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The Plum Card from American Express — Full Review [2023]

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Alex Miller
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Alex Miller

Founder & CEO

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Founder and CEO of Upgraded Points, Alex is a leader in the industry and has earned and redeemed millions of points and miles. He frequently discusses the award travel industry with CNBC, Fox Business...
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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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The Plum Card® from American Express
Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Plum 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.
3.5
  • No Welcome Offer

  • $250

  • Good to Excellent (670-840)

The Plum Card® from American Express

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.

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.
3.5
Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

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.

Card Snapshot

Welcome Bonus & Info

  • 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.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.‡
  • Terms & Restrictions Apply.

Rewards Center

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.

Customer Service Number

1-800-519-6736

Great Card If

  • You are a business owner — especially if your cash flow is unpredictable
  • You want flexibility of payment options
  • You make large business purchases

Don’t Get If

  • You are not a business owner
  • You are looking for a way to get a cash advance
  • You want to transfer over a balance from another card
  • You want a business card without an annual fee

Welcome Bonus Offer and How to Really Benefit From Using the Card

After opening the Amex Plum card, you may be able to earn any welcome bonus offer listed in the card summary table above, if applicable.

When you initially open your card, you have the option of choosing to receive your bill at the beginning, middle, or end of the month.

This can allow you to receive your bill when your cash flow may be highest and you’re in the best position to pay. Then, each month, you have the option to pay early or pay later – but either way, you benefit.

If you choose to pay early, you’ll 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. Or, you can take up to 60 days to pay with no interest, when you pay your minimum due by the Payment Due Date.

With no pre-set spending limit, you can make the purchases that your business needs, without incurring big interest charges right away.

You know your business best – that’s why you get to decide when to pay each month.

Plus, if you have employees, you can add additional employee cards at no annual fee (rates & fees).Bottom Line: The Amex Plum card gives you choices, and the ability to get cash back when you pay early.

Additional Perks of Card Membership

As you make big purchases for your business, it’s always good to have the peace of mind in knowing that those items are protected.

With the purchase protection benefit that is automatically included with card membership, eligible purchases made with the card can be protected against accidental damage or theft for up to 90 days.

You may also shop with less worry due to the included extended warranty. Eligible items can have their original manufacturer’s warranty extended for up to 1 additional year.

With no preset spending limit on the card, you can essentially have purchasing power that adjusts with the use of your card, along with other factors.

It also provides you with some additional perks that can be handy for business (or personal) travelers, such as:

  • Baggage insurance
  • Travel accident insurance
  • Car rental loss and damage insurance
  • Global assist hotline
  • Premium roadside assistance

Bottom Line: Get Purchase Protection and a host of other benefits with the Amex Plum card.These perks offer more than just a way to purchase items and services for your business; they also provide you peace of mind.

Even More Benefits Through American Express

In addition, just like other Amex Business cards, the Amex Plum card also automatically includes additional benefits for helping you manage and control your spending, such as:

  • ReceiptMatch
  • Account Manager
  • Account alerts
  • Online statements

You can also view and manage your account from virtually anywhere using the mobile and tablet apps. This can make it easier to manage your account whenever it is convenient for you.

Notice something that doesn’t look quite right? If there happens to be an incorrect or a fraudulent charge on your statement, American Express will work with you to help in resolving the issue.

Bottom Line: The Amex Plum card can help you to grow and run your company more efficiently.

Best Way To Redeem Rewards

Most business owners know that the key to success is having a good, solid plan. The same holds true for getting the most out of the Amex Plum card.

Sticking with the following tips can help you to earn the most:

Tip #1: Plan out your big purchases so you can take advantage of paying early and getting a 1.5% discount.

Tip #2: Alternatively, plan out purchases to take advantage of waiting up to 60 interest-free days before your payment is due.

Tip #3: Take advantage of any welcome bonus offer credit, if offered, that can be earned, which is applied as statement credit.

Tip #4: Add additional employee cards so others in your company may make purchases. There is no annual fee for employee cards.

Best Way To Maximize Rewards

The Amex Plum card provides you with options – which is something business owners generally love. So, how can you make the most of those options?

First, you need to have a good understanding of what they are.

If you run a seasonal business or a company with fluctuating cash flow, then the Amex business card can provide you a good option for making purchases that don’t need to be paid back right away.

Taking advantage of your rewards is easy. You control when you make your payments, as well as your choice of benefits: either a payment discount, or a longer billing cycle.

Your rewards essentially begin when you initially open your card. That’s when you can decide when your statement will arrive: at the beginning, middle, or end of the month. Whatever is the most convenient for you!

Then, when your billing statement arrives, you decide whether you want to pay early and save, or if you want to hold off on making your payment for up to 60 days with no interest. You have the option, and you have the control!

Some rewards can also be earned right away: spend the required amount in the allotted time to take advantage of any welcome bonus, if applicable.

American Express works in conjunction with a variety of airline, retail, travel, and car rental agency partners. Additional information can be found by visiting the American Express Rewards Center.

As an American Express Business card, this one also has several partners available: FedEx, Hertz, HP, and 1-800-Flowers.

Alternatives to the Amex Plum Card

Is this the right business credit card for your company? Perhaps. But know there are other options as well.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

One great alternative is the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, which has a $95 annual fee, typically comes with a great introductory bonus, and earns points in Chase Ultimate Rewards.

NEW OFFER
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Ink Business Preferred® Credit 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.

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.
Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel
100,000 points
$2,000
$95
21.24%-26.24% 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)

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a powerhouse for earning lots of points from your business purchases, especially for business owners that spend regularly on ads.

Plus the card offers flexible redemption options, including access to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners where you can achieve outsized value.

Business owners will also love the protections the card provides like excellent cell phone insurance, rental car insurance, purchase protection, and more.

Pros

  • 3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on internet, cable and phone services, shipping expenses, travel, and ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
  • Cell phone protection
  • Purchase protection
  • Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
  • Rental car insurance
  • Extended warranty coverage

Cons

  • No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access
  • Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
  • Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
  • Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
  • With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
  • Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
  • Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
  • Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 21.24%-26.24% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

With this card, you’ll earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in select categories each account anniversary year. Then, earn an unlimited 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

These Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed for travel or used directly in the Chase Travel Portal.

American Express® Business Gold Card

Another business card that might be of interest to you is the American Express® Business Gold Card.

BEST FOR BONUSES
American Express® Business Gold CardTerms 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.

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

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

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).
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
$375
19.49% - 28.49% 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.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

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.

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
  • 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

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.49% - 28.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

You will earn 4x points on 2 select categories where you business spent the most each month. 1x is earned for other purchases.

American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

Finally, the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is an Amex business credit card with no annual fee that earns cash-back on a variety of different categories (see rates & fees).

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ 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.

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.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

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.
Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
$250
$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
  • Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
  • 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%
  • 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

Card Categories

Here, you’ll earn 5% cash-back at U.S. office supply stores and on wireless telephone services purchased from U.S. providers, plus 3% cash-back on the category of your choice from a list of 8, which includes airfare, hotels, U.S. advertising, U.S. shipping, and more!

You’ll also earn 1% cash-back on all other purchases!

Bottom Line: There are some alternative cards that may or may not be more appealing to you than the Amex Plum card. Always be sure to shop around and find out what’s best for you!


Card Comparison Articles

For rates and fees of The Plum 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Amex Plum card worth it?

With highly flexible payment options, the card can be well worth it — especially for business owners who have sporadic or unpredictable cash flow and want control over when they pay their bill.

Is the Amex Plum card hard to get?

Just as with most other cards, you will likely need good or even excellent credit to obtain this card. The best way to really know if you will be approved is to apply for the card and see.

What are the primary benefits of the Amex Plum card?

The primary benefit of this card is its flexibility in terms of when you pay your bill. For those who pay their bill early, there can also be financial rewards.

Paying early can result in 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. Alternatively, if you opt to pay late, you can wait up to 60 days with no interest.

Is there an annual fee for the Amex Plum card?

The annual fee is $250 per year.

What does the no pre-set spending limit refer to?

The Amex Plum card allows members to buy big. With the no pre-set spending limit, the card provides you purchasing power that can adjust with your use of the card, as well as other factors.

Note that “no pre-set spending limit” does not mean unlimited spending. The purchasing power will adjust with your use of the card, payment history, credit record, and financial resources that are known to American Express.

What are the best small business cash-back credit cards?

The best cash-back credit cards for small business are subjective to whatever you are looking for specifically, but a few cards stand out more than other.

Alex Miller's image

About Alex Miller

Founder and CEO of Upgraded Points, Alex is a leader in the industry and has earned and redeemed millions of points and miles. He frequently discusses the award travel industry with CNBC, Fox Business, The New York Times, and more.

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