Chase Ink Business Unlimited vs. Ink Business Cash: Battle of the cash-back business cards
Editor's Note
There are plenty of business credit cards available on the market, making it difficult to decide which card is best. Chase loyalists or those looking to open a Chase credit card can choose from four cards with the Ink Business moniker.
Two of these options are the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card (see rates and fees) and the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card (see rates and fees). If you're looking for a no-annual-fee business card, these are two compelling options.
Both cards are solid offerings. Depending on your business purchases, you may benefit more from one than the other. Let's explore what sets these cards apart and which card could be the right choice for you.
Ink Business Unlimited vs. Ink Business Cash comparison
| Ink Business Unlimited | Ink Business Cash | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | No annual fee | No annual fee |
| Welcome offer |
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| Bonus categories |
|
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| Redemption options | Cash back and various Chase portal redemptions, such as travel and gift cards | Cash back and various Chase portal redemptions, such as travel and gift cards |
| Card benefits |
|
|
Ink Business Unlimited vs. Ink Business Cash welcome offer
Currently, both the Ink Business Unlimited and the Ink Business Cash have the same welcome offer: Earn $900 in bonus cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
You'll be subject to Chase's 5/24 rule when trying to open either card. That means you more than likely won't be approved for either card if you've opened five or more cards in the past 24 months.
Fortunately, since these are business cards, they won't count toward 5/24 for you.
Related: The power of the Chase Trifecta
Winner: Tie. Both cards have the same welcome offer.
Ink Business Unlimited vs. Ink Business Cash benefits
Neither the Ink Business Unlimited nor the Ink Business Cash provides any statement credits or travel perks. This isn't unusual for cards with no annual fee.
Both cards offer the same benefits regarding car rental and purchase protection. With both cards, you'll receive:
- Extended warranty protection: Purchases with a U.S. manufacturer's warranty of three years or less will get coverage for an extra year.
- Purchase protection: If an eligible item is damaged or stolen within the first 120 days (90 days for New York residents) after purchase, you're covered up to $10,000 per claim ($50,000 per account).
- Primary car rental coverage: If you use either card for the entire rental cost and travel for business purposes, you're covered for theft and damage in the U.S. and most countries worldwide up to $60,000 (for cars with an MSRP of $125,000 or less). Remember that this insurance doesn't offer any liability coverage.
Neither card has any other outstanding benefits, so if you want to book travel with this card, consider existing cards in your wallet first. Many cards with annual fees provide more robust travel protections and various statement credits to ease the burden of booking travel on your budget.
Winner: Tie. Both cards offer the same benefits.
Earning cash back on the Ink Business Unlimited vs. Ink Business Cash
This is where these cards start to really differ.
The Ink Business Unlimited has a simple earning rate of:
- 5% cash back on Lyft rides through Sept. 30, 2027
- 1.5% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
The card is suited for a business with purchases in a variety of categories, since it gives them an extra 0.5% in cash back compared to many other cards, which offer 1% cash back on purchases that fall outside of bonus categories.
On the other hand, the Ink Business Cash earns:
- 5% cash back on cable and phone services, internet and office supply stores (on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year, then 1% back)
- 5% cash back on Lyft rides through Sept. 30, 2027
- 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year, then 1% back)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
As a new Ink Business Cash cardholder, you'll receive an additional 10% cash back on the first card anniversary if you have a Chase Business Checking account. This is a useful perk for the first year; however, since it's only for business account holders, you may want to open a business checking account before applying for the card.
Applying is a no-brainer if your business has significant expenses in the Ink Business Cash's bonus categories. However, if your business purchases fluctuate month to month or if you make purchases in a wide variety of categories, you're better off with the Ink Business Unlimited.
Winner: Ink Business Cash. Its bonus categories and the ability to earn 10% additional cash back on your first card anniversary make it the winner here.
Redeeming cash back on the Ink Business Unlimited vs. Ink Business Cash
Both cards earn cash back, which can be redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for cash back or other rewards, such as gift cards, statement credits and travel through Chase Travel℠.
There is a more lucrative route to redeeming cash back, which we'll discuss below.
Winner: Tie. Both cards offer the same redemption options.
Transferring rewards with the Ink Business Unlimited vs. Ink Business Cash
If you're also a cardholder of the following cards, you can transfer the rewards earned from the Ink Business Unlimited or Ink Business Cash to that card:
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees)
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees)
- Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees)
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.
From there, you can use Chase's 14 transfer partners (13 partners as of Oct. 16) and redeem your rewards for airline award tickets or hotel stays.
As an Ink Business Cash cardholder, I transfer my rewards to my Sapphire Reserve, allowing me to transfer them to partners such as Air Canada Aeroplan and Air France-KLM Flying Blue.
I recently needed to top up my Sapphire Reserve account before transferring points to Flying Blue, and moving rewards was easy.
I logged in to my Ink account and moved the rewards, which occurred instantaneously. From there, I could transfer my points and book a business-class ticket on Air France for 60,000 points.
Should I get the Ink Business Unlimited or Ink Business Cash?
If your business has expenses within the bonus categories and spending caps of the Ink Business Cash, then it's an easy choice since you can use it to maximize your rewards earnings.
On the other hand, if you have purchases in various categories and don't wish to be bogged down by spending caps on bonus category spending, then the Ink Business Unlimited and its 1.5% cash-back rate are better for you.
How to switch from the Ink Business Unlimited to the Ink Business Cash
Switching between the Ink Business Unlimited and Ink Business Cash or vice versa is possible. To switch products, call the customer service phone number on the back of the card and speak with a representative.
However, it is possible to open both cards, allowing your business to use the bonus categories of the Ink Business Cash for some purchases and the fixed 1.5% cash back from the Ink Business Unlimited for all other purchases. Remember that product-changing from one card to the other will lock you out of that card's welcome offer, so I recommend opening both cards instead.
Bottom line
Chase's lineup of Ink Business cards can be confusing, but the Ink Business Unlimited and Ink Business Cash are both cash-back cards for business owners.
While you may feel limited by earning cash back only, the rewards earned from either can easily be used for travel with Chase's transfer partners if you hold an Ultimate Rewards-earning credit card.
If your business would benefit from its bonus categories, the Ink Business Cash is the right choice. Otherwise, go with the Ink Business Unlimited to take advantage of its flat 1.5% cash-back rate.
To learn more, read our full reviews of the Ink Business Unlimited and Ink Business Cash.
Apply here: Ink Business Unlimited
Apply here: Ink Business Cash
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.