Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card Review: Ultimate Rewards for Entrepreneurs

Introduction

Choosing the best business credit card for rewards can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs who want to maximize every dollar spent. The Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card stands out as a unique powerhouse in this arena. With a massive sign-up bonus and generous rewards on common business expenses, it offers flexibility that many competitors (like the Amex Business Gold or Capital One Spark Miles) struggle to match. Unlike some premium cards that charge hefty fees (for example, the Amex Business Gold’s $375 annual fee​), the Ink Business Preferred keeps costs reasonable at $95, yet still packs in valuable perks. For a business owner tired of minimal cashback or airline-specific miles, the Ink Preferred provides a solution: earn versatile points on your biggest business purchases and redeem them for high-value travel or cash. In this Chase Ink Business Preferred review, we’ll compare it to top competitors (Amex Business Gold, Capital One Spark Miles, CitiBusiness AAdvantage, and even Chase’s own Ink Business Cash) to see how it measures up, and explore strategies to maximize your rewards. By the end, you’ll know if this card is the right tool to fuel your business spending and travel ambitions – and why it’s often considered among the best credit cards for entrepreneurs looking for superior rewards.

Key Takeaways

• Big Welcome Bonus: A huge sign-up offer (often around 100,000 points) – worth about $1,250 in travel value when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards​ – gives new cardholders a fast head start on rewards.

• Rich Rewards on Business Spending: Earn 3X points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent in combined key business categories each year (including travel, shipping, internet/cable/phone services, and advertising on search engines or social media)​. All other purchases earn 1X point per dollar.

• Flexible, High-Value Redemption: Points are part of Chase’s Ultimate Rewards program, known for its flexibility. You can redeem for travel through Chase at a 25% bonus (points worth 1.25¢ each) or transfer points 1:1 to premium airline and hotel partners for potentially even greater value​. Cash back and gift card options are available too (at up to 1¢ per point), making these rewards useful for any business need.

• Affordable Annual Fee & No FX Fees: The card charges a moderate $95 annual fee, easily offset by its rewards, and no foreign transaction fees, which is great for international business travel​. You can also add employee cards at no extra cost​ to rack up points on your team’s spending.

• Valuable Perks and Protections: Enjoy cell phone insurance, comprehensive travel coverage, and purchase protections. Pay your phone bill with the Ink Preferred to get up to $1,000 per claim in cell phone theft or damage protection (with a $100 deductible, up to 3 claims per year)​. Travel benefits include primary rental car coverage for business rentals, trip cancellation/interruption insurance up to $5,000 per trip​, trip delay reimbursement, lost luggage reimbursement, and more – perks rarely seen on a card with such a low fee. Purchase protection covers new purchases against damage or theft (120 days, up to $10k per claim)​, and extended warranty adds an extra year on eligible warranties​.

In short: the Chase Ink Business Preferred combines a lucrative rewards program with consumer-friendly benefits, making it a top contender for businesses aiming to turn everyday purchases into travel rewards or cash savings.

Chase Ink Business Preferred Overview: Rewards & Benefits Explained

Rewards Structure: The Ink Business Preferred is designed to reward typical business spending. You earn 3 points per $1 on a broad range of business-focused categories – specifically travel, shipping, internet/cable/phone services, and advertising on social media/search engines – on up to $150,000 in combined purchases each account anniversary year​. These categories cover many high-cost areas for businesses (think flights and hotels, FedEx and UPS shipments, monthly phone and software bills, and Facebook or Google ads). For example, if your company spends $20,000 a year on online advertising and $5,000 on shipping, those purchases alone would earn 3X points – netting you 75,000 points from $25k spend. All other purchases (and any spending beyond that $150K cap) earn 1 point per dollar. The 3X bonus is extremely generous considering Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valued around 2¢ each by savvy travelers, giving you an effective ~6% return on your top expenses​. Even if you value points more conservatively or redeem through Chase’s portal at the fixed rate, 3X points = 3.75% return in travel value, which handily beats flat 2% cash-back cards for those bonus categories.

Redemption Options: One of the Ink Preferred’s greatest strengths is the flexibility of Ultimate Rewards (UR) points. You have two primary high-value ways to redeem:

• Travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards portal: You get a 25% bonus value by using points for travel bookings (flights, hotels, car rentals, etc.) via Chase’s site. This means each point is worth 1.25 cents. For instance, 80,000 points would cover $1,000 in travel bookings, and the popular 100k bonus can be worth $1,250 in travel this way​. The portal redemption is straightforward and points act like cash toward travel, allowing you to still earn airline miles or hotel points on bookings as if you paid normally – a nice double-dip.

• Transfer to travel partners: As a premium UR card, the Ink Business Preferred lets you transfer points 1:1 to 10+ airline and hotel loyalty programs. This includes United MileagePlus, Southwest Rapid Rewards, JetBlue TrueBlue, British Airways Avios, Hyatt World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG Rewards and more. This feature is where you can squeeze out exceptional value. For example, 100k Chase points could be transferred to World of Hyatt and potentially fetch multiple free nights at luxury hotels (often getting 2+ cents per point in value), or to airline partners for business class flights worth thousands of dollars. If maximizing rewards is your goal, leveraging transfer partners can far exceed the fixed portal value. (Tip: Many entrepreneurs pair the Ink Preferred with a personal Chase Sapphire Reserve® for an even higher portal rate of 1.5¢/point, but even on its own, the Ink Preferred unlocks all the top-tier redemption options in the UR program.)

Of course, you’re not forced to use points for travel. Chase allows other redemptions: you can take cash back (as a statement credit or bank deposit) at 1¢ per point (so 100k points = $1,000 cash), redeem for gift cards or Apple products, or even use points at checkout on Amazon. However, these methods typically yield 1 cent or less per point in value. The real allure of Ink Preferred is in travel rewards – either via the 25% boost portal or transfers – which is why it’s often hailed as a best business credit card for travel rewards specifically.

Annual Fee: The card charges a $95 annual fee, which is not waived the first year. Considering the scale of benefits and the potential reward return, $95 is relatively low. For perspective, many competing cards with comparable or slightly higher rewards charge $150-$300+ in fees. By keeping the fee under $100, Chase makes it easy to justify – earn just 4,000 points in a year (about $1,334 in 3X spend) and you’ve roughly broken even on the fee if redeemed for travel. Most businesses will clear that in a couple months, if not a single large purchase. Moreover, the included protections (detailed below) could save you hundreds in situations where you need them, adding soft value that easily offsets the cost. Importantly, there are no foreign transaction fees on the Ink Business Preferred​, so you won’t pay extra 3% surcharges when using it abroad or on overseas vendors – a crucial benefit for global business travel or importing goods.

Beyond Rewards – Notable Benefits: This card shines in the perks department, essentially offering a safety net for your purchases and travels:

• Cell Phone Protection: This is a headline benefit. If you pay your business’s cell phone bill with the Ink Preferred, you and your employees listed on the plan get automatic phone insurance. It covers theft or damage up to $1,000 per claim (after a $100 deductible) for up to three claims in a 12-month period​. Whether it’s a cracked screen or a stolen device, you can be reimbursed. Many personal cards don’t offer this at all, and those that do usually cap at $600. For a business with multiple phone lines, this perk alone can justify using the card to pay that bill – you’re effectively getting an insurance policy included. (Note: to be eligible, you must charge the cellular bill to the card in the month prior to the incident.)

• Travel Insurance and Protections: When you use Ink Preferred for travel purchases, you get a suite of protections normally found on premium travel cards. This includes Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance – up to $5,000 per person (max $10,000 per trip) in reimbursement for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses if your trip is derailed by covered reasons like illness or severe weather​. There’s also Trip Delay Reimbursement – if your trip is delayed 12+ hours or overnight, you can claim up to $500 per ticket in expenses for lodging and meals​. You and your employees also get Lost Luggage Reimbursement if baggage is lost or damaged by the carrier (up to $3,000 per passenger). And when renting cars for business travel, the Ink Preferred provides primary rental car collision damage waiver (CDW) coverage​ – meaning if the rental is for business purposes and you decline the rental agency’s insurance, this card’s insurance kicks in first to cover damage/theft, up to the cash value of the vehicle. This can save your company from having to file a claim on its own insurance and paying deductibles. These travel benefits make the Ink Preferred an ideal companion for business owners or employees who are on the road frequently.

• Purchase Protection: New items bought with the card are protected against damage or theft for 120 days from purchase, up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account​. This is a generous limit (many cards cap at $1,000 or $5,000 per claim). Imagine you buy expensive equipment or electronics for the office and something goes wrong – Chase may reimburse you under this benefit. It’s peace of mind when making large purchases.

• Extended Warranty: For eligible items with a manufacturer’s warranty of 3 years or less, the card extends the warranty by an additional year​. So if that new laptop comes with a 1-year warranty, you effectively have 2 years coverage by using the Ink Preferred. This perk can save money on buying extended warranties from retailers.

• Other Business Conveniences: You can get free employee cards on the Ink Business Preferred (with individual spending limits if needed)​. All points from employee spending accrue to the primary account, helping you earn rewards faster. The card also integrates with accounting software (transactions can download into QuickBooks, etc.), and it offers travel and emergency assistance services, roadside dispatch, and other Visa Business benefits. While it’s not a luxury card with airport lounge access or elite hotel status, the benefits it does provide are highly practical for small business needs.

APR and Fees: The Ink Business Preferred’s regular purchase APR is variable (around 20.24%–26.24% as of this writing​, depending on your creditworthiness). There isn’t a special 0% intro APR period for purchases or balance transfers – this card is geared toward earning rewards, not carrying balances. We strongly recommend paying the statement in full each month; carrying a balance at these interest rates would quickly erode the value of any rewards earned. There is also a balance transfer fee (if you transfer a balance, expect a fee like 5% of the amount, typical for Chase). Cash advances and late payments incur additional fees and higher APRs. In short, plan to use this card for its points and perks, not for financing long-term debt. If you need to finance purchases, consider a 0% APR business card instead.

Overall, the Chase Ink Business Preferred strikes an exceptional balance: a modest annual cost for outsized rewards and robust benefits. Next, let’s see how it stacks up against some popular competitors in the business credit card space.

Chase Ink Business Preferred vs. Amex Business Gold

When comparing the Ink Business Preferred vs. the Amex Business Gold Card, it’s clear both are aimed at rewarding business spending, but they go about it differently. Here’s how they differ:

Rewards and Earning Structure: Chase Ink Preferred offers a straightforward 3X on a fixed set of categories (travel, shipping, internet/phone, online ads) up to $150k yearly​. The American Express Business Gold card, on the other hand, earns 4X points on the two categories your business spends the most on each month (from a list of six categories), up to $150k combined per year​. Those categories include U.S. purchases on advertising, gas stations, restaurants, shipping, select technology (hardware, software, cloud), and wireless phone services​. This adaptive earning is great if your spending varies monthly – Amex will automatically apply 4X to whichever two categories were highest in a given billing cycle. For example, if in January your biggest spends are shipping and gas, you’ll get 4X on those; in February it might be wireless and restaurants. In contrast, the Ink Preferred’s 3X categories are fixed but broader in some cases (e.g., Chase’s 3X travel category covers all travel, whereas Amex Business Gold gives 4X on airfare purchased directly from airlines, but not general travel agencies). After hitting the cap or on non-bonus categories, both cards revert to 1X. Bottom line on earning: Amex Gold can potentially earn points faster (4X) if your top spending categories align with its list, but the Ink Preferred’s 3X categories are generous and cover areas like general travel that Amex Gold doesn’t bonus except via its portal. Also consider that Chase’s no-fee Ink Cash offers 5X on telecom and internet (albeit with a lower cap)​, which some might pair with Ink Preferred – more on strategy later.

Annual Fee and Credits: Chase wins on cost – $95 vs Amex Business Gold’s $375 annual fee as of 2024​. Amex justifies its higher fee by providing up to $395 in annual statement credits (if fully utilized): up to $240 per year (up to $20/month) in credits for U.S. purchases with select partners (currently Dell technologies or Adobe for some offers, and previously FedEx, Grubhub, and office supply stores) and up to $155 per year ($12.95/month) towards a Walmart+ membership​. Those credits can offset the fee if and only if your business uses those specific services regularly. By contrast, the Ink Preferred has no such monthly credits – but many users prefer a lower flat fee rather than having to manage credits. If you won’t use Amex Gold’s credits, its high fee becomes a big downside.

Rewards Value and Redemption: Both cards earn flexible points currencies, but there are differences. Chase UR points and Amex Membership Rewards (MR) points are both transferable to travel partners. Chase UR (from Ink Preferred) can be redeemed via Chase’s portal at 1.25¢ each​, whereas Amex MR (from Business Gold) generally redeem at 1¢ per point for travel via Amex Travel (with one important caveat: Business Gold gives a 25% points rebate on airfare redemptions with your selected airline or business/first class tickets on any airline, effectively making those redemptions worth ~1.33¢ per point)​. In practice, Chase’s setup is simpler – you get a fixed 1.25¢ value on any travel booking. Amex’s rebate system can be valuable if you redeem a lot of points for flights, but it’s slightly more restrictive. In terms of transfer partners, there is some overlap (both can transfer to British Airways, Singapore KrisFlyer, Marriott, etc.), but Chase has unique partners like United, Southwest, and Hyatt (very valuable), while Amex has others like Delta, ANA, and Hilton. Depending on your travel loyalty, one currency might be more useful. TPG’s valuations in late 2024 pegged Chase UR points around 2.05¢ and Amex MR around 1.85¢ on average​, but these are subjective and assume savvy transfers. Both provide excellent potential value, but we give Chase UR a slight edge for flexibility (especially if you love Hyatt or fly United) and the ease of cash-out (Chase lets you cash out points at 1¢ each; Amex MR can only be cashed out via statement credit at a poor 0.6¢ rate​).

Perks and Protections: Chase Ink Preferred and Amex Business Gold both offer purchase protection and extended warranty, but Chase’s travel and phone protections are superior. The Ink Preferred, as discussed, has robust travel insurance (trip cancellation/interruption, delay, etc.) and cell phone protection up to $1,000/claim​. Amex Business Gold, despite its higher fee, does not include trip cancellation or interruption insurance (those are found on the premium Amex Business Platinum). It does offer some travel perks: secondary car rental loss/damage insurance, baggage insurance plan, and roadside assistance, but these are relatively standard. Notably, until recently Amex Business Gold did not have cell phone coverage, but American Express added cell phone protection to Business Gold starting April 2021 (up to $800 per claim, $50 deductible, 2 claims/year) – still less coverage than Chase’s $1,000 and with fewer claims allowed. One area Amex Gold might shine is purchase protection limits – Amex is known for hassle-free claims and their coverage (up to 90 days, typically $1,000-$10,000 per item depending on product). Both cards have no foreign transaction fees, so they’re equal there.

Other Factors: The Business Gold is a charge card (with Pay Over Time feature) – meaning no preset spending limit and expected to be paid in full monthly – whereas the Ink Preferred is a traditional credit card with a set credit limit. This might matter if you need high spending capacity; Amex might let you spend above a normal limit if your business cash flow supports it. Also, Amex Business Gold often has a sizable welcome offer too (currently around 70k-100k MR points for $10k-$15k spend, sometimes targeted higher​). However, Chase’s 100k UR bonus (for $15k spend) is equally strong and UR points can be easier to use for maximum value if you leverage the Chase ecosystem.

Verdict – Ink Preferred or Amex Gold? If your business consistently spends heavily in two of Amex’s 4X categories and you can utilize the Amex’s annual credits, the Amex Business Gold can potentially yield more total points (and offset its fee). It’s a solid choice for, say, a digital marketing agency spending big on online ads and cloud software – they’d earn 4X and possibly come out ahead in points despite the fee. On the other hand, the Chase Ink Business Preferred offers a far lower cost, a broader range of bonused categories each earning 3X, and more comprehensive protection benefits. Many entrepreneurs prefer its simplicity and value: you get almost all the upside of a premium card without paying hundreds in fees. Unless your spend pattern perfectly matches Amex Gold’s strengths (and you value Membership Rewards perks like the 25% flight redemption rebate), the Ink Preferred tends to provide better ongoing value for most small businesses. It’s especially true if you travel frequently or want that peace of mind from travel insurance and phone protection – areas where Chase clearly outshines Amex Gold.

Chase Ink Business Preferred vs. Capital One Spark Miles for Business

The Capital One Spark Miles for Business takes a very different approach to rewards, so comparing it to the Chase Ink Business Preferred helps illustrate a key decision: do you prefer simple, flat-rate rewards or higher rewards in specific categories?

Rewards Earning: Spark Miles offers a flat 2X miles on every purchase, unlimited. No bonus categories or caps to track – you get a reliable 2 miles per $1 on anything your business buys. Additionally, Spark Miles gives 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel portal (if you choose to use that portal for bookings). In contrast, the Chase Ink Preferred’s 3X rate can far outperform 2X, but only on those specific categories (and only up to $150k in combined spend). If your business spending heavily aligns with Chase’s bonus categories (travel, shipping, internet, ads), you could earn a higher effective rewards rate with Ink Preferred – for example, 3X vs 2X is a 50% higher return on those purchases. However, if your spending is all over the map or largely outside those categories, Spark’s flat 2X might net you more rewards overall. Consider your expense profile: a law firm with mostly miscellaneous client expenses and supplies (no big travel or advertising spend) might earn more total miles on Spark’s 2X, whereas a consulting agency with large travel bills would do better with 3X on Ink Preferred.

Redeeming Rewards: Capital One “miles” are not tied to one airline; they’re more like flexible points. You can redeem Spark miles either by erasing travel purchases (use miles at 1¢ each as a statement credit against travel expenses charged to the card) or by transferring to travel loyalty programs. Capital One has been beefing up its transfer partners, now offering 1:1 transfers to programs like Air Canada Aeroplan, Flying Blue, Emirates, Qantas, Wyndham hotels, and more. This moves Spark miles closer to Chase UR points in flexibility. However, Chase Ultimate Rewards points still have an edge for many: UR points have the 1.25¢ travel portal option (Cap One’s travel eraser is 1¢ per mile) and partners like United, Southwest, and Hyatt that Capital One lacks. Both ecosystems are strong, but Chase’s is a bit more established among reward enthusiasts. If you simply plan to use rewards to pay for travel without fuss, Spark’s miles are effectively like 2% back towards travel (spend $100, get 200 miles = $2 in travel credit). Chase could be 3.75% back (if 3X at 1.25¢ rate) or more if transferred well. It’s worth noting TPG’s valuations (July 2024) valued Capital One miles at ~1.85¢ and Chase UR at ~2.05¢​, reflecting that both can be very valuable when transferred to the right programs.

Annual Fee: Both cards have identical ongoing annual fees of $95, but the Spark Miles sweetens the deal by waiving that fee in the first year​. So for year one, Spark is essentially free to try (and you still get its sign-up bonus, usually around 50,000 miles or more after hitting a spending threshold). Ink Preferred has the $95 from year one. In subsequent years, you’ll pay $95 for either. Neither card charges foreign transaction fees (both are friendly for international use)​.

Sign-Up Bonus and Early Spend: The Ink Preferred typically offers a larger welcome bonus (e.g. 100k Chase points for $15k spend) while Spark Miles often has a bonus like 50k miles for $4,500 spend (and occasionally higher limited-time offers). If you can meet the Ink Preferred’s hefty $15k spend requirement in 3 months, the payoff is huge. But not every small business can comfortably spend $5k per month on a new card. Spark’s bonus, although smaller in points, has a much more attainable spend requirement for many. So, consider which bonus is realistic for you to earn.

Benefits and Perks: This is where these two cards diverge significantly. The Chase Ink Business Preferred is loaded with travel and purchase protections as described earlier – it behaves like a premium card in that regard. The Capital One Spark Miles, while a great earner, is lighter on ancillary benefits. Spark Miles does offer:

• Travel accident insurance and rental car insurance, but likely secondary coverage (and not as comprehensive as Chase’s primary rental CDW for business rentals).

• Purchase security and extended warranty protection on purchases (similar in concept to Chase, though specific limits might differ; generally Capital One covers new purchases for 90 days against damage/theft up to a certain amount, and extends warranties by a year).

• Free employee cards (like Chase, Cap One allows you to issue employee cards at no extra cost, pooling rewards).

• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit: Notably, Spark Miles provides up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application every four years​. This is a nice perk to ease your travel experience (Chase Ink Preferred does not offer this credit).

• Airport lounge access (limited): Capital One has started opening its own lounges, and Spark Miles cardholders currently get two complimentary lounge visits per year (to Capital One Lounges or Plaza Premium lounges). This is a relatively new perk and, while not as extensive as what a high-end card offers, it’s more than what Ink Preferred gives (which is no lounge access). So for the occasional traveler, Spark’s lounge passes could be a small bonus.

However, Spark Miles lacks the robust travel insurance that Ink Preferred has. For example, if your flight is canceled or baggage lost, Chase has your back; Capital One doesn’t provide trip cancellation/interruption coverage or trip delay reimbursement on Spark Miles​. If something goes wrong on a trip, you’d be glad to have the Chase card. Also, Spark’s purchase protection and warranty might have lower limits (one would need to check the guide, but Chase’s $10k per item coverage is top-tier).

Which to choose? If you value simplicity and a waived first-year fee, the Capital One Spark Miles is attractive. It’s arguably one of the best credit cards for business purchases when you don’t want to think about bonus categories – everything earns a solid rate. It’s especially good if your spending is diverse or maxing out any one category. It’s also a fine choice if you prefer to “earn and burn” for travel quickly via the purchase eraser, or if you’re locked out of Chase cards due to their 5/24 rule (Spark can be easier to get for some, though Capital One can pull multiple credit bureaus and be picky in its own way). Additionally, if you’ll use the Global Entry credit and lounge passes occasionally, those are nice extras in Spark’s favor.

On the flip side, for those who can strategically use the bonus categories and want the security of travel protections, the Chase Ink Business Preferred often delivers more total value. For example, a business owner who spends $50k a year with $30k of it in travel and online ads would earn 90k points from those on Chase (3X) versus 100k miles on Spark (2X on full $50k). At first glance Spark yields more points here, but if you redeem via Chase’s portal, 90k UR = $1,125 in travel, while 100k CapOne miles = $1,000 in travel credits. And if you transfer points to, say, book premium airline tickets, Chase’s 90k could potentially be worth more than $1,500. So with the right usage, Ink Preferred’s rewards can outshine Spark’s, despite the narrower earning. Plus, if an emergency happens (trip delay, broken phone, etc.), Chase’s benefits could save you significant money – intangible value until you need it.

Verdict: Choose Ink Business Preferred if your business spend aligns well with its categories and you want maximum reward potential and superior benefits for a modest fee. Choose Spark Miles if you prefer a flat-rate rewards program with no learning curve and want to avoid an annual fee in the first year. Both are strong – in fact, some businesses might carry both: use Ink Preferred for category spend and Spark for “everything else.” But if picking one, the Ink Preferred is a better fit for the savvy entrepreneur aiming to maximize travel rewards and protection on purchases, whereas Spark Miles is a better fit for the busy owner who wants simple rewards on all spending with a couple of travel perks on the side.

Chase Ink Business Preferred vs. CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select

The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® is a co-branded airline card, quite different from the Chase Ink Preferred. It’s designed for American Airlines loyalists. Let’s break down how it compares:

Rewards Earning: The CitiBusiness AAdvantage card earns American Airlines AAdvantage miles (not flexible points) on purchases. Its earning structure: 2X AA miles per $1 on American Airlines purchases and on select business categories like gas stations, telecommunications (phone/internet), and car rentals​. All other spending earns 1X AA mile. In contrast, the Ink Preferred’s 3X categories (travel, shipping, internet, advertising) overlap partially – e.g., AA ticket purchases would fall under Ink’s travel category for 3X, and phone bills under 3X as well. So for those overlapping categories, Chase earns 3 UR points vs Citi’s 2 AA miles. Value-wise, Ultimate Rewards points are more flexible and potentially more valuable per point than a single airline mile, unless you specifically want AA miles. The Ink Preferred will generally earn more rewards on everyday business spend (3 points vs 2 miles on many categories, and 1 point vs 1 mile on others). However, the AA card has one unique angle: spending on it can help towards American Airlines elite status because every dollar spent = 1 Loyalty Point in the AA program (regardless of bonus multiplier). Businesses trying to boost their Loyalty Points for AAdvantage elite status might put spend on the AA card even if the rewards are lower, just for status qualification. If elite status and frequent flying on American are central to you, that’s a factor in favor of Citi.

Redemption: Ink Preferred’s points, as discussed, can become anything – cash, travel on various airlines, hotel nights, etc. The CitiBusiness AAdvantage’s rewards are AA miles, which are mainly good for one thing: redeeming for flights on American or its Oneworld airline partners. AA miles can be very valuable for certain flights (especially business/first class awards on partners like Qatar or Japan Airlines). But they lack flexibility; you can’t easily use them for non-travel or outside AA’s network. If your business travel is mostly on American Airlines, earning AA miles directly isn’t bad – but note Chase UR points could also be converted to AA flights indirectly (for example, by transferring UR points to British Airways Avios or Qantas and then booking American flights). It might take a bit more work, but UR points can essentially act like AA miles when needed, whereas AA miles can never be used for anything except travel in the AA program. For a business owner who isn’t committed to one airline, UR points from Ink Preferred offer far more versatility.

Annual Fee: The CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select has a $99 annual fee (often waived the first year as a promo). So it’s slightly more than Ink Preferred’s $95, but effectively $0 in year one. If you’re fee-averse in the short run, the AA card wins initially. Long-term, $99 vs $95 is negligible – the decision will hinge more on benefits and rewards than this difference.

Travel Perks and Benefits: Here’s where the AA card differentiates itself – it provides airline-specific perks:

• A free checked bag on American Airlines for the cardholder and up to 4 companions on the same reservation​. This is huge if you fly AA often; each checked bag could save ~$30 each way per person.

• Preferred boarding on American flights for you and companions​, letting you board earlier (useful for securing overhead bin space).

• 25% savings on inflight purchases (like buy-on-board snacks or Wi-Fi on AA, typically via statement credit).

• A companion certificate: after spending $30,000 in a cardmembership year, you earn a domestic travel companion certificate for $99 (+ taxes)​ – basically, a second ticket for $99 when you purchase one ticket, valid on certain round-trip domestic flights. This can be valuable if you hit that high spend and frequently fly with a partner.

• No foreign transaction fees (like Ink Preferred, it’s travel-oriented so no FX fees)​.

However, outside of the AA-specific realm, the Citi AAdvantage Business card’s protections are more limited. Citi removed many travel and purchase protections from their cards a few years ago. The AA card does not have trip delay/cancellation insurance or cell phone insurance like the Ink Preferred. It does have purchase protection and extended warranty, but the terms are generally less generous (e.g., Citi’s purchase protection is 90 days, up to $1,000 per item for most cards, and extended warranty up to 2 extra years but with some limitations). The car rental insurance on the AA card is likely secondary (it’s a World Elite Mastercard benefit but usually secondary for business cards unless stated otherwise). So, for general travel coverage, the Ink Preferred is superior.

Point Ecosystem Considerations: If you fly American Airlines a lot, you likely value AA miles and perks. But remember, Chase UR points can’t directly transfer to AA (because AA isn’t a Chase partner). This is one of the few gaps in Chase’s partner roster. Some business owners carry both cards: use Chase Ink Preferred for most spending and the AA card when flying American to get the free bag and to earn AA miles on the ticket. It doesn’t have to be either/or. But if you only want one card: choose Ink Preferred for flexibility vs choose Citi AA for allegiance to American Airlines.

Verdict: The Chase Ink Business Preferred is the better all-around rewards card for most businesses. It offers higher earning rates on a variety of expenses and points that can be used broadly or turned into travel of any flavor. It’s the better choice for businesses not married to a single airline. On the other hand, the CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select is more of a niche tool – it’s best for business owners who fly American Airlines frequently and can fully utilize the free baggage, priority boarding, and who want to build their stash of AA miles for award flights. If those AA perks and miles appeal to you more than flexible rewards, the Citi card could be worth it (especially since the fee is waived first year, it might be obtained just for a big AA mile sign-up bonus and first-year value). But as a long-term, everyday business spending card, it’s hard to recommend over the Ink Preferred unless your business only cares about American miles. In most cases, you’d earn rewards faster with Ink Preferred and you could always redeem UR points for AA flights indirectly if needed. The lack of versatility in AA miles and fewer non-airline benefits make the Citi card a complementary card at best, whereas the Ink Preferred can confidently serve as a primary business rewards card.

Chase Ink Business Preferred vs. Chase Ink Business Cash

Chase actually offers a trio of “Ink” business cards, and the Ink Business Cash® is the Ink Preferred’s no-annual-fee sibling. Many business owners wonder whether they should start with the free Ink Cash or pay $95 for the Ink Preferred, and some savvy ones carry both. Let’s compare them:

Rewards Structure: Ink Business Cash is a cash-back card (5% and 2% categories) on paper, but it actually earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points too – just with a different structure. It gives 5% cash back (5x points per $1) on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases each year at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services. It also earns 2% back (2x points) on the first $25,000 in combined spend at gas stations and restaurants​. All other spending earns 1% (1x point). By contrast, the Ink Preferred’s 3X categories (up to $150k) are travel, shipping, internet/phone/cable, and online advertising​, and 1X on other spend.

There’s some overlap: both cards bonus internet, cable, and phone bills – Ink Cash at 5x (but capped at $25k/year) and Ink Preferred at 3x (cap $150k). Ink Cash covers office supplies, gas, and dining, which Preferred does not (those would earn 1x on Preferred). Ink Preferred covers travel, shipping, and social media/search advertising, which Ink Cash does not bonus at all. So, the best card depends on your spending mix:

• If you have heavy office supply or telecom expenses up to $25k/year, Ink Cash’s 5% is fantastic (e.g., buying $20k in office supplies yields 100k points with Ink Cash versus only 20k points with Ink Preferred – a huge difference). Likewise, for a fleet business with large gas expenses (up to $25k), 2X on Ink Cash beats 1X on Ink Preferred.

• If you have significant travel or advertising expenses, Ink Preferred’s 3X is a clear win (Ink Cash would only give 1X on those categories).

• Both together cover a wide array of 5x, 3x, 2x possibilities. In fact, Chase designed them to complement each other: many businesses use Ink Cash for the 5x categories and Ink Preferred for 3x categories​, maximizing points across the board.

Point Value: On its own, the Ink Cash is marketed as a cashback card – points redeem at a flat 1¢ value (so 100 points = $1). You cannot transfer Ink Cash points to airline/hotel partners or get the 1.25¢ travel bonus unless you also have a premium UR card (Ink Preferred, Sapphire Preferred, or Sapphire Reserve)​. However, if you pair Ink Cash with Ink Preferred, the points Ink Cash earns become full-fledged Ultimate Rewards points. You can combine them into your Ink Preferred account and then they inherit the transferability and 1.25x travel value. This is a key strategy: by having both cards, a business can earn tons of points at 5x on some expenses with Ink Cash, then move those points to Ink Preferred to redeem for travel at a higher value or transfer to partners​. For example, $10,000 spent on internet and phone would net 50k points with Ink Cash. On its own, that’s $500 cash back. But if those 50k are moved to your Ink Preferred, they could be $625 in travel via the portal or potentially more via transfers. Essentially, the combo of Ink Cash + Ink Preferred yields superior rewards than either alone for the right spender.

Annual Fee: Ink Cash has $0 annual fee, which is its biggest selling point. Ink Preferred is $95/year. If you’re extremely fee-averse or have a very tight budget, Ink Cash costs nothing to hold, ever. On the flip side, Ink Cash’s lack of an annual fee means it doesn’t offer some of the premium features.

Sign-Up Bonus: Both cards often have attractive welcome bonuses. Ink Cash’s bonus is usually advertised in cash terms (e.g., $750 bonus after $7,500 spend, which is effectively 75k points). Ink Preferred’s bonus is larger (e.g., 100k points after $15k spend). Ink Cash’s spend requirement is lower and easier for many small businesses to hit. If you can swing the higher spend, Ink Preferred’s bonus is more valuable (especially if used for travel, worth $1,250+). Some might even get Ink Cash first (no fee, lower spend threshold) to snag a bonus, then later upgrade to or add Ink Preferred.

Benefits and Protections: Here Ink Preferred clearly outshines Ink Cash. The no-annual-fee Ink Cash card has more basic benefits:

• Purchase protection and extended warranty (similar coverage, though possibly slightly lower limits).

• It does not include the travel insurance perks. No trip cancellation insurance, no trip delay, etc. So if you book a flight with Ink Cash and it gets canceled, you’re not covered (whereas Ink Preferred would cover you). Also, no cell phone insurance on Ink Cash – even though it bonuses phone bills, it doesn’t provide the protection; that remains a unique perk of the Ink Preferred.

• Foreign transaction fees: the Ink Cash does charge foreign transaction fees (~3%) on purchases abroad, since it’s a no-fee card. That makes it a poor choice for international travel or paying foreign vendors. Ink Preferred has none, as mentioned.

• Ink Cash is a Visa Business card as well, but because it’s no fee, it’s stripped down in features.

Who are they best for: If your business spends heavily in the 5% categories (office supplies, telecom) and not so much on travel, the Ink Business Cash can actually earn you more rewards for $0 annual cost. For example, a small IT firm with $25k in internet and phone bills and $10k at Staples annually could earn a whopping $25k5% + $10k5% = $1,750 cash back (175k points) with Ink Cash, versus only 35k points ($350) with Ink Preferred on the same spend (since Preferred would give 3x on phone but 1x on office supplies). That’s a scenario where Ink Cash is clearly better value.

However, if you do travel or want to use points for travel, Ink Preferred adds huge value. Without Ink Preferred (or Sapphire), the points from Ink Cash are stuck at 1¢ each. So a savvy strategy if you start with Ink Cash is to later get Ink Preferred (or product-change to it) to unlock the full potential of your points​. Also, if you want those protections (phone insurance, travel coverage), Ink Preferred is the only way to get them in the Chase Ink lineup.

Verdict: This isn’t an either/or so much as a question of what your business needs most. If you want to keep costs zero and your spending aligns with Ink Cash’s 5% categories, start there – it’s arguably the best no-fee business card for rewards. But if you value travel rewards, plan to redeem points for high value, or have lots of expenses in travel, shipping, and advertising, the Ink Business Preferred is absolutely worth the $95 for the higher rewards cap and all the perks that come with it. Many entrepreneurs will benefit from having both cards: use Ink Cash for 5X on office/telecom (up to $25k) and Ink Preferred for 3X on travel, advertising, shipping and anything beyond Ink Cash’s caps. Together, they turbocharge your Ultimate Rewards earning. If you have to pick one and travel or broad rewards are a priority, go with Ink Business Preferred; if your spend is modest and centered on office or gas and you won’t travel, Ink Cash could suffice initially. Remember, you can upgrade or pair them later as your business grows.

Best Strategies to Maximize Chase Ink Business Preferred Rewards

Getting approved for an Ink Business Preferred is just the start – the real magic is in using it smartly. Here are some top strategies to squeeze every ounce of value from this card:

1. Hit the Sign-Up Bonus Strategically: The welcome bonus (often 100k points for $15k spend) is a huge chunk of value – potentially worth $1,250+ in travel​. If $15k in 3 months is daunting, plan ahead. Time your application around a period of high expenses (inventory stock-up, annual vendor payments, tax payments, etc.). You can even pre-pay certain bills or utilize Chase’s payment partners (like using Plastiq or similar services to pay rent or invoices with a card, though fees apply). The key is not to overspend unnecessarily but to consolidate your spending on this card to reach the target. Since it’s a business card, you can also put some personal expenses on it if needed to meet the bonus (Chase doesn’t encourage mixing, but it’s commonly done in the points community). Just be sure you can pay it off. That 100k points windfall is worth the effort for most businesses.

2. Optimize the 3X Categories (Know What Qualifies): Make this your go-to card for any expense that falls under travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone, or social media/search advertising. Some examples:

• Travel: This is broad – it includes airfare, hotels, car rentals, Uber/Lyft, taxis, train tickets, tolls, parking, travel agency bookings, and more​. Always put these on the Ink Preferred to earn 3X. (Only caveat: if you have a card like Amex Platinum with superior travel perks for flight purchases, you might use that for the perks, but otherwise, Ink Preferred is great here).

• Shipping: Pay your FedEx, UPS, USPS bills with this card. If you ship products or samples to clients, that’s 3X. Even stamps from the post office count as shipping.

• Internet, Cable, Phone Services: Set your business’s monthly internet service, phone bills (landline and cell phone), and cable TV (if applicable) to auto-pay with the Ink Preferred. Not only will you get 3X points on these utilities, but you’ll also activate the cell phone insurance by paying the phone bill. It’s a win-win and an easy category to max out year-round.

• Advertising on Social Media and Search Engines: If you run Facebook ads, Instagram promotions, Google Adwords for your business – put all those charges on Ink Preferred. Many businesses spend thousands here; earning 3X on ad spend is a huge boost. Even boosting a few social media posts a month will rack up extra points.

Keep an eye on the $150,000 cap for 3X. That’s quite high and many small businesses won’t hit it. But if you have a major ad campaign or travel frequently, it’s possible. Once you hit $150k in combined bonus spend in a cardmember year, your bonus categories will drop to 1X until your next anniversary. If you’re one of the big spenders approaching that, consider applying for another Ink Preferred for a second business (if applicable) or redirect excess spend to another card (perhaps a no-cap flat 2% or 2X card like Spark or Amex Blue Business Plus which gives 2X on up to $50k). But again, $150k is a lot – that’s $12.5k per month in those expenses – so most users can safely funnel all relevant expenses to Ink Preferred without worry.

3. Pair with Other Chase Cards for Maximum Effect: As mentioned, the Chase Ink Business Cash (5X categories) and even the Ink Business Unlimited (which gives 1.5X on everything with no cap) are excellent sidekicks to the Ink Preferred. For example, use Ink Cash for 5X on internet and office supplies, use Ink Unlimited for any large purchase that isn’t bonused (1.5X is better than 1X on Ink Preferred), and everything else that falls in Ink Preferred’s 3X categories goes on Ink Preferred. All the points from the no-annual-fee Ink cards can be combined into your Ink Preferred account, effectively turning all those earnings into Ultimate Rewards points that you can transfer to airlines or use for boosted travel redemptions​. This “Chase Trifecta” strategy (often talked about for personal cards) works brilliantly on the business side too. By leveraging each card’s strengths, you ensure every dollar your business spends is earning the highest rate possible. Yes, it means juggling 2-3 cards, but the payoff is worth it if your spending is varied.

4. Leverage Ultimate Rewards Like a Pro: Accumulating points is half the battle – redeeming them wisely is how you maximize value. Some tips:

• Use the 25% Travel Bonus: When booking work trips (flights, hotels, rental cars) or even personal travel, check the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal. Because points are worth 1.25x there, it can be a great deal, especially for hotel stays or car rentals where award availability via transfer partners might be limited. For example, a $500 flight will cost 40,000 UR points (since 40k * $0.0125 = $500). If that flight is pricey in cash but not in points, you come out ahead using the portal. Plus, airline tickets booked via UR portal still earn you frequent flyer miles as if you paid cash – a nice perk since it’s essentially a paid ticket.

• Explore Transfer Partners: If you have the time and flexibility, learn about Chase’s transfer partners and their sweet spots. Hyatt is a favorite: UR to Hyatt at 1:1 can yield outsized value on hotel redemptions (some Hyatt hotel nights might cost $300 cash or 12,000 points – that’s 2.5¢ per point, doubling what you’d get via the portal). For airlines, transferring to United or Southwest is useful for domestic travel (United for international Star Alliance trips too). Transferring to Virgin Atlantic can get you great deals on Delta flights, or to Air Canada Aeroplan for Star Alliance awards. This is more advanced, but even occasional use of transfers can significantly boost the value of your points. If you prefer simplicity, the portal is fine – just know the option exists to potentially get business-class flights or expensive hotel stays for far fewer points via transfers.

• Combine Points with Personal Ultimate Rewards: If you or your spouse/domestic partner also have a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve for personal use, you can pool points between business and personal accounts (Chase allows transfers between authorized household members). This means you could, for example, move your Ink Preferred points to a Sapphire Reserve to redeem travel at 1.5¢ each or to use the Reserve’s Pay-Yourself-Back feature at 1.5¢ on certain categories. It adds flexibility. Even without Reserve, combining with a Sapphire Preferred could be useful for the Pay-Yourself-Back feature (if Chase enables it for certain business categories or charitable donations, etc., at 1.25¢). The takeaway: don’t leave points siloed – maximize their value by consolidating into the account with the highest redemption power.

• Keep an Eye on Point Expiration and Account Status: Chase UR points do not expire as long as your account is open. If you ever decide to cancel your Ink Preferred (or downgrade it), make sure to use or transfer out your points first (or transfer them to a no-annual-fee Ink or Freedom card to preserve them, though without a premium card you lose transferability to partners). Similarly, if you have combined points from Ink Cash to Ink Preferred, and later close Ink Preferred, you’d want a Sapphire or other UR card open to keep those points alive and transferable. It’s a minor detail, but important for long-term strategy.

5. Take Advantage of Built-in Protections (They Save Money): Maximizing rewards isn’t only about earning and burning points; it’s also using the card’s benefits so you don’t have to spend money out-of-pocket for emergencies:

• Always pay your cell phone bill with the Ink Preferred – you earn 3X points and have peace of mind from the insurance. You can confidently decline Verizon or AT&T’s pricey device insurance, saving your business that extra monthly fee. If a phone incident occurs, file a claim with Chase’s benefit administrator.

• Use the Ink Preferred for big electronics or equipment purchases to get purchase protection. For instance, if you’re buying 20 new tablets for your sales team, putting it on Ink Preferred means if they’re stolen or damaged shortly after, you can recover costs​. This is an underrated way to “maximize value” – it’s essentially getting free insurance that could save thousands.

• When traveling for business, put all those bookings on the Ink Preferred so that if something goes wrong (flight cancellation, lost bag, broken rental car), you have coverage. This can save you money on separate travel insurance policies. Even flight delays that force an overnight hotel stay could be reimbursed up to $500​ – that’s money your business doesn’t have to spend.

• These protections only apply if you pay with the card. So make it a habit: Ink Preferred for any purchase that has a valuable protection attached.

6. Monitor Chase Offers and Shop Through Chase: Occasionally, Chase provides targeted offers on their cards (check your Chase online account for “Chase Offers”). You might see discounts or bonus points for spending at certain merchants. Adding and using these offers can stack additional savings or points on top of your 3X/1X. Additionally, when shopping online for business supplies, consider using the Chase Ultimate Rewards shopping portal. It often has extra points per dollar at various retailers (e.g., earn 2-5 extra UR points per $1 at Staples, Dell, or other business vendors by clicking through the portal). This can stack with your card earnings. While not Ink Preferred-specific, it’s another way to maximize the UR points you earn without any extra cost.

By employing these strategies, you ensure that you’re not just earning a lot of points with the Chase Ink Business Preferred, but also extracting the maximum possible value from each point and perk. That’s the real key to making this card one of the best credit cards for business purchases – it rewards you coming and going, if you use it to its full potential.

Should You Get the Chase Ink Business Preferred?

After covering all these details, you might be wondering if the Ink Business Preferred is the right fit for you. Let’s distill it down to who benefits most and who might be better off with an alternative:

This Card Is Best For:

• Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners Seeking Top-notch Rewards: If you’re looking for the best business credit card for rewards that won’t break the bank on annual fees, Ink Business Preferred is a prime candidate. It’s ideal for businesses that spend in its bonus categories – for example, startups and SMEs that incur significant online advertising costs, technology and phone bills, business travel, or shipping expenses. Marketing agencies, consultants, freelance developers, real estate professionals traveling to clients, Amazon/eBay sellers shipping products – these are the profiles that can rake in points with 3X rewards.

• Those Who Value Travel and Flexibility: If you want to travel on points or at least have the option to, the Ink Preferred is perfect. You’re not tied to one airline or hotel program; UR points give you a menu of travel choices. This card is a no-brainer for business owners who also enjoy personal travel (you can use “business-earned” points for family vacations, nobody minds!). It’s equally great if you’re saving points to cover work travel – free flights for client meetings mean lower expenses for your business.

• Cost-Conscious Businesses Who Still Want Perks: The Ink Preferred targets that sweet spot: you get perks usually seen on premium cards while paying under $100 for the annual fee. If you want things like cell phone insurance, primary rental insurance, and robust purchase protections but can’t justify an expensive high-end card, this is for you. It’s essentially high-end perks at a mid-range price.

• Chase Loyalists / Ultimate Rewards Optimizers: If you’re already in the Chase ecosystem (maybe you use a Sapphire card personally, or you have other Chase business cards), adding Ink Preferred supercharges your setup. It’s almost a must-have if you want to fully capitalize on Ultimate Rewards. Many consider it the single most important Chase business card because it unlocks point transfers. If you have an Ink Cash or Unlimited, you “should” get an Ink Preferred (or Sapphire) at some point to make those points more valuable.

• Those who can meet the spending requirement: If your business can reasonably spend the required amount in the first few months (currently $15k in 3 months for the big bonus), you stand to gain an enormous reward. If that spend is too high, you might still get the card for its ongoing value, but the welcome bonus is a huge part of year one value. Typically, a business with at least $5k in monthly expenses can clear it.

You Might Want to Consider an Alternative If:

• Your Business Spending Doesn’t Fit the Categories: If you looked at your expenses and realized, “Hmm, I don’t really spend on travel, shipping, advertising, or phone/internet,” then Ink Preferred’s main draw (3X rewards) might be lost on you. For example, if you run a construction business where most spend is on materials at hardware stores, or a medical office where expenses are mostly supplies and payroll (which you can’t put on a card), you might be better with a flat-rate cashback card. A card like Capital One Spark Cash Plus (2% cash back) or Amex Blue Business Cash (2% back on up to $50k) could yield more straightforward cash rewards for generic spend. Remember, 1X Chase point per dollar on non-category spend is effectively 1% (or 1.25% via travel) – some no-fee cards can beat that on all purchases.

• You Prefer Cash Back Over Travel Points: Not everyone wants to deal with points and travel bookings. If you know you’ll never transfer points to airlines or you simply want statement credits to reduce expenses, a pure cashback card might suit you better. While you can use Ink Preferred as a cashback card (points for 1¢ each), that’s not playing to its strengths. You might consider something like the Chase Ink Business Unlimited® (1.5% cash back on everything, no fee) or the Ink Business Cash® (which as we discussed has 5%/2% categories and no fee) or other bank offerings for straightforward cash rewards.

• You Need a 0% APR or Financing Option: If your priority is to finance a big purchase or manage cash flow with no interest, the Ink Preferred doesn’t offer an intro 0% APR. You might look at cards like Blue Business Plus (Amex) or U.S. Bank Business Platinum, which often have 0% APR for 12+ months, though they may not earn significant rewards. It’s okay to get a card for financing and another for rewards, too.

• Ultra-Frugal Travel Habits (No Need for Insurance): If you never check bags, seldom rent cars, and don’t value travel insurance (maybe you always buy refundable tickets or travel rarely), you might not care about many Ink Preferred perks. In that case, its value proposition tilts more purely to the points earned vs the fee. At $95, it’s still easily worth it if you maximize points, but some might opt for no-fee cards plus maybe an airline card for a specific perk they use (like a Southwest card for the Companion Pass, etc.). Essentially, if none of the Ink’s perks excite you and you’re chasing a specific perk elsewhere, evaluate that.

• Chase 5/24 Status: Important – Chase generally won’t approve this card if you’ve opened more than 5 credit cards (personal, not counting most business cards) in the last 24 months. This is the infamous 5/24 rule. If you’re already over that limit, you might not be eligible for Ink Preferred right now. In such cases, focusing on other banks’ business cards (which often don’t report to personal credit) might be a strategy to later get back under 5/24 and apply for Chase. If you need a business card now and Chase isn’t an option, consider alternatives like Amex Business Gold (if you’re okay with the fee) or even the Capital One Spark Cash (though Cap One may report to personal credit) or Brex card if you’re a startup.

In essence, the Chase Ink Business Preferred is a fantastic choice for a wide range of small business owners, especially those who want travel rewards and don’t want a high annual fee. Its appeal is broad – from the solo freelancer who travels occasionally and runs Facebook ads, to the owner of a growing startup who spends tens of thousands on Google Ads and client travel. If you see yourself in those scenarios, this card will likely become a favorite tool in your wallet. On the other hand, if your needs are extremely simple (just want cash back) or very specialized (loyal to a single airline or need intro APR), then pairing the Ink Preferred with another card or choosing a different product might serve you better.

Final Verdict

Is the Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card worth it? For most entrepreneurs and small businesses, absolutely yes. It’s rare to find a card with such a generous rewards program, flexible redemption options, and extensive perks for an annual fee under $100. The Ink Business Preferred consistently ranks as a top business credit card for entrepreneurs because it hits the sweet spot between cost and benefit. You get a sizeable welcome bonus (one of the best in the industry), high ongoing earn rates on common business expenses, and the backing of the powerful Ultimate Rewards ecosystem for your points. Plus, features like cell phone protection, travel insurance, and purchase coverage solve real problems and can save real money – adding invisible value to the card every day.

Pros in summary: a lucrative 3X rewards structure​, points that are easy to redeem for great value (whether you want travel rewards or just cash back), a modest $95 fee, and benefits that cover many bases for a business traveler or purchaser. When stacked up against competitors, the Ink Preferred often comes out ahead unless you have very specific needs that another card targets (like Amex Business Gold’s 4X or an airline card’s free bags). It’s telling that many business owners keep the Ink Preferred for the long run – it’s not just an initial bonus grab; it provides ongoing value year after year. Chase has also shown commitment to this product by occasionally enhancing features (like the recent increase of cell phone coverage to $1,000 per claim) and keeping its bonus competitive.

Cons to be aware of: The high spend requirement for the bonus can be challenging for some (but there are ways around that, as we discussed). It’s a credit card, so carrying a balance is not wise due to high APR. And while Ultimate Rewards points are extremely versatile, if you’re not interested in travel at all, you might feel like you’re not using them to their full potential (but even then, 100k points = $1000 cash is nothing to scoff at). Also, being a Chase card, availability is subject to their stricter approval rules (good credit needed, and watch that 5/24 status).

The bottom line: The Chase Ink Business Preferred is arguably the best business credit card for rewards in its class, especially for those who want travel flexibility. It offers an outstanding mix of rewards and protection that can greatly benefit anyone running a business – whether you’re a startup founder looking to earn free flights, a freelancer wanting to insure your pricey phone, or a growing business aiming to offset travel costs. Given all its strengths, the $95 annual fee is a small price to pay for what you get in return. If your business spending aligns even moderately with its bonus categories and you appreciate getting more out of your credit card (via points that can fuel future growth or fun), then the Ink Business Preferred is absolutely worth applying for. It can turn your everyday business purchases into significant rewards and peace of mind, making it not just a credit card, but a valuable business tool. In our final analysis, the Chase Ink Business Preferred earns our strong endorsement as one of the best credit cards for business purchases and travel rewards – a versatile workhorse that can anchor your rewards strategy for years to come.