Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card Review

The Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card is best for business owners with good credit who want decent rewards without having to track purchase categories that earn more rewards. This card offers 1.5% cash back on all your purchases. While you can find cards that earn a higher percentage, the generous sign-up bonus, promotional 0% APR, and lack of an annual fee may make it worthwhile for low-maintenance types. And since you’re allowed to combine rewards with other Chase cards, your employees can always carry a companion card to earn more on specific types of purchases.

• Nice sign-up bonus: A bonus of $500 is sizeable compared to other offers on similar cards with no annual fee, particularly since you only have to spend $3,000 in the first three months. 
• Introductory 0% APR: While competitor cards offer similar promotional rates, the year-long 0% interest rate on purchases is notable in combination with the generous sign-up bonus. Together they make this a valuable option for at least your first year. 
• Redemption options: Unlike some cash-back cards, this one offers a variety of ways to redeem your rewards. Besides getting statement credits, you can buy gift cards, book travel, or shop online through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. 

• Mediocre flat rate: Some business cards without an annual fee will give you 2% of every purchase back in cash, or as much as 5% when you spend money in certain categories. 
• Foreign transaction fee: If you plan to conduct business abroad, use a card that doesn’t charge for international purchases. This one will charge you an extra 3% on foreign purchases (ouch!).

Spend $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months after opening your account and you’ll get $500 in cash back. That’s $200 to $300 more than you’ll earn with other flat-rate cash-back cards that don’t have an annual fee. 

You’ll earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back, including on purchases made on employee cards, which can be added to the account for free. (As a business owner, you can set individual spending limits on your employee cards.) You'll also earn 5% back on Lyft rides through March 31, 2022. The rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.

The Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card offers lots of flexibility in how you redeem your cash. The simplest way is through an account statement credit, which reimburses you for purchases you've already made. You can also request that a deposit be made into an eligible U.S. checking or savings account. 

If you want to pass on your rewards to clients or employees, you can buy a gift card from more than 150 brands, including hotels and office supply stores. 

Or, you can book flights, hotel stays, or car rentals directly through the Ultimate Rewards portal or by calling the Chase Travel Center. Your cash-back is used as points in this case, and each point is worth 1 cent when redeemed for travel. There are no restrictions or blackout dates.

Redemption values for other reward options will vary. For instance, you can instantly redeem your available rewards to pay for all or part of your eligible Amazon.com orders, including tax and shipping, but $1 is only worth 80 cents at checkout.

To learn how to maximize your rewards value, read "Chase Ultimate Rewards Program: Your Complete Guide."

Besides spending at least $3,000 in the first three months to earn your $500 sign-up bonus, shop through Chase’s online portal to earn periodic bonuses. Be sure to use the card if you take Lyft for rides through March 31, 2022. And add employee cards to maximize your earning opportunities.

Consider pairing this card with another business card that earns 2% cash back or more on business expenses like office supply stores or dining out.

There aren’t many perks with this card, but is one that our editors have deemed "excellent." If you rent a car with the card and decline the rental company's collision insurance, you can be reimbursed up to the actual cash value of the vehicle in cases of theft or collision. When the rental is for business purposes, this coverage is primary, meaning your own car insurance doesn’t have to be exhausted first.

• Travel and emergency hotline 
• Roadside assistance hotline
• Insurance for stolen or damaged purchases
• Extended warranties

Chase tied with Capital One for 3rd place in JD Power’s 2019 Credit Card Satisfaction Study. Cardholders can manage their accounts using the Chase mobile app or via their online account, and can get in touch with Chase 24/7 via the number on the back of their card. The free credit score, credit alerts, weekly score updates, and score simulator via the Credit Journey tool are also nice benefits. 

The security features on this card are standard for the industry. 

Besides the 3% charge on foreign transactions, the fees for this card are comparable to others in the category. It’s worth noting that there is no fee for going over the credit limit.