2-3-4 Ink Bolds for Multiple Biz’s.

Posted by Noob Master on Jul 25, 2012 in business credit cards, Chase Bank, Credit Cards, Miles, Ultimate Rewards, Uncategorized | 10 comments

I lusted after the Ink Bold and I got the Ink Bold. And I liked it. Now I want more than one. Is it possible? Before we find out, let’s review the Ink Bold and its perks.

The Ink Bold is one of the most desirable rewards cards out there. It’s lust worthy because of its 5x points (often more) earning potential. And you are earning the most valuable points in the game with the Ink Bold….Ultimate Rewards Points.

Link: Ink Bold® Business Card with Ultimate Rewards [Imagine me fist bumping you if you do decide to apply]

Ultimate Rewards Points

Ultimate Rewards Points are in high demand because they can be transferred to all the top travel programs at a 1:1 ratio and for $0.00. The travel transfer partners are:

• United
• British Airways
• Southwest
• Korean Air
• Hyatt
• Marriott
• Priority Club
• Ritz Carlton
• Amtrak

Having many transfer options is a great thing when it comes time to book an award ticket. That’s fo real. Another nifty feature of Ultimate Rewards is that they can be transferred between people in the same household, and even though they aren’t technically supposed to, any living breathing individual with an Ultimate Rewards account in the world.

5x Earning Potetenial

I have posted on the 5x earning potential with the Ink Bold many many many times. BUT, it’s a killer value. For starters, if you don’t know you can earn 5x Ultimate Rewards Points per $1 on office supplies, internet, phone services, and cable/satellite services. Love it.

Although this is awesome for businesses/individuals who spend a s!@# load on these services, the real sweet spot is the 5x on office supplies. “But I don’t ever buy office supplies,” you say. Well, you may not buy a $1,000 in paper every month, but you can and should buy $1,000 in Visa gift cards.

Why? Because you will earn 5x points per $1 on all Visa gift cards bought at Office Depot! I like 5x a lot. You can buy these gift cards in increments of $500. I wouldn’t suggest buying more than $1,000 or $2,000 a month. You would then use your Visa gift cards for your everyday purchases. Yuuup. All of a sudden, you are earning 5x points everywhere Visa is accepted. There is only a $4.95 fee per card, so that’s easily worth the 2,500 points would you earn with a $500 gift card.

p.s. buying items through the Ultimate Rewards shopping portal with your Office Depot Visa gift cards can earn you 10x and 15x points per $1!

2x Earning Potential

The ugly step sister of the 5x points per $1 is the 2x. You will get 2x points on gas and travel. Boom. There is still incredible value with the 2x points the Ink Bold generates. If you have employees who drive around burning company cash with the high fuel costs, then you might as well be earning some additional points. Tip: Employee cards are free with the Ink Bold. Nice.

You Don’t Have to Have an EIN or Be Incorporated to Apply for Business Cards

It’s true, it’s usually easier to get a business rewards card, but you DON’T have to be incorporated, or have a Tax ID to apply for a business card. Anyone can apply for a business rewards card as a sole proprietor. Yuuup. All you have to do is have an “explainable” side business. Something where it’s easy for you to say you need to separate spending.

Many people who sell things on Ebay or Craigslist, artists, musicians, babysitters, and consultants have all been able to get business cards.

Business cards are a great way to maximize your miles, so it’s worth your while to figure out a strategy so you can apply for them.

Multiple Ink Bolds for 1 Business

I’ve had a few readers email in and ask me if their significant other or business partner could apply for the Ink Bold under the same business. Yes, Yes, and….Yes. Luke (my biz partner) and I have both had Ink Bolds under the same umbrella.

Also, Jordan and her mom have both Ink Bold’s tied to her music LLC. In fact, Chase targeted Jordan’s mom after Jordan signed up for her Ink Bold. Now, I’m thinking of applying for an Ink Bold with Jordan’s LLC. Technically, I’m a shareholder and have some title of “manager of something”. Just words.

Multiple Ink Bolds for Multiple Businesses

This is really what I wanted to get at today. I was corresponding with one of my readers last week, Rex. Rex is the self proclaimed “favorite reader of the Noobtraveler”. Anyone care to challenge? We were going over his current cards and miles, so I could give him some recommendations on his upcoming app party.

I then remembered our previous convos and how Rex was going to go gangbusters on applying for Ink Bolds. Rex is an entrepreneur and has around 5 businesses. I know a lot of you readers out there are entrepreneurs or wantrepreneurs…so, PAY attention.

Anyway, come to find out, Rex is now the proud holder of 3 Ink Bolds for 3 different businesses! Magical. Gets me all excited. Rex did apply for businesses that do have a tax ID.

He also had to call the Chase Business rewards card hotline at 1-800-453-9719 for each card. This is expected, and is always the case for Chase business cards. I wonder if I can apply for one Ink Bold as a sole proprietor now that I already have one with a tax ID? This would be an interesting data point. Have any of you applied for two Ink Bolds, 1 as a sole p and 1 under a tax ID?

Bottom Line

The Ink Bold is a killer card. Simply put. And it’s definitely possible to get 2 or 3. Heck, maybe 4. I love this because the Ultimate Rewards points earning potential is incredible when you are maximizing the 5x points earning opportunities. I’m trying to find any way to build up my Ultimate Rewards balance now that I have exhausted a lot of my points for first class tickets to Singapore and Croatia (hopefully there will be newer cards to help me generate UR points in the future).

Maximizing business cards is a must for anyone serious about traveling the world for pennies. And sometimes doing it style.

You can apply below for the Ink Bold if you haven’t before, or go after Ink Bold number 2 below. [I do receive a referral for the Ink Bold. If you do decide to apply- imagine a fist bump from me.]

Ink Bold® Business Card

— Noob Master