Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Rating
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 card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn.
The Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card stands out in the crowded business credit card market, particularly for small businesses looking to maximize rewards on everyday expenses. Its no-annual-fee structure and generous cashback rates make it an attractive option for budget-conscious entrepreneurs.
Rewards Structure
- 5% cash back on:
- Office supply stores
- Internet, cable, and phone services (First $25,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year)
- 2% cash back on:
- Gas stations
- Restaurants (First $25,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
This tiered structure cleverly targets everyday expenses, potentially offering significant value for many small businesses. The 5% category, in particular, can lead to substantial savings for office-centric firms.
Chase Travel℠
While marketed as a cash back card, the Ink Business Cash earns Chase Travel℠ points. This opens up exciting possibilities:
- Redeem for cash back at 1 cent per point
- Potentially transfer to travel partners if you have an eligible Chase card
This flexibility adds value that savvy business owners can leverage to maximize their rewards.
Business-Friendly Features
- Free employee cards with customizable spending limits
- Purchase protection and extended warranty
- Introductory 0% APR period on purchases (duration may vary)
These features demonstrate Chase's understanding of small business needs, from managing employee expenses to protecting purchases and managing cash flow.
Considerations
- Bonus category caps at $25,000 annual spend
- Foreign transaction fees apply
- Limited travel-specific perks
While generous, the category caps may be restrictive for businesses with high spending. The foreign transaction fee is also a drawback for international purchases.
Who Should Consider This Card?
This card is particularly well-suited for:
- Small businesses with significant office supply and telecom expenses
- Entrepreneurs looking to maximize rewards without an annual fee
- Businesses that can benefit from 0% APR financing on purchases
However, it might not be ideal for:
- High-spending businesses that quickly exceed category caps
- Companies with frequent international expenses
- Businesses primarily seeking travel perks
Conclusion
The Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card offers a compelling value proposition for many small businesses. Its targeted bonus categories and no-annual-fee structure make it an excellent choice for maximizing rewards on everyday business expenses. While it has some limitations, its overall rewards and benefits package makes it a strong contender in the business credit card market.
Pros
High cashback rates in select categories: Earn 5% on office supplies and telecommunications, maximizing rewards on common business expenses.
No annual fee: Keep more of your rewards without worrying about offsetting a yearly charge.
Welcome bonus: Substantial cash back offer for new cardholders, providing a quick boost to your rewards balance.
Cons
Caps on bonus categories: $25,000 spending limit on 5% and 2% categories may be restrictive for larger businesses.
Foreign transaction fees: 3% fee on foreign transactions makes this card less ideal for international business spending.
Limited travel perks: Lacks specific travel benefits, which may be important for businesses with frequent travel needs.