Chase’s Ink Business cards offer a strong range of options for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Customers can choose from business cards with a nice variety of reward programs, from category-based or flat-rate cashback offers to points systems with generous travel perks.

But how do you know which card is right for your business? Join us as we compare three of Chase’s top business cards, including:

  • Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
  • Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
  • Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

We'll get you up to date on what each has to offer and fill you in on what you need to know about Chase Ink Business card requirements.

What Are the Requirements for Chase Ink Business Cards?

Girl with phone and credit card in hand

Like all other credit cards, Chase is required to obtain certain information such as your name, address, date of birth, and SSN under the U.S. Patriot Act. You’ll also be required to verify your identity using your driver’s license or other ID.

Additionally, your business headquarters need to be in the U.S. or District of Columbia, as do the residential addresses of any employees you plan to add to your account.

A Quick Comparison Between Ink Preferred, Cash, and Unlimited Cards

Chase’s Ink Business cards have a lot going for them, including the fact that employee cards are available for all three at no extra cost. Ink Business Cash and Ink Business Unlimited also boast no annual fees and the best introductory offers Chase has yet to offer.

But if you’re looking for a card with solid travel rewards, then the Ink Business Preferred may be the best choice for you. Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of what each option brings to the table.

Ink Business Cash®  Ink Business Unlimited®  Ink Business Preferred® 
Annual Fee $0 $0 $95
APR 0% on purchases for the first 12 months, then 18.49% - 24.49% variable APR 0% on purchases for the first 12 months, then 18.49% - 24.49% variable APR 21.24% - 26.24% variable APR
Welcome Offer $900 cash back if you $6,000 on purchases within 3 months of account opening $900 cash back if you $6,000 on purchases within 3 months of account opening 100,000 bonus points if you spend $8,000 on purchases within 3 of account opening
Rewards 5% on up to $25,000 of select business purchases 2% on up to $25,000 worth of purchases at gas stations and restaurants 1% unlimited cashback on all other purchases Unlimited 1.5% cashback on any business purchase Points-Based Rewards: 3X points in select business category purchases up to $150,000 each year 1X unlimited points on all other purchases 
Additional Perks Rewards can also be redeemed for options like travel and gift cards through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Fraud protection Rewards can also be redeemed for options like travel and gift cards through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.Fraud protection Rewards can be redeemed for travel, experiences, cash back, gift cards or other optionsthrough Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Travel & purchase coverage No foreign transaction fees 

Pros/Cons of Chase Ink Business Cards

Chase has done a nice job of offering different types of reward systems for every cardholder. Whether you prefer category bonuses, points, or a simple flat rate offer, there’s an Ink Business card for you. Now let’s dig a little deeper into the pros and cons of each of our three candidates.

Chase Ink Business Cash®

Chase Ink Business Cash®

With no annual fee and a 0% introductory APR, the Chase Ink Business Cash card is a nice choice for small business owners. But before you jump at the 5% cashback offer, it’s important to note that it only applies to certain purchases. These include internet, cable, and phone charges, as well as purchases from office supply stores. The offer is also capped at $25,000 each year, as calculated by your account anniversary date.

The same is true for the 2% cash back on the first $25,000 you spend at gas stations and restaurants. Though you will earn 1% on all other purchases, whether the Ink Business Cash is worth it for your business will likely depend on how much you spend in the higher tier bonus categories each year.

Pros
  • Generous intro bonus offer
  • 0% introductory APR for the first 12 months (then 18.49% - 24.49% variable APR)
  • Nice options for small business owners who spend a lot on telecom services
Cons
  • $25,000 cap in bonus categories may not appeal to larger businesses
  • May find better offers outside bonus categories elsewhere
  • Good/excellent credit is required for approval

Chase Ink Business Unlimited®

Chase Ink Business Unlimited®

As you may have noticed, the offerings of the Ink Business Unlimited card are virtually identical to those of the Ink Business Cash, with one major exception. If you like what the Ink Business Cash card has to offer but prefer a flat-rate rewards system, then the Ink Business Unlimited card is for you.

It's a great way to go if you don’t want to have to worry about rewards caps or categories. It’s also worth noting that cashback isn’t the only way to redeem your rewards. Both the Ink Business Cash and Unlimited cards give you the option to redeem your rewards in the form of cash back, gift cards, purchases through participating partners, or travel when you book through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

APR: 18.49% - 24.49% Variable

Pros
  • Impressive intro bonus offer
  • 0% introductory APR for the first 12 months
  • Unlimited flat-rate rewards
Cons
  • Some businesses may get better value through category-based rewards
  • Redemption values may vary on some rewards options

Chase Ink Business Preferred®

Chase Ink Business Preferred®

While the Ink Business Preferred card comes with an annual fee, it’s a pretty reasonable one, especially when stacked up against those charged by competitors like Amex. The bonus offer of 100,000 points is also a nice deal if you plan to spend at least $8,000 in the first three months. Depending on how you decide to redeem them, 100,000 points equal out to either $1,000 cash back or $1,250 worth of travel rewards on Chase Ultimate Rewards.

You’ll also get 3x the points on up to $150,000 each year on purchases in the following categories: shipping, telecom services, travel, and social media & search engine advertising purchases. You’ll also enjoy unlimited 1x points on all other purchases. If you’re looking for a higher spending cap in more categories, then the Ink Business Preferred is an option worth looking into.

APR: 21.24% - 26.24% Variable

Pros
  • Huge new member bonus offer
  • Higher spending cap in more categories
  • Competitive annual fee
Cons
  • No intro APR offer
  • Good to excellent credit is required for approval

How Can You Get Approved for Chase Ink Business Cards?

Girl at computer smiling with credit card in hand

Chase may deny your application for an Ink Business card if you are already taking advantage of the promo pricing offered by one of their other credit cards. They also keep an eye out for customers who have a history of signing up for new Chase cards and only using them to score the promo offers.

If you have questions about your eligibility or want to upgrade your current card, it’s worth reaching out to Chase customer service for assistance.

What Credit Score Is Needed for Chase Ink Business Cards?

In order to apply for a Chase Ink Business card, you’ll need to have good to excellent credit, with a credit score of 670 – 850. It’s also worth keeping in mind that the lower your score, the higher your APR will probably be.

Since Chase Ink cards are designed for businesses, you should also be prepared to provide information about your company. This will include information such as:

  • Your business name and structure (Corporation, LLC, Non-profit, etc.)
  • The size of your business and when it was established
  • Tax ID type (EIN, SSN, etc.)
  • Annual business revenue
  • Business type, classification, and NAICS code
  • The estimated monthly amount you plan to spend on your card

Does Chase Ink Pull Personal Credit for Business Cards?

2 Businessman in office meeting

Yes, your personal credit score is one of the things Chase takes into account when you apply for an Ink Business card. Your business revenue and personal income will also be taken into account.

What Credit Bureau Do Chase Business Ink Cards Use?

transunion, experian and equifax logo illustration

While Chase is not open about this information, research by Forbes suggests that they primarily use Experian. This may vary depending on the state, however, as they may also use Transunion or Equifax in some areas.

How Hard Is It to Get a Chase Ink Business Card?

chase-ink-business-cards-metal-cards-black-background

While applying for a Chase Ink Business card is a relatively straightforward process, your odds of approval will highly depend on various factors. If you have a credit score of at least 700 – 750 and can prove that you have enough income to make the monthly payments, you’ll likely have a much easier time getting approved.

How Long Does It Take to Get Approved?

Illustration of ink de chase cards with a picture of a happy businessman

This is also highly dependent on your credit. If your credit score, business revenue, and personal income are all in good shape, then it’s possible to be approved within minutes. If not, then Chase may need to collect additional information before making a decision. The longest it will ever take is 30 days, as the law requires issuers to give you a decision by then.

Can you Get a Chase Ink Business Card Without a Business?

No, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to own a traditional business with lots of employees. For instance, if you work as a freelancer, then you can establish your own LLC to qualify as a business.

How to Apply for Chase Ink Business Cards

chase-ink-business-cards-metal-cards

Applying for a Chase Ink Business card is an incredibly simple process that you can complete entirely online. Simply head to the Chase website and select the card you want to apply for, click the link, and fill out an online application.

In order to avoid frustration, it’s best to make sure you’ll have all the personal and business information you'll need. You’ll also want to make sure you have your ID and any business forms you may need to upload in order to validate your information.

Are Chase Ink Business Cards Metal Cards?

Hands with chase ink business preferred & premmier cards

While the three Ink Business cards we discussed here are all plastic, Chase did recently release a new metal card called the Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card. The Premier card is intended for larger businesses and operates on a pay-in-full basis. This means that cardholders must either pay off their full balance each month or utilize Chase’s “Flex for Business” option for qualifying purchases.

What Is the Maximum Credit Limit for Chase Ink Business Cards?

close up worried man with his head over his hands

When you first apply for your credit card, your initial limit will be determined based on your creditworthiness. Chase reveals that if you are approved for an Ink Business Cash® card or an Ink Business Unlimited® card, your credit line will be at least $3000.

They further specify that if you want to apply for a limit above $25,000 you will need to supply additional information. If you are approved for an Ink Business Preferred® card, your limit will be at least $5,000, but they will still need additional info to increase it over $25,000.

How Often Does Chase Ink Increase Credit Limit?

Like many card issuers, Chase may automatically evaluate you for a credit limit increase every 6 – 12 months. You can also request a limit increase by contacting them online or by calling the number on the back of your card.

Hopefully, this has given you a good overview of Chase’s Ink Business credit card line-up and what each card has to offer. With unbeatable intro offers and a nice range of reward offerings, Chase has done a solid job of creating a card for every type of business owner.

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Sarah

What if your business doesn’t have revenue yet? I’m still in my first year and it took me a while to get going and set everything up. I do have an LLC. I just applied for the cash card and my application is pending. When I called to get a status update it said they will let me know in writing within 2 weeks. I just saw that putting 0 revenue used to be ok but that it might not be ok now post Covid. Have you heard this?