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Amex Business Gold Card vs. Amex Plum Card [Detailed Comparison]

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Christine Krzyszton
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Christine Krzyszton

Senior Finance Contributor

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Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, deta...
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Jessica Merritt

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Every business owner can benefit from having the right tools to help run an effective organization. One of those tools could arguably be the right business card. A business credit card can help you organize expenses, monitor your business’ growth, and assist with potential cash flow challenges.

American Express, with its broad collection of business card products, knows the needs of business owners and designs its cards to match business spending profiles, redemption priorities, and offer benefits and protections that provide value.

We’ve selected 2 very different Amex business cards today to illustrate the variety of choices a business owner has when deciding on the right Amex business card.

Let’s get started and quickly dive into all the key features and benefits of the American Express® Business Gold Card and The Plum Card® from American Express.

Amex Business Gold Card vs. Amex Plum Card — Overview

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 American Express® Business Gold CardThe Plum Card® from American Express
Welcome OfferCARD REFRESH: Earn 70,000 points after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.No welcome offer available.
Earning Potential
  • 4x points on the top 2 categories where your business spends the most, up to $150,000 per calendar year (terms apply)
  • 3x points on eligible flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com
  • 1x points on other purchases
  • Get an unlimited 1.5% Early Pay Discount on eligible charges within 10 days of your statement closing date and see the discount applied to your next statement when you pay at the least the Minimum Payment Due by the Please Pay By date.
Redemption Options
  • Transfers to travel partners
  • AmexTravel.com bookings
  • Statement credits, online shopping, gift cards, charity, Amazon.com, PayPal.com
Statement credits only
Statement Credits
  • Up to $240 back annually ($20 back per month) for eligible purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and office supply stores upon enrollment
  • Up to $155 back annually upon enrollment for a monthly Walmart+ membership
None
Travel Benefits and Protections
  • Secondary car rental insurance, baggage insurance plan
  • Secondary car rental insurance
Shopping Benefits and Protections
  • Purchase protection, extended warranty, cell phone protection
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
  • Purchase protection, Extended warranty
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
Annual Fees and Authorized Users$375 annual fee, no additional annual fees to add up to 99 total employee cards after the first employee card annual fee of $50 (rates & fees)$250 annual fee; no additional annual fees for up to 99 total employee cards (rates & fees)

The Value of a Welcome Bonus Offer

Welcome bonuses change over time, but here’s a snapshot of the current offerings and associated rates and fees for our 2 featured cards:

Amex Business Gold Card

BEST FOR BONUSES
American Express® Business Gold CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express® Business Gold Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

American Express® Business Gold Card

Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).
Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership
70,000 points
$1,540
$375
19.49% - 27.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The American Express® Business Gold Card is excellent at racking up rewards for your business spend.

The card earns a whopping 4x points per $1 in the 2 categories (from a list of 6) that your business spends the most money on each month. With no need to opt-in or preselect your categories, so you can focus on what matters most — running your business.

Pros

  • 4x points per dollar spent on your 2 highest purchase categories each month up to $150,000 each calendar year in purchases; categories include:
    • NEW! Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
    • NEW! U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
    • NEW! Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
    • U.S. purchases at gas stations
    • U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
    • Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, plus TV and radio)
  • 3x points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card
  • Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection
  • Purchase protection and extended warranty protection
  • Trip delay insurance
  • Car rental insurance
  • Cell phone insurance

Cons

  • $375 annual fee (rates and fees)
  • No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access or elite status
  • Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
  • Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
  • Get $12.95 back in statement credits each month when you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. $12.95 plus applicable taxes.
  • Your Card – Your Choice. Choose from Gold or Rose Gold.
  • *Terms Apply

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.49% - 27.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome bonus offer of up to 110,000 points with the Amex Business Gold card! The current public offer is 70,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Amex Plum Card

The Plum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Plum Card® from American Express

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Instead of normal cash-back, get an unlimited 1.5% discount when you pay early for eligible days within 10 days of your statement closing date. The discount will be applied to your next statement when you pay at the least the Minimum Payment Due by the Please Pay By date.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Plum Card® from American Express

Instead of normal cash-back, get an unlimited 1.5% discount when you pay early for eligible days within 10 days of your statement closing date. The discount will be applied to your next statement when you pay at the least the Minimum Payment Due by the Please Pay By date.
No Welcome Offer
No Welcome Offer
$0
$250
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-840)

Cash flow can be unpredictable. Sometimes you can pay bills right away, and other times it may be easier to wait. Either way works out in your favor with The Plum Card® from American Express!

With this card, you can pay your bill early and get an unlimited 1.5% Early Pay Discount on eligible charges within 10 days of your statement closing date. You’ll see the discount applied to your next statement when you pay at the least the Minimum Payment Due by the please pay by date. Alternatively, you can take up to 60 days to pay with no interest, when you pay your minimum due by the payment due date.

For those who run seasonal businesses or whose incoming cash flow is unpredictable, the card can provide you with payment alternatives that most other cards don’t.

  • Paying early pays off: get an unlimited 1.5% Early Pay Discount on eligible charges within 10 days of your statement closing date and see the discount applied to your next statement when you pay at the least the Minimum Payment Due by the Please Pay By date.
  • Take up to 60 days to pay with no interest‡, when you pay your minimum due by the Payment Due Date.
  • Use the power of the Plum Card to buy big for your business.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.‡
  • Terms & Restrictions Apply.

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

There is no special rewards center for this card; the cash-back earned will be applied directly to your next statement when you pay at the least the Minimum Payment Due by the Please Pay By date.

The Amex Business Gold card offers a generous welcome bonus offer that could be worth over $1,000 depending on how your rewards are redeemed. The Amex Plum card does not offer a welcome bonus offer at this time.

You’ll find that welcome offers can fluctuate, so be sure to check current offerings, as well as rates and fees, before applying for any card.

Bottom Line: The Amex Business Gold card’s welcome offer is worth over $1,000, while the Amex Plum card does not offer a welcome offer.

Comparing Earning Potential

Clean Office With People Working on Computers
Every business purchase you make on either of our featured Amex business cards will earn rewards. Image Credit: Austin Distel via Unsplash

One of the most critical aspects of maximizing earnings on any rewards-earning business card is to ensure the card’s earning structure aligns with your business’ spending mix.

Let’s look at the types of purchases that earn rewards on our featured cards:

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Amex Business Gold CardAmex Plum Card
  • 4x points per dollar spent on your 2 highest purchase categories each month up to $150,000 each calendar year
  • 3x points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card
  • 1x points on all other purchases
  • Unlimited 1.5% Early Pay Discount on eligible charges within 10 days of your statement closing date and see the discount applied to your next statement when you pay at the least the Minimum Payment Due by the Please Pay By date.

Bottom Line: If your business spending aligns with the common business bonus categories of the Amex Business Gold card and your business involves travel, you’ll receive value with the card. If your business has large expenses, such as major equipment purchases, office furniture, or another heavy non-bonus category outlay, the Amex Plum card may be a possible solution, especially if you can make use of a flexible payment option. 

Comparing Redemption Options

Business Man Walking with Suitcase
Rewards earned on your card can be redeemed for a great value that can offset bottom-line business expenses. Image Credit: Jacob Lund via Shutterstock

Our featured cards have very different redemption options.

Membership Rewards are earned on the Amex Business Gold card and can be redeemed in several ways. The Amex Plum card does not have a redemption program due to offering direct cash-back rewards.

Here’s how the cards differ at redemption time:

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Redemption OptionAmex Business Gold CardAmex Plum Card
Travel via AmexTravel.com
  • Redeem points for 1 cent each via AmexTravel.com
N/A
Transfer to Travel PartnersTransfer to 20+ transfer partners, most at the rate of 1:1; an excise tax applies for domestic airline transfersN/A
Statement CreditsRedeem Membership Rewards points for statement credits at the rate of 0.6 cents per pointThe amount of the cash-back bonus earned is applied automatically as a statement credit
Additional Redemption Options

Upgrade flights, merchandise, gift cards, and shopping at retail partners

N/A

Bottom Line: While the Amex Business Gold card earns Membership Rewards points that have several flexible redemption options, the Amex Plum card offers the simplicity of a cash-back bonus applied at full value directly to subsequent monthly statements.

Travel Benefits and Protections

Baggage Claim Area Lost Delayed Luggage
Receive emergency travel assistance and other travel benefits and protections with our featured cards. Image Credit: guijunpeng via 123RF

If your business involves travel, having access to any travel protections and benefits is a plus. Here’s how our 2 featured cards compare when we look at offered benefits in this category:

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Benefit/ProtectionAmex Business Gold CardAmex Plum Card
Car Rental InsuranceSecondary coverage with the option to purchase Amex Premium Protection for 1 low fee that covers the entire rental period; prices range from $12.95 to $24.95
Trip Delay CoverageReceive up to $300 in reimbursement for eligible expenses if your trip is delayed more than 12 hours, up to a maximum of 2 claims per 12-month periodN/A
Baggage InsuranceReceive up to $1,250 for lost, stolen, or damaged carry-on luggage and up to $500 for checked luggage, per person/per tripN/A
Global Assist HotlineEnjoy access to 24/7 travel and emergency assistance prior to and during your travels more than 100 miles from home
Travel Accident InsuranceUp to $100,000 for death or dismemberment — terms apply
The Hotel CollectionFor stays of 2 nights or longer at Hotel Collection locations, receive $100 credit to use on-property, an upgraded room when available, and 2x earnings on prepaid bookings via AmexTravel.comN/A

Bottom Line: Neither of our featured cards offers an extensive list of travel benefits, but the Amex Business Gold card is supreme over the Amex Plum card with its trip delay coverage, baggage insurance, and benefits from The Hotel Collection. 

Shopping Benefits and Protections

Traveler with luggage
Have peace of mind knowing your eligible purchases may have additional protection that comes complimentary with your business card. Image Credit: Daria Shevtsova via Pexels

Accidents happen. That phone you just purchased slips out of your hand, your office chair breaks a wheel, the possibilities are endless. While shopping benefits and protections are low on the priority list when it comes to selecting a business card, it’s worth noting the coverages that do come with each card.

Here’s how our 2 cards compare in those categories as well as additional savings opportunities:

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Benefit/ProtectionAmex Business Gold CardAmex Plum Card
Extended WarrantyFor manufacturer’s warranties of 5 years or less, 1 additional year is added for eligible items, up to a maximum of $10,000 per covered item and $50,000 per covered card per year 
Purchase ProtectionIf an eligible item is accidentally damaged or stolen within the first 90 days after the purchase date, you may receive up to $10,000 per item, up to a maximum of $50,000 per calendar year 
Cell Phone ProtectionThe maximum liability is $800, per claim, per eligible card account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per eligible card account per 12-month period.  
Return ProtectionN/AIf a merchant won’t accept the return of an eligible item within 90 days of the purchase date, you could receive up to $300 per item, up to $1,000 per account per calendar year
Amex OffersLog in to your online card account and select available Amex Offers to save money or receive bonus earnings on eligible purchases 

Bottom Line: Both of our cards come with extended warranty coverage, purchase protection, and Amex Offers. The Amex Plum card offers additional return protection coverage.

Business Management Tools

The right business card will make tracking and managing your expenses easier. Here are some of the tools you’ll find on both of our featured cards:

  • Authorized Users — Both cards allow you to add authorized users at no additional charge. The Amex Business Gold card (rates & fees) allows up to 99 total users, and the Amex Plum card has no stated limit (rates & fees).
  • Mobile Account Management — Use the Amex app to keep track of the activity in your account, make a payment, or manage spending limits.
  • Custom Account Alerts — Add account alerts that can limit employee purchases, notify you when large transactions are made, or remind you that a payment is due.
  • ReceiptMatch with QuickBooks — Take pictures of paper receipts and add them to QuickBooks using the app or download expenses directly from your QuickBooks bank feed.
  • Year-end Statements — Access periodic and annual statements that organize your expenses by category, vendor, and more.

Amex Business Gold Card vs. Amex Plum Card — Summary

We covered a lot of information on our featured cards, so it’s time to summarize our findings:

Best for Earning Rewards — There’s no doubt that the Amex Business Gold card wins in the earning category if your business expenses fall into the bonus earning categories.

Best for Redeeming Rewards — Once again, the Amex Business Gold card offers greater flexibility and value for your rewards with the option of redeeming for travel and transferring points to travel partners for even greater potential value.

Best for Travel Benefits and Protections — The Amex Business Gold card has better travel benefits and protections with its trip delay coverage, baggage insurance, and The Hotel Collection benefits. However, these benefits only add value if your business will use them.

Best for Shopping Benefits and Protections — Both cards offer similar shopping benefits and protections with the Amex Plum card edging out the Amex Business Gold card slightly by offering return protection.

Best for Business Management Tools — Both cards offer the same helpful business management tools. However, the one business management tool that is only offered by the Amex Plum card is the flexibility of making payments 60 days after the statement date without interest (terms apply). If this cash flow management feature is more important to your business than earning rewards, you should investigate the card further.

Bottom Line: While the Amex Business Gold card is the overall best card of our 2 featured cards, if your business values the flexible payment options offered by the Amex Plum card, and you don’t mind paying the annual fee for that privilege, you may want to look further into the benefit of having that card. 

Alternative Amex Business Cards

We mentioned earlier that American Express offers a business card for nearly every type of business.

Here are 2 additional cards worth considering: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card.

Amex Business Platinum Card

OUR BEST OFFER
The Business Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!
Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
120,000 points
$2,640
$695
19.49% - 27.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome bonus offer of up to 170,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum. The current public offer is 120,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Pros

  • 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
  • Up to $200 annual airline fee credit on your selected qualifying airline
  • Statement credits on select purchases with your card
  • 35% airline bonus when using Pay With Points (up to 1,000,000 bonus points per calendar year)
  • Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
  • Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (cap applies)
  • Access to Amex’s Fine Hotels & Resorts program

Cons

  • High annual fee of $695 (rates and fees)
  • Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags
  • Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
  • Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
  • Unlock over $1,000 in annual statement credits on a curation of business purchases, including select purchases made with Dell Technologies, Indeed, Adobe, and U.S. wireless service providers.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by your one selected, qualifying airline to your Card.
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Business Platinum Card®.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
  • $695 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.49% - 27.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome bonus offer of up to 170,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum. The current public offer is 120,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Well-known as a premium business rewards card, the Amex Business Platinum card offers travelers worldwide lounge access to over 1,400 lounges, elevated earnings, and a long list of travel and shopping benefits and protections.

Amex Blue Business Cash Card

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Take control of your cash-back with the Amex Blue Business Cash card, and earn 2% cash-back on up to $50,000 in purchases each year.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

Take control of your cash-back with the Amex Blue Business Cash card, and earn 2% cash-back on up to $50,000 in purchases each year.
Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
$250
$0
0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

Looking for a way to keep tabs on your office supply costs and business travel expenses while earning cash-back? Then The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card could be a good fit.

This card offers expense management solutions that are designed to give companies more control, along with a much clearer picture of their business spending. In doing so, the more you spend, the more cash-back you can earn.

Pros

  • 2% cash-back on up to $50,000 in spend, then 1% back thereafter
  • No annual fee
  • Travel and purchase protection

Cons

  • Not ideal for those who spend a lot on a specific category like groceries or gas
  • Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
  • 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% – 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
  • Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
  • From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
  • Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Terms Apply

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to U.S. dollars

Card Categories

If you’re running a small business, keeping track of bonus-earning categories or multiple redemption options may not be a priority. Perhaps you just want to keep things simple — the Amex Blue Business Cash card can help you do that.

The card also offers a 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99% (rates & fees) — a sure money saver if your business has large upcoming purchases.

Bottom Line: Regardless of the size or structure of your business, chances are there’s an Amex business card that will serve as the perfect match for your operation. 

Final Thoughts

Business owners with unpredictable and/or seasonable cash flow who have a need for flexibility when it comes to paying expenses may find the Amex Plum card attractive.

Also, if your business spends big and you’re able to make sufficient payments each month in time to receive the Early Pay Discount, there may be some value to be had.

But the card’s flexibility and unlimited earnings do come at a price — the card has no welcome offer, and cash-back rewards are earned only when you pay your card off early.

The Amex Business Gold card, conversely, offers an excellent welcome bonus offer and has robust bonus earning categories plus travel and shopping benefits your business can use. And it does it all for a marginal increase in annual fee compared to the Amex Plum Card.


For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the American Express® Business Gold Card, baggage insurance plan coverage can be in effect for eligible persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during their travel on a common carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a common carrier vehicle ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible account. Coverage can be provided for up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus). For New York State residents, there is a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all covered persons per covered trip. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the car rental loss and damage insurance benefit of the American Express® Business Gold Card, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the commercial car rental company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the extended warranty benefit of the American Express® Business Gold card, when an American Express® card member charges a covered purchase to an eligible card, extended warranty can provide up to one extra year added to the original manufacturer’s warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the global assist hotline benefit of the American Express® Business Gold Card, you can rely on Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

For the purchase protection benefit of the American Express® Business Gold card, when an American Express® card member charges a covered purchase with their eligible card, purchase protection can help protect their covered purchases for up to 90 days from the covered purchase date if it is stolen or accidentally damaged. The coverage is limited up to $1,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the car rental loss and damage insurance benefit of The Plum Card® from American Express, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the commercial car rental company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
 
For the extended warranty benefit of The Plum Card® from American Express, when an American Express® card member charges a covered purchase to an eligible card, extended warranty can provide up to one extra year added to the original manufacturer’s warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
 
For the global assist hotline benefit of The Plum Card® from American Express, you can rely on Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.
 
For the purchase protection benefit of The Plum Card® from American Express, when an American Express® card member charges a covered purchase with their eligible card, purchase protection can help protect their covered purchases for up to 90 days from the covered purchase date if it is stolen or accidentally damaged. The coverage is limited up to $1,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
 
For the return protection benefit of The Plum Card® from American Express, with return protection, you may return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won’t take them back up to 90 days from the date of purchase. American Express may refund the full purchase price excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account, if you purchased it entirely with your eligible American Express® Card. Purchases must be made in the U.S. or its territories. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
 

For the cell phone protection benefit of the Amex Business Gold card, coverage for a stolen or damaged eligible cellular wireless telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per eligible card account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per eligible card account per 12 month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by Card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Plum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is best, the Amex Business Gold card or the Amex Plum card?

The better card for your business operation will depend on your spending mix, redemption preferences, and the features you deem most valuable.

If your business has significant spending in the bonus categories offered by the Amex Business Gold card and your business involves travel, you’ll do better with that card.

If your business has irregular cash flow or seasonal income and you value the ability to have flexible payment options, the Amex Plum card may provide value to your business.

Is the Amex Plum card a business card?

Yes, the Amex Plum card is a business card issued by American Express that comes with several business management tools to help you run your business operation.

Does the Amex Plum card earn Membership Rewards points?

No. The Amex Plum card does not earn Membership Rewards points. The card is a business card that comes with an Early Pay Discount, allowing you to earn cash-back at the rate of 1.5% on every purchase when you make at least the minimum payment within 10 days after statement closing.

Is the Amex Plum card worth it?

If you have unpredictable, seasonal, or fluctuating business income, you may find value in the flexible payment options of the Amex Plum card.

Otherwise, there are better rewards-earning business card options available.

What are the requirements for the Amex Plum card?

You will need to have a business, even if it is small, and a “Good” or “Excellent” credit score is recommended. A credit score of at least 670 will increase the likelihood of getting approved for this card.

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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