Choosing the right business credit card can transform how you manage company expenses and unlock significant travel rewards. The best business cards don't just simplify expense tracking—they turn every business purchase into an opportunity to earn valuable points for future travel adventures.
Two standout contenders consistently top our list of premier business credit cards: the American Express Business Gold Card and the Chase Ink Business Preferred Card. Both offer exceptional earning potential, but each has distinct advantages that could make one perfect for your specific business needs.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the card that'll maximize your business spending power.
Quick Comparison Overview
American Express Business Gold Card:
- Annual Fee: $375
- Welcome Bonus: 100,000 points after $15,000 spend in 3 months
- Earning Rate: 4X points on your top 2 spending categories each month
- Spending Cap: $150,000 annually on bonus categories
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Chase Ink Business Preferred Card:
- Annual Fee: $95
- Welcome Bonus: 90,000 points after $8,000 spend in 3 months
- Earning Rate: 3X points on 4 fixed business categories
- Spending Cap: $150,000 annually on bonus categories
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
American Express Business Gold Card: Maximum Flexibility
Welcome Bonus and Annual Fee
The Amex Business Gold currently offers 100,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $15,000 within your first three months. With Membership Rewards points valued at approximately 2 cents each, this bonus is worth roughly $2,000—though savvy redemptions through transfer partners can push that value even higher.
The card carries a $375 annual fee, which increased from $295 in February 2024. While this might seem steep, the enhanced benefits and statement credits help offset this cost significantly.
Earning Structure: Adaptive Rewards
What sets the Business Gold apart is its intelligent earning system. Rather than forcing you into predetermined categories, it automatically awards 4X points on the two categories where your business spends the most each month. This flexibility is invaluable for businesses with evolving spending patterns.
The eligible categories include:
- Purchases at US media providers for advertising
- US software and cloud system providers
- US shipping purchases
- US wireless telephone service
- US gas stations
- US restaurants
Statement Credits and Benefits
To help justify that annual fee, Amex provides substantial statement credits:
Business Expense Credits: Up to $240 annually through monthly statement credits for purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores (up to $20 per month, enrollment required).
Walmart+ Membership: Up to $12.95 monthly statement credit for a Walmart+ membership when you pay with your Business Gold Card.
Additional perks include secondary rental car insurance, baggage insurance, and access to The Hotel Collection for enhanced booking benefits.
Chase Ink Business Preferred: Consistent High Earnings
Welcome Bonus and Value Proposition
The Chase Ink Business Preferred offers 90,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $8,000 in your first three months—a more attainable spending requirement than the Amex offer. When redeemed through the Chase Travel portal, these points are worth $1,125 (at 1.25 cents per point), though transfer partner redemptions can yield even greater value.
With just a $95 annual fee, this card provides exceptional value, especially considering its robust earning potential and comprehensive benefits.
Fixed Categories, Consistent Earnings
The Ink Business Preferred takes a different approach with fixed 3X earning categories that many businesses use regularly:
- Travel: Flights, hotels, rental cars, rideshare, trains
- Shipping: FedEx, UPS, USPS, DHL, courier services
- Internet, Cable & Phone Services: Monthly service bills
- Advertising: Social media and search engine advertising
This structure works brilliantly for businesses with predictable spending in these areas, offering 3X points on up to $150,000 in combined annual spending across all bonus categories.
Chase Ultimate Rewards Advantages
One significant advantage of the Ink Business Preferred is access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem. Ultimate Rewards points can be:
- Transferred 1:1 to partners like United, Southwest, Hyatt, and Marriott
- Combined with points from other Chase cards in your household
- Redeemed through the travel portal at 1.25 cents per point value
- Used for the Pay Yourself Back feature for statement credits
Additional Benefits
The card includes valuable protections like primary rental car insurance, trip interruption coverage, cell phone protection (up to $600 per claim), purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage.
Head-to-Head Analysis
Welcome Bonus Winner: Context Matters
Chase Ink Business Preferred edges ahead for most businesses due to its lower spending requirement ($8,000 vs $15,000) and excellent value proposition. However, if you can easily meet the higher spending threshold, the Amex Business Gold's 100,000-point bonus offers greater total value.
Earning Potential: Depends on Your Spending
For Predictable Business Expenses: If your business regularly spends on travel, shipping, internet services, and advertising, the Chase Ink Business Preferred's fixed 3X categories will consistently deliver excellent returns.
For Variable Business Spending: The Amex Business Gold shines when your spending patterns change monthly. Its adaptive 4X system ensures you're always maximizing rewards on your top expense categories.
Annual Fee Value Calculation
The Chase Ink Business Preferred's $95 fee is easier to justify for most businesses. The Amex Business Gold's $375 fee requires you to actively use the statement credits and spend significantly in bonus categories to break even.
Break-even analysis for Amex Business Gold:
- Annual fee: $375
- Statement credits: Up to $240 (FedEx/Grubhub/Office supplies) + $155 (Walmart+) = $395 potential value
- Net value: +$20 (if you use all credits)
Which Card Should You Choose?
Choose the Chase Ink Business Preferred if you:
- Want a lower annual fee with excellent earning potential
- Spend regularly on travel, shipping, internet services, or advertising
- Prefer the versatility of Chase Ultimate Rewards points
- Want simpler category management
- Are new to business credit cards
Choose the Amex Business Gold if you:
- Can easily meet the $15,000 spending requirement for the welcome bonus
- Have variable monthly spending across different business categories
- Will utilize the FedEx, Grubhub, office supply, and Walmart+ statement credits
- Value Membership Rewards transfer partners
- Want the highest possible earning rate (4X vs 3X)
Strategy for Maximum Value
Consider getting both cards if your business spending supports it. This strategy, known as small business credit card optimization, allows you to:
- Earn both substantial welcome bonuses
- Use the Chase Ink Business Preferred for its fixed 3X categories
- Use the Amex Business Gold for everything else to capture 4X on your top spending areas
- Maximize your total points earning across all business expenses
Pro tip: Start with the Chase Ink Business Preferred if you're choosing just one card. Its lower annual fee and spending requirement make it more accessible, while still providing excellent long-term value.
Transfer Partners: Maximizing Your Points
Both cards offer access to valuable transfer partners, but with different strengths:
Amex Membership Rewards transfers 1:1 to partners including:
- Airlines: ANA, British Airways, Delta, Air France-KLM
- Hotels: Hilton, Marriott Bonvoy, Choice Hotels
Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers 1:1 to partners including:
- Airlines: United, Southwest, British Airways, Air France-KLM
- Hotels: Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG
Both programs offer exceptional redemption opportunities, though Amex transfer partners often provide unique sweet spots for international travel.
Beyond the Basics: Additional Considerations
Business Growth and Scalability
As your business grows, both cards scale well with their $150,000 annual spending caps. However, the Amex Business Gold's adaptive categories may provide better long-term value as your business evolves.
Employee Cards and Management
Both cards offer employee cards at no additional cost, making them excellent for teams. The Amex Business Gold provides more granular spending controls and reporting features through its business management tools.
Credit Building
Both cards help build business credit when used responsibly. The Chase Ink Business Preferred may be easier to obtain for newer businesses due to Chase's relationship-based approach and lower annual fee.
The Bottom Line
The Chase Ink Business Preferred offers the best overall value for most small businesses, combining a manageable annual fee with excellent earning potential and a more attainable welcome bonus spending requirement.
However, the Amex Business Gold can provide superior long-term value for businesses with higher, variable spending that can utilize its adaptive earning structure and statement credits effectively.
Both cards represent excellent choices that can significantly enhance your business's financial strategy. The key is honestly evaluating your spending patterns, growth trajectory, and ability to utilize each card's unique benefits.
Ready to maximize your business spending? Consider starting with the card that best matches your current needs, knowing you can always add the other as your business grows and evolves.
Looking for more business credit strategies? Check out our guide on maximizing business travel rewards and learn about building business credit effectively.
