Best American Express Business Cards of August 2023

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Opening a small business credit card is a smart move to keep personal and business expenses separate and earn bonus cash back or travel rewards on your expenses. 

Even better, your business doesn’t need to earn huge profits for you to be eligible to apply. A side hustle like rideshare driving, managing a rental property, blogging, consulting, or freelancing can be enough to qualify you for a small business card. 

American Express issues more than a dozen cards for businesses of all sizes, but they’re not all created equal. We’ll guide you toward the best options for your small business spending. 

Compare American Express Business Credit Cards

Best American Express Business Cards of 2023

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best American Express Business Cards

We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.

Sifting through every Amex business card on your own is a lot to take on, so we’ve done expert research for you. Here are the criteria we used for our list: 

• Welcome bonus — Is the juice worth the squeeze? It usually is if the card has a compelling welcome offer after meeting minimum spending requirements.
• Ongoing rewards — You don’t want a card that’ll leave you cold after the honeymoon is over. We’re recommending the ones that earn the most points and cash back for your spending. 
• Featured benefits — What perks will keep a card in your wallet year after year? Is it travel protections, lounge access, or spending bonuses? 
• Annual fee — Everyone wants the most value for their dollar. If there’s an annual fee, do the card’s benefits justify it? 

See a full breakdown of how we rate credit cards at Insider, and check out our credit card reviews hub to see which credit cards are at the top of their respective categories.

American Express Business Card Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Best Card for Earning Flexible Points With a 0% Intro APR and No Annual Fee

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

If you like simplicity and don’t want bonus categories, consider Amex Blue Business Plus Card which earns 2 Amex Membership Rewards points per dollar on all business purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year, and 1 point per dollar beyond that. It’s also one of the few credit cards — including personal and business cards — that earns transferable points without an annual fee. You’ll also qualify for purchase protection and extended warranty coverage on eligible items you buy with the card.

Plus, new cardholders get a 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months from account opening (followed by a 18.49% – 26.49% Variable APR). That can give you the flexibility to make a large purchase and save on interest, as long as you have a plan to pay it off before the card’s introductory rate period expires. 

For ease of use, rewards, and benefits, it doesn’t get much better than this no-annual-fee business credit card. 

Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card Review 

Best Premium Card for Lounge Access and Business Perks

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

On the other end of the annual fee spectrum, there’s Amex Business Platinum Card with a hefty $695 annual fee. Before you get sticker shock, it could be well worth it if you use the credits and benefits, including up to $1,000 in annual statement credits on business purchases at Dell Technologies, Indeed, Adobe, and U.S. wireless service providers each calendar year**, up to $200 annually in airline incidental fee credits**, and airport lounge access.

The current welcome offer is 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases with your card within the first three months of card membership. That’s worth around $2,160 in travel, based on Insider’s points and miles valuations.

Between the credits and welcome bonus offer, you could easily cover the card’s annual fee several times over. It’s an ideal travel companion because many of the perks are focused on travel. And if you like Amex Membership Rewards points, you can earn: 

• 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
• 1.5x points on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more 
• 1.5x points on eligible purchases in the US at electronics goods retailers, software, and cloud service providers 
• 1.5x points at eligible US shipping providers
• 1.5x points on eligible US purchases of construction materials and hardware supplies
• 1 point per dollar on everything else

The 1.5x category is capped at a total of $2 million in combined purchases each year — then, you’ll earn 1 point per dollar in these categories.

This card has many more benefits, like a 35% airline bonus and travel insurance, that could sway your decision. Read our review for complete details. 

Amex Business Platinum Card Review

Most Versatile Business Card for Earning Flexible Points

American Express® Business Gold Card

The Amex Business Gold Card is one of the best small-business cards for common business purchases, because it automatically earns 4x American Express Membership Rewards points on the two categories (from a list) where your business spends the most each billing cycle, up to $150,000 per calendar year (then 1x), and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. 

Business 4x bonus categories include airfare purchased directly from airlines, US gas stations, US restaurants (including takeout and delivery), US shipping providers, US computer hardware, software, and cloud systems (from select technology providers), and US purchases for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio). 

If you spend a lot in any of these categories, you’ll earn bonus points in the two categories where you spend the most each month. That’s handy if you don’t want to think about shifting your spending to maximize rewards. 

The welcome offer is 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of card membership, worth around $1,260 in travel according to Insider’s valuations.  

Other features, including a 25% airline bonus, extended warranty, and travel protections can easily justify the card’s $295 annual fee. 

Amex Business Gold Card Review

Best No-Annual-Fee Business Card for Cash Back With a 0% Intro APR

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

The Amex Blue Business Cash Card is similar to the Amex Blue Business Plus, but instead of earning 2x Amex Membership Rewards points, it earns a flat 2% cash back on up to $50,000 in spending per calendar year (then 1%) in the form of Reward Dollars. If you like simple rewards and prefer cash over points, this card is worth a look. 

You’ll get a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening, after which you’ll pay a 18.49% – 26.49% Variable APR.

The card also comes with cell phone protection, purchase protection, extended warranty, and other small business benefits — all for no annual fee. If you value cash rewards, this cash-back business card is an excellent choice. 

Amex Blue Business Cash Card Review

Best Overall Airline Credit Card

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card

Amex issues Delta credit cards in three tiers, with the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card being the lowest. There’s an annual fee of $99 (with a $0 intro for the first year). The other two Delta business cards have higher annual fees with more benefits for Delta flyers, but most casual flyers will do fine with this one. 

You can earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in purchases on your new card in the first three months of card membership, which is worth around $550 in travel according to our estimate of Delta miles value. The card comes with elite-like benefits such as a free checked bag for you and up to eight companions on the same Delta reservation, priority boarding, and 20% back on inflight purchases. 

You’ll earn 2 Delta miles per dollar on Delta purchases, at restaurants, on eligible U.S. purchases for shipping and advertising in select media, and 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases. There’s also a 15% discount on Delta award flights and the opportunity to earn a $100 Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 or more on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

If you think you’ll fly Delta, especially if you check bags or travel with several companions, this card provides an easy way to get a few perks without having to earn elite status. The other more expensive Delta cards are for Delta loyalists, but many folks with small business spending will find this one a good place to start. 

American Express Delta Gold Business Card Review

Best Airline Credit Card for Earning Elite Status

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card is the best choice if you fly Delta often or have a lot of big purchases for your business. For a $250 annual fee, you’ll get a potentially valuable annual Delta companion certificate after each account anniversary, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, discounted Delta Sky Club access for $39 per person, and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after spending $25,000+ on eligible purchases in a calendar year (up to two times). This card also has all the same benefits as the Delta Gold Business card above. 

In addition, you’ll earn 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases or eligible spending directly with hotels, 1.5 miles per dollar for all transactions of $5,000 or more, and 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases. While we don’t recommend this card to pay for hotel stays, the earnings on Delta purchases and big-ticket items can give your mileage balance a boost. 

Right now, you can earn a welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in purchases on your new card in the first three months of card membership. Based on Insider’s valuations, that’s worth around $660 in travel.

This card will really only appeal to those who regularly fly Delta, are interested in using the companion certificate, or want to earn more MQMs to boost elite status. If that’s you, it’s possible to unlock outsized value with this card. If not, you’ll want to look elsewhere. 

Delta American Express Platinum Business Card Review

Best Card for Hilton Stays

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

Amex has a Hilton credit card for every level of Hilton loyalist, and the lone Hilton business card is a middle-of-the-road offering that’ll add to your Hilton balance and get you mid-tier elite status for a reasonable $95 annual fee. 

In return, you’ll earn 12x points at Hilton hotels and resorts booked directly, 6x points on select business and travel purchases including U.S. gas stations, U.S. shipping providers, wireless phone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, at U.S. restaurants, flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, and for car rentals booked with select car rental companies. For all other purchases, you’ll earn 3x points. 

The card also gets you Hilton Gold elite status, a free night certificate after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, and 10 free airport lounge visits per year with a Priority Pass Select membership. 

You can currently earn 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the card within the first three months of card membership. The points are worth about $650 in stays, according to our valuation of Hilton points.

Plus, Hilton Gold elite status can get you breakfast credit, potential room upgrades, late checkout when available, and more. If you stay with Hilton often, but not often enough to earn elite status, getting this card is a shortcut. 

Amex Hilton Honors Business Card Review

Best Card for Marriott Stays

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

Marriott has 7,000+ hotels worldwide, and the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex Card comes with an annual free night award for participating Marriott Bonvoy® hotels that cost up to 35,000 points. Considering many of these hotels can cost $200 to $300 per night, you can more than cover the card’s $125 annual fee with this perk alone. 

This Marriott credit card also gets you Bonvoy Gold elite status, 15 elite night credits per year, and a 7% discount on standard room rates. And right now, it’s offering a bonus of three bonus Free Night Awards (each worth up to 50,000 points) after using your new card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership. 

You’ll earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy® hotels (on top of the 10x points you earn just for being a Marriott Bonvoy member), 4 points per dollar on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. shipping purchases, and 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases. 

If you like to stay at Marriott hotels, this card is worth considering. Or, if you just want to use the annual free night award at a hotel where the room rate is more than the card’s $125 annual fee, you can come out ahead — plus, you’ll earn points from your small business purchases. 

Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex Card Review

Other American Express Business Credit Cards We Considered

American Express issues over a dozen small business cards. Here are a few more we considered that didn’t make the cut — and why: 

• The Plum Card® from American Express
  —  This card has a 1.5% Early Pay Discount with a $250 annual fee. There are no bonus categories. You’re better off earning 2% cash back and paying on time (and with no annual fee) with the Amex Blue Business Cash Card instead of this one.
• American Express® Business Green Rewards Card
   — While you can earn 2 Amex Membership Rewards points per dollar you spend in the American Express Travel portal (and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases), there’s a $95 annual fee to consider. Amex Blue Business Plus Card earns 2x Amex Membership Rewards points on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year (then 1x) for a $0 annual fee — and there’s also an intro APR period you can use. If you’re willing to pay an annual fee, other cards get you much more bang for your buck. 
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card — We’d be remiss if we didn’t at least mention this premium credit card offering for Delta loyalists. There’s no doubt this card is the cheapest way to access a Delta lounge membership and Amex Centurion Lounges, but for the $550 annual fee, you’re likely committed to flying Delta whenever possible. So while this card gets a hearty recommendation for those folks, the high annual fee and Delta-focused perks will limit most others. 
• Business Prime American Express Card
   — This card has great 2% cash back categories and no annual fee. And of course, enhanced earnings for Amazon, Whole Foods, and AWS purchases. Most people would do better with the Amex Blue Business Cash Card to earn 2% cash back on all purchases (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%), unless you’re really devoted to Amazon. It also requires an Amazon Prime membership to apply, which is an extra $139 per year. You’d have to spend a lot to offset the cost. And in either case, Amex has better cards to consider. 

How to Choose an American Express Business Card

American Express business cards span the spectrum of annual fee costs, earning potential, and ongoing benefits. Here’s what to look for as you assess the right card for you:

• Annual fee — Is there an annual fee? If so, will your business benefit from what the card provides? Often, you can maximize the perks for outsized value. But some folks just don’t want to pay any extra fees. 
• Earning rewards — Do you want to earn flat-rate rewards, or does your business tend to spend more in certain categories? If you think you could hit the bonus categories hard for your business needs, definitely go for a card that will maximize rewards. For the travel cards, consider if the bonus categories will earn you enough points to complement your travel habits. 
• Redeeming rewards — Make sure you’re clear on what you’re earning. Is it statement credit? Cash? Can you only redeem into an account with the same financial institution? Do you have the option to book travel or buy merchandise? If so, are your points worth the same rate as redeeming for cash?
• Carrying a balance — Will you or won’t you? There’s no wrong answer, especially if there’s an introductory low-rate period. But keep in mind, a few Amex cards are charge cards and require payment in full at the end of each billing cycle unless you opt into Amex’s Pay Over Time feature. If you think there’s a chance you’ll carry a balance, make sure to get a credit card. We recommend paying your balance in full anyway, but with charge cards, it’s enforced. 
• Extras — Looking for lounge access, travel protection, spending threshold rewards, or a card suited for larger purchases? They’re all available, so if there’s something you really want in a card, that could make it all the more worthwhile for you. Some cards may come with cell phone insurance, travel perks, extended warranties, and more. Benefits are only worthwhile if you’ll actually use them — will you? 
• Employee cards — Can you add them for free? Can you set limits (Amex makes this very easy to do)? Even if you end up getting a small business card with another bank, access controls vary quite a lot. Make sure you can set the limits that make you feel most comfortable. 

No one knows your business better than you, and rewards come in a huge variety. If you’re loyal to Delta, Hilton, or Marriott, a co-branded airline card or hotel card might be the way to go. Other cards earn cash back or transferable Amex Membership Rewards points. Do you want to navigate a points system or want straightforward cash back?

No matter what you decide, earning rewards for your regular business spending is an amazing fringe benefit of owning and operating your small business. That can lead you to more (or improved) travel, extra cash you can use for your business (or just keep in your pocket), or a lot of bonus points! 

Is an Amex Business Card Right for You?

Remember that a credit or charge card — cash back or otherwise — won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a small business card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay. Even with business cards, they’re guaranteed by your personal credit. 

Many cash-back cards have no annual fee, so you don’t have to pay for the privilege of earning rewards. You can literally earn rewards for free. 

If you’re new to business rewards cards and aren’t interested in earning travel points or miles, a cash-back credit card is the best option for you. Even if you don’t earn oodles of rewards, it’s still more than you’d get paying with a debit card — which is nothing at all. 

Pros and Cons of Small Business Credit Cards

If you’re trying to decide whether to open a card for your small business, bear these pros and cons in mind:

Pros of small business cards:

• They’re a great way to keep your business expenses separate from your personal expenses, and many plug into your accounting software
• There are few restrictions on how you can redeem and spend your card rewards —treat your employees, book a company trip, or use it for personal reasons
• You’ll earn rewards for small business purchases, including in bonus categories you usually can’t access with personal cards
• They’re great for big purchases or investments in your business
• Many of them (including Amex cards) don’t appear on your personal credit file, and therefore have no impact to your personal credit score
• They’re another way to earn valuable rewards

Cons of small business cards:

• They’re not ideal for carrying balances, unless you take advantage of a promotional offer
• You may feel inclined to spend beyond your means or purchase items you normally wouldn’t just to earn rewards
• Employee cards require more monitoring and management, so it’s another item on your to-do list
• You’ll need to use your Social Security number and credit file to open, and they typically require good to excellent credit

These cards are specifically designed to make it easier to track your small business purchases. There’s not much of a downside, other than the usual callouts to spend within your business means and avoid carrying balances. 

Also, the rewards you earn are only valuable if you use them. Considering they’re a bonus from your business spending, be sure to check your rewards balances often and redeem them as they roll in. As a small business owner, you’ve definitely earned it. 

 

 

Angela Fung

Marketing Compliance Manager