depends on business structure and the issuer's current criteria. Capital On Tap lists UK Ltd, LLP and PLC businesses; sole traders are not listed. Approval is not guaranteed.
How exactly does the £75 welcome bonus work?
Eligible applicants may receive 7,500 points worth £75 after a qualifying transaction, subject to approval and current offer terms. Check the terms shown by the issuer for requirements and reward timing.
Can I cash out the points or do I have to spend them on travel?
Redemption options and values depend on the card and current account terms. Check the options available in your Capital On Tap account before relying on a particular value.
How many Avios is the welcome bonus worth?
Check the current card and rewards terms for available transfer partners and conversion rates; these can change.
Is there an annual fee?
Check the fees for the specific card and account terms offered to you. Do not assume that every product or future offer has the same fees.
Can a sole trader use this card?
Capital On Tap lists UK Ltd, LLP and PLC businesses as eligible structures; sole traders are not listed. Confirm current criteria with the issuer. Do not change your structure solely to seek a card or reward.
What credit score do I need?
Check Capital On Tap's current explanation of its application and credit-search process. It does not guarantee approval or a particular limit.
When will the reward arrive?
Reward timing depends on the offer terms that apply to your application. Check those terms and your account after completing any qualifying activity; contact Capital On Tap if a reward due under the terms is missing.
Can I use it for personal spending?
Review the card agreement for permitted use. Keep business and personal spending separate where required and ask an independent accountant about record-keeping or tax treatment.
What if I spend abroad — are there foreign exchange fees?
Check the fees and exchange-rate terms for the specific card and account offered to you.

Ready to apply?

Potential reward: 7,500 points worth £75 with code 2REFY893A52

Use the referral link; it carries the code. Check that the code appears in the application and enter it manually only if it is missing. Any reward is subject to current terms. See the full referral guide.

Apply with referral link →