Ink Business Cash Credit Card Review (2025 Update): Best 5% Back Card for Small Businesses?

The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is a no-annual-fee powerhouse built for small business owners, freelancers, and side hustlers. It earns up to 5% back on key categories like internet, office supplies, and phone services, plus solid coverage for gas and dining. 
 

If your business spends money on these everyday expenses, this card is one of the best earners on the market, especially when paired with a premium Chase card for higher-value redemptions.

Quick Overview

Sebby’s Take

If you’re spending heavily on internet, phone, cable, or office supplies, the Ink Business Cash is one of the best no-fee cards for small businesses. Combine it with a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card to unlock 1.75 – 2 cents per point or transfer partner value.

Points Earning Structure

How to Maximize This Card

• Use for recurring internet, cable, and phone services—set it and forget it.
• Pair with Chase Sapphire Reserve® to redeem points for up to 2 cents per point via Points Boost or potentially more when you use travel transfer partners like Hyatt, United, etc.
• Stack with Chase Offers or shopping portals for even more value

Ink Cash vs. Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card vs. Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Travel and Purchase Protection Benefits

The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card comes with a strong suite of protections, especially impressive for a no-annual-fee business card. These benefits can help you avoid paying out of pocket for accidents, theft, or emergencies when used correctly.

⚠️ Benefits require you to pay for purchases or reservations using your card. Terms, restrictions, and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for full details.

🚗 Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver (Primary Coverage)

• Coverage type: Primary when renting for business purposes (no need to file with personal insurance first)
• Coverage limit: Up to $60,000 for theft or collision damage
• Eligible vehicles: Most rentals with an MSRP of $125,000 or less
• Requirement: Decline the rental company’s collision/damage waiver and charge the full rental to your card

📌 Tip: This benefit applies to both domestic and international rentals when used for business.

🆘 Travel and Emergency Assistance

• What’s included: 24/7 access to medical and legal referrals, emergency transport coordination, and assistance services
• Who pays for services: You are responsible for the actual cost of any goods or services provided
• When it applies: While traveling more than 100 miles from home
   

🔧 Roadside Dispatch

• What it offers: Pay-per-use access to services like towing, jump-starts, tire changes, lockout assistance, and more
• How it works: Call the roadside dispatch number to request help; charges billed directly to your card
   

🛒 Purchase Protection

• Coverage window: 120 days from the date of purchase (90 days for New York residents)
• Coverage limit: Up to $10,000 per item for covered purchases
• What it protects against: Theft or accidental damage

📌 Applies to eligible new purchases made with your Ink Business Cash® Credit Card.

⏳ Extended Warranty Protection

• Extension: Adds 1 additional year to eligible U.S. manufacturer’s warranties of 3 years or less
• Maximum coverage: Up to 4 years total from the original purchase date
• Requirements: Must use your Ink Business Cash® to make the purchase
   

📝 Important Disclosures

These protections are automatically included when you use your card for covered purchases or travel bookings. However, each benefit is subject to terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits. Not all claims may be approved, and coverage varies by jurisdiction.

• Most protections are provided by third-party insurance administrators unaffiliated with Chase
• New York residents receive 90 days of purchase protection instead of 120 days
• Always consult your Guide to Benefits or call the number on the back of your card for full program terms

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What credit score and requirements do I need to get approved?

To qualify for the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card, you typically need a good to excellent personal credit score on the FICO scale.

Because this is a business credit card, Chase will also ask for basic business details, including:

• Annual revenue (estimates are okay for new businesses)
• Number of employees (you can put 1 if you're a sole proprietor)
• A Tax ID or your SSN if you're applying as a sole proprietor or freelancer

In addition, Chase's 5/24 rule applies. If you’ve opened five or more personal credit cards (from any bank) in the past 24 months, your application will likely be declined—even if you meet the credit score requirements.

🔍 Tip: Chase business cards generally don’t count toward your 5/24 total, but you still need to be under the limit to apply.
 

Q: Can I apply without an LLC?

A: Yes—Chase allows sole proprietors, freelancers, side hustlers, and resellers to apply using just your name and SSN.
 

Q: Does this add to 5/24?

A: No. Chase business cards typically do not show up on your personal credit report, so it won’t count against your 5/24 status.
 

Q: What counts as a 5% “office supply” or “phone service”?

A: Staples, Office Depot, Quill, Comcast, AT&T, Verizon, etc. Many platforms that bill internet/phone qualify. Some services like Zoom and GoDaddy may also code as 5% depending on MCC.

Q: What happens after the $25,000 cap?

A: You’ll earn 1X after hitting the spending cap on both the 5% and 2% categories.

Q: Can I combine points with other Chase cards?

A: Yes, combine with Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card for elevated redemption rates or airline/hotel transfers.

Final Thoughts

The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card punches above its weight. With no annual fee, strong 5X/2X categories, and Chase Ultimate Rewards compatibility, it’s a top choice for side hustlers and small business owners looking to earn max points without the complexity of an annual-fee card.
 

Used correctly, and paired with the right cards, it’s a travel rewards engine hiding in a cashback shell.