Introduction
American Express is a renowned name in the credit card industry, offering a diverse range of business credit cards catering to various business needs. From lucrative rewards programs to exclusive perks, Amex business cards have something for everyone. Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelancer, or managing a large corporation, finding the right Amex business card can be a game-changer for your financial operations.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best American Express business credit cards of 2024, their key features, and how they can benefit your business. We’ll delve into the unique offerings, rewards structures, and perks that set these cards apart, empowering you to make an informed decision tailored to your specific business requirements.
Top American Express Business Credit Cards
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Best for Hilton Loyalists
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a standout choice for businesses that frequently stay at Hilton properties. With its generous rewards program and exclusive perks, this card is a must-have for Hilton enthusiasts.
Key Features:
- Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible purchases at participating Hilton hotels and resorts, and 5X points on eligible purchases in various categories like U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and wireless telephone services
- Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, offering benefits like room upgrades and late checkout
- 10 complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits per year (must enroll by June 30, 2024)
- No foreign transaction fees
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Best for Lounge Access and Lifestyle Benefits
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium offering for frequent business travelers seeking luxury and convenience. With its extensive lounge access and a slew of valuable credits, this card caters to the needs of high-spending business owners.
Key Features:
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, and 1.5X points on various eligible purchases
- Complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries, including Amex Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (effective 2/1/25, 10 visits per year to Delta Sky Clubs)
- Up to $1,000 in statement credits for select purchases like tech, recruiting, and wireless services
- $200 Airline Fee Credit and $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit annually
- Cellphone protection of up to $800 per claim (two approved claims per 12-month period, $50 deductible applies)
American Express® Business Gold Card
Best for Earning Points Quickly
The American Express® Business Gold Card is a powerful rewards earner, offering a flexible and lucrative points-earning structure tailored to your business’s spending patterns.
Key Features:
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the two categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle, up to $150,000 in combined purchases annually
- 3X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
- Up to $240 in annual statement credits for eligible purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and office supply stores
- No preset spending limit, allowing for flexible spending based on your business’s needs
READ ALSO: Is the Chase Ink Business Premier Credit Card Worth It?
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Best for Low Intro APR with Flexible Rewards
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is an excellent choice for businesses seeking a low-cost entry into the Membership Rewards program while enjoying a 0% introductory APR period.
Key Features:
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases up to $50,000 annually, then 1X points
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, then a variable rate applies (18.49% – 26.49%)
- No annual fee
- Ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Best for Marriott Aficionados
For businesses that frequently book stays at Marriott properties, the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card offers a compelling combination of rewards and perks.
Key Features:
- Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points on eligible purchases at participating Marriott hotels, 4X points at U.S. restaurants, gas stations, wireless services, and shipping
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, providing benefits like room upgrades and late checkout
- Earn a Free Night Award every year after your card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
- No foreign transaction fees
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Best for Low Intro APR with Cash-back Rewards
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is a no-annual-fee card that offers a straightforward cash-back rewards program and a 0% introductory APR period, making it an attractive option for businesses seeking financing flexibility.
Key Features:
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, then a variable rate applies (18.49% – 26.49%)
- No annual fee
- Amex’s standard suite of purchase protection and travel benefits
Business Green Rewards Card from American Express
Best for No Preset Spending Limits
The Business Green Rewards Card from American Express offers a unique benefit for businesses with fluctuating spending needs: no preset spending limits.
Key Features:
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases at American Express Travel, and 1X points on other purchases
- No preset spending limit, allowing for flexible spending based on your business’s needs
- Access to Amex Offers and other standard Amex benefits like purchase protection and extended warranty
Amazon Business Prime American Express Card
Best for “I Love Prime” Amazon Shoppers
The Amazon Business Prime American Express Card is a dream come true for businesses that rely heavily on Amazon and Whole Foods for their purchases, offering unbeatable rewards and financing options for Prime members.
Key Features:
- Earn 5% back in rewards or 90-day terms on eligible U.S. purchases at Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon.com, and Whole Foods Market (up to $120,000 annually)
- 2% back at U.S. restaurants, gas stations, and on wireless services
- No annual fee (Prime membership required)
- Flexible financing options and expense management tools
Amazon Business American Express Card
Best for Casual Amazon Shoppers
Even for businesses that don’t rely heavily on Amazon, the Amazon Business American Express Card offers a compelling rewards structure and financing options for occasional Amazon purchases.
Key Features:
- Earn 3% back in rewards or 60-day terms on eligible U.S. purchases at Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon.com, and Whole Foods Market (up to $120,000 annually)
- 2% back at U.S. restaurants, gas stations, and on wireless services
- No annual fee
- Flexible
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
Best Medium Annual Fee Delta Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card strikes a balanced offering for Delta loyalists, providing a generous rewards program and a robust suite of travel benefits for a reasonable annual fee.
Key Features:
- Earn 3X miles on eligible Delta purchases and hotels, 1.5X miles on eligible transit, U.S. shipping, and purchases over $5,000 (up to $100,000 annually)
- Annual Companion Certificate for domestic, Caribbean, or Central American Main Cabin round-trip flights (taxes and fees apply)
- First checked bag free, Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding, and 15% discount on Delta Award Travel
- $120 annual rideshare credit and $200 Delta Stays credit
Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
Best Lower Annual Fee Delta Card
For businesses seeking a more budget-friendly option, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card offers a lower annual fee while still providing valuable Delta benefits.
Key Features:
- Earn 2X miles on eligible purchases with U.S. shipping providers, U.S. advertising in select media, Delta purchases, and restaurants
- $200 Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year
- First checked bag free, Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding, and 20% discount on Delta in-flight purchases
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Best Delta-branded Card for Lounge Access
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is the premium offering for Delta enthusiasts, providing a comprehensive suite of luxury travel benefits and rewards.
Key Features:
- Earn 3X miles on Delta purchases, 1.5X miles on eligible transit, U.S. shipping, and office supply store purchases
- Complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs and Amex Centurion Lounges when flying Delta (effective 2/1/25, 15 visits per year to Delta Sky Clubs)
- Annual Companion Certificate for First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin domestic flights (taxes and fees apply)
- First checked bag free, Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding, and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® credit
Lowe’s Business Rewards Card from American Express
Best for Contractors and Home Improvement Lovers
The Lowe’s Business Rewards Card from American Express is tailored for businesses that frequently shop at Lowe’s, offering exceptional rewards and benefits for contractors and home improvement enthusiasts.
Key Features:
- Earn 5% cash back on all eligible purchases at Lowe’s in the first 6 months, then 2% thereafter
- 2% cash back at U.S. restaurants, office supply stores, wireless services, and Lowe’s
- No annual fee
- Purchase protection and extended warranty benefits
Conclusion
Selecting the best American Express business credit card for your company requires careful consideration of your business’s unique needs, spending patterns, and growth objectives. From the premium travel perks of the Business Platinum Card® to the cash-back simplicity of the Blue Business Cash™ Card, Amex offers a diverse range of options to cater to businesses of all sizes and industries.
Whether you prioritize luxury travel experiences, flexible rewards programs, or budget-friendly financing options, there’s an Amex business card that can elevate your financial operations and provide tangible benefits. By leveraging the rewards, perks, and protections offered by these cards, you can unlock valuable savings, streamline your expenses, and enjoy a seamless business experience.
Remember, the key to maximizing the value of your Amex business card lies in understanding your business’s specific requirements and aligning them with the card’s features. Take the time to explore the options, compare the benefits, and select the card that best complements your business’s growth trajectory.
With the right American Express business credit card in your arsenal, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the complexities of modern business operations, while enjoying the rewards and privileges that come with being an Amex cardholder.
FAQs
Can I have multiple American Express business credit cards?
Yes, you can have multiple Amex business credit cards, but there are limits. Generally, Amex allows up to four or five total credit cards, including both personal and business cards. However, certain premium cards like the Platinum and Gold-branded cards may be exempt from this rule.
Do I need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to apply for an Amex business credit card?
It depends on the structure of your business. Sole proprietors may be able to use their Social Security number, but corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies (LLCs) will typically need an EIN to apply for an Amex business credit card.
Can I transfer Membership Rewards points between my personal and business Amex accounts?
Yes, you can transfer Membership Rewards points between your personal and business Amex accounts, as long as both accounts are in your name and in good standing. However, it’s important to note that transfers are one-way and cannot be reversed once completed.
How do the travel benefits and protections work on Amex business cards?
Many Amex business cards offer a suite of travel benefits and protections, such as car rental loss and damage insurance, baggage insurance, trip delay insurance, and purchase protection. These benefits are designed to provide coverage and peace of mind when traveling for business or making purchases related to your business operations.
Can I add employee cards to my Amex business credit card account?
Yes, most Amex business credit cards allow you to add employee cards to your account, which can help you manage and track employee spending more effectively. You can set spending limits and restrictions on employee cards, and earn rewards on their purchases as well.
In another related article, The Ultimate Guide to Business Credit Cards for Startups and New Businesses in 2024
