Earn 2% cash back on up to $50,000 in combined eligible purchases each year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
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Best American Express Business Cards of 2024
Leigh Morgan - Personal Finance
+ 1 other
Reviewed By
Blake Esken - Los Angeles Times
American Express offers multiple business credit cards. Some offer simple rewards for no annual fee, while others offer lavish travel perks. The best card for you depends on how you spend your money, whether you’re willing to pay an annual fee, and what perks you can utilize.
These cards tend to have higher limits than the personal credit cards offered by American Express, and they give you better rewards on advertising, shipping, and other business spending categories. As a bonus, Amex business cards also help you build credit for your company.
To help you choose the best card for your needs, we did an in-depth review of various American Express business credit cards.
Advertiser Disclosure
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Up to 2% Reward Rate
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
$250
Regular APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card gives simple cash back without yearly fees, making it a perfect option for small business owners who don’t spend big in the specific reward categories some other cards have.
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Card Details
More Card Info
- Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months from account opening. After that, a variable APR of 17.99% - 25.99% applies, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
- Spend beyond your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. (*The amount available for spending above your credit limit varies and is determined by your card usage, payment history, credit profile, known financial resources, and other factors. It is not unlimited.)
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- No annual fee
- High rewards rate
- Simple cash back structure
Cons
- Spending cap for 2% rewards
- Requires good to excellent credit
- Limited redemption options
Bottom Line
This is a good option for businesses looking to earn simple cash back rewards, but other cards may provide higher value for big spenders.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Up to 2X Reward Rate
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business expenses up to $50,000 per year (then 1X points).
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Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
15,000 points
Regular APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
If you’re a small business owner looking to earn flat-rate points on your purchases, consider The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express. It works much like The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, except it earns Membership Rewards® points rather than cash back.
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Card Details
More Card Info
- Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months from account opening. After that, a variable APR of 17.99% - 25.99% applies, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
- Spend beyond your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. (*The amount available for spending above your credit limit varies and is determined by your card usage, payment history, credit profile, known financial resources, and other factors. It is not unlimited.)
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- No annual fee
- High rewards rate
- Earns Membership Rewards points for more flexible redemption options
Cons
- Spending cap for 2X rewards
- Requires good to excellent credit
- Large spending requirement for welcome bonus
Bottom Line
This is a good option for businesses looking to earn simple, flexible rewards, but other cards may provide higher value for big spenders.
American Express® Business Gold Card
Up to 4X Reward Rate
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points (up to the first $150,000 in purchases per year, then 1X points) on 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle and 1X points on other eligible purchases.
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Annual Fee
$375
Welcome Offer
100,000 points
Regular APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
We like the American Express® Business Gold Card because it lets cardholders earn 4X points in categories where they spend the most. It also offers various business-centric perks, helping to justify the annual fee.
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Card Details
More Card Info
- Earn up to $20 in monthly statement credits when you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and office supply stores, potentially saving you up to $240 annually. Enrollment required.
- Walmart+ membership credit: Receive up to $12.95 in statement credits each month when you pay for a Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. $12.95 plus applicable taxes.
- Customize your Card: Select a Gold, Rose Gold, or limited edition White Gold card design.
Pros
- Earns Membership Rewards points for flexible redemption options
- 4X points categories adapt to your spending automatically each billing cycle
- Generous welcome offer
Cons
- High annual fee
- Spending cap of $150,000 annually for 4X rate
- High spending requirement for welcome offer
Bottom Line
The automatically adjusting bonus categories give this card tremendous reward potential, but you’ll need to spend a pretty penny to make up for the annual fee.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Earn 5 Membership Rewards® points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels through American Express Travel and 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases. Earn 1.5 points per dollar on eligible business expenses and purchases of $5,000+ (up to $2 million per calendar year). Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
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Annual Fee
$695
Welcome Offer
150,000 points
Regular APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a great pick for business owners who want to earn valuable travel rewards on their business spending. Though it has a high annual fee, perks like airport lounge access and statement credits can easily make up for the cost if you use them fully.
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Card Details
More Card Info
- Access over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases in your first year with the Business Platinum Card®, including credits for tech, recruiting, and wireless. Enrollment required.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Choose a qualifying airline and receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by the airline to your Card.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your Business Platinum Card® to get up to $199 in statement credits annually for your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal).
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® offers complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges in 140+ countries, providing more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer as of 03/2023.
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- Excellent welcome offer
- Easy to earn points
- Great travel benefits
Cons
- No intro APR offer
- Hefty $695 annual fee
- High spending requirement for welcome offer
Bottom Line
The annual fee certainly has a shock factor but for the premium business traveler, this card’s luxury perks could make it well worth it.
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Up to 12X Reward Rate
Earn 12X points on eligible Hilton purchases, 5X points on other eligible purchases on the first 100K spent per year, then 3X points, and 3X points on all other eligible purchases.
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Annual Fee
$195
Welcome Offer
LTO: 175,000 points
Regular APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a high-end business hotel credit card that can provide outstanding, ongoing rewards to elite-status Hilton fans, for a low annual fee.
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Card Details
More Card Info
- Get up to $60 in statement credits each quarter for eligible purchases made directly with Hilton on your Hilton Honors Amex Business Card.
- Receive complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card and enjoy benefits at hotels and resorts within the Hilton Portfolio. As a Gold member, you’ll earn an 80% bonus on all Base Points for every stay, helping you reach free nights faster.
- Upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the calendar year if your total eligible purchases on your Card Account reach $40,000 or more within a calendar year.
- Enroll to receive courtesy National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status through the link on your online Amex account. After enrollment, rental car reservations can be made by calling National Car Rental directly, using your travel service, online or through the mobile app.
- Terms apply.
Pros
- Automatic Hilton Gold status
- 10 airport lounge visits each year with Priority Pass (enrollment required)
- Ability to earn a free night with enough spending
Cons
- Can only redeem points at Hilton hotels
- Need good or excellent credit to qualify
- No complimentary free night
Bottom Line
This card offers solid Hilton rewards and travel perks for a low annual fee, but no Free Night Award. Instead, it offers 10 free airport lounge visits per year, which is unusual but not unwelcome.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Up to 3X Reward Rate
Earn 3X miles on all Delta purchases and 1X miles on other eligible purchases. If you spend $150,000 in a calendar year, you’ll earn 1.5X miles per dollar on non-Delta purchases for the rest of the year.
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Annual Fee
$650
Welcome Offer
80,000 miles
Regular APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
While the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card has a hefty annual fee, its complimentary airport lounge access and annual companion ticket can easily make it worthwhile for the loyal Delta business traveler.
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Card Details
More Card Info
- Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club®. Starting 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 annual visits; to unlock unlimited visits each year starting 2/1/25, total eligible purchases on the Card must reach $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
- Enhance your Status next Medallion® Year with MQD Headstart and MQD Boost: receive $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for every $10 spent on purchases with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.
- You can receive a Companion Certificate for First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewing your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees, up to $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and up to $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card, up to a total of $240 per year with the Resy Credit.
- Receive up to $10 back each month when you use your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
- Save 15% on Award Travel bookings for Delta flights. This discount does not apply to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- If you’re not a Medallion Member, you will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members when you have an eligible ticket.
- As a Card Member, your first checked bag is free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four, that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge or Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner when you purchase a Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card.
- Benefit from Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights, allowing you to board early, stow your carry-on bag, and settle in sooner.
- Elevate your travel experience with an annual statement credit of up to $250. Just use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
- Pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card while traveling overseas.
- Terms and limitations apply.
Pros
- Complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs & Amex Centurion Lounges
- Annual Companion Certificate, good for one ticket in the same class you’re in
- Very generous welcome offer
Cons
- High annual fee ($650)
- Low rewards rate on non-Delta spending categories
- Requires good to excellent credit
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Up to 6X Reward Rate
Earn 6X points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program, 4X points at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on U.S. wireless telephone services purchased directly, and on U.S. shipping purchases, and 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
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Annual Fee
$125
Welcome Offer
3 Free Night Awards
Regular APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
The manageable annual fee of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card coupled with its generous benefits like complimentary Gold Elite status and a huge welcome offer make this card a great option for Marriott loyalists.
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Card Details
More card info
- Enjoy a 7% discount on eligible bookings as a perk of being both a Marriott Bonvoy® member and a Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card Member. (Must book directly with Marriott through an eligible channel for a participating property under the Amex Business Card Rate.)
- Get a Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Additionally, earn another Free Night Award after spending $60K in purchases on your Card within a calendar year. The award can be redeemed for one night (at a redemption level of 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points or fewer) at participating Marriott Bonvoy® hotels. Note that some hotels may charge resort fees.
- Receive Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status.
- Terms apply.
Pros
- Earn a free night award annually
- Automatic elite status
- Generous welcome offer
Cons
- Has an annual fee
- Limited redemption options
Comparing the best Amex business cards
Card name
Best for
Annual fee
Reward rate
Learn more
Best for Simple Cash Back
$0
1%-2% cash back
Best for Simple Points Earning
$0
1X-2X points
Best for Spending Categories
$375
1X-4X points
Best for Premium Travel Rewards
$695
1X-5X points
Best for Hotel Rewards
$195
3X-12X points
Best for premium Delta rewards
$650
1X-3X miles
Best for Marriott loyalists
$125
2X-6X points
Who should get an American Express business card?
Amex offers cards for every spending profile, from high-spending frequent travelers to startup businesses. An American Express Business Card may be a good option for:
- Business travelers looking for premium perks. If your business travels a lot, some of the best American Express business cards offer premium perks like airport lounge access, travel insurance, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, and more.
- Small businesses looking for a no-annual-fee card. Amex offers two business cards with no annual fee— the Blue Business Plus and the Blue Business Cash. These cards are perfect for the startup business looking to earn solid rewards without needing to offset a yearly cost.
- Businesses looking to maximize rewards. Amex business cards offer some of the best reward opportunities out there, with a card fitting every spending profile. For example, if you spend a lot in certain categories, a card like the Amex Business Gold Card automatically adjusts to maximize your rewards.
- Businesses looking for more purchasing power. Various Amex business cards have no preset spending limit, so their limit adjusts based on your purchasing, credit, and payment history. While this could work against you, it could also potentially give you a very high credit limit.
▶︎ See more: Best Business Credit Cards
Pros and cons
Pros
- Generous rewards and welcome offers. It’s easy to earn rewards on Amex business cards, with high-earning categories and valuable welcome offers for high enough spenders.
- Valuable perks and protections. Some Amex business cards have perks like airport lounge access or statement credits. Many cards also have benefits like purchase protection and travel insurance.
- Business tools. High purchasing power, free employee cards, QuickBooks integration, and more can help you effectively manage your business.
Cons
- High annual fees. Some of the best American Express business cards have high annual fees, meaning there’s a yearly cost to offset through benefits and rewards.
- High interest rates. If you tend to carry a balance, you’ll be subject to very high interest rates.
- Caps on rewards. Some cards have caps on their reward-earning categories, so if you spend beyond the cap, you’ll have to deal with a subpar reward rate until the end of the year.
American Express business card benefits
Amex business card benefits vary based on the card you have, but some perks you may have include:
- Bonus points on travel. Once you have a travel business credit card through Amex, you may also qualify for extra bonus points on your travel expenses. For example, the Amex Business Gold Card gives you 4X points on your top two spending categories for each billing cycle. This includes plane tickets purchased directly from an airline. Additionally, co-branded business cards like some American Express Delta cards can give even more points to brand loyalists.
- Airport lounge access. Some of the most premium American Express Business cards, like the Delta Reserve Business and the Amex Business Platinum, offer airport lounge access to help make your business travels more comfortable.
- Travel protection*. American Express travel insurance protects you and your baggage so you can have peace of mind while you travel. Note that some benefits come with an extra charge.
- Global Entry Fee credit. Some Amex business credit cards give you a $100 statement credit when you use your eligible card to pay for the TSA Precheck or Global Entry travel program.
- Statement credits. Depending on which card you choose, you may qualify for additional statement credits.
- Purchase Protection*. Your business credit card gives you access to Purchase Protection, which covers up to $10,000 per occurrence ($50,000 per year max) for lost, stolen, or damaged items. This only applies to purchases made with your eligible credit card.
*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Tips for choosing an Amex business credit card
- Look at your spending. Do you spend a lot on travel, transit, or restaurant purchases, or does your spending vary a lot? Are you loyal to one specific airline or hotel brand? The best Amex business card for you will have reward-earning categories that align with your spending habits.
- Consider the annual fee. Some business credit cards have high annual fees. If you’re just starting out, you may want to choose a card that has a lower fee. Conversely, if you’re well-established and want to maximize your travel benefits, choosing a card with a higher annual fee may work in your favor.
- Read the fine print carefully. Note the regular APR, penalty APR, and annual fee to determine which card is the best fit for your company.
- Look at the rest of the perks. Amex business cards have some of the best benefits out there, with business-centric perks, airport lounge access, statement credits, and more. Look at these perks carefully and decide whether you can utilize and benefit from them.
▶︎ See our picks: Best cash-back business cards
Applying for an American Express business credit card
Amex only issues its business credit cards to customers with good to excellent credit.
Although it’s possible to qualify with a FICO score of 690, aim to have at least a 700 before you apply. Whether you own a small business or manage a company with several employees, you should also have plenty of income to cover your purchases.
Be prepared to provide the following information when you apply for a credit card through Amex:
- Business name
- Tax ID
- Business structure (S-corp, C-corp, LLC, etc.)
- Job title
- Industry
- Mailing address
- Years in business
- Annual revenue
- Annual expenses (estimated)
- Number of employees
Because Amex has stringent credit requirements, it’s a little more difficult to get approved for an Amex credit card than it is to qualify for the cards offered by many other issuers.
▶︎ See: Best Chase Business Cards or Best Capital One Business Cards
How to apply for a credit card
To apply for a credit card, follow these steps:
- Compare credit cards based on their annual fees, welcome offers, and perks.
- Pick a credit card that matches your needs.
- Fill out the application.
- Review the terms of service.
- Submit your application.
It can take up to 14 days for Amex to approve or deny your application.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
• • • • •
For rates and fees of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, please visit this page.
For rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, please visit this page.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card, please visit this page.
For rates and fees of tThe Business Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this page.
For rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, please visit this page.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, please visit this page.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, please visit this page.
FAQs
What credit score is required for an American Express business card?
Amex doesn’t publish minimum credit requirements, but based on reports from approved applicants, you should have at least a 690 before you apply — even higher, if possible. If you’re not sure what yours is, take a look at our guide on how to check your credit score.
How much is the American Express business card limit?
The limit on your Amex business card depends on your income, credit history, and other factors. You may qualify for as little as $1,000 or as much as $20,000 based on your unique circumstances. It also may be possible to increase your credit limit down the line.
Is it hard to get an American Express business card?
American Express has some of the most stringent application requirements, so it’s somewhat difficult to get an Amex business card.
How many Amex business credit cards can I have?
You can have up to five personal and business Amex cards open at any given time, in any combination. For example, you can have three business credit cards and two personal cards.
Is an American Express business card worth it?
Whether you own a small business or work for a large company, a credit card from Amex makes it easier to pay for business expenses without putting your personal credit on the line. Each card comes with so many perks that it’s well worth paying the annual fee to keep your account open.
Does an American Express business card build business credit?
If your small business is a distinct legal entity, you can use a credit card from Amex to build business credit. Creating a limited liability company, S-corporation or other entity separates your business finances from your personal finances, allowing you to build a business credit profile.
What types of businesses can get an Amex business card?
You don’t need millions of dollars in revenue to qualify for an Amex business credit card.
Amex has credit cards for small businesses, mid-sized businesses, and corporations. If you have a good credit score, you may qualify for a business credit card as a gig worker or freelancer.
Just be aware of the annual fee for each credit card. A credit card with a high annual fee may not be a good fit for a sole proprietorship or a start-up that doesn’t have much revenue yet.
About the Author
Leigh Morgan is a seasoned personal finance contributor with over 15 years of experience writing on a diverse range of professional legal and financial topics. She specializes in subjects like navigating the complexities of insurance, savings, zero-based budgeting and emergency fund development.
In the last five years, she’s authored over 300 articles for credit unions, digital banks, and financial professionals. Morgan is also the author of “77 Tips for Preventing Elder Financial Abuse,” a book focused on helping caregivers protect the elderly from financial scams.
In addition to her writing skills, she brings real-world financial acumen thanks to her previous experience managing rental properties as part of a $34 million real estate portfolio.
* Opinions expressed here are those of LA Times Compare and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser or entities included within this content. See our editorial policy for more details.
All products or services are presented in this content without warranty. The information, including card details such as rates and fees, is accurate at the time of publication. Please visit each bank's website directly for the most current information.