Review: Chase Business Credit Card
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Chase is popular for several reasons:
Strong rewards program
Many Chase business cards earn either cash back or Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. Depending on the card, points may be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, travel, or eligible transfers to participating airline and hotel loyalty programs.
Excellent travel benefits
Travel-focused cards may include:
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
Rental car coverage
Baggage protection
Travel accident insurance
No foreign transaction fees on certain cards
These benefits can be valuable for businesses whose owners or employees travel regularly.
Employee card management
Business owners can often issue additional cards to employees and monitor spending from a single account. Depending on the card, spending controls and account alerts may also be available.
Purchase protections
Many Chase business cards include purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, and fraud monitoring, helping protect eligible purchases against certain covered events.
Who Can Apply for a Chase Business Credit Card?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you need a formal company with employees to qualify. In reality, many types of business owners may be eligible.
Examples include:
Freelancers
Graphic designers
Writers
Consultants
Photographers
Real estate agents
Online sellers
Etsy shop owners
Amazon sellers
eBay sellers
YouTubers
Bloggers
Content creators
Software developers
Rideshare drivers
Delivery drivers
Landscapers
Contractors
Plumbers
Electricians
Tutors
Landlords
Airbnb hosts
Sole proprietors
LLCs
Partnerships
Corporations
Even if your business earns only part-time income, you may still qualify if you operate with the intent to make a profit and meet Chase's underwriting criteria.
Do You Need an EIN?
No.
If you're a sole proprietor without an Employer Identification Number (EIN), you can often apply using your Social Security number. Businesses with an EIN may use that instead.
The information you provide should accurately reflect your business structure and financial situation.
How Does the Application Process Work?
When you apply, Chase typically asks for information such as:
Legal name
Business name (if different)
Business address
Business phone number
Business type
Industry
Years in business
Estimated annual business revenue
Estimated monthly spending
Number of employees
Personal income
Social Security number or EIN (depending on your business structure)
Chase may also review your personal credit history because many business credit cards require a personal guarantee.
What Credit Score Is Recommended?
Chase does not publish a minimum credit score requirement.
In general, applicants with good to excellent credit often have stronger approval odds. However, approval decisions are based on multiple factors, including:
Credit history
Existing debt
Income
Business revenue
Length of credit history
Payment history
Recent credit applications
Overall financial profile
A higher credit score does not guarantee approval, and a lower score does not automatically result in a denial.
Understanding Each Chase Business Credit Card
Best for
Businesses with recurring expenses in eligible bonus categories, such as office supplies and telecommunications services.
Advantages
No annual fee
Cash back rewards
Introductory APR on purchases (when offered)
Employee cards
Purchase protection
Extended warranty coverage on eligible purchases
Potential drawbacks
Bonus rewards are subject to spending caps.
Businesses with varied spending may earn more with another card.
This card is designed for business owners who want simplicity.
Instead of tracking categories, you earn the same flat-rate cash back on eligible purchases.
Ideal for:
Contractors
Consultants
Freelancers
Professional services
Businesses with diverse spending patterns
Because there are no bonus categories to monitor, bookkeeping and rewards tracking are straightforward.
This is Chase's flagship small-business travel rewards card.
It's intended for businesses that spend significantly on travel, shipping, internet services, phone services, and certain advertising purchases.
Additional benefits may include:
Cell phone protection
Travel insurance
Trip delay coverage
Purchase protection
Access to Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Business owners who redeem points strategically may find this card especially valuable.
Designed for businesses making substantial purchases, this card emphasizes cash back on eligible high-value transactions.
It may appeal to:
Construction firms
Medical practices
Manufacturers
Equipment purchasers
Wholesale businesses
Its structure differs from other Ink cards, so it's important to review the terms carefully before applying.
This premium travel card is aimed at frequent business travelers.
Potential benefits include:
Airport lounge access
Annual travel statement credits
Premium travel protections
Enhanced travel redemption options
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® fee reimbursement (when offered)
Concierge services
Because of the higher annual fee, this card generally provides the most value to businesses that travel often enough to take advantage of its premium benefits.
How Do Chase Ultimate Rewards Points Work?
Ultimate Rewards® is Chase's flagship rewards program.
Depending on your card, you may redeem points for:
Cash back
Statement credits
Gift cards
Travel bookings
Eligible transfers to participating airline and hotel loyalty programs
Point values can vary depending on the redemption method, so comparing options before redeeming can help maximize value.
Employee Cards: How They Help Your Business
Issuing employee cards can make expense management easier.
Benefits include:
Centralized spending records
Reduced reimbursement paperwork
Faster purchasing for employees
Better visibility into company expenses
Easier budgeting and reporting
Business owners remain responsible for purchases made by authorized users, so it's important to establish clear spending policies.
Can a Chase Business Credit Card Help Build Credit?
Responsible use of a business credit card can contribute to a positive credit history. Depending on the card and reporting practices, payment history may be shared with business credit bureaus.
Making on-time payments, keeping balances manageable, and avoiding missed payments are all important habits for maintaining healthy credit.
Common Fees to Understand
Before applying, review the card's pricing information carefully. Depending on the card, you may encounter:
Annual fees
Interest charges if you carry a balance
Balance transfer fees (if applicable)
Cash advance fees
Late payment fees
Returned payment fees
Foreign transaction fees (on some cards)
Understanding these costs can help you determine whether a card fits your business's financial needs.
Chase Business Credit Card Comparison Table
Card | Annual Fee | Best For | Rewards Type | Intro APR | Employee Cards | Travel Benefits |
Ink Business Cash® | $0 | Office supplies, internet, phone expenses | Cash Back | Yes (when offered) | ✅ | Basic |
Ink Business Unlimited® | $0 | Everyday business purchases | Flat-Rate Cash Back | Yes (when offered) | ✅ | Basic |
Ink Business Preferred® | Annual Fee | Travel, advertising, shipping | Chase Ultimate Rewards® Points | No | ✅ | Excellent |
Ink Business Premier® | Annual Fee | Large purchases and high business spending | Cash Back | No | ✅ | Moderate |
Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ | Premium Annual Fee | Frequent business travelers | Premium Travel Rewards | No | ✅ | Outstanding |
Pros and Cons of Chase Business Credit Cards
Pros
Wide variety of cards for different business needs
Valuable rewards programs
Strong travel protections on eligible cards
Employee card options
Expense management tools
Purchase protections
Well-established customer service and mobile banking experience
Cons
Approval standards may be stricter than some issuers.
Premium cards may have higher annual fees.
Bonus rewards may be subject to spending caps.
Some premium benefits may only be valuable if you travel frequently.
Which Chase Business Card Should You Choose?
If You Want To... | Best Card |
Pay no annual fee | Ink Business Cash® or Ink Business Unlimited® |
Earn simple cash back | Ink Business Unlimited® |
Maximize office supply and utility rewards | Ink Business Cash® |
Earn travel rewards | Ink Business Preferred® |
Make large business purchases | Ink Business Premier® |
Get airport lounge access and luxury travel perks | Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ |
Issue cards to employees | Any Chase Business Card |
Separate business expenses from personal spending | Any Chase Business Card |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Chase business credit card with a side hustle?
Yes. Many side businesses, freelance activities, and independent contractor roles may qualify if they are legitimate businesses.
Can I have more than one Chase business card?
Yes, some business owners hold multiple Chase business cards to match different spending categories. Approval depends on your credit profile, business information, and Chase's lending criteria.
Should I use my business card for personal purchases?
While a business card can generally be used wherever the card network is accepted, keeping business and personal expenses separate is considered a best practice because it simplifies bookkeeping and financial reporting.
Is there a minimum business income requirement?
Chase does not publicly disclose a minimum business income requirement. Businesses of various sizes, including newer ventures, may qualify if they meet the issuer's overall approval criteria.
How long does approval take?
Some applicants receive an instant decision, while others may have their applications reviewed manually. In some cases, Chase may request additional information before making a final decision.
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