What’s the Difference Between the Chase Ink Plus and Chase Ink Bold Cards?

UPDATE: This offer has expired.

This is part of the reader question posts that I started last week. You can view more reader questions here. Feel free to email me at dealswelike@gmail.com if you have a question you’d like answered. 

A reader recently emailed me asking:

“I am looking to apply for either the Chase Ink Bold or Chase Ink Plus card. The bonus points are the same upon approval and they virtually look the same, but am I missing something? Why would someone apply for one over the other? Which one would you recommend that I apply for?”

The short answer is that they virtually are the same card as long as you pay your balance in full every month. The sign up bonus after meeting the minimum spend requirements is the exact same, the points for all your purchases are the exact same, the annual fee is the exact same, and the benefits that come with the card are the exact same.

However, for those that do not pay their statement balance off every month, there are significant differences, but quite honestly, I wouldn’t recommend either of these cards if that is the case. Cards where you can earn a decent number of points and miles typically come with a high interest rate, and having that rate if you cannot pay your balance is typically is not worth the points and miles you earn. So here are the differences:

• Chase Ink Plus: The Chase Ink Plus is a credit card which means you are allowed to carry a balance on your card.
• Chase Ink Bold: The Chase Ink Bold is a charge card which means you must pay your balance in full each month. With that said, this card comes with no set spending limit. Your credit limit adjusts with how the card is used as well as your payment history. Also, because there is no set credit limit, when calculating your credit the balance is not included (this is the amount of debt vs. available credit).

So which card should you get?

• If you are going to pay off your card in full every month… then it really doesn’t matter, either will work
• If you think you might need to carry a balance a month here or there… then get the Chase Ink Plus (but remember, I am not recommending carrying a balance!)
• If you want no pre-set spending limit… then get the Chase Ink Bold
  

I personally got the Chase Ink Bold first since at the time there was no such thing as the Chase Ink Plus. Once the Chase Ink Plus card came available, I applied for that card. So I now have both cards and use them both to keep track of purchases for different needs. I heavily use these cards at office supply stores where I get 5x points on my entire purchase (no exclusions!).

Chase Ink Plus Card benefits:

• Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $874 towards travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
• Earn 5X points per $1 on the first $50,000 spent annually at office supply stores, and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services.
• Earn 2X points per $1 on the first $50,000 spent annually at gas stations and for hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Direct access to a live service advisor anytime.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading frequent travel programs with no transfer fees.
• $0 Intro Annual Fee for the first year, then $95.

Chase Ink Bold Card benefits:

• Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $625 towards travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
• Earn 5X points per $1 on the first $50,000 spent annually at office supply stores, and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services.
• Earn 2X points per $1 on the first $50,000 spent annually at gas stations and for hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Direct access to a live service advisor anytime.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading frequent travel programs with no transfer fees.
• $0 Intro Annual Fee for the first year, then $95.

If you have any questions let me know!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I will only list the best credit card offers as my goal is for you to travel on a deal!