Later this year, Chase will launch a new version of the INK card called INK Preferred.
Thepointsguy has confirmed with Chase that the new product will replace the existing INK Plus card when it launches, and the Plus will no longer be available when the new card launches.
This is consistent with our source who indicated the same. [There were a few points we got wrong in that rumor, but the overall gist is there.] Others have quoted Chase as saying that INK Plus will remain, but I’m more inclined to believe the sources indicating it will be discontinued.
Uncertainty still remains regarding the INK Cash card. It’s possible that Chase plans on reducing the line to just one card with an annual fee. But if they do intend to keep two cards – one with an annual fee and one without – maybe the INK Cash will remain. We haven’t heard about a no-fee version of the Preferred card. Again, this is all a bit fuzzy. I wouldn’t be shocked if they reduce their INK line to a single card with an annual fee.
As noted in the previous post, according to our source there is no sunset date for the current INK Plus benefits for existing cardholders, and it’s likely to last for quite some time until it gets phased out. Worth getting now if you can.
Also noted by Thepointsguy is that – as we expected – the Preferred card will be a separate product from the Plus, and you’ll be able to carry both cards, i.e. if you currently have Plus, you’ll be able to get the Preferred and hold both cards.
Hat tip to realbgpunk on Reddit
My Ink plus annual fee just posted. I will downgrade to the Ink Cash since I now have the Sapphire.
Thanks Doc for the information.
Please pardon me if I’m missing something: what would be the advantage of downgrading the Ink Plus to Ink Cash – other than that the Ink Cash will not have the annual fee? Is it because there’s a bigger likelihood that the Ink Cash will retain 5x?
Just the no annual fee I think
The Ink Plus lets you use Ultimate Rewards from other Chase cards that give them out, plus you get 1.25 points for airline tickets.
However, if you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you can move the UR points into that account and get 1.50 points.
I’d check out the differences before swapping. I have both the Ink Cash and the Plus.
The CSP is 1.25 and the CSR is 1.5.
Just downgraded my Ink Plus to Ink Cash earlier this week. Hopefully 5x lasts for a little while longer
I got my Ink Plus in May, and was planning on product changing to Ink Cash around the card anniversary in order to retain 5x. Should I accelerate that plan and pc now? What are your thoughts?
If $25k is enough for you in the 5x categories, it makes sense to PC now in case. You aren’t losing much.
I got the Ink Plus in Feb of this year for the signup bonus. Was planning to downgrade to the Ink Cash.
If that ends up being not an option (due to the Ink Cash being discontinued with only AF options remaining) will there be a place to park my points if I cancel? My only other Chase card is a personal Chase Freedom and I am well over the 5/24 rule.
Will I need to use my points prior to canceling?
if you link your freedom card to your INK profile, you’ll be able to transfer between the two. Then you can move you points over to the freedom and park it there.
I am fairly confident that you can “park” your points with your Freedom card. Note, however, that you will need one of CSP/CSR/Ink Plus in order to transfer to partners. Otherwise, these points will be good for cash back only. Make sure to check for any retention offers before cancelling. You could also try product changing your Freedom to CSP if you need to transfer the points.
Same here, except my wife has a CSP. I am an authorized user on that card, cann I transfer my Ink Plus or (if downgrade) Ink Cash Points to her CSP?
I have 3 Ink PLUS cards. Was thinking of converting one to the CASH card.
Is there any reason to retain more than one 5x Ink Plus card, other than to separate expenses and to be able to max out 5x with $50k spending?
I think people want more than one card to get more 5x spending bandwidth.
Impressive. Do you MS on them?
I still have the old Ink BOLD Mastercard. Any thoughts how it will be affected? Thanks!
I think all old products will remain the same for some time (maybe a few years? I don’t know exactly).
interesting you still have one.
my Ink Bold was converted to Ink Plus by Chase about a year ago… they just changed from a charge card to a credit card and established a $12k credit line. they simply sent me a letter that Bold was discontinued.
i guess because mine was Visa?
I proactively requested NOT to have my Ink Bold MC to Visa, before all the conversions happened. Maybe that’s why?