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Zeni's 1.75% Cashback Debit Card vs. Chase's $900 Credit Card Bonus: Which Should You Pick?
July 1, 2025
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Zeni.ai just shook up the business banking world. They've launched the first AI-powered business debit card, Zeni.ai Business Debit Card, that actually earns decent rewards—1.75% cashback on everything. That's pretty unusual for a debit card.
But here's the real question: should you ditch your business credit cards for this? Let's break it down.
What Makes the Zeni Card Different
Most business debit cards offer zero rewards. Zeni's giving you 1.75% back on every purchase, plus their card connects directly to an AI bookkeeping system that automatically categorizes transactions, matches receipts, and keeps your books organized in real-time.
The highlights:
- 1.75% unlimited cashback
- Instant virtual cards—no waiting for plastic
- AI automatically categorizes and reconciles every transaction
- Real-time spending controls by team member or department
- No credit check needed
- Saves up to 70 hours per month on bookkeeping
Think of it as a payment card and accounting system rolled into one. Every time you swipe, the AI is already handling the bookkeeping grunt work.
Debit Card vs. Credit Card: What's the Better Deal?
Why you might want Zeni's debit card:
- You're avoiding debt entirely
- You don't have established business credit
- You need built-in bookkeeping automation
- You want instant, real-time visibility into spending
- You're already using Zeni for accounting
Why business credit cards still win for many:
- Higher rewards rates (up to 5% in bonus categories)
- Welcome bonuses worth hundreds or thousands of dollars
- Extended payment terms help with cash flow
- Build business credit history
- Purchase protections and travel perks
Other Cards Worth Considering
- The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express (See Rates & Fees) – 2% back on everything up to $50k per year, then 1%. No annual fee. If you want higher flat-rate rewards than Zeni or Ink Unlimited, this is it.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "259", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Small Business Owners", "headerHint" : "Simple 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.”
- Capital One Spark Cash – Unlimited 2% back on everything, but there's a $95 annual fee. You'd need to spend at least $6,000 annually to break even versus a 1.5% no-fee card.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "10874", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Business Owners", "headerHint": "0 Intro Annual Fee"} ]]
- Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card – Choose a category for 3% back (up to $50k annually), 2% on gas and restaurants. No annual fee and a $300 welcome bonus.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "191", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Business Owners", "headerHint": "1% Everywhere"} ]]
- American Express® Business Gold Card (See Rates & Fees) – 4X points on your top two spending categories each month. $375 annual fee. Great if you have concentrated spending in categories like advertising or shipping.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "111", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Business Owners", "headerHint" : "Versatile Business Tool" } ]]
“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.”
Who Should Get the Zeni Card?
The Zeni card makes sense if you:
- Don't qualify for business credit cards yet
- Prefer to avoid any credit card debt
- Need serious bookkeeping automation built in
- Want real-time spending visibility across your team
- Are already using Zeni's platform
Who Should Stick with Credit Cards?
Business credit cards are better if you:
- Have good credit and can qualify
- Pay your balance in full every month
- Want to build business credit history
- Spend heavily in bonus categories like travel or office supplies
- Value those sweet welcome bonuses (like that $900 from Chase)
The Smart Play: Use Both
Savvy business owners use credit cards for planned expenses in high-reward categories and grab those welcome bonuses. Then they use a debit card like Zeni's for everyday spending, where they want instant visibility and automatic reconciliation.
It's not either/or. It's both.
Bottom Line
Zeni's 1.75% cashback debit card is genuinely innovative, especially with that built-in AI bookkeeping. It's perfect for startups, businesses avoiding debt, or anyone who values automated financial management.
But business credit cards—especially those Chase Ink cards with $900 welcome bonuses and up to 5% back in categories—still offer more rewards potential for most businesses. The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card at 5% on internet and phone services alone is tough to beat. The right choice depends on your situation. Need to avoid credit? Go with Zeni. Have good credit and want maximum rewards? Grab an Ink card. Want both benefits? Get both.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "1099", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Small Business Owners", "headerHint" : "Maximize Cash Back" } ]]
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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