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

Premium credit cards are what American Express does best. Originally a mail business in the mid-nineteenth century, American Express has since evolved into one of the powerhouse brands for credit card rewards.

Whether it’s due to its rewards program, American Express Membership Rewards, or the remarkable perks you get from its cards, American Express has cemented itself as one of the top credit card leaders globally.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express has been a household name and customer favorite for decades; in fact, the Amex Platinum card is likely Amex’s most famous card. What some people don’t know is that American Express offers a business version of this card — The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express — that offers some of the same perks and a few unique benefits, as well. Unlike typical credit cards, these cards allow you to carry a balance for certain charges, but not all.

Here’s a comparison of these 2 juggernauts in the premium card realm. You’ll find in-depth information about the aspects that make each card unique to help you decide between the cards.

Overview

First, let’s take a look at a side-by-side comparison of the overall value of each card’s benefits.

Just be aware that the Amex Platinum card is a consumer card while the Amex Business Platinum card is an Amex business card. As such, the Amex Platinum card simply requires an application, while you’ll need a business to open the Amex Business Platinum card. We’ll discuss this more in detail later.

Welcome Offer Comparison

The welcome offer is just a single piece of the equation, albeit a large one. The welcome offer will inevitably contribute to a card’s long-term value, but it’s also crucial to pick the card that will best fit your needs beyond the first year.

Since both the Amex Platinum card and the Amex Business Platinum card earn the same type of points, the value of the welcome offer will depend on the number of points that you get from the welcome offer. Our valuation of Amex Membership Rewards points is 2.2 cents each, so you can use that to assist you in calculating the value of a welcome offer.

Amex Platinum Card

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The 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.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

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Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

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The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

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 cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• 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.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.¤
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Amex Business Platinum Card

ELEVATED OFFER

Terms 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!

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

150,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$3,300

Annual Fee

$695

APR

18.74% - 27.74% 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 cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
• Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• 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)

Cons

• High annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the 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, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card^®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card^®, here.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR^® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the 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: 18.74% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 250k points with the Amex Business Platinum card. The current public offer is 150,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Earning Potential

Bonus Spending Categories

When spending with the Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card, you’ll find that the earning power of the 2 cards is slightly different:

• Amex Platinum card: 5x points per dollar spent on flights booked directly through the airline and AmexTravel.com, up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year
• Amex Business Platinum card: 5x per dollar spent on flights and prepaid hotels through AmexTravel.com

However, the Amex Business Platinum card earns 1.5x on eligible purchases in key business categories and on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (up to $2 million in purchases per calendar year).

These key business categories include eligible purchases at:

• U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers
• U.S. electronic goods retailers
• U.S. software and cloud system providers
• U.S. shipping providers

Bottom Line: The Amex Platinum card earns points more flexibly than the Amex Business Platinum card due to the addition of 5x points per dollar spent on flights booked directly through airlines. 

Redeeming Options

There are tons of great ways to redeem Membership Rewards points utilizing one of Amex transfer partners to ensure great value for your redemption. The numerous airline and hotel partners make redeeming Amex Membership Rewards points easy. Plus, they offer attractive transfer ratios from time to time and other ways to spend your points.

Furthermore, if you hold the Amex Business Platinum card, you can get a 35% rebate when using Membership Rewards to pay with points on AmexTravel.com, up to 1,000,000 points back per calendar year. To get to the full yearly points rebate, you must redeem at least 2,857,143 points. This includes first and business class tickets with all airlines available through AmexTravel.com.

The other redemption options include statement credits, gift cards, Amazon, Uber, Ticketmaster, and shopping partners. Unfortunately, the value of these points is limited, typically less than 1 cent per point.

Bottom Line: Although there’s no shortage of ways to use your Amex points, redeeming Amex Membership Rewards points by transferring them to travel partners for international first or business class flights will almost always yield the biggest return.

Statement Credits

One of the best ways to offset a hefty annual fee, like those on the Amex Platinum or the Amex Business Platinum card, is to take advantage of various statement credits over the course of a calendar year.

Let’s start with the benefits that both cards offer.

$200 Airline Fee Credit

Both cards offer an airline fee credit of up to $200 each calendar year that can be used for incidental fees such as checked bags and inflight purchases.

Remember that per Amex’s terms and conditions, “airline tickets, mileage points purchases or mileage points transfer fees, gift cards, upgrades, duty-free purchases, or award tickets” are not considered incidental fees.

This fee credit requires enrollment, and you must select your airline before usage. Furthermore, you can only change your airline choice once per year in January.

TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Application Fee Credit

When you hold either the Amex Platinum card or the Amex Business Platinum card, you will receive a statement credit for the application fee of either:

• TSA PreCheck ($85) every 4.5 years
• Global Entry (up to $120 as of October 1, 2024) every 4 years

It is recommended that you apply for Global Entry, as this includes TSA PreCheck. Global Entry allows you to clear immigration upon arrival in the U.S. much quicker than usual. You won’t need to wait in processing lines and fill out mountains of paperwork every time you return to the U.S.

Hot Tip: For more options, check out our detailed post about the best credit cards for complimentary TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

Annual CLEAR Plus Credit

Those who hold either the Amex Platinum card or the Amex Business Platinum card can receive an annual credit of up to $199 on a CLEAR Plus membership.

Amex Platinum Card

Up to $100 Yearly Saks Fifth Avenue Credit

With the Amex Platinum card, you receive up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue credit for in-store or online purchases.

Specifically, you will get up to $50 in statement credits in the first half of the year (January through June) and up to $50 in statement credits in the second half of the year (July through December).

You’ll need to enroll, but enrollment is easy, and no minimum purchase is required. You will not earn any additional statement credits for additional cardholders.

Up to $200 Yearly Uber Cash

Another benefit of the Amex Platinum card is the yearly $200 in Uber Cash. Every month from January to November, you’ll receive $15 in Uber Cash for U.S. rides plus a bonus of $20 ($35 total) in December for a total of up to $200 in annual Uber savings.

One of the best ways to use Uber Cash is on Uber Eats, so be sure to take advantage of that, too. That’s essentially a free meal every month and 2 meals in December.

Up to $300 Annual Equinox Credit

Amex Platinum cardholders will receive a $300 annual credit for an Equinox membership.

Up to $240 Digital Entertainment Credit

Amex Platinum cardholders can enjoy up to $20 statement credit each month towards select streaming services. Note, like other benefits, enrollment is required for this benefit.

Up to $200 Prepaid Hotel Credit

Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum 2-night stay, through AmexTravel.com when you pay with your card.

Up to $155 Annual Walmart+ Credit

A Walmart+ membership includes benefits such as free shipping and discounted gas prices. Those who’ve got the Amex Platinum card will get up to a $12.95 monthly credit towards the membership.

Even better, Walmart+ now includes a free subscription to Paramount+ Essential at no extra cost, so this Amex Platinum card perk is even more valuable than before.

Amex Business Platinum Card

Up to $400 Yearly Dell Credit

Amex Business Platinum cardholders receive up to $400 in statement credits annually by getting up to $200 semi-annually for U.S. purchases with Dell. Terms apply and enrollment is required.

Similar to the Saks Fifth Avenue credit, this is an enrollment-required credit split into 2 equal, biannual credits. Purchases must be made “directly with Dell or at dell.com in the U.S. and U.S. territories” to qualify for the credit. Furthermore, items must be shipped to the U.S. to qualify.

You will get up to $200 in statement credits for purchases made in January through June and another $200 in statement credits for purchases made in July through December, for a total savings of up to $400.

The official terms and conditions state that statement credits take 2 to 4 weeks to post.

Up to $150 Adobe Credit

Amex Business Platinum cardholders will receive a $150 yearly credit for annual prepaid subscription plans for eligible Creative Cloud for teams and Acrobat Pro DC with e-sign for teams.

Up to $360 Indeed Credit

There’s also an up to $360 Indeed credit, in the form of up to $90 back per quarter, if you have the Amex Business Platinum card. You can use this to grow your team and business.

Up to $120 Wireless Credit

You can get up to $10 back every month in the form of a wireless telephone service credit, so go ahead and put your phone bills on your Amex Business Platinum card.

Air Travel Advantages

Perhaps the single most valuable benefit of these 2 cards is the airport lounge access. If you hold either of the cards, you can access over 1,400 lounges:

• Centurion Lounges (both in the U.S. and abroad)
• Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta same-day)
• Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner
• Select Lufthansa Lounges (when flying Lufthansa same-day)
• Plaza Premium Lounges
• Priority Pass Select lounges, upon enrollment (Priority Pass memberships from U.S.-issued American Express cards no longer include restaurants/”non-lounge airport experiences”)
• Select Virgin Clubhouses

The Amex Platinum card and the Amex Business Platinum card arguably have the best lounge access of any credit card. With access to the Centurion Lounge, you can expect to enjoy a hot food buffet, shower suites, premium alcohol, and utmost luxury that rivals most business class lounges in the world.

Hotel Program Privileges

Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status

With both the Amex Platinum card and the Amex Business Platinum card, you will enjoy elevated elite status without meeting any stay requirements. Specifically, you’ll receive Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.

Among other perks, you’ll receive the following at Marriott properties:

• All Silver benefits
  • Dedicated elite reservation line
  • Ultimate reservation guarantee
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Exclusive member rates
• 25% bonus points on stays
• Enhanced room upgrades
• Priority 2 p.m. late checkout
• Complimentary enhanced in-room internet access

Hot Tip: Sound interesting? Explore more information about the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.

Hilton Honors Gold Status

Hilton Honors Gold status is arguably the best mid-tier status in hotel loyalty. The Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card both provide complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status just by holding the card.

Here’s what to expect from Hilton Honors Gold status:

• All Silver benefits
  • Guaranteed member discounts
  • No resort fees on reward stays
  • Digital key/check-in and choose your room
  • Standard in-room and lobby Wi-Fi
  • Second guest stays free
  • Late checkout
  • Free transfer of points and points pooling
  • Fifth standard reward night free
  • 2 bottles of water
  • Elite tier rollover nights
• Space-available room upgrades
• Complimentary breakfast at all hotels
• Unlimited milestone bonuses
• 80% bonus points towards a free night

The Fine Hotels & Resorts Program

American Express has partnerships with various hotels, and many of these hotels collectively comprise the Fine Hotels & Resorts program, which is unique to Amex.

The reason why this is a huge benefit for Amex Platinum card or Amex Business Platinum cardholders is that you’ll receive complimentary benefits when booking through Fine Hotels & Resorts, such as:

• Room upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability)
• Daily breakfast for 2
• Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout
• Noon check-in (subject to availability)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Unique property amenity valued at $100 (i.e. food and beverage credit, one-way private sedan transfer, or spa credit)

Often, the Fine Hotels & Resorts rate is just as competitive as the cheapest publicly available rate, so you might be able to enjoy all of these benefits at an amazing price. With this awesome benefit, you’ll find yourself traveling luxuriously in no time just by holding the Amex Platinum card or Amex Business Platinum card.

The Hotel Collection

American Express has yet another group of partner hotels that are a tier below the Fine Hotels & Resorts known as The Hotel Collection.

With stays booked within The Hotel Collection of at least 2 nights, you will receive benefits like:

• A space-available room upgrade at check-in
• $100 credit for qualifying dining, spa, and resort activities

In addition to the Amex Platinum card and the Amex Business Platinum card, you can unlock The Hotel Collection by holding the American Express^® Gold Card, American Express^® Business Gold Card, or Centurion^® Card from American Express.

Remember that you must pay for your reservations with your American Express card, and the cardholder must be traveling on the booked itinerary to receive benefits.

Hot Tip: For more information, check out our in-depth guide on comparing the American Express Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels & Resorts.

Car Rental Program Perks

In addition to hotel elite status, having either the Amex Platinum card or Amex Business Platinum card will give you complimentary elite status and benefits as follows:

• Avis Preferred
  • Special codes that upgrade or discount rentals
  • Skip the line, which allows you to go straight to your car
  • Bonus Avis Preferred points with each rental
• Hertz President’s Club Status
  • Special discounted rates at select locations
  • 4-hour grace period on U.S. rentals before an extra day is charged
  • 10% bonus on Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
  • A complimentary 1-car class upgrade
• National Emerald Club Executive Status 
  • Bypass the counter
  • Guaranteed upgrades
  • No second-driver fee
  • Reward choices and 1 free rental day after 7 rental credits
  • E-receipts
  • Choose full-size cars from the Executive area at the mid-sized reserved rate

Cruise Benefits

Cardholders of either card receive cruise benefits if they book trips of at least 5 nights via AmexTravel.com or an eligible provider and pay with their card.

You can receive a $100 to $300 credit as follows:

• $300 credit for all staterooms on AmaWaterways, Azamara, Crystal, Oceania, Regent, Seabourn, Silversea, Uniworld, and Windstar
• $300 credit for all Queen Victoria/Queen Elizabeth oceanview staterooms category FA or higher and all Queen Mary oceanview staterooms category EF or higher on Cunard
• $100 credit for inside/outside staterooms, $200 credit for balcony, verandah, and mini-suite staterooms, and $300 credit for suites on Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International

These credits mandate double occupancy and may not be available to cardholders from outside the U.S.

Hot Tip: You’ll also earn 2x points on cruises booked at AmexTravel.com. You can only earn 2 points per dollar if the entire cruise is paid for through AmexTravel.com.

Travel Insurance Comparison

There are a variety of travel benefits that come complimentary with both cards:

• Secondary rental car coverage can cover fees and charges that primary rental car coverage doesn’t 
• Ability to purchase primary rental car coverage to cover damages due to theft, collision, and more 
• Baggage insurance will reimburse you for lost luggage in transit, subject to exclusions and rules
• Premium Global Assist provides you with travel logistics support, such as lost passport replacement assistance, translation services, missing luggage assistance, emergency legal and medical referrals, and more
• Purchase protection protects against damaged or stolen purchases for 90 days
• Extended warranty prolongs the normal warranty in addition to the standard warranty on new items by 1 year
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance provide you with reimbursement of non-refundable travel expenses of up to $10,000 per trip with a maximum of $20,000 per eligible account for each consecutive 12-month period; you must book a round-trip flight entirely with your card and the flight should be canceled for a “covered reason,” including sudden illness/injury to you or an eligible traveler, call to jury, terrorist action, or inclement weather
• Trip delay insurance provides you with reimbursement of unexpected expenses such as meals, lodging, and personal-use items up to $500 per trip if your trip is delayed by more than 6 hours due to a covered reason; this insurance also covers you if you purchase round-trip flights entirely with your card, pay for award ticket taxes and fees, or use Pay With Points for your ticket

Platinum Card Concierge

Amex’s Platinum Card Concierge is a hugely valuable perk. From sold-out concert tickets to Michelin-starred dining, you’ll want to have the Platinum Card Concierge on your side to make reservations and bookings.

For example, visiting Japan is a must. But sampling Michelin-starred food in Japan can be difficult. With many restaurants not taking reservations directly from travelers, you can dispatch the Platinum Card Concierge to help.

These professionals are located all around the world and can handle the toughest requests out there. Remember, however, that these aren’t guaranteed, but the success rate is phenomenal.

Also, if you are in the market for holding work/corporate events, you can leverage the expertise of the Platinum Card Concierge to coordinate your team bonding activities.

Fees and Additional Users

No Foreign Transaction Fees

You will not be charged any foreign transaction fees for international purchases. For the Amex Platinum card, see rates & fees; for the Amex Business Platinum card, see rates & fees.

Adding Additional Users

With the Amex Platinum card, you can add authorized users for $195 per card (see rates & fees).

The Amex Business Platinum card charges $350 per authorized user (see rates & fees).

Authorized users will get the lounge access perks, but do not get any additional statement credits, except for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit.

Bottom Line: All in all, the Amex Platinum card offers a more affordable way to add additional cardholders as compared to the Amex Business Platinum card. 

FX International Payments Fee Waiver

If approved by American Express, certain businesses are eligible to receive transaction fee waivers for payments using foreign currency wire transfers. These businesses must have an Amex Business Platinum card, and there may be minimum transaction sizes for certain currencies.

Reasons You Need a Business Card

Running a business, no matter the size, requires greater organization of finances as compared to your personal finances. From legal documentation to managing your business spending, business cards will inevitably make their way into your wallet.

A business credit card often provides excellent ways to earn rewards. The major banks have become keen on the fact that offering rewards to business owners is just as lucrative, if not more so, than to consumers.

After all, business owners spend money on things like office supplies, payroll, commercial rent, and even business meals. It only makes sense that the average monthly payment for business owners is $2,032, whereas consumers spend a mere $954.¹

Here are some excellent reasons to consider opening a business card:

1. Higher Limits: Banks understand that the cost of doing business is typically higher than ordinary consumer spending, so banks grant larger credit limits as compared to consumer cards.
2. Excellent Rewards: Banks have caught onto the fact that business credit cards are incredibly profitable. In a fierce battle to vie for market share, banks such as American Express have upped the rewards structures to incentivize new applicants.
3. Separate Spending: Anyone who runs a business knows how much of a headache keeping expenses separate is. Business cards provide a convenient way to track and manage your business spending without intertwining your personal and business expenses.
4. Build Your Business Credit: Business credit belongs in a different realm, separate from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Getting a business credit card will help establish your business credit report, which is instead most closely associated with Dun & Bradstreet.
5. Unique Business Benefits: Some cards offer business management tools, co-working memberships, statement credits, and more.

Bottom Line: Business cards are excellent because they provide a unique entourage of benefits to business owners small and large.

Who Qualifies for a Business Card?

Many believe that getting a business card is reserved for those with massive corporations, complex legal structures, and tons of monthly business spending. It’s not.

You don’t need any of these things to qualify for a business credit card. In fact, a small side hustle like yard sales or part-time tutoring would work perfectly. You don’t need a corporation or an LLC, but it may help your approval odds.

Banks love helping small business owners grow, so don’t be afraid to apply for a business card. Depending on the industry you’re in, the U.S. Small Business Administration may require special licensing or permits.

Final Thoughts

In all, there is a lot to love about the Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card. Each of the cards possesses unique benefits, and both of the cards also share lots of perks. If you are looking for a personal or business card that offers a laundry list of useful, value-adding perks, look no further than these 2 cards.

For the secondary rental car coverage benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 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 baggage insurance benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum 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 premium global assist benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express and The Business Platinum 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. 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.Please 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 purchase protection benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits 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.

For the extended warranty benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express and The Business Platinum 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 trip cancellation and interruption insurance benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, the maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive 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 the trip delay insurance benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive 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.