The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card (see rates and fees) is one of the most underrated business cards in Chase's lineup.
At first glance, it appears to be a straightforward cash-back card for small-business owners. But its real value comes from something many applicants overlook: the ability to convert cash back into Chase Ultimate Rewards points when paired with another eligible Chase card.
Between office supplies, internet and phone services, restaurants and gas stations, many small-business owners can earn elevated rewards on expenses they're already paying for every month.
If your business spends heavily in those categories, the Ink Business Cash can deliver tremendous value without charging an annual fee. However, businesses with significant travel expenses or spending that falls outside the card's bonus categories may find more value elsewhere. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Ink Business Cash: The basics
If you're looking for a business credit card that earns strong rewards on common business expenses without charging an annual fee, the Ink Business Cash is hard to ignore.
While it's marketed as a cash-back card, I think it's best viewed as a flexible rewards card. That's because cardholders who also have an eligible Chase Ultimate Rewards card can convert their cash back into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points — one of the most valuable rewards currencies available.
Here's what you need to know:
- Annual fee: $0
- Best for: Small-business owners who spend heavily on office supplies, internet, cable and phone services
- Rewards structure: Elevated cash back on office supply stores, internet, cable and phone services, plus bonus rewards at restaurants and gas stations
- Key benefits: Employee cards at no additional cost, purchase protections, extended warranty coverage and primary rental car coverage when renting for business purposes
- Rewards currency: Cash back that can be converted into Chase Ultimate Rewards points when paired with an eligible Chase card
Unlike many no-annual-fee business cards, the Ink Business Cash offers a clear path to earning transferable travel rewards, making it such a compelling long-term card for both small-business owners and points enthusiasts.
Ink Business Cash pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| <ul> <li>Strong bonus categories for common business expenses</li> <li>No annual fee</li> <li>Free employee cards</li> <li>Ability to convert cash back into Chase Ultimate Rewards points</li> <li>Valuable purchase protections and rental car coverage</li> </ul> | <ul> <li>Bonus earning categories are capped annually</li> <li>Requires another Chase card to maximize value</li> </ul> |
Ink Business Cash benefits
Free employee cards
One benefit of the Ink Business Cash that many business owners might appreciate is that employee cards come at no additional cost.
Not only can you earn rewards on employee spending, but Chase also allows you to set individual spending limits. For small-business owners who want additional oversight without creating friction for employees, that's a valuable feature.
Purchase protection
Business purchases can add up quickly, especially when you're buying equipment, technology or office supplies.
The Ink Business Cash includes purchase protection, which covers eligible new purchases against damage or theft for up to 120 days from the purchase date. Coverage is available for up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
I wouldn't choose a card solely for its purchase protections, but benefits like these can save you a significant amount of money if something goes wrong.
Related: How to choose the best credit card for your business expenses
Extended warranty protection
The card also includes extended warranty protection on eligible purchases.
When you use the Ink Business Cash to purchase an item with a U.S. manufacturer's warranty of three years or less, Chase will extend the warranty by an additional year.
For business owners who regularly purchase computers, monitors, office equipment or other expensive tools, this can provide valuable peace of mind.
Related: The best credit cards for extended warranties
Auto rental collision damage waiver
This is one of the card's most underrated benefits.
When renting a vehicle for business purposes, the Ink Business Cash provides primary auto rental collision damage waiver coverage when you decline the rental company's collision insurance and charge the rental to your card.
Coverage applies to most rentals in the U.S. and abroad and can reimburse you up to the vehicle's actual cash value for covered theft or collision damage.
Primary rental car coverage is a benefit I always appreciate seeing on a card, especially one that doesn't charge an annual fee.
Related: Credit card rental car insurance: Best cards and how it works
Travel and emergency assistance services
When traveling away from home, cardholders can access travel and emergency assistance services.
Representatives can help connect you with medical, legal and other emergency resources if needed. While you'll be responsible for any services you obtain, having access to assistance while traveling can be reassuring.
Fraud protection
The Ink Business Cash includes zero liability protection and Chase's fraud monitoring tools to help safeguard your account against unauthorized charges.
This isn't the flashiest perk on the card, but I think it's one of the most important. Small-business owners already have enough on their plates, and knowing Chase is actively monitoring for suspicious activity provides an added layer of security.
Related: Business cards vs. personal cards: Key differences
How to earn and use your rewards
Earning cash back
With the Ink Business Cash, you'll earn:
- 5% cash back at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services (on up to $25,000 in combined purchases each account anniversary year)
- 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $25,000 in combined purchases each account anniversary year)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
The 5% category is where this card really shines.
While office supply stores may sound niche at first, many businesses can maximize this category through purchases of office equipment, technology accessories and gift cards sold at office supply retailers. Combined with internet and phone bills, I think it's one of the strongest bonus categories offered by any no-annual-fee business card.
Redeeming your rewards
If you prefer simplicity, you can redeem your rewards as cash back in the form of a statement credit or direct deposit into an eligible U.S. checking or savings account.
The card also offers other redemption options, including gift cards, travel, Amazon Shop with Points and merchandise through the Apple Ultimate Rewards Store.
However, I generally wouldn't recommend those redemption methods because they often provide less value than a straightforward cash-back redemption.
Converting cash back into Ultimate Rewards points
This is what separates the Ink Business Cash from most competing business cards.
If you also carry an eligible Chase Ultimate Rewards card — such as the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees), the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) — you can convert your cash-back rewards into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points.
Based on TPG's June 2026 valuations, Ultimate Rewards points are worth 2.05 cents apiece. That means the card's 5% bonus categories can effectively become 5 points per dollar spent, resulting in a return of roughly 10% based on our valuations.
Personally, I think this flexibility is what makes the Ink Business Cash so compelling. You can keep things simple and redeem for cash back, or you can pursue higher-value travel redemptions through Chase's airline and hotel partners.
TPG contributing editor Matt Moffitt converts the cash back he earns on his Ink Business Cash into Ultimate Rewards points through his Chase Sapphire Reserve account.
From there, he often transfers points to World of Hyatt, one of Chase's most valuable transfer partners.
I think this is the best strategy for most points enthusiasts. Hyatt redemptions frequently provide excellent value, and transferring rewards can unlock far more value than simply redeeming them for cash back.
Related: Chase Ultimate Rewards points: How to redeem for maximum value
Potential drawbacks of the Ink Business Cash
The Ink Business Cash isn't the perfect card for every business owner.
The biggest drawback is that the card's bonus categories are capped. Once you spend $25,000 in combined purchases each account anniversary year in either the 5% or 2% categories, earnings drop to 1%.
The card also lacks premium travel perks. You won't receive airport lounge access, travel credits, elite status benefits or other luxury travel benefits found on more expensive business cards.
Additionally, while I think the ability to convert cash back into Ultimate Rewards points is one of the card's greatest strengths, it does require holding another eligible Chase card. If you only carry the Ink Business Cash, your redemption options are more limited.
Ink Business Cash vs. Ink Business Preferred
Business owners considering the Ink Business Cash should also take a close look at the Ink Business Preferred.
The Ink Business Preferred charges a $95 annual fee but earns bonus points on travel, shipping purchases and advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines. It also earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points directly and includes additional travel protections.
For businesses that spend heavily in the Ink Business Cash's bonus categories, I think the two cards actually complement each other quite well.
However, if I had to choose just one card, I'd generally recommend the Ink Business Cash for business owners who prioritize keeping costs low and maximizing rewards on everyday operating expenses.
Related: Better together: Why the Ink Business Preferred and the Ink Business Cash are a great pair
Is the Ink Business Cash worth it?
For many small-business owners, yes.
I think the Ink Business Cash is one of the easiest business cards to justify keeping long-term because it charges no annual fee while offering some of the strongest bonus categories available. The ability to convert cash back into Chase Ultimate Rewards points only strengthens its value proposition.
When to apply for the Ink Business Cash
New Ink Business Cash cardholders can earn $1,000 after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.
Because the card occasionally offers elevated welcome bonuses, it's worth comparing the current offer to the card's historical offers before applying.
Based on TPG's valuations, the current welcome offer is worth at least $1,000 when redeemed as cash back. If you pair the card with an eligible Ultimate Rewards-earning card and convert the bonus into points, the value can be significantly higher.
To turn the cash-back bonus into Ultimate Rewards points, you'll also need to have one of the following cards in your wallet:
- Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees)
But remember, the Ink Business Cash is generally subject to Chase's 5/24 rule, meaning you'll likely be denied if you've opened five or more personal credit cards across all issuers in the past 24 months.
Related: The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions
Other cards to consider if you don't want the Ink Business Cash
If earning elevated rewards on office supplies, internet and phone services without paying an annual fee is your primary goal, the Ink Business Cash is hard to beat. However, another card may be a better fit depending on your spending habits and business goals.
- If you want premium travel perks: The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business offers benefits like airport lounge access, travel credits and enhanced travel protections, making it a stronger choice for frequent business travelers. To learn more, check out our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business.
- If you spend heavily on travel, shipping and advertising purchases: The Ink Business Premier® Credit Card (see rates and fees) offers elevated rewards on several common business expenses and may be a better fit for businesses with higher spending levels. To learn more, check out our full review of the Ink Business Premier.
- If you prefer simple rewards on every purchase: The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card (see rates and fees) earns a flat rate on purchases without requiring you to track bonus categories, making it a strong option for businesses with diverse spending. To learn more, check out our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited.
For additional options, check out our full lists of the best business credit cards and the best Chase credit cards.
Related: How to get a business credit card
Bottom line
The Ink Business Cash is proof that you don't need to pay an annual fee to earn valuable rewards on business spending.
I wouldn't recommend it to business owners looking for premium travel perks or uncapped bonus categories. But if your spending aligns with the card's bonus categories, the combination of strong earning rates, useful protections and the ability to convert cash back into Chase Ultimate Rewards points makes it one of the most rewarding no-annual-fee business cards available.
Apply here: Ink Business Cash Credit Card
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.
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