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American Express is a known leader when it comes to business credit cards, with many great options for business owners.
Finding the perfect Amex business credit card that brings the most value back into your business operation may seem challenging, but we’re here to walk you through various choices and help you determine which card is the right fit for your business.
Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $12,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 Bonus Miles after you make an eligible Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 6 months. Offer Ends 10/25/2023.
Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $8,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 11/1/23.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand 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!
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.
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.
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)
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.
Cardholders can earn 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels on Amex Travel and 1.5x pointson eligible purchases at U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software and 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).
Up to $120 in wireless phone service statement credits
When we look at all of the American Express Business cards, there isn’t one that comes close to delivering more value for travelers than the Amex Business Platinum card.
Yes, it does come with a high annual fee, but it delivers value for the frequent traveler far beyond the amount of that fee.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand 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).
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
$295 ($375 if application is received on or after 2/1/24)
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.
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.
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, TV, radio)
3x points on flights, prepaid hotels, prepaid flight + hotel packages booked via Amex Travel
Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection
Purchase protection and extended warranty protection
Trip delay insurance
Car rental insurance
Cell phone insurance
Cons
$295 ($375 if application is received on or after 2/1/24) 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 booked directly with airlines 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. Now choose from Gold or Rose Gold.
Another solid business card is the Amex Business Gold card, which rewards your greatest business purchases.
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):
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, TV, radio)
If your business has significant spending in a particular category, points will add up quickly. We would also recommend taking a look at this Amex Business Gold welcome offer.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand 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.
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.
N/A
N/A
$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
0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% – 26.49% Variable, 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
Startup businesses may have an initial mix of expenses that differ from established businesses, as they may need to build technology infrastructure, open a brick-and-mortar storefront, or have the need to launch a massive marketing campaign to get up and running.
For this reason, selecting a business credit card that rewards startup expenses is critical to getting the most value back from a business credit card.
The Amex Blue Business Cash card is a solid card for a startup business because it offers the business owner a simple cash-back earning structure — 2% cash-backon every eligible purchase their business makes (up to $50,000 per year; 1% thereafter). 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%.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand 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.
Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.
Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.
N/A
N/A
$0
$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 at 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.
With the Amex Blue Business Plus card, you’ll earn 2x Membership Rewards points on everyday business purchases throughout the year (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter) and receive purchase protections and no-additional-charge employee cards all for no annual fee (see rates and fees).
The simple and straightforward earning structure makes it a great fit for those looking to earn flexible rewards, without having to fixate on which purchases earn the most points.
Let’s take look at all that the Amex Blue Business Plus card has to offer.
Pros
2x Membership Rewards points per $1 on everyday business purchases (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter)
Purchase protection and extended warranty protection
No annual fee and employee cards at no additional cost
Cons
No unique bonus categories and 2x earnings are capped at $50,000 in annual spend
No elite travel benefits like lounge access or elite status
Charges foreign transaction fees
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 at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
*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 at account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Those looking for a rewards-earning business credit card without an annual fee should highly consider the Amex Blue Business Plus card.
With it, you’ll earn 2x points on all purchases of up to $50,000 in spend per year, and 1x points thereafter.
Further, the Amex Blue Business Plus card is one of the few business credit cards to come with 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 at account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand 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.
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.
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.
Cash-back is, of course, the most liquid form of rewards you can earn on your business card because the money can go right back into your business. While American Express doesn’t offer a lot of cash-back cards, the Amex Plum card, with a more simplistic structure, earns 1.5% cash-backon the portion of your balance you pay within 10 days of your statement closing date. However, if you need more time to pay off your charges, you’ll also get up to 60 days to pay without interest.
Additionally, the card has added perks like no foreign transaction fees, purchase protection, and extended warranty protection (rates and fees).
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand 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.
Receive priority boarding, complimentary access to Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounges, concierge support, and an annual companion certificate.
Receive priority boarding, complimentary access to Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounges, concierge support, and an annual companion certificate.
Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $12,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 Bonus Miles after you make an eligible Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 6 months. Offer Ends 10/25/2023.
Up to 110,000 miles
$1,320
$550
20.99% - 29.99% 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.
While the annual fee may be steep, the card comes loaded with perks and benefits that all frequent Delta flyers are sure to love. Let’s take a look at what makes the card unique, and why it may be a great fit for your wallet.
Pros
Save 15% On Award Travel With TakeOff 15. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
Complimentary Delta Sky Club access when flying Delta and 2 Delta Sky Club 1-time guest passes (through February 1, 2025)
Complimentary Amex Centurion Lounge access when flying Delta
Access to complimentary flight upgrades
Cons
High annual fee
Does not earn many miles for purchases outside of Delta spend
Rewards are not transferable
Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $12,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 Bonus Miles after you make an eligible Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 6 months. Offer Ends 10/25/2023.
Save 15% On Award Travel With TakeOff 15. Card Members now enjoy savings on Delta flights. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
With complimentary access into Delta Sky Club®, you can relax before your Delta flight, or find downtime between connections.* You’ll also receive two Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year so you can share the experience with others when you’re traveling together. *Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 10 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
When you purchase a Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, you will receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge or Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner.
After you spend $150,000 on your Card in a calendar year, you earn 1.5 miles per dollar (that’s an extra half mile per dollar) on eligible purchases the rest of the year. If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply (ex. you would earn 3X miles on purchases made directly with Delta instead of 1.5X).
Enjoy 3x miles per dollar on Delta purchases.
With Status Boost®, earn 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card through 12/31/23, up to four times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status.* MQMs are used to determine Medallion Status and are different from the miles you earn towards flights.*Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available, and there will be a new way to earn toward Medallion Status with the Card. Learn more.
Delta business credit cards can earn SkyMiles for reward flights, deliver travel perks that make your journey more comfortable and productive, and even fund a family vacation.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand 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.
A great option for business owners who stay in Marriott hotels and want automatic elite status.
A great option for business owners who stay in Marriott hotels and want automatic elite status.
Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $8,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 11/1/23.
125,000 points
$875
$125
20.99% - 29.99% 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)
Business travelers who opt for Marriott as their hotel chain of choice will definitely want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card. The card offers great benefits to cardholders like a complimentary hotel night once a year, complimentary Gold Elite status, and multiple point redemption options.
Pros
6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
2x points per $1 on all other purchases
15 Elite Night Credits
1 Free Night Award each cardmember anniversary (up to 35,000 points)
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status
Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $8,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 11/1/23.
Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly through Marriott. Terms and Conditions Apply.
6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
2x points on all other eligible purchases.
Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
If you regularly stay at Marriott hotels then the Marriott Bonvoy Business card is likely to be a great option for you.
For starters, it allows you to earn 6x points on Marriott stays, 4x points at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. purchases for shipping, plus 2x points on all other purchases.
Beyond point earning, it offers automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, 15 Elite Night Credits each year, a 7% room rate discount, and more.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industryexperts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as ratesand 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.
An excellent option for business owners and business travelers who stay at Hilton properties often and want perks like Hilton Honors elite status.
An excellent option for business owners and business travelers who stay at Hilton properties often and want perks like Hilton Honors elite status.
Welcome Offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first three months of Card Membership.
130,000 points
$650
$95
20.99% - 29.99% 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.
Not only will the card help you earn more points on all of your Hilton stays, but you’ll also receive automatic elite status, complimentary Priority Pass visits, travel protections, and the opportunity to earn free night certificates.
Here’s a detailed look at all the benefits this card offers so that you can determine if it’s a good fit for you.
Pros
12x points per $1 on Hilton purchases
6x points per $1 at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchases directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. purchases for shipping
6x points per $1 at U.S. restaurants, on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel, and on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
3x points per $1 on all other purchases
Automatic Hilton Honors Gold status, and the ability to spend your way to Diamond status
10 complimentary Priority Pass visits
Free Weekend Night Reward after $15,000 in spend in a calendar year, and a second after you spend $60,000
Welcome Offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first three months of Card Membership.
Earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card: 12X directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 6X at U.S. gas stations, on U.S. purchases for shipping, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants, 3X on all other eligible purchases.
Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card.
Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
Earn another Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend an additional $45,000 in purchases on your Card in the same calendar year.
Business owners who’ve made Hilton their hotel chain of choice will find tons of value in the Hilton Business Amex card. For a reasonable $95 annual fee you can take advantage of all of these perks:
12x points on Hilton stays
6x points at U.S. gas stations, on U.S. purchases for shipping, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants
A Free Night Reward after you spend $15,000 on the card in a calendar year, and a second Free Night Reward after spending $60,000 in a calendar year
How To Select a Business Credit Card
Business Card Basics
Your personal credit will play a significant role in whether you’re approved for a business credit card, so you’ll need to provide this information when applying for a business credit card.
Credit limits and APRs may be higher for business credit cards than for personal credit cards.
The CARD Act does not apply to business cards. The Federal Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009 set provisions protecting consumers from the negative practices of credit card companies. Business credit cards are not covered by the act, so these cards may be less consumer-friendly, although some card issuers now voluntarily include CARD protections on their business cards.
Narrow Your Business Card Options by Answering These Questions
In which category of business expenses does my business spend the most? Earning rewards and bonus points or cash on your most significant spending categories is critical to maximizing the benefits of any business rewards-earning credit card.
Does my business involve frequent travel? Does your business purchase airline tickets frequently, or are you a road warrior who spends a lot at gas stations and hotels? Perhaps you work out of your home and have no travel expenses at all.
Would my business benefit more from cash-back or travel rewards? Do I want cash-back to reinvest back into my business, or is earning travel rewards more of a priority? Even if your business doesn’t involve travel, you might want to use the miles or points earned on your business expenses to fund a family vacation.
Am I comfortable paying an annual fee? Will the credit card deliver enough benefits to your business to offset any annual fee, or would you prefer a card with no annual fee?
Which Types of Businesses Qualify for a Business Credit Card?
The IRS defines a business as an activity “carried on with the reasonable expectation of earning a profit,” but credit card issuers have their own criteria for approving business credit card applications.
Some issuers want to see tax returns that show your business operation and others find a small side gig with little income as a perfectly acceptable business operation.
The stronger your personal credit history, the more likely you are to be approved for a business credit card, even if your business is just starting out.
Bottom Line: A strong personal credit history is needed to get approved for a business credit card because you will be personally responsible for paying your business credit card.
How To Apply for an American Express Business Credit Card
Before completing a business credit card application, you’ll want to gather the information you’ll need to complete the application accurately.
The name of your business (this can be your name or another legal name)
The type of business entity (sole proprietor, partnership, S corporation, limited liability company)
The business tax ID number (either an Employer Identification Number or your own Social Security number)
The number of years you’ve been in business
Total business revenue and total personal income, it’s fine to put zero if your business has no income yet
Address of the business (can be the same as your personal address) and phone number
Type of business and sub-type of business (for example, services, accounting services)
Number of employees
Additional personal information
Tips for completing the business credit card application:
Complete the application as accurately as possible, even if you have to estimate some of the numbers or generalize the nature of your business. Keep notes on why you answered a question a certain way and what your process was for estimating any business revenue or personal income.
Keep a copy of the application. If American Express needs more information before approving you for one of their credit cards, you’ll want to be able to refer to your application and any notes you made during any follow-up conversations.
Document the offer you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for an offer that gives 50,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months, make sure you have a screenshot or other documentation if for any reason the points don’t show up.
Business Credit Cards vs. Personal Credit Cards
You may wonder if you need a business credit card for your startup or small business. You may not be generating a lot of profit starting out, and you’ve probably been able to get by using your personal credit card for your business expenses.
The most important reason for using a business credit card is to keep business expenses separate from personal expenses.
The easiest way to do that is to put all of your business expenses on a business credit card. Separating your expenses can be especially important when it comes time to complete your annual tax return and add up your business expenses for the year, or in case you face an audit.
You’ll also want to open a separate bank account for your business even before applying for a business credit card. It’s a prudent business practice to use funds from your business bank account to pay your business expenses on the credit card.
Hot Tip: Another reason to secure a business credit card is business cards frequently offer perks for businesses, have business cash management tools, offer higher credit limits, and reward business category spending more than personal cards.
Deciding Between an American Express Business Charge Card or a Business Credit Card
You’ll want to know the difference between a business charge card and a business credit card to make a good decision on which card will match your business spending patterns — and which will bring the most value to your bottom line.
An Amex business credit card allows you to carry a balance from one statement period to another. You will be charged interest on any balance remaining on the card when your statement period ends.
A charge card requires the balance to be paid off in full each statement period as charge cards do not typically allow a balance to be carried over to another statement period.
The Amex Plum card offers the opportunity to carry over a balance, but this option is the card’s key feature and it is stated upfront. Each card has different requirements, and the opportunity to carry over a balance must be initiated by the card issuer.
Charge cards usually have no preset spending limit, although that does not mean you have an unlimited credit limit. The credit card issuer will determine your limit internally based on how you’re managing the card.
American Express offers more business credit cards than you could use in the lifetime of your business. Their business credit card options are generally strong contenders against other credit cards in their categories, so an American Express business credit card can be a good choice.
Of course, a prudent business owner compares other options before making a decision, so we’ll speed up the process and encourage you to take a look at our comprehensive list of the best business cards for cash-back, rewards, and more.
You’ll find a selection of business credit cards for every type of business operation and confirmation that American Express is a rock star among issuers in the business credit card world.
The information regarding the Amazon Business American Express Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here. For rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card, click here. For rates and fees of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, click here. For rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here. For rates and fees of The Plum Card® from American Express, click here. For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, click here. For rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, click here.
Featured Image Credit: Upgraded Points
Frequently Asked Questions
Business cards work the same way personal credit cards do. Charges are made throughout the statement period and you must either pay off the entire statement when due (charge card) or have the option to make at least a minimum payment and carry over a balance (credit card).
If you own a business, you’ll want to keep personal expenses separate from business expenses and a business credit card can help you do that. You will, however, be personally responsible for paying the charges on your business credit card and your personal credit will be used to determine whether you’re approved for the business credit card.
On a cash-back business credit card, any purchase you make on the card earns a percentage of that purchase back in cash. Some credit cards allow you to take the cash, but most apply the cash as a statement credit.
Many cash-back credit cards have bonus spending categories that allow you to earn as much as 5% cash-back on your purchases. The biggest benefit of cash-back is the money can be invested directly back into your business to help offset expenses.
Even small side businesses such as photographing sports on the weekends or selling homemade jams have the potential for a business credit card, but you’ll need to have a strong personal credit history to be approved.
The IRS recognizes any activity that has the intent of earning a profit as a business, so that’s a good guideline to start with, but credit card issuers want your personal credit history to be strong, as you’ll be personally responsible for paying the business credit card.
Most business credit cards with introductory APR periods for balance transfers charge fees, usually 3% to 5% of the amount being transferred. You’re more likely to find personal credit cards that offer a 0% APR period for balance transfers that do not charge transfer fees.
Our complete guide to 0% APR credit cards includes some American Express personal credit cards that meet these criteria.
The short answer is yes, it is possible to use your business credit card for personal expenses. However, one of the reasons for obtaining a business credit card is to keep personal and business expenses separate.
The benefit of keeping these expenses separate is bookkeeping will be easier at tax time without having to determine which are personal and which are business expenses on the credit card.
Also, should you be audited, it’s best to have only your business expenses on the business credit card.
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.
Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments.
2 comments
Catherine
June 13, 2021
Thanks, Christine, for a great article! Does AmEx voluntarily add CARD Act protections to all of its business cards? If so, are these protections equal to the CARD Act protections consumers receive? Which issuers are voluntarily adding CARD Act protections to their business cards? Thanks in advance for your reply! : )
Thank you for reading Catherine. Although the CARD act does not apply to business cards, there is an easy way to compare cards and the associated rates, fees, and protections. The legally required Schumer Box (named after the senator who sponsored the legislation) must be displayed by each card issuer when offering any credit card. The box discloses all of the fees, interest rates, and terms/conditions for the card. You will find this box by clicking on a link that says “rates and fee”, “account terms”, or a similar title.
Any thoughts or questions? Comment below!
Email needed if you'd like comment updates. It will NOT be published.
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2 comments
Catherine
June 13, 2021
Thanks, Christine, for a great article! Does AmEx voluntarily add CARD Act protections to all of its business cards? If so, are these protections equal to the CARD Act protections consumers receive? Which issuers are voluntarily adding CARD Act protections to their business cards? Thanks in advance for your reply! : )
Christine Krzyszton
June 16, 2021
Thank you for reading Catherine. Although the CARD act does not apply to business cards, there is an easy way to compare cards and the associated rates, fees, and protections. The legally required Schumer Box (named after the senator who sponsored the legislation) must be displayed by each card issuer when offering any credit card. The box discloses all of the fees, interest rates, and terms/conditions for the card. You will find this box by clicking on a link that says “rates and fee”, “account terms”, or a similar title.
Any thoughts or questions? Comment below!
Email needed if you'd like comment updates. It will NOT be published.
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