When you’re launching a new business, you’re juggling a dozen different roles at once. You’re the CEO, the marketing department, the head of sales, and the bookkeeper, all rolled into one.
The last thing you have time for is sifting through hundreds of business credit card offers to figure out which one is right for you.
You know you need a business card to separate your expenses and look professional, but the endless options can be paralyzing.
What if you could skip the guesswork and start with a pre-designed, perfect “starter pack” of cards that cover all your bases from day one?
That’s exactly what this guide is for. I’m going to share my simple, effective, and—best of all—completely free 3-card system that will help any new business owner master their expenses and maximize their rewards from the very beginning.
This is the foundational setup for earning on your business spending. It’s a simple system designed to be powerful, profitable, and cost you nothing in annual fees.
Why Three Cards? The ‘Specialist’ Strategy
The core of this strategy is simple: instead of having one card that’s just “okay” at everything, you use a few “specialist” cards. Each card is the best at what it does, and together they form a system that earns you a much higher return than any single card could. And because every card in this starter pack has no annual fee, it’s a pure-profit strategy for your new business.
The Starter Pack Revealed
Here are the three cards that form the perfect foundation for a new business.
1. The Workhorse: Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
- Its Role: This is your “catch-all” card. You will use it for any and all business purchases that do not fall into a bonus category on your other cards.
- Why It’s Essential: The Ink Business Unlimited® earns a high, flat 1.5% cash back (or 1.5x points) on every single purchase, no matter the category. This ensures you’re getting a solid, reliable return on all your miscellaneous spending, from shipping costs to software subscriptions. It also frequently comes with a great welcome bonus and a 0% intro APR period, which is a huge benefit for a new business needing to make initial investments.
2. The Specialist (Core Costs): Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
- Its Role: This is your high-earning specialist for the most common business overhead costs.
- Why It’s Essential: The Ink Business Cash® is legendary for one reason: it earns an incredible 5% cash back (or 5x points) on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases each year on internet, cable, and phone services, and at office supply stores. Paying these essential bills with this card is one of the easiest ways to generate a massive return. Plus, you can buy gift cards for other retailers (like Amazon, gas stations, or coffee shops) at office supply stores to earn 5% back on those purchases, too.
3. The Specialist (Variable Costs): U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards Mastercard®
- Its Role: This card fills in the gaps for the common variable expenses that many businesses have: travel and dining.
- Why It’s Essential: This card offers 3% cash back in four key categories: gas stations, EV charging stations, office supply stores, and restaurants. For any business that involves driving to meet clients or taking them out for meals, this card provides a fantastic return on those everyday costs.
Jordan’s Insight: When I started my first side hustle, this is the exact system I wish I had from day one. The beauty of this no-annual-fee setup is that it’s all upside. You’re building your business credit history, simplifying your bookkeeping, and earning a significant return on your expenses without costing your new business a dime in fees. It’s the smartest, leanest way to start.
How to Use Your Starter Pack: A Simple Flowchart
When you’re about to make a business purchase, just ask these simple questions to decide which card to pull out of your wallet:
- Is this for my internet/phone bill or a purchase at an office supply store?
- YES -> Use the Chase Ink Business Cash®.
- Is this at a gas station or a restaurant?
- YES -> Use the U.S. Bank Triple Cash.
- Is it for anything else?
- YES -> Use the Chase Ink Business Unlimited®.
That’s it. Following this simple logic ensures you are always earning the maximum rewards possible with your starter pack.
Ready to Build Your Starter Pack?
You don’t need to apply for all three cards at once. A great way to begin is to start with the Chase Ink Business Unlimited® as your foundational “everything else” card.
Once you’re comfortable, add the Ink Business Cash® to start maximizing your 5% categories. This simple, powerful, and free system is the perfect first step to turning your business expenses into a valuable asset.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a formal business to get these cards?
Not necessarily. If you are a freelancer, contractor, or have a side gig, you can apply for these cards as a sole proprietorship using your own name and Social Security Number.
How does applying for business cards affect my personal credit?
Your personal credit score is used for approval, so the applications will result in a hard inquiry on your personal credit report. It’s wise to space your applications out by a few months. However, the ongoing activity of most business cards is not reported to your personal credit bureaus.
Can I pool the rewards from these cards?
Yes, and this is a major benefit! The rewards earned on the two Chase Ink cards are technically Ultimate Rewards points. You can pool them together in one Chase account, and if you later add a Chase Sapphire Preferred card, you can transfer them to airlines and hotels for high-value travel.
WalletAware shares education, not individualized financial advice. Always confirm current terms on the issuer’s site before applying.