Capital One Platinum vs Ink Business Cash: Which Is Better In 2026?

Ink Business Cash® Breakdown

‍

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "1099", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Small Business Owners", "headerHint" : "Maximize Cash Back" } ]]

‍

Why We Like It

‍

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

‍

• It offers exceptional cash-back rewards on common business expenses like office supplies and telecommunications services.
• It's a great choice for business owners who want to earn rewards and issue employee cards without paying an annual fee.
• The card includes a suite of business-friendly benefits like purchase protection and rental car coverage.

‍

‍

Pros

‍

• Features a straightforward rewards structure with high earning potential in common business spending categories.
• Allows business owners to issue employee cards with customizable spending limits at no additional cost.
• A cost-effective choice that includes valuable purchase protections and auto rental coverage for business use.

‍

Cons

‍

• The card’s high-earning bonus categories are subject to annual spending limits.
• It includes foreign transaction fees, making it less than ideal for purchases made outside the U.S.
• Maximizing reward value requires pairing the card with a premium Chase travel card to unlock point transfers to travel partners.

Ink Business Cash® vs Capital One Platinum

‍

Categories

‍

Deciding which is better, Capital One Platinum or Ink Business Cash®, comes down to your primary financial goal. Each card serves a distinct purpose, catering to very different types of users.

‍

• Capital One Platinum is designed as a straightforward tool for individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit history through responsible use.
• Ink Business Cash® is best for small business owners who want to earn rewards on common business expenses like office supplies and telecommunication services.

‍

Redemption

‍

Capital One Platinum: As a card designed for building credit, it does not offer a rewards program, so there are no points or cash back to redeem. Its primary benefit comes from establishing a positive payment history through responsible use.

‍

Ink Business Cash®: This card earns cash back that can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, or travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. You have flexible options for how you want to use the rewards your business earns.

‍

Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

‍

To eliminate the guesswork, you can use a tool like Kudos, which helps you compare thousands of cards and find the best one based on your unique spending habits.

‍

• Test drive credit cards: Simulate your potential earnings with a new card using your actual spending data before you apply.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better public welcome offer for a card you got through Kudos within three months, Kudos will match it.
• Detailed approval odds: Get a comprehensive analysis of your chances of being approved for a card based on your credit report.
• Kudos Boost: Earn extra rewards on top of your regular credit card rewards when you shop at participating stores.
• Personalized matching: Receive card recommendations that are matched to your spending history to maximize your earnings.

Who Should Choose the Capital One Platinum?

‍

The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is an ideal starting point for individuals with fair credit scores or those who are just beginning their credit journey. It's specifically designed as a straightforward tool for people looking to establish a credit history for the first time or rebuild their credit after past financial difficulties. With no annual fee and features like automatic credit line reviews, it serves as a practical, no-frills option for anyone focused purely on improving their credit health.

Who Should Choose the Ink Business Cash®?

‍

The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is ideally suited for small business owners, freelancers, and sole proprietorships looking to maximize rewards without an annual fee. It's particularly valuable for those with significant spending in categories like office supplies, internet, cable, and phone services. Businesses that prefer simple cash back rewards and need the flexibility of issuing employee cards at no additional cost will find this card to be a strong contender.

Alternatives to Consider

‍

If our Capital One Platinum vs Ink Business Cash comparison has you feeling like neither card is the right fit, don't worry. We've rounded up a few other excellent options that might be a better match for your needs.

‍

[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["509", "118"], "bestCategoryIds":["17", "18", "19"], "bestForTexts":["Exceptional Value", "Generous Travel Rewards"]} ]]

‍

_{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.}

‍

Tips for Application Success

‍

Before You Apply

‍

• Check your credit score to ensure it aligns with the card's requirements, which can range from fair to excellent.
• Plan your spending to comfortably meet any welcome offer requirements without overspending.
• Research the rewards program to confirm it matches your goals, whether it's for cash back, travel, or credit building.

‍

Application Strategy

‍

• Assess your business eligibility since some cards are intended only for business owners.
• Apply for cards that fit your credit profile, as requirements range from fair to excellent.
• Use pre-approval tools when available to gauge your odds without impacting your credit score.

Our Methodology

‍

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.

‍

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

‍

What credit score do I need for the Capital One Platinum vs. the Ink Business Cash?

‍

The Capital One Platinum is designed for those with fair or average credit, while the Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card generally requires a good to excellent credit score. Your approval odds depend on your overall financial profile, not just your credit score.

‍

Can I apply for the Ink Business Cash card if I don't have a registered business?

‍

Yes, you can often qualify for business cards like the Ink Business Cash even as a sole proprietor using your Social Security Number. Many side hustles, freelance work, or gig economy jobs can count as a business for application purposes.

‍

Which card is better for building credit history?

‍

The Capital One Platinum is specifically marketed toward individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit history. While any responsibly used credit card can help build credit, the Platinum card's accessibility for those with average credit makes it a strong choice for this purpose.

‍

‍