What the Ink Business Unlimited card is and who it's for
The Chase Ink Business Unlimited is a business credit card issued by Chase Bank. It has no annual fee, offers cash back on all purchases, and requires a business tax ID or Social Security number to open. The card is designed for small business owners who want a straightforward rewards structure without category limits or rotating categories.
You do not need to be incorporated or have employees to hold this card. Sole proprietors, freelancers, and partnerships can all open one. Chase will run a hard inquiry on your personal credit report, so your credit score will be a factor in approval, even though this is a business card.
The main trade-off is that the cash back rate is lower than cards that offer bonus categories. If your business spends heavily in specific areas—restaurants, gas, office supplies—a card with higher rewards in those categories may return more money over time.
Key Takeaways
- The card earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no category limits, annual fee, or minimum spending requirement.
- You need a business tax ID (EIN) or your Social Security number, a business address, and a personal credit report in good standing to open an account.
- Chase will conduct a hard credit inquiry, which may lower your credit score by a few points temporarily.
- Cash back posts as a statement credit and can be redeemed at any time with no minimum or maximum.
- The card reports to business credit bureaus, which can help you build business credit history separate from your personal credit.
How the rewards and cash back work
The Ink Business Unlimited earns 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no caps, no rotating categories, and no bonus categories. A $1,000 purchase earns $15 in cash back, whether it's office equipment, software, travel, or meals. This flat rate is the entire rewards structure—there are no sign-up bonuses or introductory offers.
Cash back accumulates as you spend and appears as a statement credit on your monthly bill. You can redeem it at any time by requesting a statement credit, a check, or a transfer to a linked Chase personal account. There is no minimum redemption amount and no expiration date on the cash back itself, though Chase may close inactive accounts after a period of non-use.
If you carry a balance, cash back still accrues on purchases, but you will pay interest on the unpaid balance. The card has no 0% introductory APR period, so interest charges begin when ready if you do not pay in full each month.
What you need to open an account
Chase requires a few pieces of information to open the Ink Business Unlimited. You will need either an Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS, or you can use your Social Security number if you are a sole proprietor. You will also need a business address (which can be your home address), a phone number, and an email address.
Chase will pull your personal credit report and run a hard inquiry. Your personal credit score is the primary factor in approval, not your business credit. If you have recent late payments, high utilization on other cards, or a very low credit score, you may be denied. Chase does not publish a minimum credit score requirement, but approval is more likely with a score of 670 or higher.
The process takes about 10 minutes online. You can explore directly on Chase's website or through a business banking representative. If approved, the card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If denied, you can reapply after addressing the reason for denial—usually by paying down other balances or waiting for negative marks to age.
Annual fees and other costs
The Ink Business Unlimited has no annual fee, which is one of its main advantages over other business cards. You will not be charged for holding the card, even if you do not use it.
Other costs are standard across Chase business cards: a late payment fee of up to $40 if you miss a due date, a returned payment fee of up to $40 if a check bounces, and a foreign transaction fee of 3% if you use the card outside the United States. There is no fee for balance transfers, but if you do transfer a balance, interest accrues when ready at the card's standard APR.
If you use the card for cash advances, a fee of 5% of the amount (minimum $10) applies, and interest begins accruing when ready at a higher APR than purchase APR. Cash advances are not recommended for business use.
How this card affects your credit and business credit
Opening the Ink Business Unlimited will result in a hard inquiry on your personal credit report, which may lower your credit score by 5 to 10 points temporarily. This inquiry stays on your report for about 12 months but stops affecting your score after a few months.
Once open, the card reports to the three major personal credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) as an account in your name. Payment history and credit utilization on this card will affect your personal credit score. If you pay on time and keep the balance low, it will help your score. If you miss payments or carry a high balance, it will hurt your score.
The card also reports to business credit bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet and Experian Business. This means you can build a separate business credit profile, which is useful if you plan to explore for business loans or lines of credit in the future. Business credit is tracked independently from personal credit.
How to use the card and manage your account
Once your card arrives, you can set up it through Chase's website or mobile app. You will set up online access using your Social Security number or EIN and a password. From there, you can view statements, make payments, redeem cash back, and set up automatic payments.
Payments are due 21 to 25 days after the statement closing date (the exact date is on your statement). You can pay online, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payment. Paying in full by the due date avoids interest charges. If you cannot pay in full, paying at least the minimum due keeps the account in good standing, though interest will accrue on the unpaid balance.
Chase offers a mobile app where you can check your balance, review transactions, and receive alerts for large purchases or due dates. You can also set spending limits and controls through the app if you issue employee cards (the Ink Business Unlimited does not offer employee cards, but this feature is available on other Chase business cards).
Comparing the Ink Business Unlimited to other business cards
The Ink Business Unlimited's main strength is simplicity: 1.5% cash back on everything, no annual fee, and no categories to track. This works well if your business spending is spread across many vendors and you want a single card without complexity.
Other Chase business cards offer higher rewards in specific categories but charge an annual fee. The Chase Ink Business Preferred, for example, earns 3% cash back on internet, cable, and phone services, and 3% on travel and dining (up to $150,000 per year, then 1%), but costs $95 per year. The Chase Ink Business Cash earns up to 5% cash back in rotating categories but also has an annual fee and requires you to set up categories each quarter.
If your business spends more than $6,300 per year in bonus categories, the Preferred or Cash card may return more cash back despite the annual fee. If your spending is mixed or modest, the Unlimited's flat 1.5% with no fee is often the better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Social Security number instead of an EIN?
Yes. If you are a sole proprietor with no employees, you can use your Social Security number as your business tax ID. Chase will accept either an EIN or SSN. Using your SSN does not change the approval process or the rewards rate.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A late payment of 30 days or more will be reported to the credit bureaus and will damage your personal and business credit scores. Chase may also charge a late fee of up to $40. If you miss a payment, contact Chase when ready to bring the account current and ask about hardship options.
Can I transfer a balance from another card to the Ink Business Unlimited?
Yes, Chase allows balance transfers, but there is no 0% introductory period. Interest begins accruing when ready at the card's standard APR, and a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5% applies. Balance transfers are generally not recommended unless you have a specific reason to consolidate debt.
Does the card offer purchase protection or travel insurance?
The Ink Business Unlimited does not include purchase protection, extended warranty, trip cancellation insurance, or travel accident insurance. It is a basic rewards card focused on cash back, not on insurance benefits. If you need those protections, a premium business card may be a better fit.
How long does it take to receive the card after approval?
Most cardholders receive the Ink Business Unlimited within 7 to 10 business days of approval. You can begin using the card online when ready after approval through a temporary card number, even before the physical card arrives. Check your Chase account or email for instructions on how to access your temporary card number.