When you're running a business, every dollar counts, and choosing the right credit card can make a big difference in your bottom line. If you’re trying to decide between the Amex Business Gold and the Chase Ink Business Preferred, it really boils down to how your business spends money.

Amex Business Gold: Tailored Rewards Where You Need Them Most

The Amex Business Gold is all about flexibility. You get to choose two categories where you’ll earn 4x points, which is a solid return if your business has big expenses in specific areas. Here’s what you can pick from:

• Airfare Purchased Directly from Airlines: Perfect if you travel on planes for business.
• Advertising: If you’re pouring cash into digital ads on platforms like Google or Facebook, this category will give you significant returns.
• Gas Stations: Great if your business has a fleet of vehicles or employees who are always on the road.
• Shipping: If you’re sending out products regularly, this category helps you earn more on those costs.
• Restaurants (Including Takeout and Delivery): Ideal if client dinners or team lunches are a regular thing.
• Technology and Hardware: Handy if you’re frequently buying software, cloud services, or other tech tools.

What’s cool about this card is that you can change your categories each year based on where your spending is focused. However, it comes with a $375 annual fee, so you’ll need to make sure you’re getting enough value to justify that cost.

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Chase Ink Business Preferred: Broad Rewards for Everyday Spending

On the other hand, the Chase Ink Business Preferred is a simpler, more straightforward option with a lower $95 annual fee. This card automatically gives you 3x points in several key areas:

• Travel: Covers all your travel-related expenses, from flights to hotels and even car rentals and you get 1.25X points value when booking on Chase Travel.
• Shipping: Like the Amex card, it rewards you for all those shipping costs.
• Internet, Cable, and Phone Services: You’re likely paying these bills every month anyway, so why not earn extra points for it?
• Advertising on Social Media and Search Engines: If your marketing budget includes social media ads or search engine marketing, this category pays off.

You don’t have to choose or change categories with this card—it’s built-in. It’s a great option if your business spending is spread across these areas, and you want to keep things simple.

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So, Which One Should You Choose?

• Go with the Amex Business Gold if your business has a couple of big spending areas and you want the flexibility to earn maximum rewards in those categories. The higher fee could be worth it if you’re racking up points in high-value categories like travel or advertising.
• Pick the Chase Ink Business Preferred if you prefer a card that covers a wide range of everyday business expenses with a lower fee. It’s less about customization and more about getting solid rewards on the basics.

In the end, the best card for you depends on where your business spends the most. If you need flexibility and can justify the fee, Amex Business Gold is the way to go. If you want broad rewards without the hefty price tag, Chase Ink Business Preferred is a solid choice.

Bonus Tip: If you’re approved for one card, you can often apply for a second card right away, potentially doubling your rewards. With the current Chase Ink offer, if you have multiple LLCs or a side business, you can apply for additional cards under those entities. Even without an LLC, you can apply as a sole proprietor, making it possible to multiply the rewards you earn significantly. And if you get declined, don’t forget about the Chase reconsideration line—they might just turn a "no" into a "yes."