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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.
Reviews
Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card review: Simple cash back with surprising long-term value
Matt Moffitt is a contributing editor and expert in getting the most out of credit cards and points (he carries at least 25 cards in his wallet at any given time). Originally from Sydney, Australia, he won the Green Card Lottery and lived in Austin, Texas for 10 years before relocating to Spain in 2025.
June 17, 2026 • 11 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.
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Quick summary
A popular business card offers straightforward cash-back rewards with no need to track categories or spending caps.
Its flexibility allows users to convert cash back into transferable points for airline and hotel redemptions if paired with certain premium cards.
Employee cards are available at no extra cost, and the card includes useful shopping protections and primary rental car coverage for business rentals.
While not the highest cash-back earner, it stands out for simplicity, flexibility and the ability to grow with your business needs.
What to consider
Maximum value from transferable points requires pairing with an eligible premium card, which may involve an annual fee.
The card is subject to a rule limiting approvals if you've opened five or more personal cards in the past 24 months, but typically does not count toward this limit once approved.
Shopping and travel protections are more limited compared to premium business cards.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of how this product stacks up against other business cards, including those with higher cash-back rates or bonus categories.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
at Chase's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Rate
Category
1.5%
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
Intro offer
Earn $1,000 bonus cash back
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.74% - 24.74% Variable
Recommended credit
670-850
Good, Excellent
I’ve had the (see rates and fees) for seven years, and it’s one of the easiest business credit cards to recommend to small-business owners. The card charges no annual fee, earns a straightforward 1.5% cash back on most purchases and doesn’t require you to keep track of bonus categories or spending caps.
If you’re looking for the absolute highest return on everyday spending, there are business cards that earn 2% cash back on every purchase. But for business owners who value simplicity, flexibility and the ability to eventually earn travel rewards, the Ink Business Unlimited remains one of the strongest no-annual-fee options on the market.
Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Ink Business Unlimited: The basics
If you’re considering the , here’s what you need to know:
Annual fee: $0
Earning rate: Earn at least 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Employee cards: Complimentary employee cards with the ability to earn rewards on employee spending
Best for: Business owners who want simple rewards and the option to convert rewards into Chase Ultimate Rewards points later with an eligible card
LUIS ALVAREZ/GETTY IMAGES
While I think this card works well as a stand-alone cash-back product, its real strength comes when it’s paired with an eligible premium Chase card such as the (see rates and fees) or one of the Sapphire cards.
That’s because pairing the Ink Business Unlimited with one of these cards lets you convert your cash back into transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points, unlocking potentially more valuable airline and hotel redemptions.
Ink Business Unlimited pros and cons
Pros
Cons
No annual fee
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on most purchases
Cash back can be converted into Ultimate Rewards points (with an eligible Chase card)
Complimentary employee cards
Other business cards earn 2% cash back on all purchases
Limited bonus categories
Travel protections are relatively basic
Requires another Chase card to unlock maximum value
Ink Business Unlimited benefits
One reason I’ve kept the for the best part of a decade is that it costs nothing to hold. Even if I go through periods where I’m using other cards more frequently, there’s no pressure to justify an annual fee.
While it can't compete with premium business cards when it comes to luxury travel perks, the Ink Business Unlimited still offers several useful benefits that can provide value for small-business owners.
Employee cards at no additional cost
The Ink Business Unlimited allows you to add employee cards at no additional cost. That’s a useful feature for growing businesses because you can earn rewards on employee spending while keeping expenses centralized.
HERO IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES
Shopping protections
The Ink Business Unlimited includes useful shopping protections that many business owners overlook.
Eligible purchases are covered against damage or theft for up to 120 days from the purchase date (up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account). The card also extends eligible U.S. manufacturers’ warranties by an additional year on warranties of three years or less.
I wouldn’t choose this card specifically for its shopping protections, but they’re valuable benefits to have on a no-annual-fee business card.
Primary rental car coverage
When renting a vehicle for business purposes and paying with the Ink Business Unlimited, you can receive primary collision damage waiver coverage, which is a rare perk on a no-annual-fee card.
This is one of the most underrated benefits of select Chase business cards because primary rental coverage can save you from filing a claim with your personal auto insurer after a covered incident.
How to earn and use your rewards
The 's rewards structure is one of the simplest in the business credit card space. While it can function as a straightforward cash-back card, its flexibility makes it especially appealing.
Earning rewards
The Ink Business Unlimited earns:
5% cash back on Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027)
1.5% cash back on all other purchases
That’s it.
ANDRESR/GETTY IMAGES
Some business owners may see the lack of bonus categories as a drawback. Personally, I’ve always appreciated how easy this card is to use.
I don’t have to think about whether a purchase qualifies for a bonus category — I simply know I’m earning at least 1.5% back.
When redeemed directly through the Ink Business Unlimited, rewards are generally worth 1 cent apiece. For business owners who don't have an eligible Ultimate Rewards card, cash back and statement credits are likely the most practical redemption options, since they provide straightforward value without requiring additional cards or travel planning.
Unlocking Ultimate Rewards
This is where the card becomes much more interesting.
If you also hold an eligible Ultimate Rewards card, you can convert your cash-back rewards into fully transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points. This effectively transforms the Ink Business Unlimited from a cash-back card into a travel rewards card.
I’ve personally used this strategy for years. Rather than redeeming my rewards as cash back, I transfer them to my (see rates and fees) and combine them with the points I earn from my other Chase cards.
Park Hyatt Marrakech. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
Earlier this year, I transferred 105,000 Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt for a three-night stay at the Park Hyatt Marrakech in Morocco.
For business owners who aren’t interested in travel rewards right now, I also like that they can earn cash back now and decide to pursue travel rewards down the road.
First, if your goal is to maximize cash back, there are better options available. If you’re committed to a cash-back strategy and have no interest in travel rewards, I’d generally recommend a business card that earns 2% back on every purchase instead.
Finally, the card’s most compelling feature — the ability to earn transferable Ultimate Rewards points — requires another Chase card. Without one, you’re essentially earning a flat 1.5% return. It’s also worth noting that the Chase cards that unlock transfers to airline and hotel partners all carry annual fees of at least $95.
Because of that, I generally recommend this card to business owners who already have a premium Chase card or think they may want one in the future.
Ink Business Unlimited vs. Ink Business Preferred
The and serve different audiences.
The Ink Business Unlimited is the better choice if you want a no-annual-fee card with simple earning rates and everyday flexibility.
The Ink Business Preferred, meanwhile, is a better fit for business owners willing to pay a $95 annual fee in exchange for bonus categories, stronger travel protections and direct access to transferable Ultimate Rewards points.
If you’re just starting out, I’d begin with the Ink Business Unlimited. If your business spending grows and you want to maximize travel rewards, adding the Ink Business Preferred later can be a smart move.
Yes — but only if you value simplicity or flexibility.
If your sole goal is earning cash back, I’d generally steer you toward a business card that earns 2% back on every purchase.
However, if you want a straightforward card that can eventually become part of a larger Chase Ultimate Rewards strategy, the is absolutely worth considering.
If you hold an eligible Ultimate Rewards card, that bonus can effectively become 100,000 transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Based on TPG’s June 2026 valuations, those points are worth up to $2,050.
The Ink Business Unlimited is generally subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule, so you’ll likely be denied if you’ve opened five or more personal credit cards with any issuer in the past 24 months. However, if you’re approved, the Ink Business Unlimited typically won’t add to your 5/24 count because it’s a business card.
Other cards to consider if you don’t want the Ink Business Unlimited
The isn’t the right fit for every business owner. Here are several alternatives worth considering.
If you prefer bonus categories: The (see rates and fees) earns elevated rewards on office supply store purchases and internet, cable and phone services (on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases each anniversary year), making it a better option for businesses with spending concentrated in those categories. It has no annual fee. To learn more, read our review of the Ink Business Cash.
If you prefer maximum cash back: The (see rates and fees) earns unlimited 2% cash back on purchases, making it a stronger option for business owners focused exclusively on cash back. It has no annual fee. To learn more, read our review of the Wells Fargo Signify Business Cash.
If you want American Express points: earns 2 points per dollar spent on all eligible business purchases (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter). It has no annual fee (see rates and fees) and earns valuable Membership Rewards points that can be transferred to travel partners. To learn more, read our review of the Amex Blue Business Plus.
The isn’t the highest-earning cash-back business card on the market, and it doesn’t offer the premium perks found on more expensive travel cards.
What it does offer is simplicity, flexibility and long-term value. I’ve held this card for seven years because it’s easy to use and works well whether I want cash back or travel rewards.
For business owners who already have an eligible Chase Ultimate Rewards card — or think they might want one in the future — the Ink Business Unlimited remains one of the best no-annual-fee business credit cards available.
For rates and fees of the Blue Business Plus card, click here.
