Why the Chase Ink Business Preferred Card is a Smart Move for Entrepreneurs

If you run a business, even a small side hustle, you've probably heard about business credit cards. But one card consistently stands out from the pack, and for good reason. It's like the Swiss Army knife for business spend: it handles a lot of different tasks surprisingly well. I'm talking about the Chase Ink Business Preferred. It's not just about a big sign-up bonus (though that's fantastic). It's about getting a tool that earns valuable points on your everyday business expenses and opens the door to incredible travel opportunities. Let's break down why this card deserves a spot in your wallet.

More Than Just a Fat Sign-Up Bonus

Okay, let's address the elephant in the room first. Earning 100,000 points right off the bat is a huge head start. That's enough for multiple hotel nights or a nice flight when transferred to partners. But this card's real magic is what it does *after* you hit that bonus.

The 3x earning categories are brilliantly tailored for modern business operations. Think about it: shipping, online ads, internet, phone bills—these aren't occasional splurges; they're the lifeblood of many companies. Earning triple points on these essentials adds up fast, especially with that high $150,000 annual cap before the rate drops.

Your Ticket to Premium Travel (Without a Premium Fee)

Here's a crucial detail many miss: holding this card unlocks the ability to transfer your points to Chase's airline and hotel partners. This is the key to maximizing value. You can move points to programs like Hyatt, United, or Air Canada to book awards that can be worth far more than the standard cash-back rate.

Even if you have a no-fee Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards, you need a card like the Ink Preferred (or a Sapphire card) to enable those transfers. For a $95 annual fee, that's a powerful key to hand over.

• Transfer partners include Hyatt, United MileagePlus, British Airways Avios, Air France/KLM Flying Blue, and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer.
• Hyatt redemptions are often cited as the sweet spot, routinely offering over 2 cents per point in value.
• You can also book travel directly through the Chase portal, where your points get a 25% boost in value, making them worth 1.25 cents each.

Practical Perks and Protections You'll Actually Use

Business travel can be messy. This card packs a suite of protections that can save you money and headaches. The primary rental car coverage is a standout—it means you can decline the expensive rental company's insurance and still be covered for damage or theft. Just note the fine print: for rentals within the U.S., it's officially for business trips. For international rentals, that restriction is lifted.

The cell phone protection is another unsung hero. If you or an employee on the plan damages or has a phone stolen, you can file a claim. For a small business, that's a tangible, money-saving benefit.

Smart Strategies and Things to Watch Out For

This card plays beautifully with Chase's ecosystem. A common strategy is to get the Ink Preferred for the bonus and transfer ability, then pair it with a no-annual-fee card like the Ink Business Unlimited (1.5x on everything) or Ink Business Cash (5x on office supplies and telecom). You can pool all the points from those cards into your Ink Preferred account and then transfer them out to partners.

Crucially, applying for this card does **not** add to your count under Chase's 5/24 rule (where you're often denied if you've opened 5+ personal credit cards in the last 24 months). That makes it a fantastic option when you're near or over that limit but still want a valuable new card.

• **Spending Requirement:** The $8,000 spend in 3 months for the bonus is substantial. Ensure your business's cash flow can support it naturally.
• **Rental Car Nuance:** Remember the U.S. business rental stipulation for the primary insurance. Keep a copy of the guide to benefits handy.
• **Long-Term Play:** If you don't need the transfer ability after the first year, you can often downgrade the card to a no-fee Ink option and avoid the annual fee going forward.

Bottom Line

• The 100k point welcome bonus is a major incentive, but the card's ongoing value in key business categories is what makes it a keeper.
• For a $95 fee, it provides a critical 'key' to unlock maximum value from all your Chase Ultimate Rewards points via transfer partners.
• Its robust travel and purchase protections are unusually comprehensive for a business card at this price point.
• It's a strategic tool that doesn't affect your 5/24 status, making it ideal for savvy credit card users.

Common Questions