Chase Ink Business Unlimited: 2024 Review - NerdWallet (2024)

For entrepreneurs who would rather worry about their business than their credit card rewards program, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card from Chase keeps it simple.

The card has an annual fee of $0, offers an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases and has a long intro APR period. A hefty sign-up bonus doesn’t hurt, either: Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

But business owners aiming to squeeze the most juice out of their business card might find even greater rewards from a different option in the Chase business credit card lineup.

The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is best for small-business owners who:

You might prefer the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card instead if: Your business expenses are relatively low, but concentrated on office supplies or internet, cable and phone services. That card earns up to 5% back in those categories on up to $25,000 spent. Its 2% cash back on restaurants and gas stations (again, up to $25,000 spent) also tops the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card’s flat 1.5% rate. Read our review ofthe Ink Business Cash® Credit Card.

You might prefer the Chase Ink Business Preferred instead if: You’re a frequent business traveler. That card earns up to 3 points per dollar on travel purchases. It also boasts an even bigger welcome offer than the Unlimited: Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Key features of the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Annual fee: $0.

Sign-up bonus: Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Rewards: Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.

APR: 0% intro APR on Purchases for 12 months, and then the ongoing APR of 18.49%-24.49% Variable APR

Foreign transaction fees: 3%.

Why you might want the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

No cap on cash-back rewards

The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is true to its name, delivering 1.5% cash back with no caps or restrictions. While other cards deliver higher rewards —anywhere from 2% to 5% — almost all limit how much you can earn, either with annual spending caps or the use of bonus categories.

Rewards come in the form of Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, worth 1 cent each when redeemed as cash back. You can get that cash back in the form of a statement credit or a direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Points can also be redeemed for:

It’s also possible to move your rewards to other Chase accounts that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, potentially getting more value for travel.

Easy-to-understand rewards

The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card doesn’t require you to remember any spending categories —you’ll just get a flat rate of 1.5 points per dollar spent. That may make this card a good choice for solopreneurs and owners of very small businesses who are juggling lots of competing priorities.

Even freelancers, gig workers and side hustlers can apply for a business credit card; you don't need to be incorporated or have a formal business structure, like an LLC or partnership.

Big welcome offer, long intro APR period

If your business has a large purchase on the horizon, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card delivers a double-whammy of benefits. First, you can get a massive welcome offer for your spending: Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Then, you can pay off that balance without accruing interest — this card offers 0% intro APR on Purchases for 12 months, and then the ongoing APR of 18.49%-24.49% Variable APR. Those are great perks for a business credit card, especially one with an annual fee of $0.

Why you might want a different card

You spend lots in specific categories, like gas or office supplies

A cash-back rewards rate of 1.5% on everything is simple, to be sure. But if you have higher spending in certain categories, such as travel or office supplies, you might be better off with a cash-back business credit card that offers a higher rewards rate on those spending categories.

For example, elsewhere in the Chase lineup is the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card, which offers 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on Internet, cable and phone services each year. Plus, it earns 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants annually, in addition to an unlimited 1% cash back on all other card purchases. It also has an annual fee of $0.

You often travel abroad

The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card charges a foreign transaction fee of 3%, which will hurt if you travel abroad or buy inventory from overseas vendors. The Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit has no foreign transaction fee and delivers the same unlimited 1.5% rewards as the Ink Business Unlimited (see rates and fees). But frequent international travelers might prefer a business travel rewards card, like the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. It earns up to 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases and has no foreign transaction fees, but does charge a $95 annual fee.

You want an even higher rewards rate

There are even higher cash-back rewards rates out there —though they may come with limits. The American Express® Blue Business Cash Card, for example, earns 2% back on the first $50,000 in spending per year, then the rate falls to 1%. And while you can earn unlimited 2% cash back with the Ink Business Premier® Credit Card or Capital One Spark Cash Plus, both cards are charge cards and have an annual fee. (See rates and fees.)

Should I get the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card?

The simplicity of the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card could be a fit for entrepreneurs who don’t want to deal with cumbersome bonus category terms. And its generous sign-up bonus and introductory 0% APR period on purchases are a boon for those planning to make a major purchase and pay it down over time.

But if you’re looking for lucrative rewards, you can do better, maybe even among other Chase business credit cards.