Is the Chase Ink Business Premier Card's $1,000 Bonus Worth the $195 Fee?

Let's talk about a business card that throws a serious chunk of change at you right out of the gate. The Chase Ink Business Premier is waving a $1,000 welcome bonus, which is nothing to sneeze at. But it also comes with a $195 annual fee, which gives some business owners pause. Is it just another premium card, or does the math actually work in your favor? We'll break down the numbers, the perks, and the fine print to see if this card deserves a spot in your wallet.

Decoding the $1,000 Bonus: Is the Spend Requirement Manageable?

A grand back is incredibly tempting. To get it, you need to put $10,000 on the card within the first 90 days. That's a significant hurdle for a new or very small business, but it might be a breeze for an established company with regular large expenses like inventory, software subscriptions, or equipment purchases.

Think about your business's natural cash flow. Do you have a big quarterly tax payment? A planned equipment upgrade? If you can align the bonus with existing, necessary spending, it becomes pure profit. If you'd have to manufacture spend or stretch uncomfortably, the stress might not be worth the reward.

Beyond the Bonus: The Everyday Rewards That Matter

The welcome offer is flashy, but you'll have the card long after those first three months. That's where the ongoing rewards structure needs to shine.

A flat 2% back on everything is solid and simple—no categories to track. The real standout is the 2.5% rate on individual purchases over $5,000. If your business occasionally makes large buys—think buying a new commercial printer, a batch of laptops, or a hefty advertising buy—that extra half-percent adds up nicely on its own.

The 5% back on Chase Travel is great if you book trips through their portal, but remember, you're often locked into their prices and options. The lack of foreign transaction fees is a valuable feature for any business that sources materials internationally or whose owners travel abroad.

The Protection Suite: Your Business's Safety Net

This isn't just a rewards card; it's built with safeguards. The included protections can save you money and headaches, effectively offsetting some of the annual fee's cost if you ever need to use them.

• Purchase Protection: Covers new purchases against damage or theft for a short period.
• Cell Phone Protection: If you pay your monthly bill with the card, it can insure your phone against damage or theft (subject to a deductible).
• Extended Warranty: Adds time to the manufacturer's warranty on eligible items.
• Zero Liability and Fraud Protection: Standard but essential shields against unauthorized charges.

Practical Advice & Things to Watch Out For

First, the annual fee is $195, and it's not waived the first year. You need to earn that back. The $1,000 bonus covers it five times over, but only if you hit that spend. After year one, your 2% cash back needs to exceed $195 in value over what a no-fee card would give you.

Be mindful of the APR range of 17.74% to 25.74%. This card is best for businesses that pay their balance in full every month to avoid interest. The late fee is steep at $40 or 2% of your minimum payment.

Also, Chase has application rules. You typically can't get a new Chase card if you've opened five or more personal credit cards from any bank in the last 24 months (the 5/24 rule). They also may not approve you if you've recently gotten a bonus on another Ink card.

Bottom Line

• The $1,000 bonus is excellent but requires substantial spending ($10k/3 months). Plan for it.
• The 2% flat rate is simple and strong, while the 2.5% tier on large purchases is a unique perk for bigger-ticket business spending.
• The $195 annual fee is justified if you value the protections and your spending earns enough cash back to surpass it after the first year.
• This is a pay-in-full card. The interest rates are high, so carrying a balance would quickly negate any rewards.

Common Questions