business

Chase Ink Business Preferred: How to Maximize the 100,000 Point Bonus

The Chase Ink Business Preferred offers 100,000 points after $8,000 spend. Here's how to approach the spending requirement and maximize value.

The Chase Ink Business Preferred is offering 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points after $8,000 spend in 3 months. That’s one of the highest sign-up bonuses available from any card, but the spending requirement can feel daunting.

Do You Need a “Real” Business?

Let me clear this up: you don’t need an LLC or registered business to apply. Chase accepts sole proprietorships, which includes:

  • Selling items on eBay, Etsy, or Poshmark
  • Freelance work of any kind
  • Driving for Uber or Lyft
  • Tutoring or consulting
  • Reselling or arbitrage
  • Rental income

If you make any money outside your W-2 job, you likely qualify. Use your Social Security Number and your name as the business name.

The $8,000 Spend Strategy

$8,000 in 3 months is about $2,667/month. Here’s how to hit it without overspending:

Prepay expenses:

  • Insurance premiums (auto, home, renters)
  • Utility bills
  • Subscription services (annual plans)

Timing big purchases:

  • Planned electronics or appliances
  • Home improvement projects
  • Travel bookings

Business expenses that earn 3x:

  • Facebook/Instagram/Google ads ($150,000 cap)
  • Internet, cable, and phone services
  • Shipping costs
  • Travel

Gift cards (use carefully):

  • Buy gift cards at office supply stores (which code as office supplies)
  • Only buy what you’ll actually use

The Math

100,000 Ultimate Rewards points are worth:

  • $1,000 as cash back (1 cent each)
  • $1,250 through Chase Travel (with Sapphire Preferred/Reserve)
  • $1,500-$2,000+ via transfer partners

The $95 annual fee is trivial compared to the bonus value.

Maximizing the Card Long-Term

The 3x categories are valuable for ongoing spend:

  • Advertising on social media and search engines: Perfect for small businesses running ads
  • Internet, cable, and phone: Covers your home and business services
  • Travel: Flights, hotels, rental cars
  • Shipping: Great for e-commerce sellers

Combining with Personal Cards

Here’s where it gets good. Ink Business Preferred points transfer to personal Chase cards:

  1. Apply for Ink Business Preferred (100,000 points)
  2. Get Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve
  3. Combine all points in your Sapphire account
  4. Transfer to airlines/hotels or get 25-50% more value through Chase Travel

You can also add Chase Freedom Unlimited for 1.5x on all other spending, then pool everything together.

My Take

The Ink Business Preferred is one of the best cards available, period. Even if you only use it for the sign-up bonus and then sock-drawer it, 100,000 points for $95 is an incredible deal.

If you have any side income, I strongly recommend this card. The spending requirement is high, but with some planning, most people can hit it without manufactured spending.

One more thing: This card is subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule. If you’ve opened 5+ personal cards in the last 24 months, you’ll likely be denied. Business cards from other issuers don’t count toward 5/24.