Chase Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card Review [2026]: Earn More, Go Further

Chase Ink Business Preferred basics

Chase Ink Business Preferred welcome offer

The Ink Business Preferred starts off strong with an impressive welcome offer. You can earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

This is one of the most generous welcome offers I've seen for a business card with an annual fee under $100. However, the card's minimum spending threshold is higher than that of some similar cards, such as the Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card and the The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card.

That's why I'd consider this card if I'd already planned a major business purchase, such as electronics or equipment, or had high regular operating expenses (although businesses with high spend really aren't ideal for this card).

These bonus points are highly flexible, so you can use them for whatever your business needs. If you have an upcoming trip, you could redeem them for flights or hotel stays. Otherwise, you might redeem them for statement credits, bank account deposits, or gift cards to cushion your budget.

Chase Ink Business Preferred benefits and perks

While Ink Business Preferred doesn't offer the most luxurious features compared to business cards with higher annual fees, it offers flexibility, value, and special protections that make it a worthy option for many small business owners.

Flexible rewards structure

One thing I love about this card is its versatility. You could earn 3X points on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year; and 1X points per $1 on all other purchases.

While the $150,000 combined spending cap for the top rewards rate might be limiting if you're a big spender, the featured categories make it easy to maximize your rewards. Regardless of what type of business you have, you'll likely need to ship packages, purchase advertising, and cover internet, cable, and phone services. I can especially see it as rewarding for those who operate online businesses or sell products.

Plus, if you're constantly on the move for client meetings or industry conferences, this card's travel rewards can really add up. Assuming you spend $1,000 a month on business travel expenses, you could earn up to 36,000 points a year. With Points Boost, that could be worth up to $540 when redeemed for select hotels through Chase Travel℠.

In addition to the regular rewards system, the card currently offers 5X points per dollar spent on Lyft rides through September 2027. I like how this adds further value for business travelers who might need a ride from their hotels to local venues and businesses.

Boosted redemption value through Chase Travel℠

One of my favorite perks of this card is that points could be worth more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠. That's a small yet mighty boost compared to cash back, gift card, or statement credit redemptions.

I can imagine a frequent business traveler using this card to stretch their points further on trips, getting more value out of every dollar spent and point redeemed. This feature sets this card apart from other business cards I've researched.

Valuable travel protections

As someone who wants peace of mind when I travel and doesn't like having to sign up and pay for separate services, I appreciate the comprehensive travel protections this card offers.

The trip cancellation/interruption insurance could be a lifesaver for unexpected events, the primary rental car insurance could save you money while keeping you covered, and the roadside assistance could come in handy on the road.

While these protections do have limits and exclusions, and you can incur costs for roadside service, they're likely widely useful for small business owners.

Cell phone protection

As someone who regularly uses their cell phone for business and is prone to dropping it, I've paid for standalone cell phone insurance for the last few years.

Whether you use your phone in risky environments or worry about someone stealing it, the cell phone protection on this card (up to $1,000 per claim) provides invaluable peace of mind. You can make up to three claims every 12 months and pay a low $100 deductible per claim. I find that a good deal, since I currently pay $149 for my iPhone's theft-and-loss deductible (though it's worth noting that the Ink Business Preferred's insurance doesn't cover lost phones).

You need to pay your cell phone bill with the Ink Business Preferred card, but this is well worth it for the savings.

Complimentary DashPass Access

When I'm busy and can't head out to a restaurant or store, I often turn to delivery services like DoorDash. With the Ink Business Preferred, you can get at least a year of complimentary access to DashPass when you activate by December 31, 2027, saving you on delivery fees and service charges.

You'll likely benefit most from this feature if you frequently order out for yourself or your employees, or if you regularly run out of supplies. I also like that you can get up to $10 every month to put toward non-restaurant orders.

Earning and redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards points

Potential earnings in years one and two

Here's a look at how your points can add up with the Ink Business Preferred. To calculate these values, we used a point valuation of 1 cent per point earned.

Remember, this is an estimation. The actual value will be determined by how much you spend and in which categories you spend.

Year one earnings: $1,736

Year two earnings: $486

These values are based on the FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model, which takes a look at points earned via spending, the welcome bonus, and the annual fee.

Best ways to earn

To earn the most rewards with your Ink Business Preferred, I recommend using it primarily for purchases across the four business categories and Lyft rides. So if you have more than one business credit card, keep your eye on the bonus categories for each one so you can plan your spending accordingly.

Also, keep an eye on the bonus cap. If your business spends more than $150,000 on the card's bonus categories, it may be a good idea to have a backup card that also offers bonus rewards on those purchases, so you're not stuck earning one point per dollar on everything once you've reached that cap.

Maximizing your redemptions

The Ink Business Preferred earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which are known for their flexible redemption options. These include:

• Cash back as direct deposits or statement credits
• Travel
• Gift cards
• Products and purchases from participating retailers

These redemption options aren't uncommon for business rewards cards. However, as I've learned from redeeming points with another Chase card, your choice matters a ton, since the value of your points depends on how you redeem them.

At the lower end of the value scale, applying your points toward Amazon purchases gives you a value of $0.80 cents per point, while you can get cash back and gift cards at a rate of one cent per point. On the other hand, booking travel through Chase Travel℠ is a smarter way to maximize redemptions.

Chase transfer partners

If you're dedicated to maximizing your points, take time to learn about Chase's transfer partners and how you can transfer points to them to potentially get even more value. In particular, you should know whether it makes sense to transfer points to your favorite airlines and hotels.

Chase currently partners with these 14 airline and hotel loyalty programs:

• Aer Lingus AerClub
• Air Canada Aeroplan
• British Airways Executive Club
• Flying Blue Air France KLM
• Iberia Plus
• JetBlue TrueBlue
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
• Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
• United MileagePlus
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
• IHG One Rewards Club
• Marriott Bonvoy
• Wyndham Rewards
• World of Hyatt

This list includes both domestic and international options, making the card useful for a range of business travel needs. However, it isn't as comprehensive as some and lacks popular programs such as AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles, and Hilton Honors. A few competitors, like American Express, boast a longer list of partners.

Why you might want a different card

$95 annual fee

Though a $95 annual fee is modest compared to some premium business cards, which can cost several hundred dollars, it might still be a block for very small businesses or those just starting out.

Consider whether you'll use the card's benefits enough to offset the $95 annual fee. That could easily be true if you use it regularly for business spending, take advantage of the cell phone protection, and use the travel protections.

Otherwise, look at other business cards with no annual fee. Many still offer generous welcome bonuses and attractive reward structures. For instance, if you're a freelancer with low overhead, a simpler card with a $0 annual fee, like the Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card(Rates and fees), might be a better fit.

$150,000 cap for 3X points

The 3X points earning is capped at $150,000 in combined purchases across the bonus categories each account anniversary year. While this wouldn't be an issue for a solo business like mine, it could be limiting for even relatively small companies.

If your business consistently exceeds the limit, you could pair the Ink Business Preferred with another business card that offers competitive rewards on all purchases or spending in similar business categories. That way, you can switch between cards to maximize your rewards.

No 0% intro APR offers

Unlike several other business credit cards, the Ink Business Preferred doesn't provide you with a 0% intro APR on purchases or balance transfers, which I usually look for when opening a new credit card account.

If you don't routinely pay off your balance each month or need to finance a large business purchase, this is a drawback. You'll need to pay interest on those purchases (17.74% - 26.74% Variable), which isn't helpful if you'd like to save money but can't pay off your balance in full every month.

Compare Ink Business Preferred to other cards

While the Ink Business Preferred is an excellent choice for many businesses, it might not be the best fit for everyone. Here are other cards that offer attractive welcome bonuses and reward structures that include higher rates on certain purchases.

American Express^® Business Gold Card

The American Express^® Business Gold Card could be a better choice if your business spending doesn't align perfectly with the Ink Business Preferred's bonus categories. It earns 4X Membership Rewards Points on purchases in the two eligible categories with the most spend each month from 6 eligible categories (up to $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year, after that 1X), 3X Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels booked at amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App™, and 1 point per $1 spent on other eligible purchases.

While this card comes with a higher $375 annual fee, it enables you to earn up to $240 in flexible business credit every year, broken into up to $20 in statement credits each month on eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and office supply stores. You can also earn up to $155 in Walmart+ credit a year in the form of up to $12.95 back in statement credits each month, plus applicable taxes.

For me, these credits alone would offset most of this card's annual fee. I would also use the card to fill up at U.S. gas stations and cover meals at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery. Since both of these categories are among the card's six eligible elevated rewards categories, I could earn points more quickly.

Apply now | Learn more in our American Express^® Business Gold Card review

High Rewards on Your Biggest Spending

American Express^® Business Gold Card

4.8

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

American Express^® Business Gold Card

Apply Now

See rates and fees | Terms Apply

Current Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 200,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $15,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Annual Fee

$375

Rewards Rate

4X Membership Rewards Points on purchases in the two eligible categories with the most spend each month from 6 eligible categories (up to $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year, after that 1X), 3X Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels booked at amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App™, and 1 point per $1 spent on other eligible purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Generous welcome offer
• Up to $240 in annual flexible business credit (up to $20 statement credits each month for eligible purchases; enrollment required)
• Up to $155 in Walmart+ credits (up to $12.95 statement credit each month)
• Flexible rewards structure that adjusts to your top eligible categories each month
• No preset spending limit¹ <p>No Preset Spending Limit means your spending limit is flexible. Unlike a traditional card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment, and credit history.</p>
• Elevated travel rewards and extensive travel protections

Drawbacks

• $375 annual fee
• Bonus categories may not suit all businesses
• The highest rewards rate is capped at $150,000

Card Details

• As High As 200,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 200,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $15,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.*
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ using your Business Gold Card.*
• Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.*
• Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.*
• The Business Gold Card comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and White Gold. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
• *Terms Apply

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

The Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card(Rates and fees) is another Chase Ink business card that might be a better fit for small business owners looking to avoid annual fees. It has a $0 annual fee and earns 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; 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year; and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Plus, it offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months (then 16.74% - 24.74% Variable), which makes it particularly handy for covering a large business expense.

While this card can suit various business spending needs, I find it particularly useful for office supply store purchases and internet bills, where it would earn more than the Ink Preferred. However, the Ink Business Preferred would still be better for travel expenses.

Having both cards would allow you to maximize rewards across more spending. Plus, you can transfer the cash back you earn (as points) to the Ink Preferred to redeem its bonus value at Chase Travel℠.

Apply now | Learn more in our Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card review

Up to 5% Cash Back

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

4.8

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

Apply Now

Rates and fees

Current Offer

Earn $750 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

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; 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year; and 1% cash back on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Solid rewards on office supply, telecom spending, gas, and dining
• Generous welcome offer
• Intro APR on purchases
• $0 annual fee
• Valuable purchase and travel protections

Drawbacks

• Bonus rewards capped after $25,000 annual spend in each category
• No bonus rewards for travel or advertising purchases
• Foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Card Details

• Earn $750 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after 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 on dining and gas each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• No Annual Fee
• Complimentary three-month lnstacart+ membership.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
• Earn 5% total cash back on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
• Member FDIC

FAQs

Bottom line

Not every business requires travel, but for those that do, having a travel-focused business credit card can be a great way to earn rewards on all that travel spending while enjoying some perks along the way.

The Ink Business Preferred benefits from its relatively low annual fee and significant rewards-earning potential. The flexibility that comes with earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points — which gives you access to all the program's transfer partners — makes the card even more appealing.

If you don't want to worry about justifying the card's annual fee, though, the Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card may be a better fit. And if your spending isn't quite aligned with the Ink Preferred's bonus categories, but you still want a card that's good for business travel, the American Express^® Business Gold Card could be a better choice. Check our list of the best business cards for travel for other cards to consider.

Up to 5% Cash Back

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

4.8

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

Apply Now

Rates and fees

Current Offer

Earn $750 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

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; 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year; and 1% cash back on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Solid rewards on office supply, telecom spending, gas, and dining
• Generous welcome offer
• Intro APR on purchases
• $0 annual fee
• Valuable purchase and travel protections

Drawbacks

• Bonus rewards capped after $25,000 annual spend in each category
• No bonus rewards for travel or advertising purchases
• Foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Card Details

• Earn $750 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after 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 on dining and gas each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• No Annual Fee
• Complimentary three-month lnstacart+ membership.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
• Earn 5% total cash back on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
• Member FDIC