Top American Express Business Cards of 2024

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The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: The Plum Card® from American Express, American Express® Business Green Rewards Card, Amazon Business Prime Card. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

Opening a small business credit card is a smart way 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.

Best American Express Business Cards

Here are Business Insider’s picks for the best Amex business credit cards:

American Express Business Card Reviews

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. 

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Amex Blue Business Plus Card is worth considering if you like simplicity and don’t want bonus categories (rates and fees). The card 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.

This card is 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 17.99% – 25.99% 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. 

It’s a particularly good time to consider this card because while it rarely offers a welcome bonus, it’s currently offering 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the card within your first three months of card membership.

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

Read more in our Amex Blue Business Plus credit card review. 

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Amex Business Platinum Card is on the high end of the price spectrum, with a hefty $695 annual fee (rates and fees).

Before you get sticker shock, know that 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 when you enroll, up to $200 annually in airline incidental fee credits (enrollment required), and airport lounge access.

The current welcome offer is 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the card within the first three months of card membership. That’s worth around $2,700 in travel, based on Business 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 it provides American Express travel protection. 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 U.S. at electronics goods retailers, software, and cloud service providers 
• 1.5x points at eligible U.S. shipping providers
• 1.5x points on eligible U.S. 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 — after that, 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. 

Read more in our Amex Business Platinum card review.

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 month, up to $150,000 per calendar year (then 1x), and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. 

Business 4x bonus categories include U.S. gas stations, U.S. restaurants, U.S. purchases from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, U.S. purchases for advertising in select media, U.S. purchases for monthly wireless telephone service charges, and transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways.

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 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the card within the first three months of card membership, worth around $1,800 in travel according to Business Insider’s valuations.  

Other features, including extended warranty, and travel protections, can easily justify the card’s $375 annual fee (rates and fees. 

Read more in our Amex Business Gold card review.

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 17.99% – 25.99% Variable APR (rates and fees).

The card also comes with cellphone 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. 

Read our Amex Blue Business Cash card review.

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

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. That shouldn’t be hard to redeem, considering Marriott has 7,000+ hotels worldwide. Many of these hotels can cost $200 to $300 per night, so you can more than cover the card’s $125 annual fee with this perk alone (rates and fees). 

This Marriott credit card also gets you Bonvoy Gold elite status, 15 elite night credits per year, and a 7% discount on eligible bookings made directly with Marriott for participating properties. And right now, it’s offering an offer of five Free Night Awards, valued at up to 50,000 points each for eligible stays, after you use your new card to make $8,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership (offer ends 10/16/2024). 

You’ll earn 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program, 4x points for 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 Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card points 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. 

Read more in our Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex card review.

Compare the Top American Express Business Cards

How to Choose the Right 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. 

We don’t mention the regular APR, because the interest rate only applies if you carry a balance on your card. We recommend applying for a business card intending to pay off the balance in full each month — otherwise, the interest completely negates the rewards you earn. Here’s a look at the best zero-interest credit cards and best balance transfer credit cards if you’re specifically looking for a card with an introductory 0% APR.

Rewards come in many forms. If you’re loyal to Delta, Hyatt, 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 one knows your business financials better than you do, so you’re the ultimate decision-maker on what form of rewards will benefit you the most.

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.

About Amex Business Cards

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. 

Amex Business Card Frequently Asked Questions 

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 and Amex Centurion Lounges. But for the $650 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.
• We deleted The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card from this list in 2024 despite it being the only business credit card that Hilton offers. Amex nearly doubled the annual fee and eliminated the free night benefit that made this card so valuable for many Hilton loyalists, dropping value significantly. 
• We also deleted Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card for similar reasons, because an increased annual fee and some lost features and benefits. 
• Amazon Business Prime 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. 

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

Business Insider’s experts chose our picks for the best American Express business credit cards by consulting our reviews of the best business credit cards and following our credit card rating methodology. Our methodology looks at five main factors when reviewing and rating credit cards: the welcome bonus, ongoing rewards, annual fee, ease of use, and other perks and benefits.