Known for its premium perks — and higher annual fees than many competitors — American Express is one of the most popular issuers of consumer and small business credit cards alike.
Amex’s card offerings typically revolve around high rewards rates, redemption options optimized for travel, and a host of cardholder benefits. Amex also has a competitive line of co-branded cards geared toward those looking to maximize their purchases with a specific airline, hotel or retailer. Apart from rewards, many of Amex’s business cards also come with features that make it easier to run your business, such as Quickbooks integration for easy accounting or employee cards. Amex business cards even let you designate an account manager.
To find the right credit card for your business, consider your spending habits and business goals. While some of Amex’s business cards earn cash back or third-party loyalty points, many earn Membership Rewards® points, American Express’s own rewards currency.
These points can be lucrative when redeemed for travel, but offer comparatively little value — often 1 cent per point or less — for non-travel redemptions like statement credits or shop with points. If travel rewards are not your main priority, you may be better off with cards from other issuers that offer straightforward cash back or an introductory APR offer.
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.
Read more: American Express Consumer Cards
CNET’S PICK
Intro Offer
120,000 points
Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express earns cardholders Membership Rewards points, and its reward program fittingly favors flights and prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com (5x points). Otherwise the rewards, annual fee and welcome offer suggest that this card might be best for medium-to-large businesses that have a high enough budget to be able to take full advantage. The rewards themselves are probably not enough to make the card worth it in most cases, but if you can take advantage of the more than $1,000 in annual statement credits, this card may become a no-brainer.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.49% – 27.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
5x
Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com
1.5x
Earn 1.5X points 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
1x
1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
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
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express earns cardholders Membership Rewards points, and its reward program fittingly favors flights and prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com (5x points). Otherwise the rewards, annual fee and welcome offer suggest that this card might be best for medium-to-large businesses that have a high enough budget to be able to take full advantage. The rewards themselves are probably not enough to make the card worth it in most cases, but if you can take advantage of the more than $1,000 in annual statement credits, this card may become a no-brainer.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.49% – 27.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
5x
Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com
1.5x
Earn 1.5X points 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
1x
1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
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
Intro Offer
70,000 points
Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
The Business Gold Card earns Membership Rewards points at a lower annual fee than the Business Platinum. The rewards program offers a lot more flexibility and focuses less on travel, making it more widely applicable to different business types. For the flagship rewards category, you can earn 4x points on your top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle, on up to $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year (then 1x). Only the top two categories each billing cycle will count toward the $150,000 cap. The qualifying rewards categories include:
- Transit purchases (including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways)
- U.S. purchases for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio)
- U.S. purchases made directly from electronic goods retailers and software and cloud system providers
- U.S. purchases at gas stations
- U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
- U.S. wireless telephone service charges
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.49% – 27.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
4x
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
3x
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
1x
1X is earned for other purchases. **
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
The Business Gold Card earns Membership Rewards points at a lower annual fee than the Business Platinum. The rewards program offers a lot more flexibility and focuses less on travel, making it more widely applicable to different business types. For the flagship rewards category, you can earn 4x points on your top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle, on up to $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year (then 1x). Only the top two categories each billing cycle will count toward the $150,000 cap. The qualifying rewards categories include:
- Transit purchases (including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways)
- U.S. purchases for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio)
- U.S. purchases made directly from electronic goods retailers and software and cloud system providers
- U.S. purchases at gas stations
- U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
- U.S. wireless telephone service charges
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.49% – 27.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
4x
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
3x
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
1x
1X is earned for other purchases. **
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
Intro Offer
$250 statement credit
Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
More akin to a consumer cash-back card, The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is a good option for a sole proprietorship or single-member limited liability company. There’s no annual fee and the rewards are relatively straightforward and applicable. There’s also a small welcome offer you can earn. Otherwise, this card doesn’t feature additional perks besides car rental loss and damage insurance**.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
- Regular APR
- 18.49% – 26.49% Variable
2%
Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
1%
1% cash back on all eligible purchases after spending $50,000 per calendar year.
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
More akin to a consumer cash-back card, The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is a good option for a sole proprietorship or single-member limited liability company. There’s no annual fee and the rewards are relatively straightforward and applicable. There’s also a small welcome offer you can earn. Otherwise, this card doesn’t feature additional perks besides car rental loss and damage insurance**.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
- Regular APR
- 18.49% – 26.49% Variable
2%
Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
1%
1% cash back on all eligible purchases after spending $50,000 per calendar year.
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
Intro Offer
15,000 Membership Rewards® points
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
We don’t really recommend The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express when you can get The Blue Business Cash Card instead. The Blue Business Plus earns rewards in Membership Rewards points rather than giving you cash back, so the value and redemption is less flexible. It comes with an extended warranty** and purchase protection** on eligible purchases.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
- Regular APR
- 18.49% – 26.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
2x
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners
1x
2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter
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
We don’t really recommend The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express when you can get The Blue Business Cash Card instead. The Blue Business Plus earns rewards in Membership Rewards points rather than giving you cash back, so the value and redemption is less flexible. It comes with an extended warranty** and purchase protection** on eligible purchases.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
- Regular APR
- 18.49% – 26.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
2x
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners
1x
2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter
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
Intro Offer
15,000 points
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases with the Business Green Rewards Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
The Business Green Rewards Card from American Express* isn’t a great card for general business costs. The rewards are similar to the Blue Business Plus Credit Card, but with the added burden of a $95 annual fee after the first year’s introductory $0 fee. The one redeeming quality of this card is its combination of a few extras for travel which are unique to this card: car rental loss and damage insurance** paired with a baggage insurance plan**. However, there are foreign transaction fees which limit the use of travel perks while overseas.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.49% – 27.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
2x
2X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com
1x
Earn one Membership Rewards® point for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases
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
The Business Green Rewards Card from American Express* isn’t a great card for general business costs. The rewards are similar to the Blue Business Plus Credit Card, but with the added burden of a $95 annual fee after the first year’s introductory $0 fee. The one redeeming quality of this card is its combination of a few extras for travel which are unique to this card: car rental loss and damage insurance** paired with a baggage insurance plan**. However, there are foreign transaction fees which limit the use of travel perks while overseas.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.49% – 27.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
2x
2X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com
1x
Earn one Membership Rewards® point for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases
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
You’re buying a unique card proposition for the Plum Card’s $250 annual fee. There’s no traditional rewards program, welcome offer or introductory APR, but you can mold your card payments to the volatility of your cash flow. The Plum Card allows you to carry your balance interest-free for up to 60 days, or you can earn an unlimited 1.5% discount on any eligible charges when you pay within 10 days of the statement closing date if you find yourself pretty liquid. The discount will be applied to your next statement. There’s no preset spending limit with this card, either, so you can rest assured your large purchases should go through.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- N/A
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
1.5%
Get an unlimited 1.5% Early Pay Discount on eligible charges and see the discount applied to your next statement.
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
You’re buying a unique card proposition for the Plum Card’s $250 annual fee. There’s no traditional rewards program, welcome offer or introductory APR, but you can mold your card payments to the volatility of your cash flow. The Plum Card allows you to carry your balance interest-free for up to 60 days, or you can earn an unlimited 1.5% discount on any eligible charges when you pay within 10 days of the statement closing date if you find yourself pretty liquid. The discount will be applied to your next statement. There’s no preset spending limit with this card, either, so you can rest assured your large purchases should go through.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- N/A
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
1.5%
Get an unlimited 1.5% Early Pay Discount on eligible charges and see the discount applied to your next statement.
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
Intro Offer
$125 Amazon Gift Card upon approval
Get a $125 Amazon Gift Card upon approval for the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card.
To maximize your savings on Amazon purchases with the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card*, you’ll have to have a Business Prime membership. Business Prime memberships start at $69 a year and include fast and free delivery.
You get the option for financing or rewards on your Amazon Business, Whole Foods Market, AWS and Amazon.com — this is good for office supplies, software services, stocking the company refrigerator and more. The rewards program is coupled with a few travel perks like no foreign transaction fees and a baggage insurance plan**, despite most of the rewards only applying in the United States.
For more information, see our full review of the Amazon Business Prime Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.49% – 27.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
5% back
Take advantage of 5% Back or 90 Day Terms on U.S. purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Business, AWS and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership. You will earn 5% Back on the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year, 1% Back thereafter
2% back
2% Back at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers
1% back
1% Back on other purchases
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
To maximize your savings on Amazon purchases with the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card*, you’ll have to have a Business Prime membership. Business Prime memberships start at $69 a year and include fast and free delivery.
You get the option for financing or rewards on your Amazon Business, Whole Foods Market, AWS and Amazon.com — this is good for office supplies, software services, stocking the company refrigerator and more. The rewards program is coupled with a few travel perks like no foreign transaction fees and a baggage insurance plan**, despite most of the rewards only applying in the United States.
For more information, see our full review of the Amazon Business Prime Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.49% – 27.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
5% back
Take advantage of 5% Back or 90 Day Terms on U.S. purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Business, AWS and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership. You will earn 5% Back on the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year, 1% Back thereafter
2% back
2% Back at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers
1% back
1% Back on other purchases
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
Intro Offer
$100 Statement Credit
Earn a $100 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
The Amazon Business American Express Card* is the equivalent credit card for businesses that don’t have a Business Prime membership. The tradeoff for not having to pay for membership is fewer rewards or shorter promotional financing on eligible Amazon purchases. And while most Amazon cards offer an Amazon gift card upon approval as a welcome bonus, you have to earn the Amazon Business Card’s welcome bonus just like most traditional credit cards — by reaching a set spending threshold in a certain amount of time. You can earn a $100 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first three months, which is a pretty small welcome offer when you compare it to other credit cards.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.49% – 27.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
3% back
Choose 3% Back or 60 Day Terms
on U.S. purchases at Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market. If you choose to earn rewards, you’ll earn 3% Back on the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year, 1% Back thereafter
2% back
2% Back at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers
1% back
1% Back on other purchases
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
The Amazon Business American Express Card* is the equivalent credit card for businesses that don’t have a Business Prime membership. The tradeoff for not having to pay for membership is fewer rewards or shorter promotional financing on eligible Amazon purchases. And while most Amazon cards offer an Amazon gift card upon approval as a welcome bonus, you have to earn the Amazon Business Card’s welcome bonus just like most traditional credit cards — by reaching a set spending threshold in a certain amount of time. You can earn a $100 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first three months, which is a pretty small welcome offer when you compare it to other credit cards.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.49% – 27.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
3% back
Choose 3% Back or 60 Day Terms
on U.S. purchases at Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market. If you choose to earn rewards, you’ll earn 3% Back on the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year, 1% Back thereafter
2% back
2% Back at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers
1% back
1% Back on other purchases
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
Intro Offer
Earn 65,000 Bonus Miles
Welcome Offer: Earn 65,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
You get a relatively modest rewards program and welcome offer when considering the annual fee, but the perks for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card are where the real value is at. You can take advantage of extra amenities for comfortable and efficient traveling — saving you time and money. Some of these perks include Main Cabin 1 priority boarding, statement credit for TSA Precheck (up to $85) or Global Entry (up to $100) and a slew of travel insurance coverage**.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
1.5x
Earn 1.5X miles* on eligible transit and U.S. shipping purchases, plus single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more. Terms and miles cap apply. *If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply.
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
You get a relatively modest rewards program and welcome offer when considering the annual fee, but the perks for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card are where the real value is at. You can take advantage of extra amenities for comfortable and efficient traveling — saving you time and money. Some of these perks include Main Cabin 1 priority boarding, statement credit for TSA Precheck (up to $85) or Global Entry (up to $100) and a slew of travel insurance coverage**.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
1.5x
Earn 1.5X miles* on eligible transit and U.S. shipping purchases, plus single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more. Terms and miles cap apply. *If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply.
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
Intro Offer
Earn 55,000 Bonus Miles
Earn 55,000 Bonus Miles after spending $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Unlike most airline credit cards, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card may be a decent credit card for everyday business expenses in addition to travel costs thanks to the wide net it casts with its reward categories. The introductory $0 annual fee (followed by an annual $150 fee) and the mid level spending threshold to earn the welcome offer (for a limited time, earn 55,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership) make this an accessible airline card or everyday credit card for even small businesses or sole proprietors.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
2x
Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases at U.S. Shipping providers and at U.S. providers for Advertising in select media on up to $50,000 of purchases per category, per year.
1x
Earn 1 Mile on every eligible dollar spent on purchases.
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
Unlike most airline credit cards, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card may be a decent credit card for everyday business expenses in addition to travel costs thanks to the wide net it casts with its reward categories. The introductory $0 annual fee (followed by an annual $150 fee) and the mid level spending threshold to earn the welcome offer (for a limited time, earn 55,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership) make this an accessible airline card or everyday credit card for even small businesses or sole proprietors.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
2x
Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases at U.S. Shipping providers and at U.S. providers for Advertising in select media on up to $50,000 of purchases per category, per year.
1x
Earn 1 Mile on every eligible dollar spent on purchases.
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
Intro Offer
Earn 75,000 Bonus Miles
Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 Bonus Miles after spending $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is the best option for Delta frequent flyers who value airport lounges. With complimentary Delta Sky Club® access (Effective 2/1/2025, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/2025, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/2024 and 12/31/2024, and each calendar year thereafter) and access to The Centurion Lounge, you’ll have access to more comfortable accommodations while you await your flights. The rewards program and welcome offer aren’t as far off from that of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business card as you’d think for the Reserve charging nearly double the Platinum’s annual fee. The Reserve also affords you an annual Delta Annual Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+ or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean or Central American roundtrip flights (taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights apply) and upgrade priority.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
3x
Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases.
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
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is the best option for Delta frequent flyers who value airport lounges. With complimentary Delta Sky Club® access (Effective 2/1/2025, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/2025, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/2024 and 12/31/2024, and each calendar year thereafter) and access to The Centurion Lounge, you’ll have access to more comfortable accommodations while you await your flights. The rewards program and welcome offer aren’t as far off from that of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business card as you’d think for the Reserve charging nearly double the Platinum’s annual fee. The Reserve also affords you an annual Delta Annual Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+ or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean or Central American roundtrip flights (taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights apply) and upgrade priority.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
3x
Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases.
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
Intro Offer
Earn 175,000 Points
Limited Time Offer: Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 6/5.
For a $195, the Hilton Honors Business Card offers a strong rewards rate for Hilton purchases, a great welcome offer and up to $240 back each year for eligible purchases made directly with Hilton. The credit is enough to cover the card’s fee, so it should be relatively simple to get value from it.
However, there are no free night awards like some other hotel credit cards might offer, especially at this fee level. But that’s not to say the card isn’t worth your time if you find yourself often staying at Hilton properties while traveling for business.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
12x
Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible Hilton purchases.
5x
Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on other purchases made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year.
3x
3X on all other eligible purchases. Terms & Limitations Apply.
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 a $195, the Hilton Honors Business Card offers a strong rewards rate for Hilton purchases, a great welcome offer and up to $240 back each year for eligible purchases made directly with Hilton. The credit is enough to cover the card’s fee, so it should be relatively simple to get value from it.
However, there are no free night awards like some other hotel credit cards might offer, especially at this fee level. But that’s not to say the card isn’t worth your time if you find yourself often staying at Hilton properties while traveling for business.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
12x
Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible Hilton purchases.
5x
Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on other purchases made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year.
3x
3X on all other eligible purchases. Terms & Limitations Apply.
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
Intro Offer
Three Bonus Free Night Awards
Earn 3 Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Each Free Night Award has a redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points, for a total potential value of up to 150,000 points, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees. Terms apply.
The real value for booking Marriott properties with the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card isn’t the rewards — it’s the 7% discount off eligible standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels which participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly through an eligible channel for a participating property.
Marriott Bonvoy points vary in their redemption value when you’re using them to book stays at Marriott properties, but we estimate that points are worth $0.007 each based on a sample of bookings across the US. Therefore the 6x points on Marriott purchases would net a typical return of 4.2%.
You also get a Free Night Award each year after your card renewal month (up to 35,000 points), and there are opportunities to earn even more perks based on your spending.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
6x
6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4x
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.
2x
2x points on all other eligible purchases.
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
The real value for booking Marriott properties with the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card isn’t the rewards — it’s the 7% discount off eligible standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels which participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly through an eligible channel for a participating property.
Marriott Bonvoy points vary in their redemption value when you’re using them to book stays at Marriott properties, but we estimate that points are worth $0.007 each based on a sample of bookings across the US. Therefore the 6x points on Marriott purchases would net a typical return of 4.2%.
You also get a Free Night Award each year after your card renewal month (up to 35,000 points), and there are opportunities to earn even more perks based on your spending.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
6x
6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4x
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.
2x
2x points on all other eligible purchases.
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
Intro Offer
$100
Get $100 cash back upon approval. Cash back is earned automatically as a statement credit.
Lowe’s Business Rewards Card from American Express* offers cash back both on Lowe’s purchases and everyday business expenses. But there are diminishing returns: While you earn 5% cash back on Lowe’s purchases for the first six months, you’ll only earn 2% back on Lowe’s purchases beyond that timeframe. The other part of this introductory offer includes a $100 statement credit upon approval.
The Lowe’s Business Rewards Card also affords you access to Lowe’s ProServices, which includes discounted delivery, bulk-rate pricing and the business replenishment program.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
5%
5% Cash Back in the first 6 months on eligible purchases at Lowe’s. Earn 2% cash back thereafter. New accounts only.‡
2%
2% cash back At Lowe’s to reward yourself for shopping at Lowe’s stores or online at Lowes.com or LowesforPros.com‡
2%
2% Cash Back on Business Categories at U.S. restaurants, U.S. office supply stores, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers.‡
1%
1% cash back on other purchases made using your Lowe’s Business Rewards Card‡
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
Lowe’s Business Rewards Card from American Express* offers cash back both on Lowe’s purchases and everyday business expenses. But there are diminishing returns: While you earn 5% cash back on Lowe’s purchases for the first six months, you’ll only earn 2% back on Lowe’s purchases beyond that timeframe. The other part of this introductory offer includes a $100 statement credit upon approval.
The Lowe’s Business Rewards Card also affords you access to Lowe’s ProServices, which includes discounted delivery, bulk-rate pricing and the business replenishment program.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
5%
5% Cash Back in the first 6 months on eligible purchases at Lowe’s. Earn 2% cash back thereafter. New accounts only.‡
2%
2% cash back At Lowe’s to reward yourself for shopping at Lowe’s stores or online at Lowes.com or LowesforPros.com‡
2%
2% Cash Back on Business Categories at U.S. restaurants, U.S. office supply stores, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers.‡
1%
1% cash back on other purchases made using your Lowe’s Business Rewards Card‡
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
Advantages of an American Express business card
American Express business cards offer some of the strongest card benefits — particularly on its business travel cards — provided the value you get from the rewards and benefits is worth an often-high annual fee.
Perks may include annual travel credits, loyalty programs with hotel brands, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credits, airport lounge access and more.
Who can get a business card?
As long as you’re a business owner, you can apply for a business credit card — whether you’re self-employed, a corporate head or gig worker. Your personal credit is checked when applying for a business card, so you’ll just need to have high enough credit to be approved.
You could also use your Social Security number rather than an Employer Identification Number to apply as an unincorporated sole proprietor. You’ll need to select “sole proprietor” as your business type on the application.
How to choose the right Amex business card for you
Consider your business needs and match them to an Amex offer.
If you travel frequently, consider an Amex business travel card that makes airports less stressful and travel less expensive through point redemption options.If your business has high general expenses, consider an Amex business rewards credit card that offers a return on the purchases your business makes the most. Either way, make sure the annual fee works for your budget and that you’ll gain enough benefit to make it worthwhile.
Amex vs. other business credit cards
American Express tends to have higher credit requirements than other issuers, but typically offers an impressive selection of additional perks in exchange for an annual fee. Other credit card issuers including Chase, Bank of America and Capital One offer business cards as well.
American Express also operates as a payment network. That means the company both facilitates payments and decides who gets approved for credit cards. The other prominent payment networks are Visa, Mastercard and Discover.
How to apply for an American Express business card
When applying for a business card you’ll have to provide the issuer with more information than you would when applying for a consumer card.
You’ll need to fill out an application with your:
- Business name, address and phone number
- Industry
- Number of years in business
- Number of employees
- Annual business revenue
- Federal Tax ID: Your employer identification number or your Social Security number
FAQs
At the basic level, business credit cards offer business perks like spend management tools and employee cards while providing rewards for business-related expenses. They may also build business credit by reporting to business credit bureaus. Personal cards offer rewards for everyday spending like groceries and gas, while granting lower credit limits and requiring lower spending thresholds.
Amex has higher credit requirements than most credit card issuers. As such, it’s recommended you have a credit score of at least 670 to qualify.
You’ll have to check the individual offer of each business credit card. While many of them offer employee cards at no additional cost, others charge a $195 fee for each additional card on the account. Card issuers may also cap the amount of employee cards you can have on a single business account.
Corporate credit cards, also known as commercial credit cards, are designed for larger businesses — typically those with 100 or more employees or an annual revenue of at least $10 million.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of American Express Business Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of American Express Blue Business Cash Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Plum Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, click here.
*All information about the Business Green Rewards Card from American Express, the Amazon Business Prime Card, the Amazon Business Card and Lowe’s Business Rewards Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
**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.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
