My Practical Take on the Chase Ink Cash Credit Card (Early 2025): A No-Annual-Fee Business Card Focused on Cash Back with Exciting Bonus Categories and more

Introduction

The Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card is a powerhouse for small business owners, freelancers, and side hustlers looking to earn substantial rewards without the burden of an annual fee. With lucrative bonus categories, a strong welcome bonus, and the ability to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points, it offers significant value for everyday business expenses.

This card stands out for its high-earning cash-back structure, particularly in essential spending categories like office supplies, internet, cable, and phone services, making it an ideal fit for businesses with recurring operational costs. However, while it provides impressive rewards, maximizing its full potential requires strategic planning, especially for those looking to transfer points to Chase’s travel partners.

In this review, I’ll break down what makes the Chase Ink Business Cash a top contender in the no-annual-fee business card space. We’ll explore its biggest advantages, potential drawbacks, and how to make the most of its benefits—whether you’re using it for everyday business purchases, stacking rewards with other Chase cards, or optimizing redemptions for travel.

Why the Chase Ink Cash Is a Standout No-Annual-Fee Business Card

One of the most attractive features of the Chase Ink Business Cash is its no-annual-fee structure. For business owners looking to earn rewards without an ongoing cost, this card provides a compelling way to maximize returns without worrying about offsetting an annual fee. Unlike many premium business cards that charge upwards of $95 or more per year, this card allows entrepreneurs to earn meaningful rewards without the added expense.

In the competitive world of business credit cards, the Chase Ink Business Cash stands out due to its combination of cash-back earnings and the ability to convert those earnings into Ultimate Rewards points. While other no-annual-fee cards may offer simple flat-rate cash back, this card’s 5% and 2% bonus categories make it significantly more valuable for businesses that spend heavily in those areas. Compared to competitors like the American Express Blue Business Cash, which offers a flat 2% back on all purchases up to $50,000 per year, the Ink Business Cash provides far greater earning potential within its bonus categories.

This card is particularly beneficial for business owners who have recurring expenses in office supply stores and telecommunications services. If you’re consistently paying for internet, cable, and phone services, the 5% category can generate significant returns. Additionally, for those who drive frequently or entertain clients, the 2% cash back on gas stations and restaurants provides a steady way to earn additional rewards. Entrepreneurs who already hold other Chase Ultimate Rewards-earning cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Ink Business Preferred, will find even more value by combining points for travel redemptions.

For small business owners seeking a no-annual-fee card that delivers strong rewards and flexibility, the Chase Ink Business Cash remains a top-tier option heading into 2025.

Maximizing Rewards: How the Ink Cash Card Earns Ultimate Rewards Points

The Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card offers one of the most lucrative earning structures among no-annual-fee business cards, particularly for those who can take advantage of its bonus categories. While marketed as a cash-back card, it actually earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can unlock significantly greater value when used strategically.

5% Bonus Categories: A Hidden Goldmine for Maximizing Points

The standout feature of the Ink Business Cash is its 5% cash back (or 5x points per dollar) on the first $25,000 spent annually at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services. While this is already a strong bonus for businesses with telecom expenses, what makes it particularly interesting in the points and miles space is that office supply stores like Staples and Office Depot sell a wide variety of third-party gift cards.

Savvy cardholders often leverage this by purchasing gift cards for everyday expenses—restaurants, grocery stores, or even Amazon—allowing them to effectively earn 5x points on purchases that wouldn't normally qualify for bonus rewards. However, many in the points and miles community recommend adding a small non-gift card item, like a pack of gum, to the purchase to make transactions appear more natural and avoid potential scrutiny from Chase.

For business owners who already spend heavily on internet and telecom services, maximizing this category is straightforward. But for those willing to be strategic with gift card purchases, the 5% category can be even more powerful.

2% Bonus Categories: Everyday Business Essentials

The card also offers 2% cash back (or 2x points) on the first $25,000 spent annually at gas stations and restaurants. While not as lucrative as the 5% category, this can still be highly valuable for businesses that rely on company vehicles or frequently entertain clients over meals.

For road warriors and small businesses with significant fuel expenses, the 2x bonus at gas stations adds up quickly. Similarly, if you regularly take clients out for meals or order catering for business events, these expenses will help you rack up Ultimate Rewards points faster.

1% on Everything Else: Uncapped Earning Potential

For all other purchases, the Ink Business Cash earns 1% cash back (or 1x Ultimate Rewards point per dollar) with no caps. While this isn’t a standout rate, it ensures that every business expense still earns rewards. Most cardholders will want to focus their spending on the bonus categories, but even general purchases contribute to the overall Ultimate Rewards balance.

Welcome Bonus: A Strong Incentive to Get Started

The Chase Ink Business Cash typically offers one of the best welcome bonuses among no-annual-fee business cards. While the exact offer varies, new cardholders often have the opportunity to earn a sizable lump sum of Ultimate Rewards points after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months of account opening.

Compared to other business credit cards in this category, the Ink Business Cash consistently provides one of the strongest sign-up bonuses. When redeemed for cash back, the bonus delivers immediate value, but as with the points earned from everyday spending, its true potential is unlocked when used for travel.

How These Categories Align with Real-World Business Spending

For business owners, the Ink Business Cash's bonus categories naturally align with many common expenses. Office supplies, telecom services, fuel, and dining are all typical costs, making it easy to maximize earnings without significantly changing spending habits.

Additionally, for those in the points and miles space, the ability to purchase third-party gift cards at office supply stores effectively broadens the 5% category to cover an even wider range of purchases. With the right strategy, this can make the Ink Business Cash one of the highest-earning no-annual-fee cards available.

Understanding the True Value of Ultimate Rewards Points

While the Ink Business Cash is advertised as a cash-back card, it actually earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which are far more valuable when used correctly.

How to Redeem Points

Cardholders have several redemption options:

• Cash Back or Statement Credits: Points can be redeemed for cash back at a fixed value of 1 cent per point, making it a straightforward option for those who prefer simplicity.

• Gift Cards: Chase occasionally offers slight discounts on gift card redemptions, though this isn’t always the best value.

• Travel Bookings Through Chase Ultimate Rewards: Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and car rentals through the Chase travel portal. However, they are only worth 1 cent per point unless paired with a premium Chase card.

Unlocking Higher Value: The Key to Maximizing Ultimate Rewards

The real power of the Ink Business Cash lies in its ability to generate Ultimate Rewards points, which can be transferred to travel partners when combined with a premium Chase card. This means that while the Ink Business Cash itself doesn’t allow transfers, pairing it with a Chase Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred unlocks the ability to send points to Chase’s airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio.

This dramatically increases their potential value. Instead of redeeming 50,000 points for a $500 statement credit, transferring those points to a partner like Hyatt could yield multiple nights at high-end hotels. Likewise, transferring to an airline partner could turn those points into business-class flights worth thousands of dollars.

How This Strategy Transforms the Ink Business Cash into a Travel Powerhouse

By itself, the Ink Business Cash is a solid business credit card with excellent earning rates and flexible redemption options. However, when used as part of a larger Ultimate Rewards strategy, it becomes a critical piece of the Chase ecosystem.

Many savvy points and miles enthusiasts employ the “Chase Trifecta” (or even a “Chase Quartet”) by pairing the Ink Business Cash with a premium Chase card like the Sapphire Preferred or Reserve. This combination allows them to earn 5x points in key categories while also unlocking premium travel redemptions.

For business owners who want to maximize both cash-back and travel rewards, the Ink Business Cash is an essential tool—one that punches far above its weight for a no-annual-fee card.

Key Perks and Protections That Add Value

Beyond its strong earning potential, the Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card comes with several perks and protections that make it an even more valuable tool for business owners. While not a premium travel card, it offers solid benefits that can save money and provide peace of mind on purchases.

Employee Cards at No Extra Cost

One of the most valuable business perks of the Ink Business Cash is the ability to add employee cards for free. This allows business owners to issue cards to employees while keeping all spending centralized under a single account. Employee cards earn rewards at the same rates as the primary card, meaning all purchases contribute to the overall points balance.

Additionally, business owners can set individual spending limits for each employee card, ensuring control over expenses. This feature is especially useful for small businesses with multiple employees who need to make purchases on behalf of the company.

Purchase Protections: Extra Security on Business Expenses

The Chase Ink Business Cash includes two key purchase protections that can be invaluable for business-related expenses:

• Purchase Protection: Covers new purchases against damage or theft for up to 120 days, with a limit of $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.

• Extended Warranty Protection: Adds an extra year to eligible U.S. manufacturer warranties of three years or less.

For businesses that frequently purchase electronics, office equipment, or other high-ticket items, these protections can provide significant savings and extra security.

Primary Rental Car Insurance: A Key Benefit for Business Rentals

Unlike many personal credit cards that only offer secondary rental car insurance, the Ink Business Cash provides primary coverage when renting a car for business purposes. This means that if the cardholder declines the rental company’s collision damage waiver (CDW), the card’s coverage kicks in before personal insurance, potentially saving money on deductibles and claims.

This feature is particularly useful for small business owners who rent vehicles frequently for travel or work-related needs. However, it’s important to note that this coverage applies only to rentals used for business purposes—personal rentals would still fall under secondary coverage.

0% Intro APR: A Strategic Tool for Business Cash Flow

The Chase Ink Business Cash frequently offers a 0% introductory APR for the first 12 months on purchases (after which a variable APR applies). This can be a valuable tool for businesses that need to make large purchases and pay them off over time without incurring interest.

For example, a business that needs to upgrade office equipment or stock up on inventory can use the 0% APR period to spread out payments while still earning valuable rewards. However, once the promotional period ends, interest rates apply, so it’s best to have a payoff plan in place.

The Downsides: Where the Ink Cash Card Falls Short

While the Chase Ink Business Cash is an excellent no-annual-fee card with strong earning potential, it does have some limitations. Businesses that spend heavily in certain areas or require premium travel perks may need to look elsewhere for a more comprehensive rewards card.

Foreign Transaction Fees: Not Ideal for International Business Travel

One of the biggest drawbacks of the Ink Business Cash is its 3% foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside the U.S. This makes the card a poor choice for businesses that frequently travel internationally or source products from overseas vendors.

For business owners who travel abroad regularly, a card with no foreign transaction fees—such as the Chase Ink Business Preferred or Chase Sapphire Preferred—would be a much better fit.

Spending Caps on Bonus Categories: A Limitation for High-Spending Businesses

While the 5% and 2% bonus categories are excellent for earning rewards, they are capped at $25,000 in combined purchases per year for each category. This means that businesses with higher spending needs may hit the cap relatively quickly, after which all purchases in those categories drop to just 1% back.

For companies that spend well beyond these limits, a card with uncapped bonus categories—or one with higher earning potential on large expenses, like the Chase Ink Business Preferred (which earns 3x on travel, shipping, and advertising up to $150,000 per year)—may be a better choice.

Lack of Direct Travel Perks: No Airport Lounge Access or Travel Insurance

Unlike premium business travel cards, the Chase Ink Business Cash does not offer perks like airport lounge access, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credits, or comprehensive travel insurance benefits. While it does have primary rental car insurance for business rentals, it lacks trip cancellation or delay protection, which could be a deal-breaker for frequent travelers.

For businesses that rely on travel, a card like the Chase Ink Business Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve may be a better fit due to their stronger travel protections and premium benefits.

Needing a Premium Chase Card for Transfers: Limited Redemption Flexibility

One of the biggest missed opportunities of the Ink Business Cash is that it does not allow direct transfers to airline or hotel partners unless paired with a premium Chase card (Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred).

Without one of these premium cards, Ink Business Cash points are worth just 1 cent per point—either as cash back or through the Chase travel portal. This severely limits the value of the card’s rewards, as transferring points to travel partners is often the best way to maximize Ultimate Rewards points.

For business owners who plan to redeem points for travel, holding a premium Chase card is essential. Without one, the Ink Business Cash remains a solid cash-back card, but it won’t unlock the full potential of Ultimate Rewards.

Who Should Get the Chase Ink Business Cash?

The Chase Ink Business Cash is a fantastic option for many business owners, but it shines brightest for those who can take full advantage of its bonus categories and Ultimate Rewards earning potential.

Business owners who can maximize the 5% and 2% categories will get the most value from this card. If your business spends heavily on office supplies, internet, cable, phone services, gas stations, or restaurants, the bonus categories can add up quickly—especially if you take advantage of office supply stores selling gift cards to other retailers.

Those already in the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem will find this card even more rewarding. When paired with a premium Chase card, the Ink Business Cash becomes a powerful tool for earning transferable points that can be redeemed for high-value travel.

Entrepreneurs who want to start earning valuable rewards without an annual fee will appreciate that this card delivers strong earning potential and business-friendly benefits with no cost to hold. New business owners or freelancers looking to build their credit history while earning rewards should strongly consider it.

Who Shouldn’t Get This Card?

While the Ink Business Cash is an excellent no-annual-fee option, it’s not the right fit for everyone. Frequent international travelers will find the 3% foreign transaction fee frustrating and should look for a card with no foreign fees, such as the Chase Ink Business Preferred.

Similarly, those who need premium travel perks—like lounge access, trip protections, or a higher point value for travel redemptions—will find this card lacking. If your business requires frequent travel, a card with built-in travel benefits may be a better choice.

Final Thoughts: Is the Chase Ink Cash Worth It in 2025?

The Chase Ink Business Cash remains one of the best no-annual-fee business credit cards on the market, offering exceptional earning potential in practical business spending categories.

To maximize value, business owners should:

• Use the 5% and 2% bonus categories strategically, particularly at office supply stores.

• Pair the card with a premium Chase card (Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred) to unlock higher redemption value through travel partners.

• Consider adding employee cards at no cost to earn rewards on more business expenses.

For businesses that primarily spend in the bonus categories and want to earn Ultimate Rewards points without an annual fee, the Ink Business Cash is a top-tier choice. However, if international travel, uncapped bonus earning, or premium perks are priorities, it may be worth exploring other Chase business cards.

FAQ: Common Questions About the Chase Ink Business Cash

Can I get this card if I’m a sole proprietor?
Yes! You don’t need an LLC or corporation to apply—sole proprietors and freelancers can qualify using their Social Security number instead of an EIN.

How do I transfer Ultimate Rewards points to travel partners?
The Ink Business Cash doesn’t allow direct transfers, but if you also have a premium Chase card (Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred), you can combine points in your account and transfer them to airline and hotel partners.

Does the Chase Ink Cash impact my personal credit score?
While Chase does a personal credit check when you apply, the Ink Business Cash does not report regular activity to personal credit bureaus—unless your account becomes delinquent. This means your business spending won’t impact your personal credit utilization.

What happens if I go over the bonus category spending caps?
Once you exceed the $25,000 cap in the 5% or 2% categories, additional purchases in those categories earn just 1% for the rest of the year. If you anticipate spending well beyond the cap, you may want to consider a card with higher or uncapped bonus earning.

How is this card impacted by Chase’s “5/24” rule?
The Chase Ink Business Cash is subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule, meaning you likely won’t be approved if you’ve opened five or more new personal credit cards (from any issuer) in the past 24 months. However, once approved, the card does not count toward your 5/24 status because it’s a business card.

The Chase Ink Cash card offers excellent rewards and benefits for small business expenses. Highly recommended!

John D.

★★★★★