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If I had to name the single biggest secret to traveling on points — it’s business cards.

Not because they earn differently (though some do). But because they let you apply for more cards, earn more welcome bonuses, and build your points stash faster than personal cards alone ever could. And the best part? You probably already qualify for one without even knowing it.

Let me show you how.

Do You Actually Need a Business to Have a Business Card?

Yes — but your definition of “business” is probably a lot narrower than the bank’s.

You don’t need an LLC. Or employees. Or an actual storefront or a business bank account or even a business name.

If you do any of the following, you likely qualify as a sole proprietor:

• Sell anything online (Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, eBay, etc)
• Drive for Uber, Lyft, or DoorDash
• Freelance in any capacity — writing, design, photography, consulting
• Tutor, teach, or coach anything
• Do hair, nails, makeup, or any beauty services on the side
• Bake, sew, or make anything and sell it
• Do handyman work, lawn care, cleaning, or home services
• Own a rental property
• Babysit or do childcare

If any of those sound like you, even occasionally, even just a little bit, you have a business.

Why Business Cards Are A Big Deal

Before we get into the application, here’s why this matters:

They don’t count toward Chase 5/24

Chase has an unofficial rule that limits approvals if you’ve opened 5 or more personal credit cards in the last 24 months. Business cards (well, almost all of them) don’t count toward that number, meaning you can keep opening business cards without slowing down your personal card strategy.

They don’t affect your personal credit history

Business cards typically don’t show up on your personal credit report (except for the initial hard pull when you apply). So if you close a business card later, it doesn’t impact your personal credit score or account history.

They give you access to some of the best welcome bonuses available

Business cards will often have some great elevated sign up bonuses. Of course they often have a higher spending requirement.  But you can earn some serious points.

The Ink + Sapphire Magic: This is Important

Okay, listen up. Here’s something important:

The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card and Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card technically earn cash back, not points. But when you hold a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® in your account at the same time, you can convert that cash back into fully transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

That means your Ink card cash back suddenly has access to Hyatt, United, Southwest, Flying Blue, and every other Chase transfer partner.

(Remember that new applicants of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card transfer to Hyatt at a 4:3 ratio and for existing Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card cardholders on October 1, 2026) Read more about those changes here

Without a Sapphire card: your Ink rewards are worth 1 cent per point toward cash back.

With a Sapphire card: those same rewards can be worth 2 cents per point or more when transferred to the right partner.

That’s why I always recommend getting the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card first, then stacking an Ink card on top.

How To Fill Out a Business Card Application

This is where people get nervous. Don’t be! Here’s exactly what to put:

• Legal Name of Business: Your full name (Jane Doe)
• Business Name on Card: Your full name (Jane Doe)
• Business Mailing Address: Your home address
• Type of Business: Sole Proprietor
• Tax ID: Your EIN if you have one — or your Social Security Number if you don’t
• Business Category: Choose the one that best describes what you do
• Number of Employees: 0
• Annual Business Revenue: Your best estimate based on what you’ve earned or realistically could earn. Estimate a typical month and multiply by 12.
• Years in Business: How long you’ve been doing this — even without revenue. The years count.
• Authorizing Officer: Owner
• Gross Annual Income: Your total personal income for the year

That’s it! Fill it out honestly and don’t overthink it!

My Favorite Business Cards Right Now

Business cards give you more options of cards you can qualify for. They also don’t impact your personal credit (except the hard pull when you apply) when you cancel a card. Business cards won’t impact your long-term credit history.

Business cards are so essential because they don’t count towards 5/24 (remember: unofficial number of personal credit cards that Chase bank will allow you to open in 24 months).

My Favorite Business Cards Right Now

Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: Perfect if you want a straightforward 1.5x rewards card with no annual fee and flexible cash back. Great first business card. Pair with a Sapphire card to unlock transferable points. 

Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: 5% back on office supplies, internet, cable and phone. 2% at gas and restaurants. No annual fee. Also pairs with the Sapphire for transferable points.

Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Ideal for travelers who want to maximize points with higher earnings on travel and business expenses and enjoy robust travel protections. You can access Chase’s travel partners with this card, which I highly recommend!

Referral Link. All information about the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has been collected independently by Amber on Points. The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is no longer available through Amber On Points.

Ready For Your Next Card?

Capital One Venture X Business: This gives all the benefits of one of my FAVORITE cards, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, but in business form. You’ll love the Priority Pass lounge access and guaranteed 2x points on all purchases. I wouldn’t recommend this card unless you have HUGE spending coming up – think home renovation, property taxes, medical expenses, etc.

Capital One Venture Business: The “little brother” to the premium version. You still get 2x on all purchases and access to Capital One’s transfer partners – just minus the premium perks! (If you want help comparing the premium version to the lower annual fee card – you can compare the personal versions of these cards here.)

Ready To Apply?

I really think the best time to apply for a business card is after you already have a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card in your wallet — that way your Ink points are immediately transferable and you’re building toward a combined stash you can actually use for travel.

Any questions? I’m happy to help you figure out if you qualify and which card makes the most sense for where you are in your points journey.

-Team Amber On Points

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