Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card Review 2024

Vault’s Viewpoint on the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is a cash back credit card for business that is geared to small-business owners, entrepreneurs and sole proprietors who want to earn cash back for no annual fee.

The Chase Ink Business Unlimited rewards structure makes perfect sense for someone who wants to earn cash back on purchases without a lot of fuss. In fact, its 1.5% back on everything is exceptional among competing business credit cards. The intro APR this card offers on purchases can also be helpful for business owners who need to invest in inventory or equipment and pay down those purchases without interest for a limited time.

Generally speaking, there’s a lot to like about the Ink Business Unlimited. Although the card doesn’t have an overwhelming number of benefits, it’s easy to understand and its rewards are easy to use. Business owners can redeem cash back for options like a check in the mail, statement credit, merchandise, gift cards or travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.

Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card Highlights

Earning Rewards With the Chase Ink Business Unlimited

The Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card keeps rewards incredibly simple by offering an unlimited flat rate of cash back on every purchase:

• 1.5% cash back on all purchases
• 5% cash back on Lyft rides (through March 2025)

Redeeming Rewards

The Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card lets you redeem your rewards for cash back or a statement credit of any amount—even amounts less than $1. This means it’s virtually impossible to get stuck with rewards that are difficult to use.

Other redemption options include gift cards from various merchants and restaurants, merchandise, Apple products and travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.

Rates and Fees

The Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card doesn’t have an annual fee, but some other fees and charges could come into play. Here’s an overview of the main fees you’ll want to steer clear of:

• Annual fee: $0
• Balance transfer fee: 5% (minimum $5)
• Regular APR: 17.49% – 23.49% variable
• Foreign transaction fee: 3% of the purchase amount
• Late payment fee: Up to $40
• Cash advance fee: 5% (minimum $15)
• Cash advance APR: 29.24% variable

Chase Ink Business Unlimited Benefits 

The Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card comes with a surprising number of benefits for a card with no annual fee. Here’s a rundown of all the perks you’ll get just for signing up:

• Auto rental coverage: Get auto rental coverage for theft and collision damage, good for up to the cash value of eligible rental vehicles when you pay with your card. Note that this coverage is primary when renting a car for business purchases. 
• Extended warranty: Eligible items purchased with the card that come with a manufacturer’s warranty of three years or less get an additional year of extended warranty protection.
• Free employee cards: Automatically get free employee cards that make it easier to track spending and earn rewards on all business purchases.
• Purchase protection: Get coverage against damage or theft for up to 120 days from the purchase date of eligible products. This coverage is good for up to $10,000 per claim and up to $50,000 per account.
• Roadside dispatch: Call a 24/7 hotline for help with a flat tire, fuel delivery, lockout services and more.
• Travel and emergency assistance services: Call this hotline when traveling away from home for help with medical and legal referrals and other services.

Who Is the Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card Best For?

The Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card is ideal for business owners who want to earn cash back without worrying about paying an annual fee each year. The card is also a good choice for business owners who want to earn the highest flat rate of rewards possible without worrying about bonus categories or earning caps.

The fact that the Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases appeals to those who want to keep their rewards simple and focus their energy on their business instead.

Further, the card’s intro APR on purchases also makes it ideal for small-business owners who want to invest in business equipment or supplies and pay down their balances for the first year, sans interest.

Who Should Consider an Alternative to the Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card?

While the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card is valuable in its own right, there are several reasons business owners might want to look elsewhere when picking a new card. The first is if their business spends a lot of money on eligible business categories that could earn them more rewards. In that case, they might be better off with a business credit card that offers more rewards in categories like office supply stores, shipping or travel.

Also, be aware the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card doesn’t let cardholders directly transfer points to Chase’s airline and hotel partners. The only way you can transfer points with this card is if you pair it with a more premium Chase credit card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or even the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card.

How Does the Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card Stack Up to Its Competitors?

It always makes sense to compare business credit cards before you sign up, particularly when you’re trying to align your rewards and benefits to the needs of your business. Consider these alternatives to the Ink Business Unlimited and how these cards might also work in your favor.

Ink Business Unlimited vs. Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card charges a $95 annual fee, but it comes with generous bonus categories to maximize and more rewards potential when it comes to travel. Cardholders earn 3X points on up to $150,000 in combined spending on travel; internet, cable and phone services; select advertising; and shipping purchases each year (then 1X points). The card also earns 5X points on Lyft rides through March 2025 and 1X points on general spending.

The Ink Business Preferred earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can transfer to Chase airline and hotel partners like British Airways, United MileagePlus, Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. Cardholders also get 25% more value when they redeem rewards for travel through Chase Travel℠, or they can opt for easy redemption options like gift cards, merchandise or a statement credit. The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card also comes with no foreign transaction fees, so it’s a better option for international travel.

Ink Business Unlimited vs. Capital One Spark Cash Plus

The Capital One Spark Cash Plus offers a higher cash back rate of 2% cash back on all purchases (plus 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel), but there are some serious tradeoffs. For starters, the Spark Cash Plus is a charge card that requires full payment of the statement balance each month. This means you cannot carry a balance on the Spark Cash Plus from one month to the next.

A $150 annual fee applies every year unless you spend at least $150,000 on the card each year, in which case it is refunded. The Spark Cash Plus also features a welcome bonus, but the spending requirement is quite large time frame on earning.

Ink Business Unlimited vs. Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card has a lot of similar features to the Ink Business Unlimited, yet it may offer a better rewards structure for business owners who spend a lot in certain categories. The main downside is the fact that it only offers a flat rate of 1% back on non-bonus spending, versus the 1.5% cash back you get on all purchases with the Ink Business Unlimited.

The Ink Business Cash earns 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year (then 1% back). It also earns 2% back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each year (then 1% back) and 1% back on all other purchases. Lyft rides also earn 5% back through March 2025.

A few benefits of the Ink Business Cash include free employee cards, travel and purchase protections and an intro APR offer on purchases. 

Is the Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card Worth It?

The Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card is definitely worth it for business owners who want to maximize cash back on their purchases for no annual fee. It’s a solid choice for people who don’t want to keep track of bonus categories or caps on rewards, as well as those who want a plethora of options when it comes to rewards redemption. 

Then again, this card’s rewards aren’t as flexible as other business cards when it comes to travel, and it charges foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside of the United States. If you frequently travel internationally or want a card that lets you transfer points to airline or hotel partners, you may want to look elsewhere.

Valuations by Vault: Our Thoughts on the Chase Ink Business Unlimited’s Value

On its own, the Chase Ink Business Unlimited earns rewards that are worth 1 cent per point in value. If you pair this card with another premium Chase credit card that earns Ultimate Rewards points, though, you can get heightened rewards value from transfer partner travel.

For example, if you pooled your rewards into your Chase Sapphire Reserve account and then transferred them to a Chase travel partner, your rewards could be worth up to 1.62 cents apiece.