With the same benefits as the Ink Bold, the Chase Ink Plus Business card tops our list for its generous sign-up bonus, category payouts, club lounge benefit, and valuable point currency, which can be transferred to partners like Hyatt and United.
The reason this version came ahead of the Ink Bold is because it is not a charge card and thus cardholders can carry a balance on it. Though in all fairness, you shouldn’t carry a balance or pay interest on any card – let alone a rewards card. Still, you have that flexibility, just in case.
The generous 50,000 point sign-up bonus (earned after $5,000 spent within three months), is worth $625 if redeemed directly with Ultimate Rewards. Otherwise, points can be transferred to one of 10 rewards partners at a 1:1 ratio:
- Amtrak Guest Rewards
- British Airways
- Hyatt Gold Passport
- IHG Rewards
- Korean Air Skypass
- Marriott Rewards
- Ritz Carlton Rewards
- Southwest Rapid Rewards
- United MileagePlus
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Cardholders can redeem their points for 2-11 nights at Hyatt hotels; 10 nights at IHG PointBreaks properties; 2 roundtrip domestic economy tickets; 12 short-haul, one-way domestic flights using British Airways Avios; a one-way flight to Europe in Business Class; among many other options.
The 5x point payout on cable, tv, cellphone, landline, internet, and office supply stores is a nice bonus. The 2x points per dollar spent at gas stations and on hotel accommodations also helps cover common spending categories. This bonus is especially useful when traveling abroad, as the card has zero foreign transaction fees.
The $95 annual fee is waived the first year, but can be worthwhile if you’re maximizing your category bonuses. Overall, this is a solid card with a generous bonus, high category payouts, and great ongoing benefits.
Do you agree or disagree with our ranking of the Top 30 credit cards? Please comment below.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Annual Fee: $95 fee waived for the first year
- Foreign Fees: No
- Card Type: Bank
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- Earn 50,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $625 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Named Best Credit Card for Flexible Travel Redemption - Kiplinger's Personal Finance, July 2016
- 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Earn 5,000 bonus points after you add the first authorized user and make a purchase in the first 3 months from account opening
- No foreign transaction fees
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards. For example, 50,000 points are worth $625 toward travel
- No blackout dates or travel restrictions - as long as there's a seat on the flight, you can book it through Chase Ultimate Rewards
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Annual Fee: $95 fee waived for the first year
- Foreign Fees: No
- Card Type: Bank
| FTG Review | Reward Breakdown | Points Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
Breakdown
Earn (pt.)
Spend
First 3 months
50,000
$4,000
Travel Purchases
2.00
$1
Restaurants Purchases
2.00
$1
Coffee Shops Purchases
2.00
$1
Fast Food Purchases
2.00
$1
Alcohol & Bars Purchases
2.00
$1
All Purchases
1.00
$1
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