Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card Benefits & Review (Is it Worth it in 2024?)
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The Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is perfect for business owners looking for a simple rewards structure. Its 1.5% cash back earning rate on all business purchases allows you to focus more on your company and less on juggling rewards. Additionally, it offers a strong sign-up bonus, no annual fee, and even a few travel benefits. Cardholders also enjoy 0% Intro APR on Purchases 12 months from account opening.
Here is what you need to know about the Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card.
BENEFITS AT A GLANCE |
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– Annual Fee: $0 – APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases 12 months from account opening. – Current Bonus: Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. – 5% Cash Back on Lyft Rides (through March 2025) – 1.5% Cash Back on All Purchases Made for Your Business – Primary Rental Car Insurance – No Cost for Additional Employee Cards – Purchase Protection and Warranty Protection – Travel and Emergency Assistance Services – Real-Time Fraud Monitoring – Points Do Not Expire |
Table of Contents
Who is the Chase Ink Business Unlimited For?
The ideal cardholder can be separated into two groups — those already holding the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card and those looking for a simple cash back credit card for their business.
Current Ink Business Preferred Cardholders: Cardholders can redeem points at 25% more value (1.25 cents per point) when booking travel via the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. Additionally, cardholders can transfer points to a variety of partner hotels and airlines for more value. Ink Business Unlimited points can be transferred to the Ink Business Preferred for the higher redemption. Additionally, Ink Business Unlimited points can be transferred to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (50% more value booking travel through Chase) and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (25% more value booking travel through Chase).
Business Owners Looking for a Simple Card: Many business owners do not want to worry about complex reward structures. The Ink Business Unlimited is perfect for that group. All purchases earn 1.5% cash back, which takes the thinking process out of things. While points can only be redeemed at 1 cent per point ($0.01 per point), that is just fine for many business owners.
Ink Business Unlimited Benefits
For a card with no annual fee, the Ink Business Unlimited offers business owners a variety of different benefits. From travel to purchase protection, here are the best ones.
$750 Sign Up Bonus (75,000 Points)
The Ink Business Unlimited’s current sign-up bonus is $750 in cash back after spending $6,000 in purchases in the first three months from account opening. This is equal to 75,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points. The bonus is worth $750 when redeemed for cash, a statement credit, gift cards, booking travel via Chase, and at the Apple Ultimate Rewards Store. For a business card with no annual fee, this is a generous bonus. Before signing up, be sure you have at least $6,000 in business expenses in the next three months.
You can also transfer your bonus points to the Chase Ink Business Preferred, the Chase Sapphire Reserve, or the Chase Sapphire Preferred for even more value. The Ink Business Preferred and the Sapphire Preferred both redeem points at 25% more (1.25 cents per point) when booking travel via Chase. The Sapphire Reserve redeems points at up to 50% more value (1.5 cents per point) when booking travel via Chase. Here is how much the 75,000 point bonus is potentially worth when transferring points to one of those cards.
- Chase Ink Business Preferred – $937.50 (25% more booking travel through Chase)
- Chase Sapphire Preferred – $937.50 (25% more through various redemption options)
- Chase Sapphire Reserve – $1,125.00 (50% more through various redemption options)
The 75,000 point bonus is worth as much as $1,500 (if redeeming at 2 cents per point value) when transferring the points to an eligible airline or hotel using one of those three cards.
Further Reading: Chase Ink Business Preferred Benefits, Chase Sapphire Preferred Benefits, and Chase Sapphire Reserve Benefits.
The Vacationer Tip
Chase’s 5/24 rule applies to the Ink Business Unlimited. If you have opened 5 new credit cards in the past 24 months, you will be denied. The good news is opening a business card does not add to your 5/24 count.
0% Intro APR on Purchases 12 months
The Ink Business Limited offers a 0% Intro APR on Purchases 12 months from account opening. After 12 months, the APR becomes a 18.49% – 24.49% Variable rate. This is a great benefit if your business needs to spend a lot in the next year but does not want to pay it all off immediately. The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card offers the same introductory APR offer. The Ink Business Preferred does not offer a 0% introductory APR.
Further Reading: Chase Ink Business Cash Benefits
1.5% Cash Back on All Purchases
The Ink Business Unlimited’s earning structure is simple — 1.5% cash back (1.5 points per dollar spent) on all purchases. There are no rotating or bonus categories, so you always get a minimum of 1.5% cash back. While you can earn more on other cards in various categories, the Ink Business Unlimited fills in the gaps when you cannot. That is incredibly valuable when pairing it with Chase’s other two business cards.
- Ink Business Preferred – Earns 3x points (on first combined $150,000) on various business category purchases, including travel.
- Ink Business Cash – Earns 5% cash back (on first combined $25,000) and 2% cash back (on first combined $25,000) on purchases in various categories.
No Annual Fee
The best part about the Ink Business Unlimited is that it has no annual fee. Assuming you always pay your balance in full every month, the card costs you nothing. Factor in the $750 sign-up bonus, 1.5% cash back, and travel benefits, this is one of the best no-annual-fee business cards available.
Primary Rental Car Insurance
This may be the Ink Business Unlimited’s most overlooked benefit. While most no-annual-fee credit cards offer rental car insurance on a secondary basis, the Ink Business Unlimited offers it on a primary basis. That means you file your theft or collision claim with Chase instead of your personal auto insurance company. This does not include liability insurance.
To activate coverage, charge the entire cost of your car rental to your Ink Business Unlimited. You must also decline the rental car company’s insurance options. To be eligible, the rental must be for valid business purchases.
Rental car company insurance is typically $25 to $40 per day, but it can be more expensive. This benefit saves you a ton of money and also offers peace of mind for you and your employees. The Ink Business Preferred and the Ink Business Cash offer this same benefit.
Further Reading: Best Credit Cards for Car Rental Insurance and Best Credit Cards for Rental Cars
Purchase and Warranty Protection
Purchases are protected for 120 days up to $50,000 per account ($10,000 per claim). Reasons include covered damages and theft. This benefit is a great way to protect your business’s purchases. This same benefit is available to Ink Business Preferred and the Ink Business Cash cardholders.
The card also extends manufacturer’s warranties under three years by an additional year.
Travel and Emergency Assistance Services
Unfortunately, accidents and emergencies happen when traveling. The Ink Business Unlimited offers medical and legal referrals and assistance when you or your employees are away from home. This does not cover the cost of the service or the cost of goods received, however.
Roadside Dispatch
Cardholders are eligible for roadside dispatch services for a variety of common issues. This does not cover any costs for goods or services, however. The service simply connects you to someone who can help you get your vehicle back up and running.
Ink Business Unlimited Redemption Options
There are a variety of ways to redeem Ink Business Unlimited points, but some are better than others.
Cash Back
Unless you have another Chase credit card, this is probably your best method to redeem cash back and points. Cardholders receive 1 cent per point when redeeming to an eligible checking or savings account. Cardholders can also opt for a statement credit worth 1 cent per point. For example, 80,000 points are worth $800 when redeemed for cash or a statement credit.
Travel
Cardholders can redeem points at 1 cent per point when redeeming travel via the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. This is the same redemption value when redeeming for cash, so there is no bonus. The portal allows you to book flights, hotels, rental cars, and more.
If you also have the Ink Business Preferred, you can transfer Ink Business Unlimited points to it to redeem at 25% more value (1.25 cents per point) when booking travel via Chase. If you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can transfer Ink Business Unlimited points to it to redeem at 50% more value (1.5 cents per point) when booking travel via Chase.
Gift Cards
Like cash back and travel, points are worth 1 cent per point when redeemed for gift cards. That means there is no advantage in opting for gift cards over cash and travel. This method may make sense if you know you need gift cards for employees or clients.
Apple Ultimate Rewards Store
Points are worth 1 cent per point when redeemed at the Apple Ultimate Rewards Store. Like with gift cards and travel, there is no advantage to redeeming at the Apple Ultimate Rewards Store over cash. If your business needs Apple products then it may make sense, but do not go out of your way to buy Apple solely for the redemption.
Transfer Points to The Ink Business Preferred (25% more value)
Ink Business Unlimited points can be transferred to the Ink Business Preferred for higher redemption value when booking travel via Chase. Cardholders can redeem points at 25% more value (1.25 cents per point) with the Ink Business Preferred compared to the Ink Business Unlimited’s 1 cent per point redemption value. Let’s use 10,000 points as an example when redeeming for travel.
- Ink Business Unlimited – $100
- Ink Business Preferred – $125
Additionally, the Ink Business Preferred allows cardholders to transfer points to a variety of partner airlines and hotels. Depending on airline or hotel, points are worth upwards of 2 cents per point or more.
The Vacationer Tip
We say it often, but transferring Chase points to partner airlines and hotels is the ideal redemption method. We understand it is not always possible, but you should do it when you can for maximum value.
Transfer Points to The Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred (25%-50% more value)
Ink Business Unlimited points can be transferred to the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Sapphire Preferred points can be redeemed at up to 25% more value (1.25 cents per point) when booking travel via Chase. Sapphire Reserve points can be redeemed at up to 50% more value (1.5 cents per point) when booking travel via Chase.
Both cards also can transfer points to a variety of partner hotels and airlines for even more potential value.
Pay Yourself Back Program
Through 12/31/2023, use the Pay Yourself Back feature to redeem points at 25% more value for select charities. Whether you an eligible charity in mind, this is an excellent way to get more value for your points.
Is My Business Eligible?
From large business to side hustles, the Ink Business Unlimited makes sense for a lot of business owners. There is no income requirement for approval, nor do you need a minimum number of employees. Additionally, self proprietors are eligible. You do not even need a formal business structure. As long as you are earning self-employed income, you can apply for the Ink Business Unlimited.
FAQ
There is currently no annual fee.
The current bonus is $750 cash back (75,000 points). To earn the bonus, you must spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
The Ink Business Unlimited earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
Additional cards for employees are free.
Yes. Here are a few of the travel benefits available to cardholders.
– Primary Rental Car Insurance
– Travel and Emergency Assistance Services
– Roadside Dispatch
Additionally, cardholders can redeem points to book travel through Chase.
Yes. Business owners can also sign up for the Chase Ink Business Preferred and the Chase Ink Business Cash.
Yes. Points can be transferred to the following cards for higher redemption values for travel.
Chase Ink Business Preferred (25% more for travel)
Chase Sapphire Preferred (25% more for various redemption methods)
Chase Sapphire Reserve (50% more for various redemption methods)
Transferring to those three cards also allows you to transfer points to various partner hotels and airlines.
The Vacationer’s Final Thoughts
While it is a great no-annual-fee business card on its own, the Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card shines when paired with other Chase cards. For business owners, combining it with the Ink Business Preferred and Ink Business Cash allows you to earn 1.5% to 5% cash back on every company purchase. It also works great combined with personal Chase cards, including the Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Preferred. Transferring points is the key to getting the most value.
We highly recommend this card for all businesses, especially those who frequently have travel expenses. Assuming you pay your balance in full every month, you cannot go wrong with a no-annual-fee credit card with a decent sign-up bonus and 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Benefits like primary rental car insurance and purchase protection further solidify this card as a must-have for business owners.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
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