16 Benefits of the Amex Graphite Business Cash Unlimited Card [$6,500+ in Value]

If you’re a business owner looking for a strong cash-back rewards card that can help your bottom line by offering you cash-back rewards on all of your business expenses, the Graphite™ Business Cash Unlimited Card is worth considering.

This guide explains the card’s benefits and estimated value to help you decide if it’s right for your business.

Welcome Offer

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Graphite™ Business Cash Unlimited Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

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Graphite™ Business Cash Unlimited Card

Welcome Offer

Earn $1,500 Cash Back in the form of Reward Dollars after you spend $50,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Reward Dollars can be redeemed as statement credits or at Amazon.com checkout. 

$1,500 cash-back

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,500

Annual Fee

$295

APR

17.74% - 28.49% Variable

Why We Like This Card

The Amex Graphite Business Cash Unlimited card allows you to earn an uncapped 2% back on all of your business expenses, with the benefits you’d come to expect from American Express, like no preset spending limit, purchase protections, access to Amex Offers, and more.

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5% cash-back on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com
• Unlimited 2% cash-back on all other purchases
• No preset spending limit
• Pay Over Time
• Spend $250,000 or more in a calendar year and unlock up to $2,400 in statement credits for Amex’s One AP accounts payable platform the following year
• Access to Amex Offers
• Travel and purchase protections
• No foreign transaction fees

 

Cons

• Annual fee of $295

 

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn $1,500 Cash Back in the form of Reward Dollars after you spend $50,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Reward Dollars can be redeemed as statement credits and at Amazon.com checkout.
• Start saving while you spend. Get unlimited 2% cash back* in Reward Dollars on all eligible purchases. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
• Get more for your travels with 5% cash back* on flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^® Online. Purchases eligible for multiple cash back rates will only receive the highest eligible cash back rate.
• No Preset Spending Limit. The spending limit on this Card is flexible, so unlike a traditional credit card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment and credit history.
• Pay Over Time gives you the ability to carry a balance with interest up to your Pay Over Time Limit, so you can handle expected and unexpected expenses that come your way.
• Your business, your choice: metal Employee Graphite™ Business Cash Unlimited Card for $95 Annual Fee for the first 5 Cards, $95 Annual Fee for each thereafter, or plastic Employee Business Expense Card for no Annual Fee.
• Unlock up to $2,400 in statement credits for use in the next calendar year on American Express One AP^® monthly fees** after spending $250,000 on eligible purchases on the Graphite™ Business Cash Unlimited Card this calendar year. Terms apply. **Monthly fees include an auto-renewing platform access fee.
• Terms apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 17.74% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

Rewards Center

 

 

1. Generous Welcome Offer [$1,500]

The Amex Graphite Business Cash Unlimited card comes with a massive cash-back welcome bonus offer:

• Earn $1,500 cash-back in the form of Reward Dollars after spending $50,000 within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Though the minimum spend is high, the bonus offer is valuable if your business expenses make it easy to hit that threshold.

Earning Potential

The card comes with a couple of cash-back bonus categories that can help improve your bottom line.

2. Earn on Every Purchase [$2,000]

With your card, you’ll earn unlimited 2% cash back on all eligible purchases. Assuming you’re spending at least $8,334 on the card each month, which is roughly what you would need to average to meet the card’s welcome bonus offer requirement, you would spend about $100,000 per year. At that level, you’d earn $2,000 in cash-back rewards for your business annually.

3. Elevated Cash-Back on Travel Purchases [$500]

You’ll also earn 5% back on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com. This can come in handy when you need to travel for work, provided you don’t mind booking your flights and hotels through AmexTravel.com.

Assuming you spend at least $10,000 per year on flights and hotels, you would earn an additional $500 in cash-back rewards.

Hot Tip:

When you book your flights and hotel through AmexTravel.com, you can input your airline and hotel loyalty numbers to earn points or miles along with elite status credit.

Redemption Options

Cash-back on the Amex Graphite Business Cash Unlimited card is earned as Reward Dollars. Here are your options for redeeming those rewards.

4. Redeem for Cash-Back

The most straightforward redemption is cash-back, allowing you to redeem your Reward Dollars as a statement credit to offset previous purchases or have the amount transferred to your linked checking account.

With no redemption minimums, this is easily the best redemption option for cardholders.

5. Amazon Checkout

If you prefer, you can use your Reward Dollars as a payment method at checkout on Amazon and receive the same valuation as when redeeming for cash-back.

This can be a bit convenient, but it’s not the best redemption. Since items you purchase with your card on Amazon may be tax-deductible, a better strategy would be to pay for them with your card. You can later claim the expense on your taxes, and then redeem your cash-back rewards to offset the purchase.

Since credit card rewards are treated as rebates and are traditionally not taxable by the IRS, you can use the expense as a write-off, earn cash-back rewards on the transaction, and then redeem rewards you’ve already accrued to offset it.

Protections and Benefits

Here is a look at the benefits and protections you can expect from the card, beyond the cash-back rewards you will earn.

6. No Preset Spending Limit [Value Varies]

Unlike most business credit cards, where you are bound by your credit limit each month, the amount you can spend on your Amex Graphite Business Cash Unlimited card adjusts based on factors such as your purchases, payments, and credit history.

This can be helpful for business owners with large monthly expenses, especially if those expenses vary significantly from month to month.

7. Pay Over Time [Value Varies]

Pay Over Time helps you manage your cash flow how you see fit. This allows you to pay in full when it makes sense, without being charged interest on your transactions, while also giving you the option to pay for your charges over time with interest.

8. Employee Cards [Value Varies]

As the main account holder, you can add employee cards for $95 per year for the first 5 cards and $95 for each thereafter (rates & fees).

Transactions from your employee cards will add to your cash-back balance, and you can set up spending alerts to monitor them.

If you prefer, a no-annual-fee Business Expense Card is also available (rates & fees).

9. Virtual Cards [Value Varies]

You can also issue virtual cards with adjustable spending limits for added control and security, which includes setting expiration dates and changing or deactivating virtual cards at any time.

10. Ability To Earn up to $2,400 in American Express One AP Credits [Up to $2,400]

Cardholders who spend $250,000 or more in a calendar year will earn up to $2,400 in statement credits for the Amex One AP accounts payable platform the following year.

If your business can meet this required spend amount and you’re already using the Amex One AP platform, this is an incredibly easy way to earn up to $2,400 in additional value for the spend and transactions you’re already making.

Hot Tip:

In addition to unlocking up to $2,400 in Amex One AP credits, you’d also earn at least $5,000 in cash-back rewards with $250,000 in annual business spend.

11. No Foreign Transaction Fees [Value Varies]

Need to travel overseas for your business? You can bring your card and continue earning 2% cash-back without being charged foreign transaction fees (rates & fees).

12. Purchase Protection [Value Varies]

Items purchased with your card that are stolen or accidentally damaged can be covered for up to 90 days from the date of purchase, with up to $1,000 per purchase and up to $50,000 per calendar year.

13. Return Protection [Value Varies]

With return protection, you may return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won’t accept a return within 90 days of purchase. American Express may refund the full purchase price, excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per account.

14. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance [Value Varies]

Pay for the entire rental with your card and decline the rental agency’s damage waiver coverage to be eligible for coverage against damage or theft in covered territories. This insurance coverage is secondary to your main auto insurance policy, if you have one.

15. Extended Warranty Coverage [Value Varies]

When you use your card to make a purchase, you can get up to 1 extra year added to the original manufacturer’s warranty, provided the original warranty is 5 years or less.

16. Amex Offers [$100]

With Amex Offers, you can score statement credits or additional cash-back rewards with 100 select merchants each month. This is a great way to receive even more savings on products or services. Enrollment is required.

Alternatives to the Amex Graphite Business Cash Unlimited Card

If you’re not sure if the Amex Graphite Business Cash Unlimited card is right for you, consider these cards:

Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card

Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

Earn up to 5% cash-back for your business without complex bonus earning categories!

Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card

Earn up to 5% cash-back for your business without complex bonus earning categories!

Welcome Offer

Earn $1,000 bonus cash-back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

$1,000

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,000

Annual Fee

$195

APR

Flex for Business Variable APR: 17.99% - 25.99%

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 card application.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Chase has introduced the Ink Business Premier^® Credit Card to its business credit card lineup. With straightforward cash-back earnings on everyday purchases and large expenses, tools to help you monitor your business, and multiple ways to redeem your rewards, this is a great card option to consider.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 2.5% total cash-back on purchases of $5,000 or more
• Earn 2% cash-back on all other business purchases
• Unlimited 5% total cash-back on travel purchased through Chase Travel

Cons

• $195 annual fee
• Some purchases need to be paid in full each month and don’t qualify for Flex for Business APR

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Earn unlimited 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more and unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases.
• Travel Benefits: Unlimited 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, No Foreign Transaction Fees and Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance.
• Rich Rewards. Limitless Opportunities. With no minimum redemption amount, redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®.
• For businesses who prefer to pay their balance in full each month, Ink Business Premier gives access to increased spending power, rich rewards, and premium benefits.
• Pay off eligible purchases over time with interest up to assigned Flex for Business limit. All other purchases must be paid in full each month.
• Purchase with confidence with built-in protections like Fraud Protection, Zero Liability Protection, Purchase Protection, Cell Phone Protection, and Extended Warranty Protection.
• There’s no additional cost for employee cards. Monitor spend with digital tools like purchase alerts, set spending limits, reporting, and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Flex for Business Variable APR: 17.99% - 25.99%
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

For a $100 lower annual fee, you could opt for the Ink Business Premier card and earn 5% cash-back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 2.5% cash-back on purchases of $5,000 or more, and 2% cash-back on all other business purchases.

Plus, you’ll have the advantage of $0-additional-fee employee cards and cell phone protection, while still receiving perks like no foreign transaction fees, purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and rental car insurance.

Capital One Spark Cash Plus Card

Capital One Spark Cash Plus Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 Capital One Spark Cash Plus card offers an unlimited 2% cash-back on all purchases and helpful features for business owners. The information regarding this card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Capital One Spark Cash Plus Card

The Capital One Spark Cash Plus card offers an unlimited 2% cash-back on all purchases and helpful features for business owners. The information regarding this card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Welcome Offer

$2,000 cash back once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months. Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year.

Up to $4,000+

Annual Fee

$150

APR

25.74% (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 card application.

Excellent (740-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Spark Cash Plus Card is great for business owners looking to improve their bottom line by earning 2% cash-back on all purchases without a high annual fee. Further, with no preset spending limit, the ability to get your $150 annual fee refunded every year you spend at least $150,000, and no-additional-fee employee cards, there is something that every business owner will love.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Unlimited 2% cash-back on all purchases
• 5% cash-back on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Business Travel
• No preset spending limit

Cons

• $150 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn a one-time cash bonus of $2,000 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months
• Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year. You can earn this bonus multiple times over the course of year 1!
• Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
• Enjoy big purchasing power so you can spend more and earn more rewards. The Spark Cash Plus card has no preset spending limit, so it can adapt to your needs based on your spending behavior, payment history, credit profile and other factors
• Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel
• Streamline your accounts payable process, employee spending, and more from your online account with free business management tools
• Empower your teams to make business purchases while you earn rewards from their transactions with free employee and virtual cards
• $150 annual fee – Spend $150,000 annually and Capital One will refund this fee every year
• Your card is designed to be paid in full. However you have the option to carry over a portion of your balance with interest if needed. Pay at least the minimum payment amount by your payment due date, otherwise you’ll be charged a 2.99% late fee
• For businesses that need large spending capacity and want to maximize cash back
• Top rated mobile app

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 25.74% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The Capital One Spark Cash Plus card*×Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One. is good for small-business owners who want to earn cash-back. It earns 5% back on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Business Travel and an unlimited 2% cash-back on all purchases.

Similar to the Amex Graphite Business Cash Unlimited card, it has no preset spending limit, but has a much lower annual fee of $150. You can get your annual fee refunded every year if you spend at least $150,000 on the card. Plus, you can add no-additional-fee employee cards.

Final Thoughts

Business owners who want a straightforward cash-back rewards card with unlimited 2% cash-back, no preset spending limit, and the ability to earn up to $2,400 in annual Amex One AP statement credits should consider the Amex Graphite Business Cash Unlimited card.

However, other business credit cards with lower annual fees may be a better fit for your business.