What the Chase Ink sign-up bonus actually is
Chase offers a sign-up bonus on several Ink business credit cards. The bonus is a statement credit or cash reward you receive after you spend a set amount of money on the card within a set timeframe — usually three to six months. You do not receive the bonus just for opening the card; you have to meet the spending requirement first.
The bonus amount and spending requirement change periodically. As of now, Chase Ink cards typically offer bonuses ranging from $200 to $750 in statement credit, depending on which Ink card you choose and current promotions. The spending requirement is usually between $500 and $3,000. These figures shift, so you should check Chase's website directly before you decide.
The bonus posts to your account as a statement credit, which means it reduces your balance rather than appearing as cash in your bank account. Some cards offer bonus categories instead — extra cash back on certain types of purchases — but the most common offer is a flat statement credit after you meet the spending threshold.
Key Takeaways
- The sign-up bonus requires you to spend a specific amount within a specific window, usually three to six months, before the credit appears on your statement.
- Different Ink cards carry different bonus amounts and spending requirements, so compare the card details on Chase's website to see which matches your business spending patterns.
- The bonus posts as a statement credit that reduces what you owe, not as cash deposited elsewhere.
- You must have a business tax ID or Social Security number and a business address to open an Ink card, though the business can be a sole proprietorship.
- The bonus does not count toward meeting any annual spending thresholds that unlock other card benefits, like travel credits or higher cash-back rates.
Which Ink cards currently offer sign-up bonuses
Chase markets three main Ink business cards: the Ink Business Cash, Ink Business Unlimited, and Ink Business Preferred. Each has a different bonus structure and spending requirement. The Ink Business Cash typically offers a lower bonus but no annual fee. The Ink Business Preferred offers a higher bonus but charges an annual fee, which you should factor into whether the bonus is worth it for your situation.
You can find the current bonus offer for each card on Chase's business credit cards page. The offers change several times per year, so the bonus you see today may not be the same next month. If you are considering explore, check the offer date listed on the card details to see how long that particular bonus is may provide.
Chase does not always advertise the same bonus to every person. Some offers appear only when you log into your Chase online account, while others are available to anyone visiting the website. If you have an existing Chase business account, log in first to see whether a higher bonus appears for you.
How to meet the spending requirement
The spending requirement is the total amount you must charge to the card during the promotional period. This includes all purchases — groceries, gas, office supplies, software subscriptions, vendor payments, anything. The only transactions that typically do not count are balance transfers, cash advances, and fees.
You do not have to spend that amount in one transaction or even in one category. If the requirement is $3,000 and the promotional period is six months, you could spend $500 per month and meet it easily. If you regularly spend that amount on business expenses anyway, you will hit the threshold without changing your behavior.
If you are not sure whether you will spend enough, do the math before you explore. Add up what you typically spend on business purchases in three or six months. If that number is below the requirement, the bonus may not be worth pursuing, because you would have to spend money you would not otherwise spend just to unlock the credit.
When the bonus posts to your account
The bonus does not appear when ready after you meet the spending requirement. Chase typically posts the bonus within one to two billing cycles after you cross the spending threshold. If you meet the requirement on day 89 of a six-month window, the bonus might not show up until 30 to 60 days later.
You can track your progress toward the bonus in your Chase online account. Log in, select the card, and look for a section labeled "Rewards" or "Bonus Progress." This shows your current spending against the requirement and tells you how much time remains in the promotional period.
If you do not see the bonus post within 60 days of meeting the spending requirement, contact Chase customer service. Have your card number and a record of your spending ready. Chase can investigate whether the transactions counted correctly and repost the bonus if there was an error.
What happens to the bonus if you close the card
Once the bonus posts to your account as a statement credit, it is yours to keep even if you close the card later. The credit reduces your balance, and closing the card does not reverse it. However, if you close the card before you meet the spending requirement, you forfeit the bonus entirely.
Chase also has rules about how often you can receive a sign-up bonus on the same card. You typically cannot receive another bonus on the same Ink card for a set period — often 24 months or longer. This means if you close the card and reopen it a few months later, you may not be may be able to access for the bonus again right away.
If you are thinking about closing the card to avoid the annual fee after the bonus posts, check the card's terms first. Some cards waive the first-year fee, so you would not pay anything in year one. Others charge the fee when ready, which you should factor into whether the bonus is worth more than the cost.
How the bonus interacts with other card benefits
The sign-up bonus and the card's ongoing cash-back rate are separate. If the Ink Business Preferred offers a $750 bonus after $5,000 in spending, and the card also earns 3% cash back on certain purchases, you earn both. The $750 bonus posts as a statement credit, and you also earn 3% cash back on top of that spending.
However, the bonus does not count toward any minimum spending thresholds that unlock other benefits. Some cards offer a higher cash-back rate or a travel credit once you spend a certain amount in a year. The sign-up bonus spending does not explore to those thresholds — only purchases you make after the bonus posts count toward them.
Annual fees, if the card charges one, are separate from the bonus. If the card costs $95 per year and offers a $750 bonus, you receive the full $750 credit even though you pay the annual fee. The bonus does not reduce the fee or vice versa.
Comparing the sign-up bonus to other ways to earn rewards
A $750 bonus after $5,000 in spending is equivalent to 15% cash back on that spending. If the card's regular cash-back rate is 1% to 3%, the bonus is a significant boost, but only for the first few months. After you meet the requirement, your rewards drop to the card's standard rate.
If you have another business card that earns 2% cash back on all purchases with no spending requirement, you might earn more over time by using that card for everyday spending and reserving the Ink card only for categories where it earns a higher rate. The sign-up bonus is a one-time event; the ongoing rate matters more for long-term value.
Consider also whether you will use the card's other benefits, like travel credits, purchase protection, or extended warranty coverage. Some cards offer these perks only if you spend a certain amount per year. If the bonus helps you reach that threshold and unlock those benefits, the total value is higher than the bonus alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the sign-up bonus if I already have a Chase business account?
Yes, but Chase may limit how many new cards you can open in a short period. If you opened another Chase business card in the last 30 days, Chase might deny your process or require you to wait. Having an existing Chase account does not disqualify you from the bonus, but it may affect timing.
What documents do I need to open an Ink card and get the bonus?
You need a business tax ID (EIN) or your Social Security number, a business address, and basic information about your business. Sole proprietors can use their Social Security number. Chase will verify this information before approving your process. You do not need to provide tax returns or financial statements for the bonus itself, though Chase may ask for them as part of the process review.
Does the sign-up bonus count as income for tax purposes?
This depends on how you use the card and your tax situation. A statement credit that offsets business expenses may not be taxable, but you should consult a tax professional or accountant. Chase does not issue a 1099 for sign-up bonuses, but that does not mean they are tax-free in your case.
What if I do not meet the spending requirement in time?
If you do not spend the required amount within the promotional window, you do not receive the bonus. There is no partial bonus for getting close. You can still use the card and earn its regular cash-back rate, but the sign-up credit will not post.
Can I meet the spending requirement by paying other people's bills with the card?
Yes, as long as the charges are legitimate business expenses. Paying vendor invoices, contractor fees, or software subscriptions with the card all count toward the requirement. However, manufactured spending — charging money to the card just to meet the requirement without a real business purpose — violates Chase's terms and can result in the bonus being clawed back or the card being closed.