Ink Business Preferred Card Offers Strong Rewards and Protections

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a compelling financial tool for small businesses seeking to accumulate transferable Ultimate Rewards points on their regular business expenditures. This card, which has been a part of the author's business toolkit for nearly eight years, has proven particularly beneficial for business travel purchases due to its robust travel protections and enhanced earning potential. The card carries an annual fee of $95. However, cardholders can earn 5 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on Lyft purchases until September 30, 2027. Furthermore, it offers 3 points per dollar on the initial $150,000 in combined purchases within specific categories each account anniversary year. These categories include shipping purchases, advertising expenditures made through social media platforms and search engines, internet, cable, and phone services, and travel. The value of these Ultimate Rewards points is amplified by their transferability to strategic partners such as United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt. The Ink Business Preferred card also waives foreign transaction fees, a significant advantage for businesses with international dealings. Additionally, the ability to issue employee cards at no extra cost streamlines expense management. Cardholders also receive complimentary DashPass access for a minimum of 12 months, provided activation occurs by December 31, 2027. This DashPass membership unlocks benefits such as up to $10 in monthly credits for DoorDash grocery and retail orders. The card's advantages include its useful bonus spending categories, a modest annual fee, and its ability to earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points. It also provides significant travel and shopping protections. However, potential drawbacks exist, such as a high spending threshold required to earn the welcome bonus and its susceptibility to Chase's 5/24 rule, which limits new card approvals based on recent credit inquiries. A notable change is the anticipated less favorable transfer ratio to World of Hyatt commencing October 1. The card's rating of 4.5 stars, as determined by The Points Guy's editors, reflects its strong performance in the small business credit card market, independent of issuer influence. The card's structure encourages consistent use for business operations, rewarding common spending patterns with a currency that offers flexibility and significant redemption value through a network of travel and lifestyle partners.