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For years, my go-to card for business spending has been The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, which earns a flat 2X points per dollar spent on everyday business purchases and has no annual fee; see rates and fees. Thanks to this card, I've been able to amass a substantial amount of Amex Membership Rewards® points, so there's never been a reason to swap it out for another card. That is, until now.
Even though my Amex Blue Business Plus card earns more points per dollar, I've recently made the switch to Chase's Ink Business Cash® Credit Card (see rates and fees). To be clear, I'm still holding onto my Amex card, but now I'm channeling most of my spending to the Ink Business Cash Card. Here's why.
Ink Business Cash vs. Amex Blue Business Plus
The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is a no-annual-fee cash-back business card that's especially rewarding at office supply stores and gas stations.
- Valuable welcome bonus
- Intro APR for purchases
- No annual fee
- Bonus spending categories have annual limits
- Has a foreign transaction fee
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn $750 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening
- Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases on dining and gas each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- No Annual Fee
- Complimentary three-month lnstacart+ membership.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Earn 5% total cash back on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Foreign transaction fee
3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a great option if you're starting a business because it's affordable, earns flexible travel rewards and offers an intro-APR on purchases for a year.
- Valuable intro-APR offer for purchases for 12 months
- Earns flexible rewards you can transfer to 20+ airline and hotel loyalty programs
- No annual fee
- Bonus rewards for purchases are capped
- Few useful travel insurance benefits
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 16.74% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.
- You've got the power to spend above your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Balance transfer fee
N/A
Foreign transaction fee
2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Unusually high welcome bonus
First thing's first: the Ink Business Cash is currently offering new cardholders $750 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening. And as you'll see below, the bonus could potentially be worth even more than that.
As a point of comparison, the Amex Blue Business Plus offers new cardholders 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the card within your first 3 months of card membership. Instead of cashback, it earns American Express Membership Rewards points. These are some of the most valuable rewards around due to the ability to transfer them to airline and hotel partners, such as Delta SkyMiles, Air Canada Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy. Terms Apply. Due to the high cash back bonus value, the Ink Business Cash is worth getting for the welcome bonus alone.
I can top off my World of Hyatt account
While the Membership Rewards® points I've earned from using my Amex Blue Business Plus card are incredibly valuable, they're not the best when it comes to redeeming points for hotel stays, mainly because they can only be transferred to Choice Privileges, Hilton Honors, or Marriott Bonvoy. Those particular loyalty programs aren't always ideal options, as Choice Privileges offers mostly budget properties, while Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy tend to have inflated award charts.
World of Hyatt is often the sweet spot for booking award nights, offering reasonable redemptions and top-notch hotels and resorts worldwide. The only problem? World of Hyatt is not a transfer partner of American Express. But it is a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
The Ink Business Cash Card technically earns cash back. However, those rewards can be converted to transferable Ultimate Rewards points if you have another Ultimate Rewards-earning credit card such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees), Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) or the Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees).
So, the full $750 welcome bonus you can earn by signing up for the Ink Business Cash Card ($750 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening) would translate to 75,000 Ultimate Rewards points, which can then be redeemed for World of Hyatt stays. Considering free nights start at just 3,500 points, that Ink Business Cash Card welcome bonus will go a long way when it's time to top off my Hyatt account.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card packs a punch for a $95 annual fee card, offering annual travel credits, comprehensive travel protections and more.
- You can transfer rewards to all of Chase's travel partners including World of Hyatt, Southwest Rapid Rewards and many more
- Long list of travel and shopping protections
- $50 annual Chase Travel hotel credit
- Has an annual fee
- Requires a high credit score
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
- Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase TravelSM
- 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a standout premium credit card with plenty of luxury perks and statement credits to justify its annual fee.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority PassTM Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests.
- Up to $300 in annual travel credit each account anniversary year
- You can transfer rewards to all of Chase's travel partners including World of Hyatt, Southwest Rapid Rewards and many more
- Top-tier travel and shopping protections
- High annual fee
- Requires a high credit score
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 150,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get $3,000 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase TravelSM, including The EditSM and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority PassTM Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $288 annually
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is an excellent business card with useful benefits, valuable rewards and a generous welcome bonus.
- Earns flexible travel rewards you can transfer to airline and hotel loyalty programs such as World of Hyatt, Southwest Rapid Rewards and many more
- Valuable welcome bonus worth $1,125 in travel when redeemed through Chase Travel
- Strong travel and shopping protections
- No intro APR offer
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- Earn 5x total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Go further when you book with Chase TravelSM. Enjoy competitive rates, seamless booking and premium benefits.
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Receive complimentary access to DashPass by DoorDash.
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
There's a 0% APR
The economy isn't so great at the moment so I have to be especially cautious with my finances. That means keeping a robust rainy day fund as well as covering other bases.
Having a low- or no-interest credit card offer can be a real perk when it comes to paying the bills during an economic downturn. The Ink Business Cash Credit Card currently offers an introductory 0% APR for the first 12 months from account opening on purchases (then a variable APR of 16.74% - 24.74%), providing a solid backup option if I need it.
If a downturn occurs in the next 12 months, as it did during the COVID-19 pandemic, I won't have to stress about paying off my credit card bill if I don't have sufficient cash reserves — I can take advantage of the 0% APR option and simply pay my balance over time. Granted, that's not exactly ideal as it's typically best to pay your bills in full each month, but it's still good to know I'll have a bit of a cushion if I need it.
It's also worth noting that The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express also has a intro 0% APR offer for the first 12 months on purchases from date of account opening (then a variable APR of 16.74% - 28.49%, APR will not exceed 29.99% ; see rates and fees), but that's just a perk for new cardholders and I've had mine for several years now so I wouldn't be eligible.
The rewards-earning potential is higher
The Amex Blue Business Plus has been my go-to card for years thanks to its flat 2X points-earning rate on everyday business purchases, which has allowed me to maximize purchases that didn't qualify for category bonuses with my other cards.
That said, this card does have its limits — the 2X points earning rate is actually capped at the first $50,000 spent per calendar year (1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.). That's where the Ink Business Cash Credit Card comes in handy, providing additional bonus categories to help me maximize all my spending.
The Ink Business Cash Credit Card card earns 5% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined spending at office supply stores, and on internet, cable, and phone services every anniversary year — that's a pretty extensive spending category, so 5% is a substantial number for me. The card also lets me earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent on dining and gas, which provides a nice backup whenever I max out the Blue Business Plus card's 2X points bonus.
Overall, the Ink Business Cash card provides higher earning potential without me having to pay an annual fee. The fact that the cash back you receive can be converted to Ultimate Rewards® points is useful since the points are actually more valuable than the cash-back rewards.
Instead of redeeming them at a rate of one cent each, I can put them toward World of Hyatt stays and end up scoring 1.8 cents per point or higher value. Better yet, I can also redeem those points for international business or first-class tickets through one of Chase's airline partners such as Air Canada Aeroplan or United MileagePlus for a return of 3 cents per point or more.
Travel protections are included
One of the most substantial benefits of the Ink Business Cash — and one that's especially rare for a card with no annual fee — is the included primary auto rental collision damage waiver.
If you've ever rented a car, you've probably been subject to a sales pitch at the check-in counter where you're told that paying an extra $15 or so per day will fully protect you in case of an accident, and you won't have to go through your own insurance company. While that's an invaluable benefit, you don't have to pay for it if you have certain credit cards, including the Ink Business Cash card.
Two years ago, I was involved in a rental car accident while traveling through Virginia. I had paid for it with my American Express® Gold Card, which only provides secondary coverage. Thankfully, I'd had the foresight to enroll in *premium car rental protection for just $14.99 more, which covered my entire rental period. Enterprise sent me a bill for nearly $4,000 but American Express completely took care of it and I didn't even have to get my own car insurance company involved. Terms apply.
The American Express Gold Card is great for earning valuable Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets.
- You can earn $400+ in dining and rideshare credits every year (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- Exceptionally rewarding for eligible restaurant and U.S. supermarket purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- Larger annual fee
- Credits are more complicated, you earn them monthly or semi-annually
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You'll know upfront exactly how much you'll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Foreign transaction fee
None
The Amex Blue Business Plus, on the other hand, only offers secondary rental car insurance, meaning my insurance company would have needed to reject the claim before my credit card benefit could kick in. Although that's a less-than-ideal situation to be in, it's pretty typical when you have a no-annual-fee credit card.
Luckily, the Ink Business Cash card does provide primary coverage, so I won't have to pay extra for supplemental insurance as long as I charge the car rental to that card. This invaluable benefit will eliminate plenty of headaches if I'm ever involved in another rental car accident. Having experienced it first-hand, it became even more important than ever for me to receive this perk from my credit card.
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Bottom line
The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is an all-around excellent card with an enticing welcome bonus and lots of generous perks. And while the welcome bonus was certainly the main reason I signed up for the card, the spending bonuses and primary rental car coverage are why I'll be channeling my spending away from my Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express for the time being. Plus, neither card carries an annual fee, providing an even greater incentive to hold onto them both in the long run.
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*Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here.
