Can I use the Amex Business Platinum card for personal purchases?

It is possible to charge personal expenses on the card, but not advisable. A key purpose of securing a business credit card is to separate business and personal expenses. Additionally, the card’s terms and conditions state that the card is for business purposes. Charging personal items could violate this agreement. And finally, there are regulations that cover business credit cards that do not provide the same level of protection you receive when making purchases on a personal consumer credit card.

Does the Amex Business Platinum card have a Saks Fifth Avenue credit?

No. Only The Platinum Card® from American Express offers the Saks Fifth Avenue statement credit.

Can I apply for an Amex Corporate Platinum card?

You can apply if your business has been operational for more than 12 months, has more than $4 million in revenue each year, has an address other than your residential address, and you’re not a sole proprietor.

Amex Business Platinum vs. Amex Corporate Platinum Card [2022]

Q: Which is better, the Amex Business Platinum card or the Amex Corporate Platinum card?

Either card could be a potential fit for a business. However, the Amex Corporate Platinum card is only available to businesses that have over $4 million in annual revenue. Any business, regardless of size or entity, can apply for the Amex Business Platinum card. The better card for your business will be the one your business qualifies for that matches your spending mix, has redemption options and benefits your business can use, and has card management tools adequate for your business’ size.

As your business grows, you may need to think seriously about a business credit card that can help you manage your business expenses. You may also want to secure a card that ensures you’ll earn rewards on those expenses and has redemption options that can add value to your bottom line.

If your business involves travel, having a card that provides premium travel benefits and protections might also be a priority.

Additionally, if you’re considering a corporate card for your business operation, you’ll want to keep reading. We’re comparing The Business Platinum Card® from American Express to the Corporate Platinum Card® by American Express.

While both cards offer plenty of value for a business owner, they’re considerably different.

Join us as we look at the guidelines for applying, how each of these cards earns rewards, the redemption options you’ll have, and an overview of any benefits and protections that might add value to your business.

Table of contents

Amex Business Platinum Card vs. Amex Corporate Platinum Card — Overview
Business Credit Cards vs. Corporate Credit Cards
Application Guidelines
The Value of a Welcome Offer
Earning Potential
Redemption Options
- Amex Business Platinum Card
- Amex Corporate Platinum Card
Travel Benefits and Protections
- Additional Travel Benefits and Protections — Amex Business Platinum Card
Shopping Benefits and Protections
- Amex Business Platinum Card
Annual Fees and Authorized Users
Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

Amex Business Platinum Card vs. Amex Corporate Platinum Card — Overview
Business Credit Cards vs. Corporate Credit Cards
Application Guidelines
The Value of a Welcome Offer
Earning Potential
Redemption Options
- Amex Business Platinum Card
- Amex Corporate Platinum Card
Travel Benefits and Protections
- Additional Travel Benefits and Protections — Amex Business Platinum Card
Shopping Benefits and Protections
- Amex Business Platinum Card
Annual Fees and Authorized Users
Final Thoughts

Amex Business Platinum Card vs. Amex Corporate Platinum Card — Overview

Before we dive into all the key details of the Amex Business Platinum card and the Amex Corporate Platinum card, let’s look at a high-level overview comparing our featured cards side-by-side.

Benefit	The Business Platinum Card® from American Express	Corporate Platinum Card® by American Express
Welcome Offer	Earn 120,000 points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.	No welcome offer is available.
Application Guidelines	Good to excellent recommended credit Qualifying credit history Own a business	Good to excellent recommended credit Business revenue over $4 million per year Business address outside of the home 12 months or more in business Not a sole proprietor
Earnings	5x points for flights purchased directly from the airline or via Amex Travel and on prepaid hotels purchased via Amex Travel 2x points on cruises via Amex Travel 1.5x points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (cap applies) 1x points on all other purchases	1x points on all purchases 5% Uber Cash on Uber rides and U.S. Uber Eats purchases, terms apply
Redemption Options	Redeem points for flights via Amex Travel Transfer Membership Rewards to airline and hotel partners Bid for flight upgrades with points Gift cards, Amazon, prepaid hotels via Amex Travel Statement credits	Gift certificates and retail gift cards American Express gift cards Pay with Points for travel via Amex Travel Pay with Points at Ticketmaster Shop at Amazon Statement credits
Travel Benefits and Protections	Access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass (upon enrollment), Plaza Premium Lounges, and more Up to $189 CLEAR statement credit every calendar year Up to $200 airline fee statement credit every calendar year Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit Hilton Honors Gold elite and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status upon enrollment Fine Hotels + Resorts program benefits International Airline Program Premium Global Assist Hotline
Additional Travel Benefits and Protections	No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees) Points rebate for flights using Pay With Points via Amex Travel The Hotel Collection benefits Car rental program benefits	N/A
Shopping Benefits and Protections	Cell phone protection Up to $400 in statement credits each year for Dell Technology purchases Up to $120 wireless statement credit Up to $150 in statement credits for Adobe purchases each year Up to $360 in statement credits for Indeed purchases each year	Cell phone protection
Annual Fees and Authorized Users	Annual fee of $695 (rates and fees) $350 for each authorized user; $45 for each American Express® Gold Card and no charge for each American Express® Green Card (rates and fees)	Annual fee of $550 $75 each for American Express® Corporate Green Cards

Business Credit Cards vs. Corporate Credit Cards

There are stark differences between a business credit card and a corporate credit card. We’ll talk about American Express-issued cards next, but first, let’s look at the general differences between these 2 types of cards:

Liability for Debt — Typically, a business credit card requires the primary cardholder to be personally responsibility for any charges made on the card. With a corporate card, the business entity is normally responsible.
Eligibility — Any business, large or small, can apply for a business credit card, while corporate cards may accept only incorporated businesses. Additionally, minimum annual revenue requirements and even a minimum number of employees may be required for eligibility.
Card Features — Both business and corporate cards allow you to manage employee spending with tracking and spending-limit capabilities. Both types of cards also typically offer rewards earning and redemption options.
Application Process — You can apply online for a business card, but applying for a corporate card may require a consultation with a representative to work through the application process and discuss available employee card options.

A corporate card may be the better choice if your business has an extraordinary amount of transactions, if spending limits need to be higher, or if you have 100 employees or more. Corporate cards may also feature a more enhanced card management system than a business card.

Bottom Line: Business credit cardholders are typically responsible for charges on the card, while the business is responsible for charges on a corporate card. Any business can normally qualify for a business card, but a corporate card may require the business to be incorporated and have specific revenue or employee levels. Both types of cards offer management tools and can offer rewards on purchases.

Application Guidelines

Now let’s talk specifically about American Express-issued business and corporate cards.

It’s recommended that you have good to excellent credit to qualify for the Amex Business Platinum card — generally a score of 700 or better. It is possible to be approved with a slightly lower credit score as other factors of your credit history are considered. When applying for the Amex Corporate Platinum card, your business credit score and history will determine your acceptance.

Anyone with the appropriate credit history and a business, even a small business, can apply for the Amex Business Platinum card. The Amex Corporate Platinum card requires a business to meet the following criteria:

Revenue of over $4 million each year
Business address other than a home address
12 months or more in business
Not a sole proprietor

One major difference between the Amex Business Platinum card and the Amex Corporate Platinum card is that your personal credit can be used to guarantee the debt on the Amex Business Platinum card, while the business would guarantee the debt on the Amex Corporate Platinum card.

Additionally, both cards require that the balance be paid off in full each statement period.

Hot Tip: Select American Express Corporate cardmembers may qualify for an annual statement credit offer, up to $150, for select personal American Express cards.

The Value of a Welcome Offer

When you apply and are subsequently approved for the Amex Business Platinum card, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a welcome bonus after meeting minimum spending requirements during the period immediately following your card approval.

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome bonus offer of up to 150,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum card! (The current public offer is 120,000 points.)

We value Membership Rewards points at approximately 2.2 cents each, which means a 100,000-point welcome offer would be worth up to $2,200.

Welcome bonuses and spending requirements change so be sure to check the most current offer before applying.

Note that the Amex Corporate Platinum card does not feature a welcome offer.

Earning Potential

Oman Air business class — Earn bonus Membership Rewards points for flight purchases via Amex Travel and directly through the airlines. Image Credit: Oman Air

It’s a smart decision to earn rewards on purchases you’re making anyway, especially when you have a lot of business expenses.

Here’s how you’ll earn rewards on all of the purchases you make with either the Amex Business Platinum card or the Amex Corporate Platinum card:

Earning Category	Amex Business Platinum Card	Amex Corporate Platinum Card
Travel	5x points for flights purchased directly from the airlines or via Amex Travel 5x points on prepaid hotels via Amex Travel 2x points on cruises via Amex Travel	1x points on all purchases 5% Uber Cash on Uber rides and U.S. Uber Eats purchases, must link card and Uber Cash accounts
Additional Earnings	1.5x points on purchases of $5,000 or more, at electronic goods retailers, software, cloud purchases, U.S. shipping, U.S. construction materials and hardware suppliers (up to $2 million in purchases each calendar year) 1x points on all other purchases	1x points on all purchases

Bottom Line: The Amex Business Platinum card has the edge with a more robust earning structure than the Amex Corporate Platinum card.

Redemption Options

The primary cardholder on the Amex Business Platinum card and company-designated program administrators on the Amex Corporate Platinum card have several redemption options for Membership Rewards earned on the corresponding cards.

Amex Business Platinum Card

Flights — Redeem points at 1 cent each for flights via Amex Travel
Transfer to Travel Partners — Transfer points to airline and hotel partners to purchase award flights or free hotel nights.
Flight Upgrades — Use points to bid for flight upgrades.
Pay With Points Rebate — Redeem points via Amex Travel for business or first class flights on any airline or any class flights on your preselected airline and receive a 35% rebate in points (up to 1 million points back per calendar year).
Additional Redemption Options — Redeem points for statement credits, to shop at Amazon and select retailers, for gift cards, or prepaid hotels via Amex Travel.

Amex Corporate Platinum Card

Certificates and Gift Cards — Purchase gift certificates or retail gift cards with Membership Rewards points earned on the card.
American Express Gift Cards — Membership Rewards points may be used to purchase American Express gift cards online.
Use Pay With Points — Use points to book select travel via Amex Travel or for purchases at Ticketmaster.
Shop With Points — Link your Amex Corporate Platinum card to your Amazon account and use points for your purchases. You can also redeem points to shop with select retailers such as Best Buy, but shopping with points is generally a poor value.
Statement Credit — Membership Rewards points are worth 0.5 cents each towards a statement credit. For example, you can redeem 20,000 points for a statement credit of $100.

For the Amex Business Platinum card, the primary cardholder has redemption privileges. For the Amex Corporate Platinum card, the company will designate administrators who are granted redemption privileges in the Corporate Membership Rewards Program. A company may also choose to allow individual cardholders to accumulate Membership Rewards and have redemption privileges.

Bottom Line: The Amex Business Platinum card offers more flexibility and additional options at redemption time than the Amex Corporate Platinum card.

Travel Benefits and Protections

American Express Centurion Lounge Heathrow Terminal 3 view from relaxation through to dining area — Travel benefits, like relaxing at the Centurion Lounge in London, can make your journey more comfortable. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

Travel benefits can save you money while protections can provide peace of mind knowing you’re covered should something go wrong during your travels.

Here are some of the key travel benefits and protections you can expect to receive on both the Amex Business Platinum card and the Amex Corporate Platinum card:

American Express Global Lounge Collection — Receive complimentary unlimited access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide:
- Centurion Lounges
- Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta on the same day)
- Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner
- International Centurion Lounges
- Select Lufthansa Lounges (when flying on a Lufthansa Group flight the same day)
- Plaza Premium Lounges
- Priority Pass Select (upon enrollment)
- Select Virgin Clubhouse Lounges
$189 CLEAR Credit — Pay for CLEAR expedited airport security membership with your card and receive up to $189 in statement credits.
Up to $200 Airline Fee Credit — Log into your online card account and select your preferred airline. Use your card to make your purchase and receive a statement credit.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit — Pay the application or renewal fee with your card and receive reimbursement for up to $100 Global Entry or up to $85 TSA PreCheck for application fees.
Hilton Honors Gold Status — Sign in to your Amex card account online and register for this complimentary elite status benefit.
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status — Receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status as long as you have the card. Registration is required.
Fine Hotels & Resorts Benefits — Amex Business Platinum card benefits include room upgrades when available, daily breakfast for 2, noon check-in when available, 4 p.m. checkout, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an onsite amenity or experience (minimum value of $100). The Amex Corporate Platinum card offers the same benefits, however, the onsite amenity or experience value is based on prior year bookings.
International Airline Program — Receive discounts of up to 20% on international fares with select airlines when using Amex Travel’s International Airline Program.
Premium Global Assist Hotline — Enjoy 24/7 assistance with emergency transportation arrangements, medical referrals, translation services, and more. Cardholders are responsible for the actual services received.
Roadside Assistance — Receive up to 4 service calls each calendar year, including tire changing, lockout service, jump-starting, limited towing, and fuel delivery.

Additional Travel Benefits and Protections — Amex Business Platinum Card

In addition to the list of shopping benefits and protections you’ll find on both cards, the Amex Business Platinum offers these additional features:

No Foreign Transaction Fees — Unlike the Amex Corporate Platinum card which charges 2.5%, the Amex Business Platinum card does not charge foreign transaction fees (rates and fees).
Points Rebate via Amex Travel — Business and first class flights purchased using Pay With Points on any airline via Amex Travel will receive a rebate of 35% of the points used. Any flights purchased with points via Amex Travel on your preselected airline using points will also receive the rebate.
The Hotel Collection Benefits — Use your card to book a stay for a minimum of 2 nights and receive an upgraded room, when available, and a $100 experience credit to use onsite for dining, spa, and resort activities.
Car Rental Program Benefits — Receive elite-style benefits such as discounted pricing, a grace period for returning your rental car, car upgrades, and more with Avis, Hertz, and National.

Bottom Line: While the Amex Corporate Platinum card comes with several travel benefits and protections, the Amex Business Platinum card offers additional benefits and protections such as no foreign transaction fees, a points rebate when booking flights via Amex Travel, and hotel and car rental benefits.

Shopping Benefits and Protections

Dell products — Save money and receive coverage for eligible items purchased with your card. Image Credit: Dell

Shopping benefits can save you money while protections can save the day if an eligible item you purchase with your card becomes damaged.

Here are the shopping benefits and protections you can expect on both the Amex Business Platinum card and the Amex Corporate Platinum card:

Cell Phone Protection — Pay for your monthly eligible cell phone service with your card and receive coverage for theft or damage, up to $800 per claim. There is a limit of 2 claims per eligible card account each 12-month period and there is a $50 deductible applied to each claim.

Amex Business Platinum Card

The Amex Business Platinum card offers these additional shopping benefits/protections:

Dell Statement Credit — Receive up to $400 in annual statement credits for qualifying purchases at Dell Technologies, a limit of $200 from January through June, and another $200 from July through December.
Wireless Services Statement Credit — Pay for your monthly wireless phone service with your card and receive up to $10 per month, $120 each year, as a statement credit.
Adobe Statement Credit — Receive up to $150 each year in statement credits for qualifying Adobe purchases.
Indeed Statement Credit — Purchases made directly with Indeed can qualify for up to $90 in statement credits each quarter, for a total of $360 in credits each calendar year.

Bottom Line: The Amex Corporate Platinum card does not list any shopping benefits or protections in its benefit descriptions other than cell phone protection.

Annual Fees and Authorized Users

The Amex Business Platinum card charges an annual fee of $695 while the Amex Corporate Platinum card charges $550.

Adding employee cards is a key component to managing the expenses your business makes. Both cards provide card management tools and make it easy to add employee authorized users.

Adding an additional user to the Amex Business Platinum card will cost $350 each year for every additional cardmember. You can add Amex Gold card members for $45 each annually and there is no charge to add Amex Gold card members. You can add up to 99 additional card users.

Each Amex Corporate Green card issued to an employee has an annual fee of $75.

Hot Tip: Authorized users on the Amex Business Platinum card receive full unlimited access to the Amex Global Lounge Collection plus a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement.

Final Thoughts

If your business has grown to the point where you’re considering a corporate card, you may want to first consider a premium business card. You’ll need to weigh the personal liability issue of a business credit card versus a corporate card, determine which has a better rewards program for your spending mix, and whether the management tools meet the expense activity of your business.

The Amex Business Platinum card may be a better choice over the Amex Corporate Platinum card depending on your business structure.

Finally, let’s clarify that not all of the benefits for both cards have been included in this article, only key ones. Benefit and protection descriptions have also been abbreviated, so you’ll want to access each card’s Guide to Benefits for full descriptions and the terms/conditions. Additionally, for the Amex Corporate Platinum card, some features, benefits, and fees are not publicly accessible but are disclosed and applied during the application process.

The information regarding the Corporate Platinum Card® by American Express and American Express® Corporate Green Card was independently collected Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For the Global Assistant Hotline benefit of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and The American Express Corporate Platinum Card®, cardmembers 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. Plus, we may provide emergency medical transportation assistance and related services. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

For the Cell Phone Protection benefit of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and The American Express Corporate Platinum 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. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.

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Amex Business Platinum Card vs. Amex Corporate Platinum Card [Detailed Comparison]

Amex Business Platinum Card vs. Amex Corporate Platinum Card — Overview

Business Credit Cards vs. Corporate Credit Cards

Application Guidelines

The Value of a Welcome Offer

Earning Potential

Redemption Options

Amex Business Platinum Card

Amex Corporate Platinum Card

Travel Benefits and Protections

Additional Travel Benefits and Protections — Amex Business Platinum Card

Shopping Benefits and Protections

Amex Business Platinum Card

Annual Fees and Authorized Users

Final Thoughts

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, the Amex Business Platinum card or the Amex Corporate Platinum card?

Can I use the Amex Business Platinum card for personal purchases?

Does the Amex Business Platinum card have a Saks Fifth Avenue credit?

Can I apply for an Amex Corporate Platinum card?

About Christine Krzyszton

Any thoughts or questions? Comment below! Cancel reply

Advertiser Disclosure

Amex Business Platinum Card vs. Amex Corporate Platinum Card — Overview

Business Credit Cards vs. Corporate Credit Cards

Application Guidelines

The Value of a Welcome Offer

Earning Potential

Redemption Options

Amex Business Platinum Card

Amex Corporate Platinum Card

Travel Benefits and Protections

Additional Travel Benefits and Protections — Amex Business Platinum Card

Shopping Benefits and Protections

Amex Business Platinum Card

Annual Fees and Authorized Users

Final Thoughts

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, the Amex Business Platinum card or the Amex Corporate Platinum card?

Can I use the Amex Business Platinum card for personal purchases?

Does the Amex Business Platinum card have a Saks Fifth Avenue credit?

Can I apply for an Amex Corporate Platinum card?

About Christine Krzyszton

Any thoughts or questions? Comment below! Cancel reply

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Advertiser Disclosure