What credit score do I need for the Chase Ink Business Unlimited?

If you’re looking for a simple, cash back business card with no annual fee and flat-rate rewards on every purchase, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card may suit you well.

Not only does this card let you earn an unlimited 1.5 percent cash back on all charges while you build your business credit, but a new cardmember bonus worth $750 is available to those who spend $6,000 within three months of account opening. As if that wasn’t enough, other Ink Business Unlimited perks include an intro APR offer on purchases, free employee cards and various purchase and travel protections.

That said, you should know the credit score needed for the Chase Ink Business Unlimited before you apply. After all, the credit score requirement for top-tier rewards cards is higher than other types of rewards credit cards, and you’ll want to avoid applying if you’re not close to making the cut.

What credit score is needed for the Ink Business Unlimited?

Like with most upper-tier rewards cards, the Ink Business Unlimited requires a credit score in the good-to-excellent range to qualify. If you’re using the FICO scoring model, which is the type of credit score used by 90 percent of top lenders, that means you’ll need a credit score of 670 or higher.

However, having a 670 score may not be enough, since that puts you at the low end of having “good credit.” In fact, you’ll have better approval odds if your credit score is in the “very good” range, which includes FICO scores of 740 and above.

Beyond your credit score, Chase may request documentation to show you have a legitimate business or sole proprietorship. Usually, your credit will be pulled, and you’ll have to personally guarantee the account.

But your credit score is not all Chase will look at. The card issuer will also check to see if you’ve exceeded the 5/24 rule. This rule states that, if you’ve opened more than five new credit card accounts in the past 24 months, you will probably be denied. This is true regardless of which issuer gave you the five cards, even if they’re not from Chase.

Chase will also look at your debt load, especially your debt-to-income ratio and other items listed in your credit reports. A strong and reliable income can also help you get approved.

What if my application is denied?

If your application is denied due to not meeting Chase Ink Business Unlimited credit score requirements, or for any other reason, you have a right to know why. In fact, rules under the Fair Credit Reporting Act require Chase to tell you in writing.

Any lender that turns you down using a credit score has to provide you with the type of score it used as well. You do not need to ask for it — this information is automatically sent to you. The lender will also tell you what credit bureau they used and how you can get a free credit report. When you receive this correspondence, you should review the information so you know what you need to do next.

That being said, you can also call Chase to see if they will reconsider your application. The card issuer even has a phone line you can call for this purpose, which you can reach at 1-800-453-9719.

When you call Chase for reconsideration, they may be able to take a closer look at your application if you’re willing to send them more information. For example, you may need to send them documentation of your business income or proof of your business registration.

How can I improve my score to get this card?

Since Chase reviews your personal information, in addition to any business documentation it requests, all of the usual advice about improving your credit score applies here.

Start by scrutinizing your credit report. (You can get a free copy of your report from each of the three credit bureaus once every 12 months through AnnualCreditReport.com.) Your score is based on information on file there, so be sure it’s accurate and up to date. Any items more than seven years old (except a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or a closed account in good standing) or that you don’t recognize should be disputed following the process outlined when you obtained the report.

You can order a credit score when you get your credit report, but if you have a dispute, you might want to hold off until it’s resolved since the credit score may change. You may also have access to your score via a financial institution you do business with. You can find credit score simulators on the websites of the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion), and these simulators will give you a ballpark estimate so you have an idea of where you stand before any corrections are made.

Further, paying your bills on time and as agreed accounts for 35 percent of your FICO score. Keeping your credit utilization ratio low will also help, since this counts for 30 percent. Another 15 percent comes from the length of time you’ve been using credit — and the longer, the better.

If you don’t have any installment loans in your credit history, you can also consider using a credit-builder loan from a company like Self. This type of loan has you make payments to a savings account, and you’ll get your funds back when the loan is paid off. In the meantime, your monthly payments are reported to the credit bureaus with the goal of boosting your score.

In the meantime, you should hold off on applying for new accounts for a couple of months before you apply for a card from Chase. If your score is still not stellar, consider adding alternative payment data like phone payments or banking data to your file (via programs like Experian Boost and UltraFICO), as these actions can help provide a boost to your score with minimal effort on your part.

Bottom line

You’ll need at least a good credit score to qualify for this top business credit card, yet you’ll have an even better chance if your score is very good or excellent. However, Chase Ink Business Unlimited credit score requirements aside, you should still compare this card to others to make sure it’s the right fit.

You can begin this process by reading over our Ink Business Unlimited review, as well as our analysis on when this card is and isn’t worth it. From there, you can compare it to the best business card offers on the market today, including other business credit cards from Chase.