| Last updated on February 27th, 2024
American Express® Business Gold Card
American Express® Business Gold Card
American Express® Business Gold Card
- 19.49% to 27.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate for Pay Over Time Regular Purchase APR
At a Glance
Business owners with a clear understanding of their company’s needs will enjoy the customizable rewards available to them through the American Express® Business Gold Card. The card gives you the ability to choose two categories to receive 4X the points from, then one point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases plus a generous welcome offer where companies can earn 100,000 Membership Rewards points.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership*
- **4X points apply to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories each calendar year.*
- PAY OVER TIME OPTION: Decide whether you want to pay eligible purchases in full each month – or pay over time with interest.*
- *Terms Apply.
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.49% to 27.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate for Pay Over Time
- Penalty APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee: $295
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: $39 or 2.99% of any past due Pay in Full amount, whichever is greater
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: $39
- You own a business and want to earn points for everyday expenses on select bonus categories where your business spends the most, such as airfare, advertising, gas, shipping, and computers
- You plan to make frequent purchases, particularly within the first few months of becoming a cardholder, in order to qualify for lucrative introductory offers
- You can benefit from insightful software tools to both help manage your business and recruit promising talent
- You will make use of Amex’s Pay Over Time option for business expenses
In-Depth Review: American Express® Business Gold Card
The American Express® Business Gold Card is a lucrative business rewards card that operates on a pay-in-full basis (much like a charge card). The card provides up to 4X Membership Rewards points on purchases, with a host of excellent statement credits to help companies claw back the $295 annual fee.
Who Can Benefit Most from the Business Gold Card?
If you’re a business owner seeking a credit card with exceptional benefits and rewards, the American Express Business Gold Card may be the perfect fit. This card is specifically designed for business owners, offering a wide range of benefits to streamline expenses and save money. Whether you’re a small business owner or a corporate executive, the American Express Business Gold Card is tailored to meet your unique needs.
How to Apply
Credit Needed
American Express doesn’t specify a minimum credit score requirement for the Amex Business Gold Card; however, generally, a good or excellent credit score, typically 740 or higher, is needed for a competitive application.
Eligibility
Eligibility for the Amex Business Gold Card is not limited to formal businesses. This means that freelancers, independent contractors, and people with a side hustle that generates income are also eligible to apply for this credit card. So, whether you are a small business owner or someone who earns money through various freelance projects, you can still enjoy the benefits and rewards offered by the Amex Business Gold.
Pay Over Time
While The Business Gold Card® from American Express does not have a traditional APR found in other cards, that does not mean proprietors can’t enjoy the chance to carry a balance. American Express offers a special “Pay Over Time” feature that allows businesses to finance select purchases of $100 or more at a competitive APR.
Cardholders can activate Pay Over Time and select charges will be added to the feature automatically. Then, Cardholders have the choice of paying the balance in full or carrying that balance with interest. The Pay Over Time credit limit is found in the balance details on a user’s account.
Choose Your Card Design
New business accounts can select their preferred Amex Business Gold Card when applying. Available options include the stylish Rose Gold Card or the Classic Gold Card.
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Regardless of the color you choose, you and your team will receive a robust metal credit card that tips the scales at 15 grams.
Statement Credit Benefits
Like its bigger sibling, the Business Platinum Card® from American Express, the Gold Card comes with a selection of statement credits designed to make life easier. Unlike the Platinum Business Card, however, these credits are limited in value.
- $240 Flexible Business Credit: 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.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive $12.95 plus applicable taxes in monthly statement credits when using the Gold Card to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (up to $155 annually).
The Flexible Business Credit is a great addition to the card as it provides companies with worthwhile credits to offset essentials, like shipping, toner, or ink cartridges, or even a celebratory pizza after a big win. Similarly, Walmart+ is a reliable resource for companies. Walmart+ members enjoy shopping perks — both online and in-store — at Walmart.
How to Earn Rewards
Welcome Offer
New accounts earn a welcome bonus of 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $10,000 within the first three months of opening the account. This 100,000 bonus is one of the Gold Cards’ biggest ever and has a travel value of approximately $1,000.
Despite that, the welcome bonus pales in comparison to the Platinum Card. That’s because the Platinum version offers nearly double the welcome points for only a 33% increase in spending. Still, for businesses that prioritize points over lounge access, the Gold Card’s initial offer shines.
How to Earn Membership Rewards Points
The Business Gold Card from American Express offers flexibility in choosing the most beneficial rewards category, while still providing elevated bonus points for secondary categories. Cardholders can select two of the following categories to earn 4X Membership Rewards points:
| Card Members can use the U.S. Business Gold Card to automatically earn 4X Membership Rewards points in the top two eligible categories where their business spent the most each billing cycle, to help take the guesswork out of earning rewards. Applicable on the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year, including the following categories: | |||
| Electronic goods retailers | Software | Cloud system providers | Monthly wireless telephone services |
| Select advertising (online, TV, radio | Gas stations | Restaurants, including takeout and delivery. | Transit |
If making choices isn’t your strong suit, you can opt to simplify the process by automatically earning 4X Membership Rewards points in the top two eligible categories where their business spends the most each billing cycle.
In addition, Card Members earn 3X points on eligible purchases through AmexTravel.com and 1X on all other purchases made with the card.
Previously, the card earned 4X points on airfare purchased directly from airlines, U.S. purchases for advertising in select media, U.S. purchases at gas stations, U.S. purchases for shipping, or U.S. computer hardware, software, and cloud computing purchases made directly from select providers. Cardholders also received 1X points per dollar spent on other eligible purchases.
The recent additions of advertising and recurring software provide a significant boost for companies that plan to make use of the Gold Card. The transit and wireless phone categories are also beneficial for businesses that issue multiple employee cards to accumulate Membership Rewards points.
It’s important to note that the 4X points apply to the first $150,000 in purchases with the Business Gold Card in the select spending categories each calendar year. Once the business exceeds the $150,000 threshold, it will earn the same flat rate of 1X points as all non-select category purchases.
How to Redeem Membership Rewards
Like other loyalty programs, Amex Membership Rewards points apply to various redemption options. Those redemption options include:
| Travel | Hotels | Airfare |
| Cruises | Merchandise with select partners | Gift cards |
| Statement credits | Charitable donations | Transfer to partners |
Points Transfer Partners
American Express Membership Rewards points also transfer to more than a dozen leading hotel and airline loyalty programs, including the following:
| AeroMexico (Club Premier) | Avianca (LifeMiles) | Emirates (Skywards) |
| Air Canada (Aeroplan) | British Airways (Executive Club) | Etihad (Guest) |
| Aer Lingus (AerClub) | Cathay Pacific (Asia Miles) | Air France/KLM (Flying Blue) |
| All Nippon Airways (ANA Miles) | Delta Air Lines (SkyMiles) | Hawaiian Airlines (HawaiianMiles) |
| Iberia Plus | Choice Privileges | Hilton Honors |
| Marriott Bonvoy | JetBlue (TrueBlue) | Marriott Bonvoy |
| Marriott Bonvoy | Virgin Atlantic (Flying Club) |
Note: You may need to have a minimum amount of points to start redeeming, depending on your redemption option. For example, you need at least 5,000 points to redeem with American Express Travel. After cashing in your welcome bonus, you’ll need to spend about $1,000 to build your points back up to this level.
Other Card Benefits
Other notable features and benefits of the Business Gold Card® from American Express include:
| Complimentary employee cards | Get more out of your Business Card with Employee Cards. Earn miles‡ and stay on top of how much employees are spending. |
| QuickBooks® integration | Save time with auto-expense categorization in QuickBooks- Once enrolled, your Business Card transactions are automatically tagged with your QuickBooks categories. |
| Account manager | Free up time. Assign a trusted team member to oversee your American Express account. Account Managers can handle tasks like making payments, reviewing transactions, and adding Employee Cards, so you’re free to focus on other priorities. |
| Account alerts | Set Account Alerts to help you avoid late payments, spot irregular spending, and monitor Employee Card use. |
| Vendor Pay by Bill.com | You can make the most out of paying your business bills. Improve your cash flow and take advantage of Card benefits when you use your Card to pay bills with Vendor Pay by Bill.com. Take advantage of Vendor Pay by Bill.com by enrolling your Card. With the basic plan, there is no monthly fee for the first user and no fee for a second user for six months. After six months, the second user will have a fee of $15 per month. Additional fees may apply based on plan type and number of users. |
| Year-end summary | After the end of the year, see a complete summary that categorizes your spending by month and purchase type, and helps you track your business expenses down to the last detail. |
| ‡ Terms apply | |
Comparison
| American Express® Business Gold Card | Business Green Rewards Card | Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express Card | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rewards | Earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories each calendar year, 1X after that and on all other purchases | Earn 2X points on eligible purchases at amextravel.com, plus 1X on all other purchases | Earn 6X points at Marriott hotels, 4X on 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, and 2X on everything else |
| Annual fee | $295 | $95 | $125 |
| Employee cards | $95 for up to five cards; $95 for each additional card after that | Free | Free |
| Perks | Up to $395 in annual credits | N/A | 7% discount rate, award night every account anniversary, Gold Elite status |
What We Like About the Business Gold Card
When it comes to the American Express Business Gold Card®, there are several standout features that make it a top choice for discerning businesses:
Flexible Spending Limits
One of the key advantages of the American Express Business Gold Card is its ability to offer flexible spending limits for your employees. This feature sets it apart from many other credit cards in the market. By allowing you to customize spending limits, the card empowers you with greater control over your business expenses, ensuring that overspending is effectively prevented. This flexibility is a valuable asset for any business owner looking to manage their finances efficiently.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
If your business frequently makes international purchases, you’ll appreciate the fact that the American Express Business Gold Card has no foreign transaction fees. This can result in significant savings, especially for businesses that conduct a large volume of overseas transactions.
Business Management Tools
With the American Express Business Gold Card, you’ll have access to a wide range of advanced expense management tools that can greatly assist you in effectively tracking and categorizing your business expenses. By utilizing these tools, you will find it much simpler to efficiently manage your budget and gain valuable insights into your spending patterns, allowing for better financial analysis and decision-making.
Things to Consider
Annual Fee
While the annual fee with the Business Gold Card is significantly lower than the Business Platinum Card, it is still a significant expense businesses need to consider. At $295 per year, plus $95 for up to five cards; $95 for each additional card after that, the card isn’t cheap. That said, for companies that like to spend strategically, the Gold Card is a robust tool that can quickly accumulate a ton of points.
American Express Ratings
How does American Express rate as a bank and issuer? Here is a selection of ratings for the bank from consumers and experts:
| BestCards | Better Business Bureau | TrustPilot |
|
3.5/5 |
2/5 |
1.5/5 |
Should You Apply for the American Express® Business Gold Card?
The American Express Business Gold Card offers a wealth of benefits and rewards tailored specifically to meet the needs of business owners. From its flexible spending limits and robust rewards program to its exceptional customer service and travel perks, the American Express Business Gold Card is a top contender among business credit cards.
However, it’s important to evaluate your business’s unique needs and goals before making a decision. Consider factors such as your travel habits, spending patterns, and desired benefits to determine whether the American Express Business Gold Card is the right fit for your business.
If you’re a business owner who values exceptional benefits, rewards, and customer service, the American Express Business Gold Card may be just what you need to take your business to new heights.
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