Chase has introduced its most generous welcome offers yet for two of its popular small business credit cards, the Ink Business Cash and Ink Business Unlimited. New applicants can earn $900 in cash back or equivalently, 90,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first three months of account opening. These elevated bonuses mark a significant increase from previous promotions and are available now through direct application links.
Details of the New 90K Bonus Offer
Chaseโs latest incentive applies identically to both the Ink Business Cash and Ink Business Unlimited credit cards. Prospective cardholders who meet the spending requirement of $6,000 within three months will receive a $900 cash back bonus. This offer translates to 90,000 Ultimate Rewards points, the currency used across Chaseโs card rewards ecosystem.
Notably, neither card imposes an annual fee, making the offers more attractive to small businesses and sole proprietors seeking substantial rewards without added costs. While the offer is currently accessible only through Chaseโs direct application channels, referral links still carry the previous 75,000-point bonus threshold.
โThis is the most compelling bonus we have ever seen for these cards,โ said Amanda Martinez, a financial analyst specializing in credit card rewards programs. โFor small business owners who leverage Chaseโs suite, especially those with cards like the Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred, 90,000 points can equate to over $1,300 in value.โ
Comparing Ink Business Cash and Unlimited
While both cards share the new bonus offer, they differ in rewards structures that cater to varying business spending patterns.
- Chase Ink Business Cash: Offers 5% cash back on office supply stores and internet, cable, and phone services up to $25,000 in combined purchases per year, along with 2% cash back on gas stations and restaurants. This card suits businesses with substantial expenses in these categories.
- Chase Ink Business Unlimited: Provides a flat 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no category restrictions. This straightforward rate appeals to businesses with diverse or unpredictable spending habits.
The flexibility of these earning structures complements the heightened sign-up bonuses, positioning the cards as attractive options for entrepreneurs looking to maximize rewards without an annual fee burden.
Referral Offers and Application Strategy
Currently, Chaseโs referral program has yet to match the elevated 90,000-point offer, instead maintaining a 75,000-point bonus. This discrepancy could influence applicantsโ choice between applying directly or relying on referrals.
Travel and rewards advisor Chris Johnson explains, โApplying through the direct link to access the 90K offer might be smarter for applicants who want to maximize value immediately. Moreover, some users report success in requesting a bonus match to 90K after applying, potentially increasing their total rewards to 110,000 points.โ
However, Chase is slated to restrict business card referral bonuses starting October 7, potentially limiting future opportunities to benefit from such elevated offers via referrals.
Eligibility Considerations: The Chase 5/24 Rule
Despite the attractiveness of these offers, many potential applicants may find themselves ineligible due to Chaseโs stringent 5/24 rule. This rule bars individuals who have opened five or more personal credit cards across all issuers within the past 24 months from approval. This policy remains a significant gating factor for many business owners seeking Chase cards.
Credit expert Laura Green points out, โThe 5/24 rule is one of the toughest hurdles for Chase applicants. Even with these lucrative bonuses, many small business owners will need to carefully evaluate their recent credit card application history before pursuing these offers.โ
Broader Context and Implications for Small Business Credit Cards
Chaseโs aggressive bonuses underscore intensified competition in the small business credit card market, especially as businesses rebound from pandemic disruptions and seek greater financial incentives.
According to industry data from the Nilson Report, business credit cards accounted for approximately 19% of total credit card purchase volume in 2023, illustrating their growing relevance.
Financial institutions are leveraging elevated sign-up bonuses, category-specific cash backs, and no annual fees to attract entrepreneurs and SMEs poised to boost spending. As Chase rolls out its enhanced offers, competitors like American Express and Capital One may respond with comparable promotions.
Future Outlook and Recommendations for Applicants
For interested small business owners, experts recommend:
- Assessing spending habits to choose between Ink Cash and Ink Unlimited.
- Applying early to secure the 90K-point bonus before potential program changes.
- Monitoring referral offers, which may catch up to direct application bonuses in the near term.
- Considering credit standing, particularly recent card openings, due to the 5/24 rule.
In sum, the Chase Ink Business cardsโ new bonus levels present some of the most lucrative opportunities for small business owners in 2025, but timing and eligibility remain crucial factors in capitalizing on these offers.
About Chase Ink Business Cards
Launched to support small businesses, the Chase Ink Business Cash and Ink Business Unlimited cards are part of Chaseโs Ultimate Rewards program. Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, and more, often with enhanced value when combined with premium Chase cards like the Sapphire Reserve.
You can stay updated on travel offers and financial news through leading outlets such as theย PGN Business Insider
