American Express is renowned for its premium rewards programs and valuable perks on both personal and business credit cards. Whether you’re a startup founder, freelancer, or an established business owner, there’s likely an Amex business credit card tailored to your needs.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top Amex business credit cards of 2024, their rewards structures, perks, and how to maximize value from these cards. We’ll also address frequently asked questions and provide expert tips to help you choose the best Amex business card for your specific circumstances.
The Top Amex Business Credit Cards of 2024
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Best For: Overall Value and Premium Travel Perks
Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months.
Rewards:
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
- 1.5X points on eligible purchases of $5,000 or more, and select business categories (up to $2 million per calendar year)
- 1X points on all other purchases
Annual Fee: $695
Why We Recommend It: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a powerhouse for frequent business travelers. It offers access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including Amex’s prestigious Centurion Lounges. Additionally, cardholders can enjoy up to $1,000 in statement credits annually for eligible purchases like wireless services, recruiting costs, and more. The card’s high rewards rate on large purchases and select business categories also makes it a valuable tool for maximizing earnings on your company’s expenses.
READ ALSO: The American Express Business Gold Card: A Comprehensive Review for 2024
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Best For: No Annual Fee and Flat-Rate Rewards
Welcome Offer: Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months.
Rewards:
- 2X Membership Rewards® points on all eligible purchases (up to $50,000 per year)
- 1X points on purchases after the $50,000 threshold
Annual Fee: $0
Why We Recommend It: The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is an excellent choice for businesses seeking a no-annual-fee card with a solid rewards structure. The 2X points on all purchases (up to $50,000 per year) make it easy to earn Membership Rewards® points without worrying about bonus categories. Additionally, the card offers an introductory 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months, providing financial flexibility for your business.
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Best For: Business Startups and Simple Cash Back Rewards
Welcome Offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months.
Rewards:
- 2% cash back on all eligible purchases (up to $50,000 per year)
- 1% cash back on purchases after the $50,000 threshold
Annual Fee: $0
Why We Recommend It: The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is an excellent choice for startups and small businesses seeking a straightforward cash back rewards program without an annual fee. The 2% cash back on all purchases (up to $50,000 per year) makes it easy to earn rewards on your everyday business expenses. Like the Blue Business Plus, this card also offers an introductory 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months, providing financial flexibility.
American Express® Business Gold Card
Best For: Customizable Bonus Categories and Travel Rewards
Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $10,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months.
Rewards:
- 4X Membership Rewards® points on the two categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle (up to $150,000 in combined purchases per year)
- 3X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com
- 1X points on all other purchases
Annual Fee: $375
Why We Recommend It: The American Express® Business Gold Card is a standout for its flexible bonus category structure. Each billing cycle, you’ll earn 4X points on the two categories where your business spends the most, from a choice of six categories (advertising, shipping, gas, travel, dining, and computer services). This customizable rewards structure ensures you’re maximizing earnings on your most significant business expenses. Additionally, the card offers valuable travel perks like an annual $125 credit for select purchases and Amex’s Pay Over Time feature for flexible financing.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
Best For: Delta Loyalists and Frequent Flyers
Welcome Offer: Earn 65,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.
Rewards:
- 1.5X miles on eligible transit, U.S. shipping purchases, and single purchases of $5,000 or more
- Earn MQD Boost – $1 Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) for every $20 spent on the card
Annual Fee: $350
Why We Recommend It: For Delta loyalists and frequent business travelers, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card is a must-have. This card offers valuable Delta perks like an annual Companion Certificate (domestic main cabin round-trip), first checked bag free, priority boarding, and discounted Delta SkyClub access. Additionally, cardholders can earn Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and Medallion® Qualification Dollars (MQDs) to help fast-track elite status with Delta.
READ ALSO: The American Express Nectar Credit Card: A Comprehensive Review for 2024
Tips for Maximizing Value from Your Amex Business Card
Leverage Amex Offers and Statement Credits
Amex is well-known for its generous statement credits and Amex Offers, which can save you hundreds of dollars annually. Regularly check your account for new Amex Offers and make sure to enroll and utilize the available statement credits on your card. From discounts on travel and dining to savings on business services like FedEx, these offers can significantly offset your annual fee.
Take Advantage of Flexible Travel Options
Amex’s Membership Rewards® program is incredibly valuable for frequent travelers. Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and more through Amex Travel, or transferred to airline and hotel partners for potentially greater value. Explore transferring points to partners like Delta Air Lines, Marriott Bonvoy, and others to maximize your rewards.
Utilize the Pay Over Time Feature
Several Amex business cards offer the Pay Over Time feature, which allows you to finance larger purchases over time with interest charges. While carrying a balance is generally not recommended, this feature can provide financial flexibility for your business when needed, especially during periods of cash flow constraints.
Maximize Bonus Category Spending
If your Amex business card offers bonus rewards in specific spending categories, make a conscious effort to use that card for those purchases. For example, if your card earns 4X points on advertising expenses, use it for all your digital marketing and social media ad purchases.
Combine Cards for Maximum Rewards
To truly maximize your rewards earnings, consider combining multiple Amex business cards to cover a broader range of bonus categories. For example, you could pair the American Express® Business Gold Card with the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express to earn bonus rewards on your top spending categories while still earning 2X points on all other purchases.
Leverage Business Travel Benefits
Many Amex business cards offer valuable travel perks like airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and travel credits. If you frequently travel for business, these benefits can significantly enhance your travel experience and offset the annual fees associated with premium cards.
Conclusion
American Express business credit cards offer a wealth of opportunities for savvy business owners to maximize rewards, enjoy valuable perks, and gain financial flexibility. Whether you prioritize travel rewards, cash back, or custom bonus categories, there’s an Amex business card tailored to your needs.
By strategically combining cards, leveraging statement credits and Amex Offers, and taking advantage of flexible travel options, you can significantly enhance the value you derive from your Amex business card portfolio. Additionally, features like the Pay Over Time option and introductory APR offers can provide financial breathing room for your business when needed.
As with any credit card, it’s essential to use your Amex business cards responsibly and avoid carrying balances that accrue high interest charges. By doing so, you can fully capitalize on the rewards, perks, and benefits these cards offer, ultimately contributing to the growth and success of your business.
Remember, the key to maximizing value from Amex business credit cards is to align your spending habits with the card’s rewards structure and make the most of the unique features each card offers. With a well-planned strategy and disciplined use, these cards can be powerful tools for your business finances.
READ ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to American Express Platinum Card Benefits for 2024
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the eligibility requirements for Amex business credit cards?
A: To qualify for an Amex business credit card, you must be an authorizing officer (owner, partner, president, etc.) of a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Your business must also have an annual revenue of at least $1,000.
Q: What credit score is needed for an Amex business credit card?
A: While credit requirements vary by card, Amex generally recommends a good to excellent credit score, typically ranging from 670 to 850 on the FICO scale.
Q: Can I have multiple Amex business credit cards?
A: Yes, American Express allows you to hold up to five business and consumer credit cards combined. However, this limit does not include certain premium consumer cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Q: How long does it take for an Amex business credit card application to be approved?
A: Many American Express business credit card applications will be approved instantly. However, if your application requires further review, it can take up to 60 days for a decision to be made. In such cases, you’ll be notified by mail once a decision has been reached.
Q: Can I transfer points between my personal and business Amex accounts?
A: Yes, you can transfer Membership Rewards® points between your personal and business accounts, or vice versa. However, there are some restrictions, such as a maximum transfer limit of 500,000 points per year.
Q: Are there any special financing options for Amex business cardholders?
A: Yes, several Amex business cards offer the Pay Over Time feature, which allows you to finance larger purchases over time with interest charges. Additionally, some cards offer 0% introductory APR periods on purchases, providing short-term financing options for your business.
Q: Can I earn elite status with hotel and airline partners using my Amex business card?
A: Yes, many Amex business cards offer the ability to earn elite status or qualifying miles/nights with hotel and airline partners. For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card allows you to earn Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and Medallion® Qualification Dollars (MQDs) to help fast-track elite status with Delta Air Lines.
Q: What are some of the best ways to redeem Amex Membership Rewards® points?
A: Amex Membership Rewards® points are incredibly versatile. Some of the best redemption options include transferring points to airline and hotel partners for potentially higher value, booking travel through Amex Travel, or redeeming for gift cards or statement credits. Avoid redeeming points for merchandise or other low-value options.
