The Complete Guide to the Ink Business Cash Credit Card: Everything You Need to Know

What is the Ink Business Cash Credit Card?

The Ink Business Cash credit card is a special type of credit card designed for business owners. Think of it like your regular credit card, but with superpowers for business expenses. This card gives you money back (called “cash back”) when you spend money on certain business things.

Why Should You Care About the Ink Business Cash Credit Card?

Whether you’re a student starting your first small business, a parent running a home business, or a senior citizen with years of business experience, the Ink Business Cash credit card can help you save money and earn rewards.

The Magic of Cash Back Rewards

Imagine getting paid to spend money on things your business already needs. That’s exactly what this card does! Here’s how it works:

• 5% cash back on office supplies (like paper, pens, computers)
• 5% cash back on internet, phone, and cable bills
• 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants
• 1% cash back on everything else

Breaking Down the Ink Business Cash Credit Card Benefits

The Big Winners: 5% Cash Back Categories

The Ink Business Cash credit card shines brightest in two areas:

Office Supplies: Every time you buy paper, pens, computers, or printer ink, you get 5% of your money back. If you spend $1,000 on office supplies, you get $50 back!

Telecom Services: This fancy word simply means your internet, phone, and cable TV bills. Pay these bills with your Ink Business Cash credit card and earn 5% back.

The Catch: Understanding Spending Limits

Here’s something important to understand: The 5% and 2% rewards have a limit. You can only earn these higher rates on up to $25,000 per year in combined spending across all bonus categories.

Let’s break this down in simple terms:

• Maximum 5% earnings: $25,000 × 5% = $1,250 per year
• Maximum 2% earnings: Included in the same $25,000 limit
• After you spend $25,000, you only earn 1% on everything

Who Benefits Most from This Card?

The Ink Business Cash credit card works best for:

Small Business Owners: If you run a small office, online business, or home business that spends money on office supplies and internet bills regularly.

New Business Owners: The spending limits match well with smaller businesses that don’t spend huge amounts yet.

Students with Side Businesses: If you’re selling things online or running a small service business while in school.

Seniors with Part-Time Businesses: Perfect for consultants, freelancers, or anyone with a small business in retirement.

Real-World Example: How Much Can You Actually Earn?

Let’s say Sarah runs a small online business from home. Here’s her yearly spending:

• Office supplies: $3,000 (earns $150 back at 5%)
• Internet and phone: $2,400 (earns $120 back at 5%)
• Gas for business trips: $4,000 (earns $80 back at 2%)
• Restaurants for business meals: $2,000 (earns $40 back at 2%)
• Other business expenses: $5,000 (earns $50 back at 1%)

Sarah’s total cash back: $440 per year, and she pays $0 annual fee!

The Ink Business Cash Credit Card vs. Other Options

When This Card Makes Sense

Choose the Ink Business Cash credit card if:

• Your business spends less than $25,000 per year on office supplies, telecom, gas, and restaurants combined
• You want a card with no annual fee
• You prefer simple cash back over complex point systems
• You’re just starting out in business

When to Consider Alternatives

Look at other cards if:

• You spend more than $25,000 in bonus categories (consider the Ink Business Unlimited)
• You travel internationally often (this card charges 3% foreign fees)
• You need a high credit limit right away (this card often starts with lower limits)

Understanding Credit Limits and Getting Approved

What to Expect for Credit Limits

Many new cardholders report getting initial credit limits between $3,000 and $5,000. The minimum is $1,100. Chase says cardholders are automatically considered for a credit limit increase at least every six months, but increases can be slow in the first year.

Tips for Getting Approved

For Students: You’ll need some form of income (part-time job, business income, or allowance that counts as income).

For New Business Owners: Having a business doesn’t mean you need to be making huge profits yet. Even a small side business counts.

For Seniors: Your established credit history often works in your favor for approval.

How to Maximize Your Ink Business Cash Credit Card

Smart Spending Strategies

1. Use it for all office supplies: Instead of buying supplies with cash or debit, always use your Ink Business Cash credit card.
2. Pay all telecom bills: Set up automatic payments for internet, phone, and cable bills.
3. Business meals and gas: Use the card for business-related restaurant meals and gas station visits.
4. Track your spending: Keep an eye on that $25,000 annual limit to maximize your rewards.

Pairing with Other Cards

Smart business owners often use the Ink Business Cash credit card alongside other cards:

• Use this card for the 5% and 2% categories
• Use a different card for other business expenses to earn more than 1%

The Simple Truth About Fees

The Ink Business Cash credit card has:

• $0 annual fee (you never pay just to have the card)
• 3% foreign transaction fee (avoid using abroad)
• Standard late payment and over-limit fees (pay on time to avoid these)

Redeeming Your Rewards: Getting Your Money

Your cash back comes as Chase Ultimate Rewards points, but don’t let that confuse you. Here’s what you can do:

1. Cash back: Get money deposited to your bank account or as a statement credit (1 cent per point)
2. Gift cards: Trade points for gift cards to popular stores
3. Travel: Book flights and hotels through Chase
4. Transfer to other Chase cards: If you have other Chase cards, you might get better value

Is the Ink Business Cash Credit Card Right for You?

Perfect for These Situations:

Students: Starting an online business, freelancing, or selling products while in school

Young Professionals: Side businesses, consulting work, or small service businesses

Parents: Home-based businesses, online stores, or freelance work

Seniors: Consulting, part-time businesses, or continuing professional work

Maybe Not Right If:

• You spend more than $25,000 yearly on bonus categories
• You frequently make international purchases
• You need a high credit limit immediately
• You prefer travel rewards over cash back

Getting Started: Next Steps

1. Evaluate your spending: Look at your business expenses to see if they match the bonus categories
2. Check your credit: You’ll need good credit (usually 670+ credit score) for approval
3. Gather business information: Even a simple sole proprietorship counts as a business
4. Apply online: The process is straightforward and you’ll get an instant decision in most cases

The Bottom Line

The Ink Business Cash credit card offers an excellent opportunity for small business owners to earn significant cash back on everyday business expenses. With no annual fee and straightforward rewards, it’s particularly valuable for newer businesses, students with side hustles, and anyone who regularly spends on office supplies and telecom services.

The card churns out big rewards for specific expenses with its 5% cash back rates, making it worthwhile for business owners with good credit. While the spending caps may limit very large businesses, they’re perfectly sized for the majority of small business owners who want to maximize their everyday business spending.

Whether you’re 16 and starting your first business or 66 and launching a consulting practice, the Ink Business Cash credit card can be a valuable tool in your financial toolkit. The key is understanding how the rewards work and making sure your spending patterns align with the card’s strengths.

Remember: The best credit card is one that matches your actual spending habits and helps you reach your financial goals. The Ink Business Cash credit card excels at rewarding common business expenses, making it a smart choice for many entrepreneurs and business owners across all age groups.

References

• Understanding Fed Rate Cuts 2025 and Their Impact on Financial Strategies
• What Happens to Student Loans When You Die?
• Mortgage Rates today
• Mastering the Art of Disputing a Medical Bill
• Understanding Student Loan Interest Deduction and Other Tax Breaks for Education in the USA