| Last updated on February 27th, 2024
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- See Terms Regular Purchase APR
At a Glance
Companies can expect the pinnacle of luxury when they use The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. This exclusive metal rewards card provides premium travel rewards, a huge welcome offer, and a variety of other perks for the savvy business traveler.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Welcome Offer: Earn 130,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership
- Get 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 eligible purchases 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 everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year
- Unlock over $1,000 in value per year for statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless with the Business Platinum Card
- $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 your Card or any of the Additional Cards on your Platinum Card account
- $189 CLEAR® Credit: CLEAR® uses biometrics to assign you a touchless ID, allowing you to move faster through security at select airports and stadiums across the U.S. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR membership with up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR with your Business Platinum Card®
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more lounge location options than any other credit card on the market as of 9/2021
- $695 Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
- Regular Purchase APR: See Terms
- Penalty APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee: $695
- 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 travel often for work and can take advantage of a myriad of benefits including access to airport lounges
- You will make use of statement credits for Global Entry or TSA Precheck
- You prefer airline flexibility when redeeming your points for travel
In-Depth Review: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Business owners are always looking for ways to enhance their business and stay ahead of the competition. One popular tool that can assist you in achieving this is The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. This exclusive pay-in-full business card is designed to provide a wide range of benefits and rewards that can elevate your business to new heights. Whether you are a small startup or an established corporation, The Business Platinum Card® has something to offer for businesses of all sizes.
Who Can Benefit Most from the Business Platinum Card?
The Business Platinum Card® is ideal for businesses that frequently travel for work. If your business requires you or your employees to travel often, this card can provide numerous advantages, including premium lounge access, generous points on travel, and a bevy of statement credits designed to make business travel a pleasure.
How to Apply
Credit Needed
American Express doesn’t specify a minimum credit score requirement for the Amex Business Platinum; however, generally, a good or excellent credit score, typically 740 or higher, is needed for a competitive application.
Eligibility
Eligibility for the Amex Business Platinum 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 Platinum
Pay Over Time
While The Business Platinum 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.
Welcome Offer
New accounts earn a welcome bonus of 190,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $15,000 within the first three months of opening the account. This 190,000 bonus is one of Amex’s biggest ever and has a travel value of approximately $2,000. Plus, book with points, and you’ll reclaim 35% of those points!
How to Earn Membership Rewards Points
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express places its greatest emphasis on travel perks – and not points. Like the personal version of the Platinum Card, it is light on bonus point categories, with the greatest rewards coming from booking talent via American Express’ travel portal.
Here is the reward-earning rate of the Business Platinum Card®:
- 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels through Amex.Travel.com
- 5X points on purchases in key business categories and on eligible purchases of $5K or more everywhere else.
- 1X points on all other purchases
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express provides the 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked directly through American Express Travel. Bookings can be made over the phone or online with American Express Travel. The card also earns 1.5X on business category purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million/year). All other purchases earn 1X points per dollar.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express also enjoys an additional 50% on points when meeting spending requirements. Spending Purchases of $5,000 or more earn 1.5X points – up to a whopping one million points per year!
This 50% more reward on everyday purchases makes the card an intriguing option for companies that spend heavily, issue multiple employee cards, and prioritize getting the most out of their rewards credit card.
How to Redeem Membership Rewards
Like other loyalty programs, Amex Membership Rewards points apply to various redemption options. Those redemption options include:
- Cash back as statement credits
- Gift cards
- Charitable donations
- Merchandise
- Travel
- Points transfers
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.
Travel Benefits
The Business Platinum Card® is more than just a business card with no foreign transaction fees. It is a powerful tool that can help elevate your business to new heights. By utilizing the exclusive perks and rewards offered by the card, you can enhance your business travel experience, save money, and gain a competitive edge.
Lounge Access
One of the key ways The Business Platinum Card® can elevate your business is through its airport lounge access. Cardmembers enjoy extensive lounge access through the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including the following options:
- Priority Pass Select
- American Express Centurion Lounges
- Escape Lounges
- Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta on the same day, your mileage may vary YMMV)
- Lufthansa (when flying same day, YMMV)
- Virgin Clubhouses (YMMV)
- Aspire Lounges
As a cardholder, you have access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including the luxurious Centurion Lounges. These lounges offer a haven of comfort and tranquility amidst the chaos of airports, providing you with a space to relax, work, or network with other like-minded professionals. This can be especially valuable during long layovers or delayed flights, as you can make the most of your time and stay productive in a comfortable environment.
Hotel Privileges and Elite Status
One of the exclusive perks of The Business Platinum Card® is the Fine Hotels & Resorts program. When you book a stay through this program, you’ll enjoy a range of premium benefits, such as room upgrades, daily breakfast for two, late checkout, and a unique amenity at each property. This can be particularly advantageous for business travelers who frequently stay in high-end hotels and value personalized service and luxury accommodations.
According to American Express, the average total value of the Fine Hotels & Resorts program is approximately $600 per visit, as of 2022.
Hilton Honors Gold Status
The Business Platinum Card offers complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status to cardmembers and authorized additional employee cardholders. Gold is the penultimate status tier of the Hilton Honors loyalty program and provides a comprehensive range of perks and benefits, including:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Fifth Night Free when booking four or more award nights
- Spa discounts
- Room upgrades (where available)
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Status
Cardmembers also enjoy Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite Status with the Platinum Card. Gold status typically requires 25 qualifying night stays at Marriott properties, making this perk a great supplement. As with Hilton Honors Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold offers benefits like a special elite customer service line, late check-in/out, room upgrades (where available), and more.
This can make a significant difference in the quality of your business travel experience and help you build stronger relationships with hotel brands.
Rental Card Privileges
Additionally, The Business Platinum Card® offers access to the Premium Car Rental Privileges program. By booking your car rentals through this program, you can enjoy special benefits, such as discounted rates, complimentary upgrades, and additional driver privileges. This can save your business money on transportation expenses and provide you with a more comfortable and convenient travel experience.
Statement Credit Benefits
Travel Statement Credits
$200 Airline Incidentals Credit
The Business Platinum Card also features a $200 airline incidentals credit. Account managers can opt for one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees, like checked bags and in-flight snacks or Wi-Fi, or other eligible charges are charged by the airline to the Business Platinum Card.
Accounts can select one account per year. Qualifying airlines include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, though the list is subject to change at any time.
$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit
Business Platinum cardmembers also receive up to $189 in annual credits when paying for CLEAR with the card. CLEAR® uses unique attributes, such as eyes or fingerprints, to digitally verify identity to help its members move faster through security at select airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide, saving you time on the move.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Fee Credit
Finally, the Business platinum Card from American Express provides a statement credit of up to $100 every four years for airport security and customs fast pass. When companies apply for and pay for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck®, they receive a statement credit of up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider every 4.5 years, up to $100 total. Simply pay the application fee using your Business Platinum Card®.
If you are approved for Global Entry, you will also gain access to TSA PreCheck at no additional charge. To receive the statement credit, the application fee must be charged on the eligible Additional Employee Card.
Business Statement Credits
Like the personal version of the card, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a vast array of statement credits designed to make life easier. Unlike the Platinum Card® from American Express, however, the Business version adds several business-centric credits, valued at up to $1,000 in value per year:
- $400 Dell Technologies: Cardmembers enjoy up to $400 on purchases through Dell Technologies through December 21, 2024. Members receive up to $200 semi-annually when using their Business Platinum Card to make eligible purchases through Dell (separate enrollment required, see terms).
- $360 Indeed: Cardmembers can enroll and get up to $360 in statement credits (up to $90 back per quarter) for purchases with Indeed when using the Business Platinum Card through December 21, 2024 (separate enrollment required, see terms).
- $150 Adobe Creative: Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits for eligible annual prepaid business plan purchases of Adobe Creative Cloud for teams or Adobe Acrobat Pro for teams on the Business Platinum Card through December 21, 2024 (separate enrollment required, see terms).
- $120 Wireless: Get up to $120 in statement credits per year for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. Simply use the Business Platinum Card to pay the bill and receive a $10 credit each month.
Other Card Benefits
Other notable features and benefits of the Business Platinum 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
| The Business Platinum Card® | Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business | United Club℠ Business | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $695 | $650 | $450 |
| Rewards | Earn 5X on travel through AmexTravel, 1.5X on select business purchases and purchases over $5,000, and 1X on all other purchases | Earn 3X on Delta purchases and 1.5X on all other pucrhases | Earn 2X on United purchases and 1.5X on all other purchases |
| Lounge access | Amex Global Lounge Collection | Delta Sky Club | United Club |
| Other perks | Over $1,000 in credits, elite status | priority boarding, first bag free | First and second checked bags free, 25% in-flight savings |
| Employee cards | $350 each | $175 each | Free |
Tips for Maximizing Rewards with the Business Platinum Card®
- Plan your travel strategically: Take advantage of the airport lounge access by arriving early and utilizing the amenities offered. This will help you stay productive and relaxed during your travels.
- Use the Global Entry and TSA Pre✓® fee credit: Apply for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® to expedite your travel and save time at the airport. Remember to use the statement credit provided by The Business Platinum Card® to cover the application fee.
- Take advantage of the annual airline fee credit: Select an airline and use the $200 credit to offset incidental fees, such as baggage fees or in-flight purchases. This can help reduce your business travel expenses.
- Book through the Fine Hotels & Resorts program: When planning your business trips, consider booking your accommodation through the Fine Hotels & Resorts program to enjoy exclusive benefits and upgrades.
- Utilize the Premium Car Rental Privileges program: Rent your cars through the Premium Car Rental Privileges program to enjoy special benefits and discounts. This can help you save money on transportation expenses.
- Stay up to date with the latest offers and promotions: American Express frequently introduces new offers and promotions for cardholders. Stay informed by regularly checking the American Express website or subscribing to their email notifications.
What We Like About the Business Platinum Card
When it comes to the Business Platinum Card®, there are several standout features that make it a top choice for frequent travelers.
Impressive Lounge Access Options
One of the most notable benefits is the access to an extensive network of airport lounges. This includes the highly regarded Centurion Lounges, which provide a truly premium travel experience. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to work or a comfortable spot to relax before your flight, these lounges have you covered.
Generous Hotel Perks
For those who enjoy staying in luxury accommodations, the Fine Hotels & Resorts program is a major perk of the Business Platinum Card®. When booking through this program, cardholders can enjoy special perks and amenities at participating hotels. This can include things like complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and late check-out. It’s a great way to enhance your stay and make it even more memorable.
In addition to these benefits, the Business Platinum Card® also offers automatic elite status with hotel loyalty programs. This means that cardholders can receive exclusive benefits and upgrades when staying at participating hotels. For example, with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, you can enjoy perks like complimentary room upgrades, late check-out, and access to executive lounges. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your hotel experience and make your stay even more enjoyable.
Things to Consider
Steep Annual Fee
One of the main drawbacks of The Business Platinum Card® is its high annual fee. This fee may not be suitable for businesses with lower spending levels or limited travel needs. It is important for businesses to carefully consider their budget and financial goals before committing to this card.
Limited Airline Credits
The card offers a $200 annual airline fee credit, which can be beneficial for frequent travelers. However, it is important to note that this credit only applies to incidental fees charged by the selected airline. It may not cover all expenses, such as ticket purchases or upgrades. Businesses should carefully review the terms and conditions to understand the limitations of this benefit.
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 Business Platinum Card® from American Express?
Wondering if The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is worth it? If your company frequently travels, issues additional employee cards, and takes great care to ensure your workforce is comfortable while on the move, the answer is likely “yes.”
The points earned with the card are exceptional for the frequent traveler. Plus, for companies that use their card to make a larger purchase, the chances of substantial point hauls are even more impressive. This is especially true given the sizeable signup bonus.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or simply looking for ways to streamline your business operations, The Business Platinum Card® offers a wealth of advantages that can help you achieve your goals. From airport lounge access and elite hotel status to the Membership Rewards program and exclusive partnerships, this card provides a comprehensive suite of benefits that cater to the unique needs of business owners.
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