The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card continues to be one of the most rewarding and compelling business cards out there, and is part of the excellent collection of Chase Ink Business credit cards. There’s not another business card out there that offers the same combination of a huge welcome bonus, generous return on spending, and useful perks, all while having such a low annual fee.
This is an in-depth Chase Ink Business Preferred review covering why this is one of the best small business credit cards available today.
Link: Learn more about the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card with 100K bonus points
Chase Ink Business Preferred Card Summary & Key Details
Before diving into the full review, here’s a broad look at the card and its key features:
- Annual fee: $95
- Welcome bonus: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Rewards: Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, internet, cable and phone services, and advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases with no limit. Earn 5x total points on Lyft rides through September 30, 2027.
- Foreign transaction fees: None
- Perks & benefits: Cell phone protection, primary rental car insurance, complimentary DashPass membership when activated by December 31, 2027
- Best for: Small business owners who value Chase Ultimate Rewards points and don’t want to pay a premium annual fee, or those looking to maximize earnings by pairing the Ink Business Preferred with existing Chase cards
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
| Chase Ink Business Preferred Card pros | Chase Ink Business Preferred Card cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent welcome bonus | Some cards offer higher returns in specific spending categories |
| Great bonus spending categories | Not many extra perks beyond travel and purchase protections |
| Reasonable annual fee | Transfer ratio to World of Hyatt is 4:3 (Sapphire Reserve keeps 1:1) |
Chase Ink Business Preferred Card Bonus & Fees
The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card is one of the most well-rounded business credit cards available. When evaluating any card, the welcome bonus, eligibility requirements, and annual fee are natural starting points.
Chase Ink Business Preferred Card Welcome Bonus
The Ink Business Preferred Card is currently offering a welcome bonus of 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first three months.
Based on current miles & points valuations, Ultimate Rewards points are worth 1.7 cents each, making 100,000 points worth approximately $1,700. This is a phenomenal offer and ranks among the best welcome bonuses on any business credit card.
Transfer Ultimate Rewards points to Singapore KrisFlyer
Chase Ink Business Preferred Card Annual Fee
The Chase Ink Business Preferred has a $95 annual fee, which is among the most reasonable fees you’ll find on a card with this level of rewards and benefits. You can add employee cards at no extra cost, allowing you to earn points on their spending at the same accelerated rate.
That’s especially affordable when you factor in all the perks and bonus categories on offer.
Chase Ink Business Preferred No Foreign Transaction Fees
The card charges no foreign transaction fees, making it a solid choice for business travel abroad. Most competing cards at this price point charge 2–3% on international purchases, so this is a meaningful saving for frequent travelers.
Chase Ink Business Preferred Card Eligibility & How to Get Approved
Chase applies its well-known 5/24 rule to the Ink Business Preferred, meaning applicants who have opened five or more new credit card accounts in the past 24 months will generally not be approved. This applies regardless of the card issuer.
You do not need to have a traditional incorporated business to apply. Sole proprietors and freelancers qualify, and you can use your Social Security number in place of an EIN on the application.
My Experience Applying for the Chase Ink Preferred Card
Applying for the Ink Business Preferred is straightforward. The application asks for basic business details including business name, type, years in operation, and estimated annual revenue. Many applicants with solid personal credit and a legitimate small business or side income are approved, even if their business is relatively new.
Chase Ink Business Preferred Card Rewards Structure
Chase Ink Preferred 3x Points Bonus Categories
The card earns 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 in combined annual spending across the following categories:
- Travel
- Shipping purchases
- Internet, cable, and phone services
- Advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines
All other purchases earn 1 point per $1 with no cap. The card also earns 5x points on Lyft rides through September 30, 2027.
These categories are especially well-suited to small business owners who regularly spend on advertising, utilities, or shipping.
Chase Ink Business Preferred $150,000 Annual Bonus Limit
The 3x bonus rate applies only to the first $150,000 in combined spending across the bonus categories each account anniversary year. Spending beyond that threshold earns 1 point per $1. For most small business owners, $150,000 is more than enough headroom to earn at the elevated rate all year.
Redeeming Chase Ink Business Preferred Points
Points earned on the Ink Business Preferred are Chase Ultimate Rewards points, one of the most flexible and valuable rewards currencies available. Redemption options include:
- Transfer to airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio (with select partners), including United MileagePlus, Southwest Rapid Rewards, Singapore KrisFlyer, Hyatt, Marriott, and more
- Travel booked through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents per point
- Cash back, gift cards, and statement credits at lower rates
Transferring to airline and hotel partners typically delivers the best value, particularly for business or first class flights and luxury hotel stays.
Chase Ink Business Preferred Card Benefits
Chase Ink Business Preferred Cell Phone Protection
When you pay your monthly cell phone bill with the Ink Business Preferred, you receive cell phone protection against theft or damage. Coverage is up to $1,000 per claim, with a $100 deductible, and up to three claims per 12-month period. This benefit alone can more than offset the card’s annual fee for many cardholders.
Chase Ink Preferred Rental Car Collision Damage Waiver Coverage
The Ink Business Preferred offers primary rental car collision damage waiver (CDW) coverage, meaning it kicks in before your personal auto insurance when renting for business purposes. This is a significant benefit, as most cards only offer secondary coverage. Coverage applies to theft and collision damage for rentals in the U.S. and abroad.
Chase Ink Business Preferred Extended Warranty & Purchase Protection
- Extended warranty: Extends the manufacturer’s warranty by one additional year on eligible purchases with warranties of three years or less
- Purchase protection: Covers new purchases against damage or theft for 120 days, up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account
Chase Ink Business Preferred Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance
If your trip is canceled or interrupted due to a covered reason such as illness or severe weather, the card reimburses up to $5,000 per person and $10,000 per trip for prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses including passenger fares, tours, and hotels.
Chase Ink Business Preferred Baggage Delay Insurance
If your baggage is delayed more than six hours by a carrier, the card reimburses you for essential purchases such as toiletries and clothing, up to $100 per day for five days.
Chase Ink Business Preferred Lost Luggage Reimbursement
If your checked or carry-on baggage is lost or damaged by a carrier, you’re covered for up to $3,000 per passenger.
Chase Ink Business Preferred Travel Accident Insurance
The card includes travel accident insurance covering accidental death or dismemberment while traveling on a common carrier, with coverage up to $500,000.
Chase Ink Business Preferred DashPass Membership
Cardholders can activate a complimentary DashPass membership, which provides unlimited $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible DoorDash orders. Activate by December 31, 2027 to receive the benefit for a minimum of one year.
Pool Points With Chase No-Annual-Fee Cards
One of the strongest strategies for maximizing the Ink Business Preferred is pairing it with Chase’s no-annual-fee business cards — the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card and the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card. These cards earn cash back by default, but when paired with the Ink Business Preferred, their rewards can be converted into full Ultimate Rewards points and transferred to airline and hotel partners. This effectively turns every dollar spent across all three cards into transferable travel currency.
Is the Chase Ink Business Preferred Card Worth It?
At $95 per year, the Ink Business Preferred delivers exceptional value for small business owners, particularly those who already earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points or are building toward a first major redemption.
Sapphire Preferred vs. Ink Business Preferred Comparison
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Ink Business Preferred share the same $95 annual fee and both earn Ultimate Rewards points. Key differences include:
- The Ink Business Preferred earns 3x on a broader set of business-relevant categories (shipping, advertising, telecom), while the Sapphire Preferred focuses more on dining and general travel
- The Sapphire Preferred transfers to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio; the Ink Business Preferred transfers at a 4:3 ratio
- The Ink Business Preferred has a higher welcome bonus and includes cell phone protection, which the Sapphire Preferred does not
For those who can qualify for both, holding both cards is a strong strategy.
The Ink Cash & Ink Unlimited Make Great Complements
As noted above, pairing the Ink Business Preferred with the no-annual-fee Ink Business Cash and Ink Business Unlimited cards allows you to pool all earned rewards into a single Ultimate Rewards account. The Ink Cash earns 5x on office supply stores and telecom services (up to $25,000/year), while the Ink Unlimited earns a flat 1.5x on all purchases — making the combination greater than the sum of its parts.
Ink Business Preferred Alternatives That Earn Cash Back
For business owners who prefer straightforward cash back over travel rewards, the Ink Business Cash and Ink Business Unlimited are both strong alternatives with no annual fees. However, neither card unlocks the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners on its own — that functionality requires pairing with the Ink Business Preferred or another premium Chase card.
Chase Ink Business Preferred Card FAQs
Does the Ink Business Preferred count toward Chase 5/24? Yes. Approval for this card adds to your 5/24 count, and you must be under 5/24 to be approved.
Can I apply without a formal business? Yes. Freelancers, consultants, and sole proprietors qualify. Use your Social Security number as the tax ID if you don’t have an EIN.
Can I transfer points earned on this card to airline partners? Yes. The Ink Business Preferred earns full Ultimate Rewards points that transfer directly to Chase’s airline and hotel partners.
Is there a foreign transaction fee? No. The card charges no foreign transaction fees.
Can I add employee cards? Yes, at no additional cost.
Bottom Line
The Chase Ink Business Preferred Card remains one of the best values in the business credit card space. For a $95 annual fee, you get a 100,000-point welcome bonus worth approximately $1,700, strong 3x bonus categories that align well with common business expenses, primary rental car coverage, cell phone protection, and access to the full Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer network. Whether you’re a seasoned points collector or a small business owner looking to get more value from everyday spending, the Ink Business Preferred belongs at the top of your shortlist.
