Chase Ink Business Premier card review: Solid cash back but little flexibility
Editor's Note
Chase Ink Business Premier Credit Card overview
The Chase Ink Business Premier® Credit Card is geared toward business owners who want to earn cash-back rewards on their day-to-day purchases. Its earning rates are decent, but the $195 annual fee is high for what you get from this product since you won't be able to transfer your rewards to Chase's travel partners for maximum value. Card rating*: ⭐⭐½
* Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Chase has long offered "cash-back" credit cards that actually earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
That means if you have another Chase card that earns transferable Ultimate Rewards points, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), you could transfer your cash back to an Ultimate Rewards-earning card and then use the converted points with Chase's various airline and hotel partners.
The Chase Ink Business Premier, however, is a different story since it earns cash back that can't be transferred to partners, regardless of what other Chase cards you have.
We recommend you have a credit score of at least 670 to increase your chances of approval for this card. You can also apply for the card using an employer identification number, which is tied to your business credit score.
The Ink Business Premier might be worth considering for some businesses looking to save money on large expenses. Here's what you need to know.
The information for the Ink Business Premier has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Chase Ink Business Premier pros and cons
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Chase Ink Business Premier welcome offer
New Ink Business Premier cardholders can earn $1,000 in bonus cash back after spending $10,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
That easily offsets the $195 annual fee for your first year, and it's a decent welcome offer compared to similar card options. This is the standard welcome offer we typically see on this card. Note that you'll receive the welcome bonus as 100,000 points, which can be redeemed as $1,000 cash back.
However, plenty of travel rewards credit cards offer welcome bonuses of higher value, both for business and personal use. And while this is a large bonus for a business-focused cash-back card, most cash-back business cards come with lower annual fees.
Plus, the spending requirement for this card's welcome bonus is quite high, so that's something else to keep in mind.
Before applying, make sure you meet all of Chase's application requirements, including being under the 5/24 rule.
Related: 15 cards currently offering welcome bonuses of 100,000 points or more
Chase Ink Business Premier benefits
Aside from certain protections, this card lacks travel-specific perks. However, it does have a few benefits that can bring business owners value and peace of mind. Some of these perks are similar to what other Chase Ink cards offer:
- Employee cards: Similar to other Ink cards, employee cards don't cost the primary cardholder any additional fees.
- Cellphone protection: Coverage extends up to $1,000 per claim for up to three claims per year with a $100 deductible per claim.
- Purchase protection: This benefit covers new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft (up to $10,000 per item and up to $50,000 per account).
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance: If your trip gets canceled or cut short because you get sick or due to severe weather or other covered situations, you can get reimbursed up to $5,000 per covered traveler (up to $10,000 total per trip) for prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses (this includes things like tours and hotel reservations).
- Extended warranty protection: Purchases with a three-year or less U.S. manufacturer's warranty will include an additional year of coverage.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Enjoy primary coverage that protects against theft and damage in the U.S. and most countries around the world. You'll get up to $60,000 in reimbursement for most vehicles with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $125,000 or less.
Considering you can get cellphone protection and similar benefits with the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card for a much lower $95 annual fee, the benefits on this card aren't especially exciting compared to the competition.
If you're a business owner just looking for cash back on purchases, benefits may not matter as much to you. But for that higher $195 annual fee, it's fair to expect more valuable perks like access to transfer partners or some statement credits, like one for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
The information for the Ink Business Preferred has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Earning rewards on the Chase Ink Business Premier
To be clear, the Chase Ink Business Premier does not earn transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Instead, you'll earn:
- 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
- 5% cash back on Lyft purchases (through Sept. 2027)
- 2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more
- 2% cash back on all other purchases
Unlimited 2% cash back on purchases isn't incredibly lucrative, but it is a solid return, considering you don't have to worry about bonus categories or spending caps. Regardless of your business spending habits, you know you're earning a decent return on your purchases.
Plus, 2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more is a nice perk for businesses that tend to have larger expenses, while that 5% category is great for businesses that anticipate booking lots of trips via Chase Travel.
Related: The top 7 credit cards to maximize large purchases
Redeeming rewards on the Chase Ink Business Premier
Cash back earned on the Ink Business Premier gets tracked as points; each dollar equates to 100 points, so when it comes to redeeming your rewards, you'll notice that you redeem points.
Cardholders can redeem their points for cash, gift cards, travel and more. Your points are worth 1 cent each toward any of these redemption options.
Unlike some other Chase cards that earn cash back, you won't be able to transfer the rewards you earn with the Chase Ink Business Premier into your other Chase accounts to take advantage of Chase's airline and hotel transfer partners.
That's a major downside to the Ink Business Premier. Based on this reason alone, we find it hard to recommend this card, as your options for maximizing your hard-earned rewards are extremely limited.
For instance, some of Chase's "cash-back" credit cards, like the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card (see rates and fees) and the Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees), allow you to combine your rewards from them with your higher-tier cards, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Ink Business Preferred.
Then, you can transfer those points to Chase's transfer partners to get more than 1 cent per point (if not more) in value.
Related: How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value
Which cards compete with the Chase Ink Business Premier?
Overall, given what we know Chase is capable of, the Ink Business Premier is pretty lackluster. Unless you're a high-spending business owner who doesn't care about flexible travel rewards, there are other options out there that may better suit your needs.
- If you want to earn transferable Ultimate Rewards points: The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees) earns 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked directly, 3 points per dollar spent on social media and search engine advertising and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. Plus, this card earns Ultimate Rewards, so you don't have to worry about converting cash back from another Chase card to points. To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Reserve for Business.
- If you prefer American Express: The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express earns 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on every purchase (on the first $50,000 spent each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent after that). Additionally, you can transfer points to Amex's airline and hotel partners. Plus, this card doesn't have an annual fee (see rates and fees), which is nice. To learn more, read our full review of the Blue Business Plus.
- If you prefer Capital One: The Capital One Spark Cash Plus earns an unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases without any spending limits. You can also get your $150 annual fee refunded every year you spend $150,000 or more in a year. To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Spark Cash Plus.
For additional options, check out our picks for the best business cards and the best Chase cards.
Related: Chase Ink Business Preferred vs. Ink Business Premier: Which card should take a spot in your wallet?
Is the Chase Ink Business Premier worth it?
The lack of ability to transfer your points to Chase's transfer partners or other Chase cards makes the Ink Business Premier a poor choice for those looking to maximize rewards. If you're a small-business owner hoping to earn points to put toward award travel, we recommend looking into other cards.
Bottom line
Some business owners who have high expenses and make large purchases regularly should be able to get solid value out of this card. Yet, its lack of redemption flexibility for award travel, limited benefits and a comparatively high annual fee are all likely to strike against it for many small-business owners.
The Ink Business Premier simply doesn't quite hold up to the competition. As a small-business owner or someone with a side hustle who wants to earn rewards, you'll likely want to look elsewhere to meet your business credit card needs.
For rates and fees of the Amex Blue Business Plus card, click here.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.