The Amex Business Platinum Card — 29 Frequently Asked Questions [2024]

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express is one of the most distinguished, well-known Amex business cards in the world. American Express is the pioneer of ultra-premium cards, and its loyal customers are often big spenders, prolific business owners, and world travelers.

In this guide, we will walk you through all of the most frequently asked questions about this incredible business card, such as how to qualify, how much credit you might get, what benefits you have access to, how to earn bonus points, and how to use your points.

General Questions

To start off, you’ll want to learn a bit of the most surface-level knowledge about the Amex Business Platinum card. That’s what this section is dedicated to!

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

1. What Is the Amex Business Platinum Card?

The Amex Business Platinum card is an ultra-premium business travel rewards card that is geared towards jet-setting business owners who have high expenses or want to enjoy some of the best travel benefits in the world.

This card is made for those who are always on the go, need luxury travel perks, and need to put big purchases on a card.

2. Is the Amex Business Platinum Card a Charge Card?

In the past, Amex referred to its flagship cards as charge cards. However, these have since been relabeled as cards.

The Amex Business Platinum card was known formerly as a charge card and is now referred to as a card.

3. Is the Amex Business Platinum Card Metal?

The Amex Business Platinum card is a metal credit card! It weighs a whopping 19 grams and is one of the strongest cards out there.

You can definitely feel the heftiness of this card, which is slightly heavier than the personal version, The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

4. Are There Any Benefits for Active Military Members With the Amex Business Platinum Card?

Military members will still enjoy the same benefits as any other holder of the Amex Business Platinum card. Unfortunately, the new Amex Military Lending Act (MLA) terms no longer cover business cards.

However, if you have previously opened the Amex Business Platinum card (or any other cards) before December 20, 2019, and qualified under the old Amex Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA) policy, your cards will be grandfathered and your fees won’t be charged.

5. What Can You Downgrade the Amex Business Platinum Card To?

You can downgrade your Amex Business Platinum card to either the American Express^® Business Gold Card or the Business Green Rewards Card from American Express.

There are no options without an annual fee available, but these 2 cards are bound to offer you tremendous value.

6. How Long Does It Take To Receive the Amex Business Platinum Card in the Mail?

The Amex Business Platinum card is usually shipped via UPS Next Day Air shipping and should arrive within 1 or 2 business days. Arrival time will depend on your location.

Qualifying For the Card

7. How Do I Qualify for the Amex Business Platinum Card?

Qualifying for a business card, even a big-name one like the Amex Business Platinum card, is easier than you might think.

You don’t need a complicated business structure, tons of employees, or millions of dollars in revenue.

In fact, you can qualify for business cards, even if you’re just starting a brand-new business. As a sole proprietor, freelancer, or independent contractor, you can get a business card.

Of course, your approval is contingent on a number of factors, like your credit score, any bank-specific application rules, your income, and your payment history (if applicable) for your other Amex credit cards.

But if you have a business, no matter how big or small, and have great credit, then you stand a good chance of getting approved!

Credit-Related Questions

8. Does the Amex Business Platinum Card Report to Credit Bureaus?

The Amex Business Platinum card almost never reports to your personal credit bureaus.

Since this is a business credit card, the credit and payment history you build is tied to your business credit report.

However, when you apply for the Amex Business Platinum card, you may see a hard inquiry or hard pull on your personal credit report. This is because Amex wants to get an idea of the creditworthiness of the authorizing individual.

9. What Are the Credit Score Requirements for the Amex Business Platinum Card?

We recommend a credit score of 700 or higher to maximize your approval chances. Don’t forget that if you’re applying with an EIN, your business credit score matters, too.

10. What Is the Credit Limit for the Amex Business Platinum Card?

One of the biggest differences between the Amex Business Platinum card and other cards is that this card doesn’t have a preset spending limit.

That doesn’t mean that you can spend a billion dollars immediately — but 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.

So if you’re a large spender for your business, you may not have traditional credit limit ceilings. If Amex believes you have the ability to pay your balances in full, they may extend you much more purchasing power than you need.

About Rates and Fees

11. What Is the Annual Fee on My Amex Business Platinum Card?

The annual fee for the Amex Business Platinum card is $695 (rates & fees).

The annual fee for new cardmembers is charged on your first billing statement, and any annual fees after that will be charged on the billing statement after your first cardmember anniversary.

12. What Happens When My Amex Business Platinum Card Is Past Due?

You must pay your Amex Business Platinum card in full every month to avoid late and penalty fees. No interest is charged if you pay your balance in full every month.

If your Amex Business Platinum card is past due, you will be assessed a late fee. This card is perfect for a business with consistent cash flow and bills that can be paid in full every month.

If you need the ability to split up your payments and carry a balance, you can use Amex’s Pay Over Time feature on eligible charges of $100 or more to pay with interest.

For Pay Over Time, carrying a balance will incur interest. Eligible charges can be included in the Pay Over Time balance, up to the Pay Over Time Limit. Pay Over Time only applies to eligible charges meeting minimum transaction amounts.

13. How Much Is an Additional Card Holder for the Amex Business Platinum Card?

Each additional employee’s Amex Business Platinum card is assessed an annual fee of $300 (rates & fees).

Additional employee cardholders will enjoy access to The Global Lounge Collection, Fine Hotels & Resorts, hotel and rental car benefits including complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, and purchase protection that covers accidental damage, theft, or loss within 90 days of purchase.

Benefits and Perks

Note that some benefits of the Amex Business Platinum card require enrollment through your American Express account.

14. Is the Amex Business Platinum Card Worth It?

The Amex Business Platinum card is worth it for the right person. If you make the most of the Amex Business Platinum card’s benefits, you could get thousands of dollars in value every single year!

At the top of the card’s most valuable benefits is the ability to access incredible airport lounges (including Centurion Lounges), an industry-leading 5x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked through AmexTravel.com, and all the incredible Amex statement credits you can access.

Hot Tip: Learn more about the card’s statement credits with CLEAR, Indeed, and Adobe!

15. Does the Amex Business Platinum Card Get Uber Cash?

No, the Amex Business Platinum card does not get Uber Cash. Uber Cash is an exclusive benefit of the Amex Platinum card.

16. How Much Dell Credit Do I Get With the Amex Business Platinum Card?

You get a total of up to $400 in Dell credits every calendar year.

The up to $400 amount is split into 2 equal credits of up to $200 given semi-annually for U.S. purchases with Dell. The first credit is valid from January through June and the second credit is valid from July to December.

This benefit requires enrollment and activation on your Amex Business Platinum card’s Benefits page after logging in to your online Amex account. Terms apply.

After that, shop on Dell.com, pay with your Amex Business Platinum card, and you’ll get the credit back in 8 to 12 weeks. It usually posts much earlier, but it may take a bit longer.

17. Does the Amex Business Platinum Card Come With Travel Insurance?

The Amex Business Platinum card offers travel insurance. Here’s what it comes with:

• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Trip delay insurance
• Secondary car rental loss and damage insurance (with the option to purchase primary coverage online)
• Checked and carry-on baggage insurance
• Travel accident insurance

18. What Airport Lounges Can I Access With the Amex Business Platinum Card?

Amex Business Platinum cardholders can access 1,400+ airport lounges around the world. Its huge network of lounges is the American Express Global Lounge Collection, carrying partnerships with the following airport lounges:

• The Centurion Lounges
• Delta Sky Clubs
• Escape Lounges — The Centurion Studio Partner
• International American Express Centurion Lounges
• Select Lufthansa Lounges
• Plaza Premium Lounges
• Priority Pass Select (upon enrollment)
• Select Virgin Clubhouses

The rules to access these lounges will vary depending on the specific lounge you’re interested in, the airline you’re flying on, and the number of guests you want to bring into the lounge.

Bottom Line: The Amex Business Platinum card, along with the Amex Platinum card, offers the best lounge access of any card out there. Check out the best lounges you can access with these cards!

19. Do I Get Any Gogo Wi-Fi Passes With the Amex Business Platinum Card?

Amex ended its relationship with Gogo in 2020 and the complimentary Gogo inflight internet passes are discontinued. Similarly, the Boingo Preferred Plan was cut in 2020.

20. What Hotel Status Benefits Do I Get With the Amex Business Platinum Card?

The Amex Business Platinum card offers complimentary Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status for cardmembers (upon enrollment).

These are both mid-tier elite statuses that confer awesome benefits, such as free continental breakfast at most full-service Hilton properties, space-available room upgrades (excluding suites), late check-out, and better points-earning structures.

Your Hilton and Marriott status must be activated for you to enjoy the perks. You can activate these by accessing your online Amex Business Platinum card account and visiting the Benefits page.

If your travel destination doesn’t have any Hilton or Marriott properties you like, you can also access the exceptional Fine Hotels & Resorts program that often confers even better benefits than what you’d get with elite status.

When you book through AmexTravel.com’s Fine Hotels & Resorts, you’re entitled to these benefits:

• Free Wi-Fi
• Daily breakfast for 2 guests
• Noon check-in, subject to availability
• Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout
• Room upgrade upon arrival, subject to availability
• Unique property amenity valued at $100 (such as a food and beverage credit)

21. Do I Get Priority Pass Access With the Amex Business Platinum Card?

You do get Priority Pass access with the Amex Business Platinum card. The only thing that stands between you and your complimentary Priority Pass Select membership is enrollment.

You can activate this benefit on the Benefits section of your Amex Business Platinum card online account. After activation, you’ll receive a welcome packet in the mail with your Priority Pass card.

22. What Roadside Assistance Benefits Do I Get With the Amex Business Platinum Card?

Amex’s premium roadside assistance perk was removed because it was underutilized by its cardholders.

Today, American Express cards can only offer roadside assistance by arranging services that you’d pay for yourself. It’s valuable if you want a reliable source of roadside assistance, but you won’t get anything complimentary.

23. Do I Get TSA PreCheck With the Amex Business Platinum Card?

You can! With the Amex Business Platinum card, you can get reimbursed for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application and renewal fees.

As of October 1, 2024, this card offers a statement credit of up to $120 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

Remember, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, as long as you add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your flight reservation!

24. Where Can I See Which Airline Was Chosen for the Amex Business Platinum Card Airline Fee Credit?

You can see which airline was chosen for your airline fee credit by visiting the Benefits section of your Amex Business Platinum card online account.

At the top of your screen, after you’ve logged in, you’ll see a ribbon underneath the American Express logo that says Home, Statements & Activity, Payments, Account Services, Employee Controls, and More.

Click on More, and you’ll see 2 more buttons: Rewards and Benefits. Click Benefits, and scroll down to find a box that says $200 Airline Fee Credit:

If you’ve already selected an airline and just need to confirm which it is, you’ll see a line of text that says Airline Selected. That’s where you will find which airline you chose.

If you want to change the airline, just click the box that says Change Selected Airline to pick the new airline.

Points and Rewards

25. What Are the Bonus Categories for the Amex Business Platinum Card?

The Amex Business Platinum card offers 5x Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com.

26. How Can I Use My Amex Business Platinum Card Points?

The points you earn from the Amex Business Platinum card are super valuable. These points are called Membership Rewards points, and there are tons of ways you can redeem Amex points for phenomenal flights and hotels.

You can book posh first class flights or luxe 5-star hotels using your Amex points by transferring to partners.

You can also redeem your points for gift cards, statement credits, travel via AmexTravel.com, or merchandise. When you book select flights through AmexTravel.com, you can also take advantage of the 35% Pay with Points rebate!

To use your points, log in to your online account and click on the button that says Rewards under More in the top ribbon of your Amex Business Platinum card account.

Then, you’ll see your points balance and a number of options to redeem your points, including Cover Your Card Charges, Pay with Points at Checkout, Redeem for Gift Cards, Book or Upgrade Travel, Transfer Points, and Go Shopping.

27. Is There a 100,000 Welcome Bonus Offer With the Amex Business Platinum Card?

Here’s what the current welcome bonus offer is for the 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

28. Can I Get a Retention Bonus With the Amex Business Platinum Card?

You might. If you’ve already opened the Amex Business Platinum card and are considering making a product change to the card, you might be able to get a retention bonus for keeping your card open for 1 more year.

29. How Do I Refer Someone to the Amex Business Platinum Card?

Amex’s Refer-a-Friend program is super easy to use, and it’s one of the best ways to help you earn more Amex points!

Just log in to your Amex account online, click the Refer Now button, and generate the referral link. After this link is created, just paste it and send it to your friends or family!

Final Thoughts

The Amex Business Platinum card is one of the world’s most valuable cards. And while it commands a high annual fee (as it should for an ultra-premium card), it comes jam-packed with tons of benefits that you can use.

Not all of the benefits are focused on travel, though. For example, the Dell credit is useful for business owners who need to spend some money upgrading offices and electronics.

Hopefully, you found this guide useful in walking you through some of the most important frequently asked questions about the Amex Business Platinum card!

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by car. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. 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 cancellation and interruption insurance and trip delay insurance benefits of The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the baggage insurance plan benefit of The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the Premium Global Assist Hotline benefit of The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, card members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.