The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Advertiser disclosure
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Guides
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Ink Business Preferred: Which $95-a-year card should you get?
Stephanie Stevens is an associate writer with TPG's credit cards team. She focuses on creating timely credit cards content for TPG readers.
June 28, 2026 • 9 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Related stories
Quick summary
The article compares two popular mid-tier travel rewards cards, one for personal use and one for small-business owners.
Both products offer strong travel protections, flexible point redemption options and similar annual fees.
The personal card stands out for broader everyday bonus categories and more comprehensive travel protections, while the business card offers elevated rewards at select merchants and added features for business needs.
Holding both cards may maximize rewards for those eligible for both personal and business products.
What to consider
Eligibility for the business card requires a qualifying business, including side hustles or freelance work.
Both cards are subject to a rule limiting approvals if you have opened five or more cards across all banks in the past 24 months.
Elevated earning rates on the business card apply only up to a specified annual spending cap, after which lower rates apply.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed side-by-side comparison of benefits, protections and point redemption strategies to help decide which card best fits your travel and spending habits.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
With so many fantastic travel rewards credit cards available, including some with large welcome bonuses and phenomenal benefits, you might have difficulty choosing one that suits your needs. The decision can become even more complicated if you're eligible for a small-business credit card, which opens the door to a whole new set of options.
They make a powerful team, but you may only want — or qualify for — one of them.
Let's look at how these cards stack up against each other to help you decide whether one or both deserve a place in your wallet.
Sapphire Preferred vs. Ink Business Preferred comparison
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Ink Business Preferred
Annual fee
$95
$95
Welcome bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Earning
5 points per dollar spent on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠
5 points per dollar spent on Lyft (through Sept. 30, 2027)
5 points per dollar spent on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (through Dec. 31, 2027, with a limit of 25,000 bonus points)
3 points per dollar spent on dining worldwide, online grocery stores (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs) and streaming services
3 points per dollar spent on vacation homes*, and gas and electric vehicle charging
2 points per dollar spent on all other travel
1 point per dollar spent on everything else
*Booked through Airbnb, Vrbo, Plum Guide, HomeAway, Homestay.com and Vacasa
5 points per dollar spent on Lyft (through Sept. 30, 2027)
3 points per dollar spent on travel, shipping, internet, cable and phone services, and social media and search engine advertising (on up to $150,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year)
1 point per dollar spent on everything else
Notable benefits
Travel protections
Extended warranty and purchase protection
Annual Chase Travel hotel credit
Complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership (activate by Dec. 31, 2029)
Travel protections
Extended warranty and purchase protection
Cellphone protection
Free employee cards
Sapphire Preferred vs. Ink Business Preferred welcome offer
New Sapphire Preferred cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Based on TPG's June 2026 valuations, this welcome offer is worth $1,538. This is the standard welcome offer we typically see on the card.
Meanwhile, new Chase Ink Business Preferred cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Based on TPG's valuations, this welcome offer is also worth $2,050. This is the standard welcome offer we typically see on this card.
Note that both cards are subject to the 5/24 rule, meaning you can't have opened five or more cards across all banks in the past 24 months, or you'll most likely be denied when applying for either card.
Finally, to be eligible for the Ink Business Preferred, you must have a business. However, many side hustles, freelance ventures and limited liability companies qualify.
Winner: Ink Business Preferred. Its offer is worth more.
Sapphire Preferred vs. Ink Business Preferred benefits
Both cards offer phenomenal travel protections that are quite similar, though the Sapphire Preferred's are slightly more comprehensive.
Both cards include trip cancellation and interruption insurance. With the Ink Business Preferred, you're covered for up to $5,000 per covered person for nonrefundable travel expenses (up to $10,000 per trip); the Sapphire Preferred's coverage is double that.
Another standout benefit is primary rental car coverage, which can save you the expense and hassle of filing a claim with a rental agency or your personal auto insurer if something goes wrong. However, the Ink Business Preferred's benefits state that your rental must be for business purposes for this protection to kick in.
Both cards round out their protections with purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.
The Ink Business Preferred offers cellphone protection up to $1,000 (up to $3,000 per 12-month period, with a $100 deductible) when you pay your monthly wireless bill with the card.
Beyond travel protections, the Sapphire Preferred offers up to a $100 annual hotel credit for bookings made through Chase Travel.
DOORDASH
Finally, the Sapphire Preferred also provides at least one year of complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership (activate by Dec. 31, 2029) and up to $10 off monthly non-restaurant DoorDash orders.
And the Ink Business Preferred offers free employee cards, a great bonus for small businesses looking to save on costs.
Winner: Sapphire Preferred. Its benefits outclass those of the Ink Business Preferred.
Earning points with the Sapphire Preferred vs. Ink Business Preferred
If you’re looking for a personal travel rewards card, the Sapphire Preferred is the stronger everyday option.
It earns 3 points per dollar spent on dining, online grocery stores, streaming services, and gas and electric vehicle charging, making it the stronger choice for most consumers looking to maximize rewards on regular purchases. It also earns 2 points per dollar on a broad range of travel purchases.
The Ink Business Preferred is the better catch-all travel card for business owners, earning 3 points per dollar on travel along with shipping, internet, cable and phone services, and social media and search engine advertising. Note that those elevated earning rates apply to the first $150,000 in combined purchases each account anniversary year (after which you’ll earn 1 point per dollar).
MASKOT/GETTY IMAGES
If your business regularly exceeds that $150,000 annual cap — particularly on advertising purchases — the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see ) may be a better fit. It earns 3 points per dollar on social media and search engine advertising (up to $1 million per dollar spent each anniversary year, starting Nov. 15, 2026).
Although it carries an annual fee of $795, businesses with substantial advertising budgets may be able to offset that cost through the rewards they earn.
Winner: Tie. The Sapphire Preferred is the stronger everyday card for consumers, while the Ink Business Preferred is the better choice for business owners who spend heavily on travel and eligible business expenses.
Redeeming points with the Sapphire Preferred vs. Ink Business Preferred
Both cards earn Ultimate Rewards points, some of the most valuable around.
Cardholders of either product can also redeem points directly for travel through Chase Travel to get up to 1.75 cents per point in value, with Points Boost (depending on the specific redemption).
Additionally, points can be redeemed to cover eligible purchases in select categories through Chase's Pay Yourself Back feature.
Points can also be used for cash back or gift cards at a rate of 1 cent per point.
Winner: Tie. You'll get the same redemption options on either card.
Most Chase transfer partners offer a 1:1 transfer ratio, though points transfer to World of Hyatt at a 4:3 ratio from both cards.
HYATT
These transfer partners can provide great value.
I recently transferred 32,000 Ultimate Rewards points to Air France-KLM Flying Blue to book two economy flights from Paris to Washington, D.C. Thanks to a 20% Chase transfer bonus, I needed just 32,000 points (plus $540 in taxes and fees) instead of 38,000 points, while the same tickets were selling for $3,456.
Winner: Tie. You'll get the same redemption options on either card.
Should I get the Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred?
First, decide whether a personal or business credit card better fits your needs. If you can take advantage of the Sapphire Preferred's broader bonus categories and stronger travel protections, it may be the better choice. However, pairing it with the Ink Business Preferred can be a powerful strategy for maximizing Ultimate Rewards earnings.
Bottom line
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is the better choice for most consumers thanks to its broader everyday bonus categories and stronger travel protections.
However, if you own a business, the Ink Business Preferred can be an excellent complement, especially if you spend heavily on travel, shipping, telecommunications services or advertising.
Since both cards earn transferable Ultimate Rewards points and carry the same $95 annual fee, many eligible cardholders may find that holding both is the best way to maximize their rewards.
