Ink Business Unlimited vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited: A Clash of Business and Personal Cash-Back Options

Chase provides a comprehensive range of rewards credit cards, including the Sapphire and Freedom families for consumers, as well as the Ink Business line for entrepreneurs. However, there is some overlap in the earning structures and perks offered by these cards.

Take, for instance, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card. Both cards provide at least 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making them fantastic options with no annual fee for everyday spending that doesn't fit into other bonus categories.

If you’re thinking about applying for either of these cards, ensure you comply with Chase's 5/24 rule and confirm your eligibility for a business card.

Let’s delve deeper into each card's offerings to determine which one holds greater value.

Comparing Ink Business Unlimited and Chase Freedom Unlimited

Welcome Bonuses: Ink Business Unlimited vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited

Currently, new cardholders of the Ink Business Unlimited can earn $900 cash back by spending $6,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening their account.

In contrast, new Freedom Unlimited cardholders can earn an extra 1.5% cash back on all purchases (up to $20,000 spent in the first year), which translates to a maximum of $300 cash back.

Winner: Ink Business Unlimited. Its welcome bonus offers greater value.

Benefits of Ink Business Unlimited vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited

The Ink Business Unlimited, as expected, doesn’t provide as many benefits as other cards with higher annual fees. Notably, it lacks cellphone protection and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.

However, you will benefit from purchase protection, an auto rental collision damage waiver, a one-year warranty extension on select items, and employee cards at no extra cost.

The Freedom Unlimited provides valuable benefits such as rental car protection, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, roadside dispatch, extended warranty coverage, and purchase protection. If you don’t have another card with more extensive benefits, the Freedom Unlimited offers good protection for a no-annual-fee card.

Winner: Freedom Unlimited. With its trip cancellation and interruption insurance, it surpasses the Ink Business Unlimited.

Cash Back Earning Potential: Ink Business Unlimited vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited

The Ink Business Unlimited offers 5% cash back on Lyft rides until March 2025, along with a straightforward 1.5% cash back on all other purchases, without the hassle of rotating or bonus categories.

The Freedom Unlimited provides 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3% on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services), 3% at drugstores, and 1.5% on all other purchases.

Winner: Freedom Unlimited. Its earning potential is higher due to its bonus categories in addition to the 1.5% cash back on non-bonus purchases.

Cash Back Redemption: Ink Business Unlimited vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited

Rewards earned from both Chase cards can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, travel, or for products and services available through Chase's rewards program. If you choose to redeem for cash back, you can receive it as a statement credit, a mailed check, or via electronic deposit.

While none of these options are as rewarding as converting your cash back into Chase points (more details in the next section), they are still effective. If you prefer simplicity, I suggest redeeming your rewards for cash back instead of the other available options.

Winner: Tie. Both cards provide identical redemption options.

Cash Back Transfer: Ink Business Unlimited vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited

By transferring your earned rewards from either card to a premium Ultimate Rewards personal or business card, such as the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, or Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you can enhance your redemption rate to an effective return of at least 3%, according to TPG's October 2024 valuations.

Once the points are transferred to an Ultimate Rewards account, you can follow in the footsteps of TPG credit cards editor Emily Thompson and redeem them with valuable airline and hotel partners.

Alternatively, you can book travel directly through Chase Travel, enjoying a fixed value of 1.5 cents per point with the Chase Sapphire Reserve or 1.25 cents with the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred.

If you're open to putting in a little extra effort and have the appropriate card, I suggest transferring your rewards from Freedom Unlimited or Ink Business Unlimited to an Ultimate Rewards-earning account.

Winner: Tie. The available options are the same for both cards.

Should I choose the Ink Business Unlimited or the Chase Freedom Unlimited?

In general, the Freedom Unlimited is the superior option for most people due to its more favorable earnings structure and excellent benefits. However, if you're in the market for an entry-level business card, the Ink Business Unlimited is worth considering. Earning a flat 1.5% back on all purchases (excluding Lyft until 2025) is still a solid deal.

Conclusion

It's advisable to have a card that allows you to earn bonus rewards on everyday expenses that don’t fit into specific bonus categories. Both of these cards fulfill that requirement.

If you already possess Chase Ultimate Rewards credit cards, combining them with either the Freedom Unlimited or Ink Business Unlimited is a smart way to maximize your earned rewards. Both novices and seasoned users can leverage either card for enhanced value.

For more details, check out our comprehensive reviews of the Ink Business Unlimited and Chase Freedom Unlimited.