The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards
Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card Review

Eric Bank

By: Eric Bank

Eric Bank
Eric Bank

Eric Bank is an M.B.A. who has covered financial and business topics since 1985, appearing regularly on Credible, eHow, WiseBread, The Nest, Zacks, Chron, BadCredit.org and dozens of other outlets. Eric specializes in taking complex subject matters and explaining them in simple terms for consumer audiences, particularly in the world of personal finance. Eric holds a Master's in Business Administration from New York University and a Master's in Finance from DePaul University.

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Editor: Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker
Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.

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Reviewer: Danielle Spurlin

Danielle Spurlin
Danielle Spurlin

With more than 10 years of accounting experience, Danielle Marshall has a deep understanding of many financial disciplines, including personal and commercial lending, retirement annuities, financial forecasting, and general bookkeeping. She has a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida's Fisher School of Accounting and currently manages all accounts receivable and payable for the parent company of CardRates.com. She works directly with credit card issuers and advertising partners to ensure our content meets compliance expectations and regulatory standards.

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Ink Business Cash® Credit Card Review

Rated 4.6 /5.0 ★★★★★

Business credit cards provide many advantages for small businesses and LLCs. The Ink line of business cards from Chase Bank gives you a wide variety of choices regarding benefits and costs.

The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card caters to business owners who want bonus cash back rewards on select merchant categories. This credit card review compares this Visa card with three leading competitors. One of these cards may be a valuable asset for your company.

A Highly-Rated Business Card With Lucrative Rewards

Chase’s Ink Business Cash® Credit Card has a signup bonus, a 0% introductory purchase APR, no annual fee, and tiered cash back rewards. The regular APR of 18.49% - 24.49% Variable applies once the promotional rates end.

Although Chase markets the card’s rewards as cash back, they are Chase Ultimate Rewards® points that you can cash out for a penny each. You can redeem the rewards in several ways (see the FAQs below). Rewards never expire as long as your account remains open.

If you have employees, you can give them authorized cards for no extra charge. This is a valuable perk because some cards charge a fee to add authorized users.

How to Qualify & Apply

You must be an 18 or older US resident to qualify for the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card. Business owners are personally liable for all balances if their companies cannot pay the monthly credit card bills.

Applicants must have good to excellent credit (typically between a 670 and 850 FICO score) and enough income to pay the card’s monthly minimum payments. Chase will run your credit when you apply for the card to determine approval.

You can apply for the card online by submitting the following information:

    • Annual business revenue and estimated monthly spending.

    • Business category, type, subtype, and NAICS code

    • Date of birth

    • Legal business structure and company name

    • Mother’s maiden name

    • Phone number

    • Tax ID type and number

    • Your company officer title

    • Your name and address

    • Your total gross annual income

If you meet these criteria, you can access the card’s application on Chase Bank’s website by clicking the Apply Now button below:

Disclosure: When you apply through links on our site, we often earn referral fees from partners. For more information, see our ad disclosure and review policy.

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BEST OVERALL RATING

★★★★★

4.6

OVERALL RATING

  • Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
  • Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
  • With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
  • Member FDIC
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR on Purchases 12 months
N/A
18.49% - 24.49% Variable
$0
Good/Excellent

Chase requires you to use the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card only for business purposes, not family, personal, or household purposes. You also must declare that you are personally liable for the card, are an authorizing officer of the company, and will inform Chase if your employment status changes.

You can authorize employees to be users of the account when you apply for the card or at a later time. Chase lets you set spending limits on each qualified employee. You collect the rewards that your employees earn.

Chase’s 5/24 Rule may disqualify you (at least temporarily) from obtaining the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card. This Rule limits you to five new credit accounts from any source in the previous 24 months.

Benefits & Drawbacks to Consider

Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card. This card is handy for businesses that spend significant amounts on office supplies and telecom services, but you’ll want to consider the drawbacks as well when evaluating the card for your specific business requirements.

Benefits

    • Signup bonus: Earn bonus cash back after spending a set amount on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

    • Cash back rewards: Earn tiered cash back rewards, subject to annual caps on bonus rates. All other eligible purchases earn unlimited 1% back.

    • No annual fee: The card does not charge a yearly fee.

    • Introductory APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases 12 months

Drawbacks

    • Credit requirement: You must have good to excellent credit for approval, which may exclude some applicants.

    • Lower rewards rate outside bonus categories: The card offers a lower cash back rate (1%) on purchases outside its bonus categories and limitations.

    • Spending caps on bonus rewards: Annual spending limits exist for the higher cash back rates in bonus categories.

    • No balance transfer promotion: The 0% introductory APR promotion applies only to purchases.

    • Fees: The card imposes fees on foreign transactions, cash advances, balance transfers, and overdue payments.

Other Top Business Cards

The following three business cards all deserve consideration. One is another Ink card, while the other two come from Capital One and American Express. All charge no annual fee, but their rewards and APRs differ.

    BEST OVERALL RATING

    ★★★★★
    4.6

    OVERALL RATING

    • Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
    • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
    • No Annual Fee
    • Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
    • Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
    • Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
    • With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
    • 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
    • Member FDIC
    Intro (Purchases)
    Intro (Transfers)
    Regular APR
    Annual Fee
    Credit Needed
    0% Intro APR on Purchases 12 months
    N/A 12 months
    18.49% - 24.49% Variable
    $0
    Good/Excellent

    The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card offers a flat cash back rate on all purchases, which contrasts with the higher cash back rates in specific categories from the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card. This makes the Unlimited card better suited to your business if you spend broadly and want a simple reward scheme.

    Both cards have no annual fee, similar introductory promotions, and free employee credit cards.

    BEST OVERALL RATING

    ★★★★★
    4.7

    OVERALL RATING

    • 0% Intro APR for the first 12 months; 21.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that
    • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere — with no limits or category restrictions
    • No annual fee
    • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
    • Rewards won't expire for the life of the account
    • Redeem your cash back rewards for any amount
    • Free employee cards, which also earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
    • $0 Fraud Liability for unauthorized charges
    Intro (Purchases)
    Intro (Transfers)
    Regular APR
    Annual Fee
    Credit Needed
    0% for 12 months
    N/A
    21.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
    $0
    Good

    The Capital One Spark Cash Select for Good Credit offers the same cash back rate on all purchases, making it a straightforward choice for business spending that doesn’t fit into specific categories. On the other hand, the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card caters to businesses that spend heavily in particular areas such as office supplies and telecommunications.

    Both cards require applicants to have good credit, charge no annual fees, and provide introductory 0% APR promotions, but this card lacks a signup bonus.

      Blue Business Cash™ Card Review

      at the issuer'ssecure website

      BEST OVERALL RATING

      ★★★★★
      4.7

      OVERALL RATING

      4.7/5.0
      • Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $5,000 in qualifying purchases on your card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
      • Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
      • Buy above your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power. Make business purchases over your credit limit with no penalty or enrollments, and still earn cash back on those purchases. Terms apply.
      • 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable APR applies
      • Get an approval decision in as little as 30 seconds
      • $0 Annual Fee
      Intro (Purchases)
      Intro (Transfers)
      Regular APR
      Annual Fee
      Credit Needed
      0% for 12 months
      N/A
      17.74% - 25.74% Variable
      $0
      Good/Excellent

      The Blue Business Cash™ Card from American Express offers a flat bonus rate with an annual cap versus the tiered rewards from the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card. The Blue card’s signup bonus is much smaller than the Chase card’s but provides a more flexible spending limit.

      While both cards cater to small business owners, provide introductory 0% APRs, and do not have an annual fee, this card may appeal to companies with more varied spending patterns.

      Cardholder Reviews on Reddit

      Editor’s note: Specific signup bonuses and rewards rates mentioned may no longer be available. Reviews have been edited for clarity.

      Chymore45 is happy with the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card:

      “Run don’t walk to Chase’s website for its Chase Business Cash card! 90k Chase points with no annual fee?? That is a no-brainer! I just signed up and got instant approval… Give me the points!”

      Chase approved Osgiliath for the card with a $4,000 credit limit, which he found too low to be helpful:

      “Anyone know how likely I am to get a credit limits increase asap on a Chase Ink Cash I was just approved for? I signed up as a sole proprietor and do consulting and legal advice. Even the flights and hotels I have to book sometimes for international business trips easily exceed $4k. On the application, I put down $60k annual revenue and $15k monthly expenses. This is a side gig, and my total income is $375k.”

      Redditors generally approved of the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card, especially when they got one as part of a plan to maximize their credit lines.

      FAQs: What Is the Card’s Credit Limit?

      The minimum credit limit on the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is $3,000. Credit limits above $25,000 are possible if you qualify. Chase offers several ways to increase your credit limit:

        • Automatic increases: Chase may automatically increase your credit limit based on payment history and low credit utilization.

        • Targeted online offers: Occasionally, Chase may offer credit limit increases online. Log into your Chase account to check if you have any such offers.

        • Requesting an Increase via phone: The most common way to request a credit limit increase is to call Chase customer service. You’ll need to explain why you need the increase, such as an income raise or wanting to transfer a balance.

      Consider the following before you request an increase:

        • Existing debt: Ensure you can manage the higher limit without pushing you too deep into debt. Remember, you want to repay your entire monthly balance to avoid interest.

        • Credit utilization: A higher limit may help reduce your credit utilization ratio, provided you don’t use the additional credit to fund a shopping spree. A lower CUR can benefit your credit scores.

        • Balance transfers: You can improve your credit profile and pay less interest by using a larger credit limit to consolidate credit card debt via balance transfers.

      Remember, if Chase denies your request, you can improve your chances for next time by managing your credit accounts responsibly.

      Is it Hard to Get Approved?

      It would be best if you had good to excellent credit to qualify for the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card — the card is not for subprime consumers. You must meet the card’s requirements, including residency, age, and income.

      The Chase 5/24 Rule limits the number of credit cards you can own and still be eligible for a new Chase credit card. Chase will most likely reject your application for a new credit card if you have applied for five or more new ones within the last 24 months, even if you otherwise qualify.

      The Rule applies to all your credit cards, not just ones from Chase Bank. You can reapply once the oldest relevant card account is older than 24 months.

      Before applying, check your credit reports for inaccurate information that may lower your credit scores. You can get free copies of your credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com or directly from the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion).

      You can dispute obsolete, incorrect, or unverifiable information on a credit bureau report yourself or through a credit repair agency. Eliminating misinformation may increase your credit scores and boost your approval odds.

      How Do I Redeem My Rewards?

      Although Chase calls the rewards from the card “cash back,” they are actually Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Chase provides several ways to redeem your points.

      Cash Back

      You can easily convert your points into cash back. That may make the most sense when you don’t have travel expenses.

      Log into your Chase account online or through the Chase app to redeem your points for cash. You can check your point balance in the rewards section.

      You redeem cash back at the rate of one cent per point. For example, if you have 10,000 points, you can redeem them for $100 in cash.

      You choose the amount to redeem and how to receive it (i.e., as a direct deposit or statement credit. Deposits to your Chase bank account occur instantly during business hours, but it may require as many as three business days to receive a statement credit. You can deposit cash directly into most US bank accounts.

      Gift Cards

      You can redeem your rewards for gift cards from numerous restaurants and other merchants. This option helps you give gifts to employees or clients.

      Travel

      You can use your points to book business travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal, including flights, car rentals, hotel stays, and other business travel expenses. You may redeem, pay, or track your reservations through ChaseTravel.com or by calling the Chase Travel Service Center at (800) 935-9935. You may also change or cancel your trips online.

      Pay Yourself Back Program

      You can pay for one or more recent eligible purchases using Ultimate Rewards points, which act as a statement credit. Chase lists eligible purchases that you’ve posted in the past 90 days. Categories in the Pay Yourself Back program may include grocery stores, gas stations, and select charities. You can use this option to offset specific business costs without first converting your points to cash.

      Amazon and PayPal Shopping

      You can shop at Amazon.com or with merchants through PayPal and pay for the merchandise using your Chase Ultimate Rewards points on the checkout screen.

      Transfer to Other Chase Cards

      You can transfer your points to other Chase cards that earn Ultimate Rewards points cards. This may increase the value of your points when you redeem them for travel through Chase.

      For example, if you transfer 10,000 points to your Chase Sapphire Reserve® card, they will be worth 15,000 if you apply them to a Chase travel booking.

      What Other Ink Business Cards Does Chase Issue?

      Chase issues three additional Ink credit cards besides the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card. They vary in terms of rewards offered, introductory APRs, and annual fees. Some are better for business travelers while others are better for simple cash back.

      BUSINESS CARD RATING

      ★★★★★
      4.7

      OVERALL RATING

      • Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
      • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
      • No Annual Fee
      • Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
      • Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
      • Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
      • With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
      • 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
      • Member FDIC
      Intro (Purchases)
      Intro (Transfers)
      Regular APR
      Annual Fee
      Credit Needed
      0% Intro APR on Purchases 12 months
      N/A 12 months
      18.49% - 24.49% Variable
      $0
      Good/Excellent

      The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card pays the same flat rewards rate on all eligible purchases. It’s perfect for small business owners who want a low-cost, straightforward credit card. The card has a $0 annual fee, and you can authorize employee cards for free.

      This card’s benefits include purchase protection, travel, and emergency assistance services, extended warranty protection, auto rental collision damage waiver, and zero liability protection. You can integrate your card account with your bookkeeping software to simplify your operations.

      Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card Review

      at the issuer'ssecure website

      BUSINESS CARD RATING

      ★★★★★
      4.7

      OVERALL RATING

      • Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
      • Earn unlimited 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more and unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases.
      • Travel Benefits: Unlimited 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, No Foreign Transaction Fees and Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance.
      • The only business credit card with 2.5% cash back on every purchase of $5,000 or more.
      • For businesses who prefer to pay their balance in full each month, Ink Business Premier gives access to increased spending power, rich rewards, and premium benefits.
      • Pay off eligible purchases over time with interest up to assigned Flex for Business limit. All other purchases must be paid in full each month.
      • Purchase with confidence with built-in protections like Fraud Protection, Zero Liability Protection, Purchase Protection, Cell Phone Protection, and Extended Warranty Protection.
      • There's no additional cost for employee cards. Monitor spend with digital tools like purchase alerts, set spending limits, reporting, and more.
      • Member FDIC
      Intro (Purchases)
      Intro (Transfers)
      Regular APR
      Annual Fee
      Credit Needed
      N/A
      N/A
      Flex for Business variable APR: 19.49% - 27.49%
      $195
      Good/Excellent

      Chase designed the Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card for businesses seeking a high reward rate on purchases of $5,000 or more. It pays its top bonus rate on trips you book through Chase Travel, but its flat rate on all other eligible purchases is also relatively high.

      The card provides several consumer protections and free employee cards. It charges a high annual fee, but you can avoid the interest charges on its Flex Plan by paying your entire bill each month. There’s no fee for foreign transactions and no penalty APR for late payments.

      BUSINESS CARD RATING

      ★★★★★
      4.6

      OVERALL RATING

      • Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
      • Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
      • Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
      • With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
      • Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
      • Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
      • Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
      • Member FDIC
      Intro (Purchases)
      Intro (Transfers)
      Regular APR
      Annual Fee
      Credit Needed
      N/A
      N/A
      21.24%-26.24% Variable
      $95
      Good/Excellent

      The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card charges a moderate annual fee but delivers excellent value. You can earn a large signup bonus, a high rewards rate on travel and other business purchases, and a 25% higher rewards value when you redeem your points through Chase Travel.

      The bonus reward rate extends to purchases for online advertising, shipping, and connectivity (i.e., cable, internet, and phone services). This Visa card charge has no foreign transaction fees and offers 1:1 point transfers to participating loyalty programs. For business travelers, this is the best credit card from Chase.

      What is the Best Business Credit Card for Small Businesses?

      The best type of business credit card for your small business generally depends on your specific needs and spending patterns. However, there are several key features you should consider:

        • Cash back rewards: Cards with cash back on purchases benefit businesses looking to reduce their net expenses.

        • Low interest rates: Cards with low interest rates reduce the cost of borrowing if your business regularly carries a balance.

        • No annual fee: Cards with no annual fee eliminate a business expense, saving a significant amount over time.

        • Expense management tools: Cards that easily integrate with your accounting software can help you manage your company’s finances more efficiently.

        • Flexible credit limits: Look for a business card with an adjustable credit limit to help you meet your fluctuating spending requirements.

        • Introductory offers: You can get a card with an introductory 0% APR and a signup bonus. Startups can really capitalize on these offers when purchasing equipment, furniture, and supplies.

        • Additional perks: Benefits such as travel insurance, extended warranties, and purchase protection add value to a business credit card.

      Ultimately, the best business card meshes with your spending habits and financial goals. All the cards reviewed in this article would be excellent choices for most small businesses.

      This Card May Be For You If…

      The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is well-suited for your business if you prioritize one or more of the following features:

        • Businesses looking for high cash back on specific categories: This card benefits businesses with significant expenses in particular categories, including office supplies, telecommunications services, and gas stations.

        • Businesses that spend moderately: It may be ideal for your business if you set moderate spending levels that align with the card’s cash back cap limits. You can get high rewards while staying within budget.

        • Businesses that insist upon no annual fee: You can direct the money you would have spent on yearly fees toward better business uses.

        • Businesses that want Introductory APR offers: This card can provide short-term financial flexibility if your business is planning large purchases and would benefit from an introductory period with a low or zero APR (and a sizable signup bonus).

        • Businesses that favor a simple rewards structure: You get a straightforward cash back program without the need to manage complex rewards points systems.

      In summary, Ink Business Cash® Credit Card should suit most small to medium-sized business owners with specific spending requirements in the card’s cash back categories and who want to avoid paying an annual fee.

      About the Author

      Eric Bank
      Eric Bank Finance Expert

      Eric Bank is an M.B.A. who has covered financial and business topics since 1985, appearing regularly on Credible, eHow, WiseBread, The Nest, Zacks, Chron, BadCredit.org and dozens of other outlets. Eric specializes in taking complex subject matters and explaining them in simple terms for consumer audiences, particularly in the world of personal finance. Eric holds a Master's in Business Administration from New York University and a Master's in Finance from DePaul University.

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