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Chase Ink Business Unlimited vs Chase Sapphire Preferred

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Ink Business Unlimited comes from Chase at $0/yr; the Chase Sapphire Preferred from Chase at $95/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 UnlimitedChase Sapphire Preferred
Annual fee$0$95
Sign-up bonus$1,000 bonus cash back75,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$1,000$1,298
Min spend to unlock bonus$8,000 in 4 mo$5,000 in 3 mo
IssuerChaseChase
Card categorybusinesstravel
Best earning category (Other)1.5x1x
Transfer partnerschase-urchase-ur
Headline benefits
  • 1.5% on everything
  • $1,000 SUB ($8k spend in 4 months)
  • No annual fee
  • Converts to UR points
  • 5x on travel booked via Chase
  • 3x on dining & streaming
  • $100 annual hotel credit
  • Transfer to 13 partners (Hyatt 1:1)
Read the full review
Chase Ink Business Unlimited
$0/yr · $1,000 bonus cash back
Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Preferred
$95/yr · 75,000 points

Editorial take: Chase Ink Business Unlimited

The business version of Freedom Unlimited. Flat 1.5% on every business expense with no annual fee, perfect catch-all for anything that doesn't fit a bonus category. Note: Current public offer is $1,000 cash back after $8,000 spend in 4 months, which Chase labels its best offer ever (issuer-verified 2026-07-18).

Editorial take: Chase Sapphire Preferred

The best starter travel card, period. Transferable points, solid bonus categories, and a low annual fee make this the card we recommend to almost everyone getting into the points game. Note: the 10% anniversary points bonus sunsets October 1, 2026.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Ink Business Unlimited or Chase Sapphire Preferred?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has the bigger bonus, 75,000 points, worth roughly $1,298, versus $1,000 bonus cash back (~$1,000) on the Chase Ink Business Unlimited.
Is the Chase Ink Business Unlimited's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
The Chase Ink Business Unlimited has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Chase Sapphire Preferred's $95 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Chase Sapphire Preferred's benefits to clear $95 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Chase Ink Business Unlimited.
Can I have both the Chase Ink Business Unlimited and Chase Sapphire Preferred?
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 Unlimited or the Chase Sapphire Preferred first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Ink Business Unlimited: $8,000 spend in 4 months. Chase Sapphire Preferred: $5,000 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.