The Chase Ink Referral Bonus Is About to Get Cut in Half — Here's What You Need to Know

If you've been sitting on the fence about referring friends or family to a Chase Ink business card, it's time to make a move. Chase has set a date for a significant reduction to its popular referral program, and the clock is ticking to maximize your points haul. Let's break down what's changing and how you can make the most of the current, more generous offer.

Why This Deadline Matters for Your Points Balance

A drop from 40k to 20k points is a big deal. For context, 40,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be incredibly valuable. You could transfer them to airline partners for a round-trip domestic flight, or use them through the Chase travel portal for about $500 in travel bookings. That's a serious reward for helping someone find a card that might benefit their business.

The key here is timing. The referral must be completed, and the friend's application must be approved, before September 3rd to earn the 40,000-point rate. If their application is pending or gets approved after that date, it will only qualify for the new, lower bonus. This gives you a clear window—roughly the next three months—to act.

A Smart Strategy Before the Change

First, if you don't currently have an eligible Chase Ink card (like the Ink Business Preferred, Ink Business Unlimited, or Ink Business Cash), you need to get in the game to refer others. Securing a card now serves two purposes: you can earn a substantial welcome bonus for yourself, and you immediately gain the ability to refer others at the higher rate.

Think about your network. Do you know small business owners, freelancers, side-hustlers, or even family members with a legitimate small venture? These cards are fantastic for separating business and personal expenses and earning strong rewards on common business spending categories like office supplies, internet, and shipping.

• Focus on quality referrals. Explain the card's benefits honestly—don't just push for the bonus. A successful, happy cardholder is better than a declined application.
• Keep track of your referrals. Chase has a dashboard to monitor status, but it's wise to note who you referred and when.
• Remember the limit: You can only earn a bonus for a maximum of 10 successful referrals in a calendar year.

Potential Pitfalls to Avoid

While this is a great opportunity, don't get caught up in the rush and make mistakes. The number one rule is that the person you refer must be approved for a new Chase Ink business card. A simple application isn't enough.

Also, be crystal clear that this is a referral for a business credit card. The applicant will need to provide legitimate business information, even if it's a sole proprietorship using their Social Security Number. Misunderstanding this could lead to frustration for your friend and a wasted effort for you.

Finally, always direct people to the official Chase application page through your unique referral link. Sending them to generic search results or third-party sites can break the referral tracking, and you might miss out on your hard-earned points.

Bottom Line

• The 40k-point referral bonus for Chase Ink cards ends on September 2, 2024.
• To refer others, you must first be a cardholder yourself.
• Referrals must be approved by the deadline to qualify for the higher bonus.
• This is a chance to earn significant travel or cash back rewards by helping your network.

Common Questions