As a small business owner, I use rewards credit cards to earn valuable cash back, miles and points. While I have multiple credit cards, I use the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card as my everyday spending card for several reasons. Here’s how I make the most of this popular business credit card, how you can too and a few alternatives to consider if this card isn’t right for you.
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Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
10 ways I maximize my Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
The Ink Business Unlimited is an excellent credit card for everyday spending because it earns unlimited cash-back rewards without an annual fee. It also features numerous benefits that add even more value. Here’s how I make the most of these benefits to boost my bottom line — and you can too.
- Earn the welcome bonus
When you apply for the Ink Business Unlimited credit card, you can earn a welcome bonus of $750 cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- Get extra cash back on everyday purchases
I have several business credit cards to maximize rewards in bonus categories, such as office supplies, travel and dining. However, these cards typically earn just 1% on non-bonus category purchases. The Ink Business Unlimited Card is perfect for everyday spending because it earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases. That’s 50% more rewards than I’d earn using a different credit card.
- Pay off big purchases over time
As a new cardholder, you can get an introductory APR deal: 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases, then a 18.49% to 24.49% variable APR applies to purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies. Many business owners know the stress of clients taking their time to pay an invoice. With this intro APR offer on purchases, you can buy what you need to operate your business with extra time to pay off your balance interest-free.
- Receive complimentary rental car protection
The Ink Business Unlimited offers primary rental car protection against theft or damage when renting for business purposes. Avoiding pricey insurance sold by rental car companies can save money on business trips. Remember that this coverage only protects the rental vehicle and does not cover claims for injuries or damage to other property.
- Protect your purchases against theft or damage
Your new purchases are covered for 120 days against damage or theft. Each claim can be up to $10,000, with a maximum of $50,000 per account.
- Extend warranty coverage
Get an extra year of warranty coverage for free on eligible items. With this benefit, you can save money by declining the additional warranties offered at checkout. This benefit is available on eligible items with U.S. manufacturer warranties of three years or less.
- Earn rewards on employee purchases
Business owners can earn points on employee purchases by adding free employee cards to their account. While I don’t have employees, I added my wife as an authorized user so she can make purchases for the business. These points are added to my monthly rewards total, and all employee cards come with the same perks (like travel and purchase protection) as the primary card.
- Enjoy flexible redemption options
The cash-back rewards earned from the Chase Ink Business Unlimited Card can be redeemed in multiple ways. This flexibility is key for me as my business needs change over time. For ultimate flexibility, I can get cash back as a statement credit or a deposit to my bank account. The rewards can also be redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠, as gift cards from more than 150 brands or for Apple products through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Transfer points to airline and hotel partners
While the Ink Business Unlimited doesn’t allow you to transfer points to airlines or hotels, you can unlock this feature if you also have the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card * The information for the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. Chase partners with 14 airline and hotel loyalty programs where you can transfer points on a 1:1 basis. I book award travel through these programs to get the highest redemption value from my Ultimate Rewards points.
- Refer other businesses to apply
Recommend the Ink Business Unlimited card to your friends and family members, and you’ll receive up to 200,000 points per year. For each person approved for a Chase Ink card through your link, you’ll get 40,000 points. That’s worth at least $400 per referral. This is an excellent way to earn points without spending, but remember that Chase may issue a Form 1099 for the value of the points.
Alternative credit cards to consider before applying
If you decide the Ink Business Unlimited credit card isn’t for you, you may want to consider a different card based on your business needs and spending habits. Here are several options.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card * The information for the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The Chase Ink Business Preferred Card also earns Ultimate Rewards points, but it includes features that aren’t available with the Ink Business Unlimited. While it charges a $95 annual fee, you can earn more points with its welcome bonus of 100,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
The Preferred Card earns 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. Its points are worth 25% more when booking travel through Chase and can transfer to 14 airline and hotel partners. It also offers cellphone protection and trip cancellation/interruption insurance, which aren’t available with the Ink Business Unlimited Card.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express * The information for the The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Business owners who like the flat rewards structure of the Ink Business Unlimited may like the Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card (terms apply) even more. This card earns 2 Membership Rewards® points per $1 on everyday business purchases up to the first $50,000 spent per year, then 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. Small businesses like mine that have modest spending can easily stay within that spending cap.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express * The information for the The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. features a welcome bonus of 15,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership. It also comes with a 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months, then a variable APR of 18.49% to 26.49% applies. Business owners can earn additional rewards by having the ability to add up to 99 total employee cards to their account with no annual fee and can benefit from the card’s rental car insurance¹, purchase protection² and extended warranty² coverage.
Bottom line
The Ink Business Unlimited Card is a solid card for earning rewards on everyday business purchases. It includes numerous benefits without charging an annual fee, and new cardholders can earn a welcome bonus and save money on interest with its intro APR offer. Use the tips I shared above to maximize rewards with the Chase Ink Business Unlimited and get the most value from its perks.
¹Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
²Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.