[sc code="key_takeaways" headline_label="Key takeaways" headline_type="h2" takeaways_list="Despite being marketed as a cash back card, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card actually earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which means you’ll have more ways to redeem your rewards;This card could be a good fit for small-business owners who want to earn flat rewards on all purchases and a generous welcome bonus, all for no annual fee" colors_variant="blue"]
The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card could be a smart choice for business owners who prefer a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to cash back rewards. Not only is the ease of flat-rate cash back appealing, but the card’s welcome offer and lack of an annual fee make it worth serious consideration.
If you’re a business owner interested in earning cash back on purchases, take a look at the Ink Business Unlimited’s benefits to see if this business credit card is right for you.
Ink Business Unlimited rewards program benefits
Earn flat rewards
Earning rewards with the Ink Business Unlimited is a straightforward process — you’ll earn 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases. Though it’s considered a cash back credit card, each dollar spent technically earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be redeemed for cash back at a 1:1 value. For example, if you use your card to purchase $1,000 worth of goods, you’ll earn 150 points — worth $15 in cash back.
The benefit of this rewards structure is not having to worry about any particular spending categories or a cap on earning within specific categories. Although the cash back potential may not be as high as business cards with bonus categories, the card’s flat-rate cash back program makes it easy to keep track of earnings throughout the year.
Plenty of redemption options
The Ink Business Unlimited really shines with its redemption options. As mentioned, cardholders earn Ultimate Rewards points, which can be redeemed for cash back in the form of a statement credit or a direct deposit to a U.S. checking or savings account. Rewards can also be redeemed for travel through Chase, gift cards or eligible products or services. For instance, you can use your points through the Apple Ultimate Rewards store.
This is an ideal rewards structure for cardholders who like the flexibility of earning flat-rate cash back but want to keep other options open as their rewards needs change. However, be aware that when you use your points when shopping, you’ll typically get a lower value. For a better value, you may want to redeem your points cash back, gift cards or travel.
Another great feature is that there’s no minimum amount needed for redemption, which means you can redeem rewards whenever you want.
Ink Business Unlimited introductory benefits
0% intro APR on purchases
The Ink Business Unlimited offers a 0 percent intro APR on purchases for 12 months. This is a great opportunity to pay off large purchases over time without paying additional interest charges. Note that when the introductory period is over, you’ll be charged a variable APR between 17.74 percent to 23.74 percent.
Generous welcome offer
You can earn a $750 cash back bonus when you spend $6,000 within the first three months of account opening. While $2,000 per month in purchases may be a higher threshold in comparison to other cards, the $750 bonus is one of the more substantial welcome offers available.
Ink Business Unlimited business benefits
No annual fee
Whether you’re starting your own business or scaling it for growth, you most likely have numerous expenses to keep up with. Not paying an annual fee on a business credit card is one less expense to worry about throughout the year, especially considering the benefits included with the card.
Free employee cards
Employee cards will not only earn cash back on purchases, but they’re free to hold each year, too. Your employees can make their own purchases for business-related expenses, and you can set spending limits as necessary.
Employee account alerts
If you decide to set purchase limits on employees’ cards, you can sign up to receive account alerts from Chase. This will notify you via text if a cardholder hits their spending limit.
Ink Business Unlimited protection benefits
Purchase protection
If you purchase an item with this card, the item will be covered by purchase protection for up to 120 days (up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account). This applies to eligible items that are damaged or stolen.
Extended warranty coverage
You’ll also get extended warranty coverage (up to one additional year) on eligible U.S. manufacturers’ warranties of three years or less.
Ink Business Unlimited travel benefits
Primary rental car insurance
If you or your employees need to rent a car for business purposes, using the Ink Business Unlimited gives you an added layer of protection. Rental car purchases made with the card will receive primary rental car insurance. Simply decline any coverage offered by the rental company and you’ll be provided reimbursement up to the car’s actual cash value for theft or damage.
Roadside dispatch
Chase offers 24/7 pay-per-use roadside assistance, which can help with roadside needs like jump-starting a car, changing a tire or delivering fuel.
Travel and emergency assistance services
If you’re traveling and need emergency assistance, Chase offers a service to assist you with locating help for legal or medical emergencies, among others.
How to maximize the Ink Business Unlimited
There are several ways to maximize the benefits of the Ink Business Unlimited card. For starters, if you take advantage of the 0 percent intro APR on purchases for 12 months (17.74 percent to 23.74 percent variable thereafter), be sure to pay off the balance before the promotional period expires. This way, you’ll avoid paying interest charges on those purchases.
You can maximize your cash back potential by using the card for as much business spending as possible. Using this card for all expenses, from internet bills to monthly cleaning services, will allow you to earn cash back on purchases you would’ve made for your business anyways. For example, if your typical monthly expenses are $3,000 per month ($36,000 per year), you can earn $540 in cash back by the end of the year. Plus, with this monthly spending, you’ll earn the $750 welcome bonus (which requires you to spend $6,000 within the first three months).
Another way to maximize the Ink Business Unlimited’s benefits is to strategically pair it with other cards. Pairing this business card with a bonus or rotating category card is one strategy. Another tactic is to pair it with a travel card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees (this card charges a 3 percent foreign transaction fee), should you tend to frequently travel outside of the United States.
The bottom line
Each business has a unique set of financial needs, and the Ink Business Unlimited is likely to be a better fit for a business owner who prefers redemption flexibility. If ease of use and simplicity is what you crave as a business owner, this card’s earning and redemption options are likely to appeal to you.
