Amex Business Gold vs Ink Business Unlimited: Which Is Better In 2026?

Ink Business Unlimited® Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a closer look at why we’re fans of the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card.

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• It offers a simple rewards structure that applies to every business purchase, removing the need to track spending categories.
• Cardholders can access a range of valuable business benefits and protections without paying an annual fee.
• You can issue employee cards at no additional cost, making it easier to manage team spending.

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Pros

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• Offers a valuable welcome bonus to new cardmembers.
• Includes key business protections like an auto rental damage waiver and cell phone coverage.
• Points can be pooled with other premium Chase cards to unlock greater redemption value.

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Cons

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• It’s subject to certain application restrictions that can make it difficult to get approved.
• It charges foreign transaction fees, making it less than ideal for purchases outside the U.S.
• To unlock the full potential of your rewards, you’ll need to pair it with a premium Chase card.

Ink Business Unlimited® vs American Express® Business Gold Card

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Categories

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When deciding which is better, Amex Business Gold or Ink Business Unlimited, it's crucial to look at what each card is designed for. Both serve business owners, but they excel in different areas.

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• American Express® Business Gold Card: This card is a versatile business tool best suited for growing companies with variable monthly expenses, as it excels at rewarding businesses for spending in their top categories.
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: Best for business owners who prefer straightforward, flat-rate rewards on every purchase, this card is an excellent option for those who want simplicity without tracking spending categories.

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Redemption

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American Express® Business Gold Card: Cardholders can redeem points with great flexibility, transferring them to airline and hotel partners or using them for travel, gift cards, and statement credits through the issuer's portal.

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Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: This card offers straightforward redemption options, allowing you to redeem your rewards for cash back, gift cards, or travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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Kudos is a financial companion that helps you compare nearly 3,000 credit cards to find the best one for your spending habits.

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• Test drive credit cards: Simulate your potential earnings with any card using your real spending data before you apply.
• Approval odds analysis: Receive a detailed analysis of your approval chances based on your credit report.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better public offer for a card within three months of approval, Kudos will match it.
• Kudos Kickstart+ Rewards: Unlock $100 in rewards by adding select approved cards to your Kudos Wallet.
• Personalized matching: Get data-driven card recommendations based on your actual transaction history.

Who Should Choose the American Express® Business Gold Card?

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The American Express® Business Gold Card is an excellent choice for growing companies with significant business spending, particularly those with over $50,000 in annual expenses. It's best suited for businesses whose monthly costs are variable, allowing them to capitalize on a rewards structure that adapts to their spending patterns. This card automatically rewards your top two spending categories with 4X Membership Rewards® points, making it ideal for entrepreneurs who want to maximize returns without being locked into fixed bonus categories (Terms Apply).

Who Should Choose the Ink Business Unlimited®?

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The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is an excellent choice for sole proprietors, freelancers, and small business owners who prioritize simplicity and value. It's particularly well-suited for businesses with varied spending that doesn't fall neatly into specific bonus categories, as it offers a straightforward, flat-rate cash back on all purchases. Ultimately, this card is ideal for entrepreneurs who want a no-annual-fee option to easily separate business expenses and earn consistent rewards without the hassle of tracking spending.

Alternatives to Consider

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So, you've reviewed the Amex Business Gold vs. Ink Business Unlimited comparison and decided neither card is for you. Let's take a look at a few other business cards that might be a better match.

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_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

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Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score. Most business cards, like the Ink Business Unlimited®, require a good to excellent credit history.
• Plan your spending. Ensure you can meet the welcome offer's spending requirement through your normal business expenses.
• Review issuer rules. Be aware of application guidelines, such as Chase's 5/24 rule, before submitting your application.

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Application Strategy

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• Time your application strategically.Align your application with a large upcoming business expense to meet spending requirements naturally.
• Use a trusted platform.Applying through a reputable source can help you find the best available Welcome Offer.
• Know when to decline.Some issuers may allow you to see your offer before accepting, letting you decline without a hard inquiry.

Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Which card is better for a business with unpredictable spending?

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The Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is often a better fit for unpredictable spending due to its simple, flat-rate cash back on all purchases. The American Express® Business Gold Card provides more value if your expenses consistently align with its specific bonus categories.

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What are the annual fees for the Amex Business Gold and Ink Business Unlimited?

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The American Express® Business Gold Card has a significant annual fee, which covers its premium benefits and higher earning potential in select categories. In contrast, the Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is a popular choice for its typical lack of an annual fee.

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Can I have both the Amex Business Gold and the Ink Business Unlimited cards?

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Yes, many business owners hold both cards to maximize their rewards strategy across different types of expenses. This allows you to use the Amex Business Gold for its bonus categories and the Ink Business Unlimited for all other general business spending.

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