Review: Chase Business Credit Card

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

Ink Business Cash

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.

Ink Business Unlimited

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.

Ink Business Preferred

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.

Ink Business Premier

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.

Sapphire Reserve for Business

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.