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Side-by-side

Chase Ink Business Cash vs United Explorer Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Ink Business Cash comes from Chase at $0/yr; the United Explorer Card from Chase at $150/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.

FeatureChase Ink Business CashUnited Explorer Card
Annual fee$0$150
Sign-up bonus$1,000 bonus cash back50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus
Bonus value (est.)$1,000$1,040
Min spend to unlock bonus$8,000 in 4 mo$3,000 in 3 mo
IssuerChaseChase
Card categorybusinessairline
Best earning category (Office)5x1x
Transfer partnerschase-urNone
Headline benefits
  • 5% office + internet/phone
  • $1,000 SUB ($8k spend in 4 months)
  • No annual fee
  • Converts to UR points
  • Free checked bag
  • 2 United Club passes/year
  • Priority boarding
  • 25% back on inflight purchases
Read the full review
Chase Ink Business Cash
$0/yr · $1,000 bonus cash back
Read the full review
United Explorer Card
$150/yr · 50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus

Editorial take: Chase Ink Business Cash

Highest-earning no-fee business card. 5% on internet, phone, and office supplies covers most small-business overhead. Note: Current public offer is $1,000 cash back after $8,000 spend in 4 months, which Chase presents as its best offer ever (issuer-verified 2026-07-16).

Editorial take: United Explorer Card

Solid for United flyers. The free checked bag and 2 United Club passes per year add up, and the 50k + 10k AU bonus is a great starting point for domestic award flights. $0 intro annual fee, then $150.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Ink Business Cash or United Explorer Card?
The United Explorer Card has the bigger bonus, 50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus, worth roughly $1,040, versus $1,000 bonus cash back (~$1,000) on the Chase Ink Business Cash.
Is the Chase Ink Business Cash's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the United Explorer Card?
The Chase Ink Business Cash has no annual fee, so the question is whether the United Explorer Card's $150 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the United Explorer Card's benefits to clear $150 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Chase Ink Business Cash.
Can I have both the Chase Ink Business Cash and United Explorer Card?
Yes, though both are issued by Chase so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
Should I get the Chase Ink Business Cash or the United Explorer Card first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Ink Business Cash: $8,000 spend in 4 months. United Explorer Card: $3,000 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.