The Chase Ink Business Cash edges out the United Explorer for most cardholders — it wins on 3 of 4 comparison categories and offers 75,000 pts signup bonus earns more (up to 5x vs 3x). The United Explorer is the better choice if you prioritize a different rewards ecosystem.
Chase Ink Business Cash vs United Explorer
Side-by-side comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and transfer partners.
Comparison Method
CardCurator compares measurable differences first: annual fee, current welcome offer, top-end earning, and recurring credits. If the cards are close, the right answer depends on spending pattern and perk usage rather than headline prestige.
- Office Supply Stores 5x
- Internet, Cable, Phone Services 5x
- Gas Stations 2x
- United Purchases 3x
- Restaurant Purchases 2x
- Hotel Stays 2x
- United Travel Credit $100
- United Hotels Credit $50
- United Hotels Credit $50
- +4 more
- 2 United Club one-time passes per year
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- Aer Lingus AerClub
- Air Canada Aeroplan
- British Airways Executive Club
- Flying Blue
- +9 more
Quick summary
A short version of the comparison with the main differences at a glance.
The Chase Ink Business Cash edges out the United Explorer for most cardholders — it wins on 3 of 4 comparison categories and offers 75,000 pts signup bonus earns more (up to 5x vs 3x). The United Explorer is the better choice if you prioritize a different rewards ecosystem. On raw upside, Chase Ink Business Cash tops out at 5x versus 3x for United Explorer. Current signup bonus values are roughly $1500 for Chase Ink Business Cash and $800 for United Explorer. Updated May 30, 2026. Source: https://cardcurator.ai/compare/chase-ink-business-cash-vs-united-explorer
- Chase Ink Business Cash wins 3 of 4 comparison categories in CardCurator's quick verdict model.
- Top earn rate: Chase Ink Business Cash reaches 5x; United Explorer reaches 3x.
- Annual fee: Chase Ink Business Cash is no annual fee; United Explorer is $150/yr.
- Current public bonus values are approximately $1500 and $800.
Common Questions: Chase Ink Business Cash vs United Explorer
Is the Chase Ink Business Cash or United Explorer better for dining?
Chase Ink Business Cash earns 2x on dining; United Explorer earns 2x on dining. Chase Ink Business Cash wins for dining.
Which has the higher signup bonus in 2026?
Chase Ink Business Cash currently offers 75,000 pts signup bonus (spend $6,000 in 3 months). United Explorer offers 80,000 pts signup bonus (spend $3,000 in 3 months). Chase Ink Business Cash has the larger bonus.
Which card is better for international travel?
Both cards charge no foreign transaction fees, making either a solid choice for international travel.
Can I hold both the Chase Ink Business Cash and the United Explorer?
In most cases yes — holding both is allowed and can be a smart strategy for maximizing rewards across different spending categories. Both cards are from Chase, so check their specific application rules.