If you’re a business owner or frequent traveler looking for a rewards credit card, you’ve likely come across the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Both cards earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points, but they have distinct features and benefits that cater to different needs. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into the details of each card, helping you determine which one aligns better with your spending habits and travel goals.
Earning Potential
The Ink Business Preferred card offers 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent annually on travel, shipping purchases, internet, cable and phone services, and advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines. All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar. Additionally, the card currently offers a welcome bonus of 100,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first three months from account opening.
On the other hand, the Chase Sapphire Reserve has a more diverse earning structure. It offers 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel, 10 points per dollar on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025), 10 points per dollar on eligible Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025, up to 50,000 points), 5 points per dollar on flights booked through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar on other travel and dining worldwide, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. The current welcome bonus for the Chase Sapphire Reserve is 75,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
While the earning structures differ, both cards offer excellent value for travel and business-related expenses. The Ink Business Preferred card is a better choice for those who spend heavily on advertising, shipping, and other business services, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve caters more to frequent travelers who prioritize hotel stays, car rentals, and dining.
Redemption Options
One of the key advantages of Chase Ultimate Rewards points is their flexibility and valuable transfer partners. With both cards, you can redeem points for travel through the Chase Travel portal, transfer them to airline and hotel partners, or use them for cash back, gift cards, and other purchases.
When redeeming points for travel through the Chase Travel portal, the Ink Business Preferred card offers a 25% redemption bonus, essentially valuing each point at 1.25 cents. The Chase Sapphire Reserve takes this a step further with a 50% redemption bonus, valuing each point at 1.5 cents when redeemed for travel.
Transferring points to airline and hotel partners can potentially yield even greater value, especially for premium cabin flights or luxury hotel stays. Chase’s transfer partners include United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, British Airways, Air France/KLM, Hyatt Hotels, Marriott Bonvoy, and more.
Travel Benefits and Protections
While both cards offer valuable travel protections like trip cancellation/interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and primary auto rental collision damage waiver coverage, the Chase Sapphire Reserve takes the lead with its premium travel perks.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve provides a $300 annual travel credit, which can be used for various travel purchases ranging from flights and hotels to parking and rideshares. Additionally, cardholders receive complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, granting access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
Other benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve include a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit (up to $100 every four years), emergency medical and dental coverage, emergency evacuation coverage, and a host of shopping protections like extended warranty and return protection.
The Ink Business Preferred card, while lacking lounge access and travel credits, offers valuable benefits for business owners, such as cell phone protection, primary rental car coverage for business rentals, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage.
READ ALSO: A Comprehensive Review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card in 2024
Annual Fees and Authorized User Policies
The Ink Business Preferred card carries a reasonable $95 annual fee, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s annual fee is $550. However, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offsets a significant portion of its annual fee with the $300 annual travel credit.
For businesses that need to add authorized users, the Ink Business Preferred card allows unlimited employee cards at no additional cost. The Chase Sapphire Reserve, on the other hand, charges $75 per year for each authorized user added to the account.
Conclusion
Both the Ink Business Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve are exceptional credit cards, offering valuable Ultimate Rewards points and a range of benefits tailored to their respective target audiences.
The Ink Business Preferred card is an excellent choice for business owners who prioritize earning rewards on common business expenses like advertising, shipping, and telecommunication services. Its lower annual fee and employee card options make it a cost-effective solution for businesses.
On the other hand, the Chase Sapphire Reserve caters to frequent travelers seeking premium perks like lounge access, travel credits, and enhanced travel protections. While it carries a higher annual fee, the credits and benefits can easily offset the cost for those who utilize them fully.
Ultimately, the decision between these two cards should be based on your spending patterns, travel frequency, and the benefits that align most closely with your needs. For those who can maximize both cards, holding both can be a powerful combination, allowing you to earn and redeem Ultimate Rewards points in the most valuable way possible.
READ ALSO: Chase Ink Business Preferred Card Review 2024: A Powerhouse for Business Rewards
FAQs
Can I hold both the Ink Business Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve cards?
Yes, you can hold both cards simultaneously, allowing you to take advantage of the earning and redemption capabilities of each card. However, keep in mind Chase’s 5/24 rule, which restricts approval for new Chase cards if you’ve opened five or more credit card accounts (from any issuer) in the past 24 months.
How do I transfer Ultimate Rewards points between cards?
If you hold multiple Chase Ultimate Rewards-earning cards, you can easily transfer points between them. Simply log into your Chase account, navigate to the Ultimate Rewards portal, and follow the prompts to move points from one card to another.
Can I use the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s travel credit for any purchase?
No, the $300 annual travel credit can only be applied to purchases classified as “travel” by Chase. This includes airfare, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more. However, the credit does not cover purchases like inflight meals or baggage fees.
Does the Ink Business Preferred offer any statement credits?
Unlike the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Ink Business Preferred does not provide any annual statement credits. However, it does offer valuable benefits like cell phone protection and purchase protection, which can save you money in the long run.
Can I use the Priority Pass lounge access from the Chase Sapphire Reserve for guests?
Yes, the Priority Pass Select membership provided by the Chase Sapphire Reserve allows complimentary access for the primary cardholder and two guests. Additional guests can enter for a fee of $27 per person.
In another related article, Chase Ink Business Premier Card Review – A Premium Cash Back Card for Big Spenders
