Maximize Travel Rewards: Why You Should Consider Two Chase Cards

The introduction of the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ has enriched Chase’s offerings for business credit cards. While this card boasts impressive earning rates and a variety of travel and business statement credits, it comes with a substantial annual fee of $795. If you’re contemplating whether this card is a good fit for your financial strategy, especially if you already have the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, which has a much more manageable $95 annual fee, you might want to consider the benefits of holding both cards.

Let’s delve into why maintaining both the Sapphire Reserve for Business and the Ink Business Preferred could be a strategic move for maximizing your travel rewards.

One of the fastest ways to accumulate travel rewards is by taking advantage of generous welcome bonuses offered by new credit cards. The current welcome offer for the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business is a staggering 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 within the first six months. On the other hand, the Ink Business Preferred offers 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first three months. Together, these bonuses can yield nearly 300,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be a game-changer for booking business-class flights or other travel experiences when transferred to airline partners.

Combining points from both cards can further enhance their value. For instance, Ink Business Preferred cardholders can redeem their points for up to 1.75 cents each through the Chase Travel℠ portal. However, as a Sapphire Reserve for Business cardholder, you can redeem your points for up to 2 cents each using Points Boost, maximizing the value of your rewards.

While the Ink Business Preferred provides a credit limit that dictates your monthly spending capacity, the Sapphire Reserve for Business offers a revolving credit limit and flexible payment options. This feature is particularly advantageous for those times when your credit limit on the Ink Business Preferred may fall short. The Flex for Business option allows you to make larger purchases and pay over time with interest, providing essential flexibility for your business expenses.

When it comes to earning points, the Sapphire Reserve for Business focuses primarily on travel-related purchases. In contrast, the Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent annually across a broad range of categories, including travel, shipping, and advertising. This structure allows you to optimize your spending: consider using the Ink Business Preferred for social media and search engine advertising until you hit the annual cap, while reserving the Sapphire Reserve for Business for flights and hotels, which earn 8 and 4 points per dollar, respectively, when booked through the portal.

The synergy between these two cards allows for strategic spending, ensuring that you earn bonus points across various categories. However, it’s important to consider the overall cost of holding both cards, as the combined annual fees can be significant. The Sapphire Reserve for Business’s high fee may not justify the additional $95 for the Ink Business Preferred unless you are fully utilizing the benefits and rewards of both cards.

Ultimately, having both Chase business credit cards can enhance your access to credit and improve cash flow management. The Ink Business Preferred can help you maximize earnings on general travel, shipping, and advertising, while the Sapphire Reserve for Business can serve as your primary travel rewards card, allowing you to capitalize on travel-related statement credits and higher earning rates on flights and hotels.

For those looking to elevate their travel rewards strategy, the combination of the Ink Business Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business presents a compelling opportunity. To explore more about the benefits and features of these cards, check out our detailed reviews on the Ink Business Preferred and the Sapphire Reserve for Business.

Ready to boost your travel rewards? Apply for the Ink Business Preferred or the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business today!