Turn Internet and Office Bills Into Company Retreats
Learn how to use 5x multipliers on office supplies and utilities to fund your next business offsite using the Chase Ink Business Cash card.
By MyBizNerd Team · Published
Key Takeaways
- The Chase Ink Business Cash earns $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- High-multiplier categories include 5% back on the first $25,000 spent annually at office supply stores and on internet and phone (plus cable) services.
- Converting cash back into Ultimate Rewards points allows for transfers to Hyatt or airline partners, often yielding 1.8 to 2.0 cents per point.
- Businesses spending $1,500 monthly on covered utilities and supplies can generate enough points for a multi-night boutique hotel retreat every year.
The Chase Ink Business Cash recently updated its welcome offer, maintaining a high entry-level bonus without an annual fee. According to One Mile at a Time, this card remains a staple for overhead spend because it captures 5x points on non-discretionary costs like the office internet bill and phone lines. As of September 14, 2026, the card offers $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. (Disclosure: we may earn a commission if you sign up through our links.)
Identify your recurring utility overhead. Most service-based businesses pay for high-speed internet and multiple phone lines. By charging these to the Chase Ink Business Cash, a $300 monthly telecom bill becomes 1,500 points. Over a year, that's 18,000 points from a bill you have to pay anyway.
Shift office supply purchases to specialized retailers. Buying printer ink, paper, or office furniture at a generic big-box retailer usually earns 1% back. Moving those same purchases to a dedicated office supply store triggers the 5x multiplier. A $500 restock of breakroom supplies and toner generates 2,500 points rather than 500.
Combine points for higher redemption value. While this card is marketed as a cash-back tool, the rewards are earned as Chase Ultimate Rewards points. If you also hold a Chase Ink Business Preferred, you can move these points to travel partners. This is how a simple utility bill starts to fund a team offsite at a Hyatt Regency or a flight to a regional conference.
Who this helps: New applicants vs. current holders
For owners considering the card, the current spend requirement of $6,000 in 90 days is the primary hurdle. If your monthly overhead is low, you might need to timing a large equipment purchase to hit that target. You should verify your business structure is in good standing with your secretary of state or the SBA before applying for dedicated business credit.
Current cardholders often leave money on the table by using this card for everything. This is a mistake. The Chase Ink Business Cash is a scalpel, not a sledgehammer. Once you hit the $25,000 annual cap in the 5% categories, the reward rate drops to 1%. At that point, you should switch spend to a card like the Chase Ink Business Unlimited to maintain a higher baseline on every dollar spent.
The Math: Monthly Spend to Retreat Value
This table assumes you hold a secondary card that allows for point transfers and that you value points at a conservative 1.8 cents each.
| Monthly 5x Spend | Annual Points Earned | Estimated Travel Value |
|---|---|---|
| $500 | 30,000 | $540 |
| $1,200 | 72,000 | $1,296 |
| $2,083 (Cap) | 125,000 | $2,250 |
Your 90-Day Action Plan
Check your last three months of bank statements to see how much you actually spend at Staples, Office Depot, or on your Comcast/Verizon bills. If that number is over $400 a month, the math for this card usually works out in your favor.
Next, ensure you're tracking these expenses for tax purposes. The IRS provides specific guidance on what constitutes a deductible business expense, including utilities and office supplies. Earning points on these expenses doesn't change their deductibility, but you should always confirm your records with a CPA.
Finally, if you apply, set a calendar alert for your 90-day mark. You must hit that $6,000 spend threshold to trigger the $900 bonus. Missing it by even a dollar means leaving a significant amount of travel funding behind.
One honest downside to remember: the 5% category is capped. Once you spend $25,000 in a year on those specific categories, the card becomes significantly less useful. If your business spends $10,000 a month on office supplies alone, this card only covers your first ten weeks of spend before it stops being a top-tier earner. Skip this card as your primary driver if your overhead is massive; use it strictly for the utilities and buy a different card for the rest.
Make your vocation your vacation by capturing the value already hidden in your monthly bills. Start by moving your internet and phone autopay today.
📋 Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or professional advice. Laws and regulations change frequently, and the information presented may not reflect the most current legal developments. Always consult with a qualified professional (CPA, attorney, financial advisor) before making business decisions based on this content. MyBizNerd may receive compensation through affiliate links, but this never influences our recommendations.