Chase United Explorer vs Chase Ink Business Cash
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
Chase Ink Business Cash wins 3-1. No-fee small-business card — 5% on office supplies, internet, cable. Chase United Explorer is still the right call if united loyalists — free checked bag + lounge passes..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Chase United Explorer | Chase Ink Business Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $95 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 2% (travel) | 5% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | No FX fee | · 3% |
| Welcome bonus | = 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months | = $350 cash back after $3K spend in 3 months + $400 after $6K total in 6 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | = 700 | = 700 |
| Editorial rating | · 4.2/5 | 4.6/5 |
Benefits compared
Chase United Explorer
- 2x miles on United + dining + hotel stays
- 1x on everything else
- Free first checked bag (saves ~$70/round trip)
- 2 United Club one-time passes annually
- Priority Boarding
Chase Ink Business Cash
- 5% cashback on office supply stores + telecom (up to $25K/year combined)
- 2% at gas stations + restaurants (up to $25K/year combined)
- 1% on everything else
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR for 12 months
FAQ
›Chase United Explorer vs Chase Ink Business Cash: which is better?
Chase Ink Business Cash wins on more dimensions (3 vs 1). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern — see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Chase United Explorer for its best categories, Chase Ink Business Cash for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Chase United Explorer: 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months. Chase Ink Business Cash: $350 cash back after $3K spend in 3 months + $400 after $6K total in 6 months.