Chase Ink BUSINESS Cards (before November 2011 - not being updated)
Last updated November 24, 2011. Please see the review for the current Ink Business Cards.
The Facts
Chase Ink is a series of Business Cards: Ink Classic, Ink Cash, and Ink Bold Charge Card.
The Facts
Chase Ink is a series of Business Cards: Ink Classic, Ink Cash, and Ink Bold Charge Card.
Ink Classic
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Ink Bold
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Ink Cash
Even though Chase advertises Ink Cash as a cash back card, it actually earns UR points as well. So it is essentially identical to Ink Classic.
The Math
The 5-2-1 earning structure of Ink Classic/Cash is very appealing on its own and if you pair it with a premium UR card like Ink Bold, you will get more value out of it.
Ink Bold does not have any bonus categories but the points boosters are indeed very nice. If you spend $25K, you get a total 32.5K points (1.3 point per dollar spent); if you spend $50K, you get a total of 72.5K points (1.45 point per dollar spent); if you spend $100K, you get a total of 147.5K points (1.475 point per dollar spent).
Ink Bold vs. Capital One Spark: Since our beloved 2% cashback Fidelity Amex does not have a business version, the best cashback business card is the new Capital One Spark Cash/Miles which offers 2% return with a $59 annual fee. In order to maximize value of Ink Bold, you will need to spend exactly $25K, $50K, or $100K. Here are the values of UR points for Ink Bold to beat Spark:
For $25K annual spending: you need to value a UR point at 1.65 cents since $32.5 x 1.65 - $95 = $25K x 2% - $59.
For $50K annual spending: you need to value a UR point at 1.43 cents since $72.5 x 1.43 - $95 = $50K x 2% - $59.
For $100K annual spending: you only need to value a UR point at 1.38 cents since $147.5 x 1.38 - $95 = $100K x 2% - $59.
The Conclusion
The Chase Ink series is no doubt our top recommendation for small business owners who like miles/points, possibly along with Amex SPG Business and Amex Business Gold. Ink Classic/Cash and Ink Bold actually complement each other (one great for bonus categories and one great for general spending) and will make an awesome combo.
Even though Chase advertises Ink Cash as a cash back card, it actually earns UR points as well. So it is essentially identical to Ink Classic.
The Math
The 5-2-1 earning structure of Ink Classic/Cash is very appealing on its own and if you pair it with a premium UR card like Ink Bold, you will get more value out of it.
Ink Bold does not have any bonus categories but the points boosters are indeed very nice. If you spend $25K, you get a total 32.5K points (1.3 point per dollar spent); if you spend $50K, you get a total of 72.5K points (1.45 point per dollar spent); if you spend $100K, you get a total of 147.5K points (1.475 point per dollar spent).
Ink Bold vs. Capital One Spark: Since our beloved 2% cashback Fidelity Amex does not have a business version, the best cashback business card is the new Capital One Spark Cash/Miles which offers 2% return with a $59 annual fee. In order to maximize value of Ink Bold, you will need to spend exactly $25K, $50K, or $100K. Here are the values of UR points for Ink Bold to beat Spark:
For $25K annual spending: you need to value a UR point at 1.65 cents since $32.5 x 1.65 - $95 = $25K x 2% - $59.
For $50K annual spending: you need to value a UR point at 1.43 cents since $72.5 x 1.43 - $95 = $50K x 2% - $59.
For $100K annual spending: you only need to value a UR point at 1.38 cents since $147.5 x 1.38 - $95 = $100K x 2% - $59.
The Conclusion
The Chase Ink series is no doubt our top recommendation for small business owners who like miles/points, possibly along with Amex SPG Business and Amex Business Gold. Ink Classic/Cash and Ink Bold actually complement each other (one great for bonus categories and one great for general spending) and will make an awesome combo.