17 Benefits of the Amex Business Gold Credit Card ($8,200+ Value)

The American Express^® Business Gold Card isn’t necessarily one of those showy new cards with a giant welcome offer. It doesn’t offer flashy benefits like hotel elite status or airport lounge access, so you’ll have to dig deeper to find the real value of this card.

Fortunately, though, the value is there for the right business. If your business can use the offered benefits, you can save thousands of dollars during your first year of card membership. That said, this Amex business card isn’t going to be valuable to all businesses.

Like any business credit card, your spending categories need to align with the bonus categories, you’ll need to utilize the offered benefits, and you have to find enough value in the benefits to offset the annual fee. But with up to 4x earnings and the ability to transfer points to travel partners, the card still offers plenty of value.

So that begs the question: does this card offer enough to be a valuable asset to your business?

Today, we’ll try to answer that question. We’ll look at all of the Amex Business Gold card’s benefits and help you see if it delivers enough value for your business to justify applying. Let’s get started!

Benefits Summary

Note: some benefits require enrollment through your American Express account. Terms Apply.
* The bonus value of the welcome offer and the value of benefits are estimated valuations calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability, and the price UP would pay to buy these points.

Earning Valuable Membership Rewards Points

Membership Rewards points earned on the Amex Business Gold card are some of the most flexible and valuable points you can earn — and there are plenty of ways to earn them.

Earning rewards may not be the only reason you decided to acquire a business credit card, but it’s always near the top of the list of card benefits.

That’s because rewards can help offset bottom-line costs like travel expenses or even fund an annual vacation you’d otherwise pay cash for.

1. A Generous Welcome Offer (Up to $2,200 Value)

You can earn the bonus by meeting minimum spending requirements within the first 3 months after card approval. With the current offer valued at up to $2,200, this is an imperative benefit to consider when evaluating the card.

ELEVATED OFFER

Terms 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 ins and outs 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).

Apply Now(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).

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $2,200

Annual Fee

$375

APR

18.24% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

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 card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons

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:
  • Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
  • U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
  • 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

Cons

• $375 annual fee (rates and fees)
• No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access or elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month 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 up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.*
• The Business Gold Card comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and White Gold. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
• *Terms Apply

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.24% - 28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

2. Accelerated Earnings in 2 Business Spending Categories ($4,400 Value)

This card earns 4x Membership Rewards points on the top 2 categories in which your business spends the most every month (up to $150,000 in combined purchases every calendar year):

• Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
•  U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
• 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, TV, radio)

If your business spends $50,000 in 4x bonus categories in a year, you’ll earn 200,000 Membership Rewards points worth approximately $4,400.

3. Elevated Earnings on AmexTravel.com Purchases ($660 Value)

Flights and prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com using the card receive 3x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent. If you were to spend $10,000 on travel, you would earn 30,000 Membership Rewards points on your purchases.

4. Unlimited Earnings on Every Purchase ($440 Value)

All purchases earn at least 1 Membership Reward point per $1 spent, including bonus category spending that exceeds the annual $150,000 limit. There is no limit on how many points you can earn. If your business spent just $10,000 in non-bonus category spending or in 4x bonus purchases above $150,000 in a calendar year, you would earn 20,000 Membership Rewards points.

Hot Tip: From how to qualify to benefits and perks, our guide will walk you through all the frequently asked questions about the Amex Business Gold card.

Receive Big Value on Membership Rewards Redemptions

5. Transfer to Airline and Hotel Partners

One of the best features of Membership Rewards points is that you can transfer your points to the Amex transfer partners. You can use these transfer partners to redeem for luxurious travel experiences like ANA first class to Tokyo or a long weekend in Hawaii.

Below you’ll find all of the Membership Rewards airline and hotel transfer partners:

Airline Transfer Partners

Hotel Transfer Partners

While you can transfer your Membership Rewards points to hotel partners, it’s not the best value for your points. Having the option is a positive, though — especially if you need to top off your hotel rewards account for a specific redemption.

Travel Benefits (Value Varies)

6. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance

Secondary coverage on eligible rental vehicles with the option to purchase Premium Protection for 1 low fee that covers the entire rental period. Prices range from $12.95 to $24.95, depending on the location and level of coverage selected. For example, on a 10-day rental, you could save ~$200 by not having to select the agency’s LDW coverage (at $20 per day).

7. The Hotel Collection 

Book a prepaid hotel stay of 2 nights or more through qualifying American Express Travel providers, pay with your Amex Business Gold card, and receive room upgrades and credit at checkout for select charges.

• Receive an upgraded room and other amenities based on availability
• $100 hotel credit on all stays for use on dining, spa, or other on-site resort purchases
• Bookings made on AmexTravel.com receive 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent, or the stay can be paid for with the Pay with Points option

Hot Tip: You can learn more about The Hotel Collection in our detailed guide.

Travel Protection Perks (Value Varies)

8. Global Assist Hotline

Receive general travel, legal, medical, and financial assistance if things go wrong while traveling.

9. Baggage Insurance Plan

You’re covered for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage up to $1,250 per covered person.

Shopping Protections (Value Varies)

10. Extended Warranty

The manufacturer’s warranty of fewer than 5 years on qualifying items purchased with your card is extended by 1 year.

11. Purchase Protection

Receive coverage for eligible items purchased with the Amex Business Gold card for accidental damage or theft up to 90 days from the date of purchase; coverage is up to $1,000 per item and $50,000 per year.

12. Cell Phone Protection

The Amex Business Gold card now boasts cell phone protection, and it’s the same coverage as what you’d find on The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express. Unlike many other credit card phone insurance policies, this particular coverage includes cosmetic damages, including cracked screens.

Amex Business Gold cardmembers can make 2 claims per year for themselves or an employee phone. Each claim covers up to $800 in damages after paying a $50 deductible. To receive coverage, your monthly cell phone bill must be paid with your Amex Business Gold card.

Shopping Benefits (Value Varies)

13. Annual Statement Credits

Amex Business Gold cardmembers receive up to $545 annually in statement credits upon enrollment, distributed according to the following breakdown:

• Up to $240 back annually — in the form of $20 monthly statement credits — for eligible purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and office supply stores
• Up to $155 back annually for a monthly Walmart+ membership
• Up to $150 back annually for U.S. purchases at Squarespace

14. Amex Offers

Too big of a deal to miss out on, Amex Offers can literally save you thousands a year. You’ll find these offers listed on your account home page; just scroll down the page and select the offers that interest you.

Add the offer to your card and follow the purchasing terms and conditions to receive statement credits or additional Membership Rewards points.

15. Business Expense Management Tools

If time is money, having the right business management tools can deliver economic value.

• Connect to Quickbooks —Transfer data from your Amex account to your Quickbooks account.
• Employee Cards — Earn rewards faster and manage every expense with extra cards for your employees – the annual fee for employee cards is $95 for the first five cards and then $95 for each card thereafter, up to 99 cards (rates & fees).
• American Express Business App — Add receipts and notes to your transaction via desktop or mobile device.
• Online and Year-end Statements —View your spending history and access reports to help at tax time.
• Mobile Account Management —Access your account from anywhere.
• Account Alerts — Set up account alerts for unusual spending, payment reminders, or to monitor employee spending.

16. Additional Travel and Entertainment Perks

Your business could realize additional savings if it makes foreign purchases, as the card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

• No Foreign Transaction Fees — Use your card anywhere in the world with no transaction fees added (rates & fees).
• Event and Entertainment Access — Ticket presale privileges, VIP event access, and preferred seating.

17. Cash Flow and Finance Benefits

• Pay Over Time — When you elect to use this benefit, you get to decide whether to pay eligible purchases in full each month or pay over time with interest.
• No Preset Spending Limit* — Your spending power adjusts as you use your card.
• Vendor Payment — Have American Express pay your vendors even if they don’t take credit cards, then repay American Express within 30, 60, or 90 days.

Terms and conditions apply to all protections/benefits. You can access full descriptions and links to terms and conditions for each protection and benefit mentioned here.

Final Thoughts

The Amex Business Gold card is one of the most feature-packed business cards on the market, but you should still review its benefits and earning potential carefully to see if it makes sense for your business.

You’ll find benefits with elevated earnings of 4x on select bonus categories, Amex Offers, business management tools, and some ancillary travel benefits.

If you’ll spend more than $7,500 a year in 4x categories, take advantage of a few Amex Offers, and use the points you earn for high-end travel experiences, you’ll find plenty of value in the card.

Our value estimates are based on theoretical business spending scenarios. The value you receive will depend on how you utilize the card.

To compare other business credit cards, we’ve put together a full lineup of the best small business cards for maximum rewards and cash-back.

*No Preset Spending Limit means your spending limit is flexible. Unlike a traditional card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment, and credit history.

For the Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance benefit of the American Express^® Business Gold Card, the benefit 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 Global Assist 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 Baggage Insurance Plan benefit of the American Express^® Business Gold Card, 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 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 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 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 Pay Over Time, carrying a balance will incur interest. Eligible charges can be included in the Pay Over Time balance, up to the Pay Over Time Limit. Pay Over Time only applies to eligible charges meeting minimum transaction amounts.