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American Express Business Gold Card – Full Review [2024]

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Jarrod West
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Jarrod West

Senior Content Contributor

437 Published Articles, 1 Edited Article

Countries Visited: 21U.S. States Visited: 24

Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in o...
Edited by: Stella Shon
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Stella Shon

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With a degree in media and journalism, Stella has been in the points and miles game for more than 6 years. She most recently worked as a Corporate Communications Analyst for JetBlue. Find her work in ...
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Keri Stooksbury

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With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...

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American Express® Business Gold Card
Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express® Business Gold Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the 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.
4.58
  • 70,000 points

  • $375

  • 19.49% - 27.49% Variable

  • Good to Excellent (670-850)

American Express® Business Gold Card

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

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.
4.58
Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

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

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

Card Snapshot

Welcome Bonus & Info

  • Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
  • Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
  • Get $12.95 back in statement credits each month when you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. $12.95 plus applicable taxes.
  • Your Card – Your Choice. Choose from Gold or Rose Gold.
  • *Terms Apply

Pros

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

Cons

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

Great Card If

  • Your business spends a lot of money on 1 or more of the card’s bonus categories, such as Google or Facebook Ads
  • You want a card that earns transferable rewards
  • You want a card that offers purchase protection and warranty protection

Don’t Get If

  • You want a card with a lower or no annual fee
  • You prefer a card that offers cash-back rewards
  • The bonus categories don’t fit your business needs

Amex Business Gold Card — Is It Worth It?

The Amex Business Gold card is a perfect fit for small business owners who have significant spending in 1 or more of the card’s 6 bonus categories, and want a card that will help them rack up the points on those purchases.

Since the 4x point earnings apply to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories each calendar year, those who are able to meet this spend threshold can earn a whopping 600,000 Amex Membership Rewards points per year — worth $13,200 based on our valuations of Membership Rewards points.

Using your Amex Business Gold card, you’ll also earn 3x points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com.

Further, the card is a great option for traveling business owners as it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees (rates & fees).

There is plenty to love about the Amex Business Gold card, and the card is a popular choice among Upgraded Points team members like Compliance Editor and Content Contributor Juan Ruiz:

“The Amex Business Gold card is my preferred gas card. It earns one of the highest gas station purchase rates with the potential to earn 4x points per dollar at U.S. stations, among other popular business categories. While the annual fee on the card has recently increased, Amex has added up to $395 in new statement credits. Because I maximize these monthly statement credits, the annual fee increase doesn’t bother me too much. Living in South Florida and driving daily means that gas is one of my biggest weekly expenses. This also means that I am able to earn a significant amount of Membership Rewards points each year just by filling up my tank.”

Juan Ruiz, compliance editor and content contributor

Juan is correct that the Amex Business Gold card is a workhorse for earning Amex Membership Rewards points. In fact, if you are a business owner with a large amount of spend in 1 or more of the card’s 6 bonus categories, then it is likely that the Amex Business Gold card would be worth it for you.

Amex Business Gold Card Top Benefits

Annual Credits

Annual credits are one of the best ways to get value from your Amex Business Gold card every year. Among these credits are:

Note that some credits require enrollment, so be sure to explore your American Express account to make the most of your card.

Bonus Categories

We love the Amex Business Gold card thanks to its ability to help you rack up Amex Membership Rewards points faster than most cards on the market.

Cardholders receive 4x points per dollar spent on their 2 highest purchase categories each month, on up to $150,000 spent each calendar year; from the following categories:

  • Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
  • U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software and cloud system providers
  • Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
  • U.S. purchases at gas stations
  • U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
  • Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, plus TV and radio)

Plus, you’ll earn 3x points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com using your Amex Business Gold card.

Lastly, there are 2 additional 4x bonus categories, for U.S. purchases on shipping providers and airfare purchased directly from an airline, but both of these categories are set to be removed from the card on January 31, 2024.

The Hotel Collection Access

When you book your hotel through Amex’s The Hotel Collection, you’ll get a $100 hotel credit to spend on qualifying dining, spa, and resort activities, plus a room upgrade when available.

Card Protections

Your card offers protections to keep you covered when things go wrong:

  • Baggage Insurance: If your luggage is lost, damaged, or stolen, you can be covered up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage.
  • Rental Car Insurance: Get secondary rental car coverage against theft or damage to the vehicle when you pay for your rental with your card.
  • Trip Delay Insurance: When you purchase a round-trip flight with your card and it is delayed by more than 12 hours, you can receive up to $500 in coverage toward eligible expenses.
  • Extended Warranty Protection: This coverage adds an additional year of warranty coverage to your purchased items with coverage of 5 years or less.
  • Purchase Protection: If an item purchased with your card is damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase, you can receive up to $1,000 in coverage per occurrence, up to $50,000 per calendar year.
  • Cell Phone Insurance: Receive coverage for accidental damage caused to your cell phone, with up to $800 in coverage, up to 2 times per year, with a $50 deductible.

Best Ways To Earn and Redeem Your Amex Points

It’s no secret that Amex Membership Rewards points are some of the most valuable points out there. While the Amex Business Gold card is great at earning them, there are many other options out there for you to earn even more Membership Rewards points.

Once you’re sitting on a large balance of points, you’ll want to learn the best ways to redeem your Membership Rewards points so that you can make sure you’re getting great value out of each redemption.

If you’re hoping to redeem your points for first and business class airline tickets for pennies on the dollar, by far, the best way to do that is by making strategic use of Amex transfer partners.

Amex Membership Rewards points are one of our favorite points to earn here at Upgraded Points, and writers have used their points to fly experiences like ANA “The Suite” first classCathay Pacific business classLufthansa first classVirgin Atlantic Upper Class, and more.

Alternative Cards to the Amex Business Gold Card

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

This card is a great choice for those looking for a more well-rounded option. While it doesn’t earn 4x points like the Amex Business Gold card, it does earn 3x points on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on travel, shipping, ad purchases made with social media sites or search engines, internet, cable, and phone services. You’ll earn those points on every category — instead of 2 with the Amex Business Gold card.

See how these cards compare: Amex Business Gold card vs. Ink Business Preferred card.

American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

If you prefer a cash-back credit card, then the Amex Blue Business Cash card could be a great option for you. The card offers 2% cash-back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%.


We’ve also compared the Amex Business Gold card with some other credit cards:


UP’s Card Review Methodology

Every card we review is assigned a “U.P. Rating” – our star-based system that encompasses all the key details to showcase a card’s standout features, where it falls short, and how it stacks up for travelers to maximize rewards.

These ratings range from 0 to 5 stars and are determined by carefully weighing crucial factors like:

  • Bonus categories
  • Benefits and perks
  • Quality of associated loyalty programs
  • Annual fees and other costs
  • Size of the welcome bonus (and relative to the annual fee)
  • And several more

You can learn more about how Upgraded Points reviews and rates credit cards.


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

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

For the trip delay insurance benefit of the American Express® Business Gold Card, up to $300 per covered trip that is delayed for more than 12 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.

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the annual fee on the Amex Business Gold card?

The annual fee is $375 (rates & fees). However, you can easily get thousands of dollars in value per year by maximizing the card’s perks and benefits.

Is the Amex Business Gold card worth it?

It absolutely can be! If you’re a small business owner who has a significant level of spend in 1 of the 6 bonus categories (such as advertising on Facebook or Google Ads), and would benefit from card perks like purchase protection and extended warranty coverage, then the card might be a great fit for you.

How do I qualify for the Amex Business Gold card?

Any small business owner, including sole-proprietors, freelancers, and independent contractors, is eligible to apply for a business credit card. Your approval will depend on factors including your credit score (which we strongly suggest should be 700+), years in business, and annual revenue.

Does the Amex Business Gold card charge foreign transaction fees?

No, there are no foreign transaction fees when using the card.

Is the Amex Business Gold card metal?

Yes, it’s a heavy metal card.

Does the Amex Business Gold card come with airport lounge access?

The Amex Business Gold doesn’t offer any airport lounge access. If you’re looking an Amex business card that comes with lounge access, consider the Amex Business Platinum card that comes with the best lounge access.

What is the credit limit for the Amex Business Gold card?

There is no “preset” credit limit as it can change every month depending on factors like your spending habits and how much (and how fast) you pay off your balance. Unfortunately, there’s no way of knowing how much you’ll be able to spend before applying.

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

How can I get the 100,000-point welcome bonus offer for the Amex Business Gold card?

Unfortunately, this offer is not public anymore and was only available for a short time. Instead, you can expect welcome offers of 35,000 to 70,000 points. You can check your current offer online.

What are the bonus categories of the Amex Business Gold card?

The 4x bonus categories for the Amex Business Gold card are as follows:

  • Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
  • U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software and cloud system providers
  • Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
  • U.S. purchases at gas stations
  • U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
  • Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, plus TV and radio)
  • U.S. purchases on shipping providers (through January 31, 2024)
  • Airfare purchased directly from an airline (through January 31, 2024)

While there are many categories on offer here, remember that you will only receive 4x rewards on the 2 categories that you spend the most on in your billing cycle and the rest will receive 1x points.

Is it hard to get the Amex Business Gold card?

If you have a personal credit score of at least 670, or a business credit score of at least 75, plus 2 years of good credit history, then you should have good odds of being approved for the Amex Business Gold card. This includes new business owners who are just setting up shop and don’t have much recurring revenue yet.

Does the Amex Business Gold card have any credits?

Yes, the Amex Business Gold card offers 2 statement credits: up to $20 in monthly credits for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and office supply stores and up to $155 Walmart+ credit (offers free same-day delivery and free shipping on orders).

Maxing out both of these credits would offer you up to $395 in value each year.

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About Jarrod West

Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times.

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