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Best American Express Business Credit Cards

Review Updated
Robin Hartill, CFP
Nathan Alderman
Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures that our product ratings are not influenced by compensation.

American Express business cards often carry generous rewards. Though cards with premium perks usually come with an annual fee, there are also several no-fee cards for businesses available.

American Express offers 13 business cards, but not all of them will be the right fit for your business. Find out why we think these five cards are the best American Express business cards.

Best Amex business cards

Best for bonus category rewards: American Express® Business Gold Card

Great for: Bonus category rewards

Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR

Purchases: 0% on purchases, 6 months from date of account opening

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

18.49% - 27.49% Variable

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month 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.* Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.*

1X - 4X points

Annual Fee

$375

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*

100,000

  • This card is a powerful choice for businesses that want to maximize rewards in key spending categories. You’ll automatically earn 4X points on your top two spending categories each billing cycle (up to $150,000 per year), making it a great fit for businesses with fluctuating expenses. With no preset spending limit, it offers added flexibility for growing companies. (The amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment, and credit history.) Plus, a generous welcome offer and access to valuable business tools and travel benefits make this card a standout option for businesses that want high rewards potential with customizable benefits.

    Read Full Review
    • High-value welcome offer
    • Bonus rewards on your biggest expenses
    • Versatile rewards points
    • Consumer and travel protections
    • No preset spending limit
    • Annual fee
    • Spending cap on bonus rewards
    • Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
    • 0% Intro APR ¤ for 6 months from the date of account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time, then a 18.49% to 27.49% variable APR.*
    • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month 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.*
    • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.*
    • Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.*
    • Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.*
    • The Business Gold Card comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and White Gold. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
    • *Terms Apply
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. • Trip delay insurance underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. • Extended warranty, purchase protection, baggage insurance, and car rental loss & damage insurance underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. • Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Why we picked it: The American Express® Business Gold Card offers 4X points on your top two of six spending categories each business cycle, up to a combined $150,000 in purchases each year. Categories include U.S. advertising, U.S. electronic goods retailers, U.S. gas stations, U.S. dining (including takeout), transit, and U.S. wireless phone charges. You'll also earn 3X points on flights and pre-paid hotel purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. Terms apply.

What to watch for: The card charges a $375 annual fee (see rates and fees) and doesn't offer many travel perks. Also, while you can earn 4X points on your top two spending categories and 3X points on airline and prepaid hotel purchases booked through Amex's travel portal, other purchases earn a lackluster points. Terms apply.

Best for luxury travel perks: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

18.49% - 27.49% Variable

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases. Earn 1.5X points 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 - 5X points

Annual Fee

$695

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Limited Time Travel Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel with your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can earn one or both of these offers. Offer ends 6/30/25.

150,000 Membership Rewards® points

  • For businesses that prioritize premium travel perks and elite rewards, this is a top-tier choice. You’ll earn 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, along with 1.5X points on eligible large purchases. But what sets this card apart is the extensive list of travel benefits, including airport lounge access, annual travel credits, and a credit toward TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee reimbursement. While it comes with a higher annual fee, we think the luxury perks and exclusive rewards make it a valuable investment for frequent business travelers.

    Read Full Review
    • Versatile rewards points
    • Huge welcome offer
    • Airport lounge access
    • Complimentary elite statuses
    • Tons of statement credits
    • High annual fee
    • No free employee cards
    • Limited Time Travel Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel with your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can earn one or both of these offers. Offer ends 6/30/25.
    • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 10/2024.
    • Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
    • Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
    • NEW! Make the Business Platinum Card® work even harder for you. Hilton For Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Benefit enrollment required.
    • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights, prepaid hotels, and short-term rentals and prepaid flight + hotel packages booked at AmexTravel.com. 1X points on other eligible purchases.
    • Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase 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, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
    • $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
    • $695 Annual Fee.
    • Terms Apply.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. • Trip delay insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, cell phone protection, underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. • Extended warranty, baggage insurance, car rental loss and damage, and purchase protection underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. • If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Why we picked it: In addition to earning 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com, the The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers a host of perks that will appeal to frequent travelers. You get access to 1,400 airport lounges across the globe, automatic Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite Status and Hilton Honors® Gold Status, and premium car rental privileges. You'll also get access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts® Program, which provides benefits like daily breakfast for two and complimentary room upgrades when available. Terms apply.

What to watch for: The card's annual fee is a hefty $695 (see rates and fees), which may not be worth it for small business owners who don't travel often or who aren't big spenders.

Best for earning cash back: The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR

Purchases: 0% on purchases, 12 months from date of account opening

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

17.49% - 27.49% Variable

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 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% - 2% cash back

Annual Fee

No annual fee

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.

$250

  • For businesses that prefer cash back over points, this card offers a straightforward way to earn rewards. You’ll get 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in eligible purchases each year, then 1% after that—with no annual fee. This makes it a great fit for businesses looking for easy-to-manage rewards without tracking spending categories. Plus, with intro APR on purchases, it provides added flexibility for managing cash flow.

    Read Full Review
    • High cash back rate
    • No annual fee
    • Employee cards with spending limits
    • 0% APR intro offer
    • Foreign transaction fee
    • Cash back spending cap
    • Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
    • 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% – 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
    • 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.
    • From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
    • The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
    • No Annual Fee
    • Terms Apply
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. - Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. - Extended warranty, purchase protection, and car rental loss & damage underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. - Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Why we picked it: The The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card lets you earn 2% cash back on your first $50,000 purchases each year, plus 1% cash back on additional purchases. You can also add free employee cards, which could help you earn even more cash back. Terms apply, see rates and fees.

What to watch for: You'll only earn maximum cash back on $50,000 worth of purchases each year. If you plan to spend a lot on your small business credit card, consider finding a card that doesn't have a spending cap.

Best for rewards with no annual fee: The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR

Purchases: 0% on purchases, 12 months from date of account opening

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

17.49% - 27.49% Variable

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 2X points on the first $50,000 spent in purchases each year, 1X points on purchases thereafter

1x - 2x points

Annual Fee

No annual fee

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. 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.

15,000

  • This card is an excellent  no-annual-fee option designed for small businesses that want simple, high-earning rewards. You’ll earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on the first $50,000 spent each year, then 1X after that—making it one of the best flat-rate rewards cards available. With flexible spending power that adjusts to your business needs, this card is a strong choice for business owners looking to earn valuable points without worrying about bonus categories or annual fees.

    Read Full Review
    • Purchase rewards
    • Welcome bonus
    • Intro 0% APR offer
    • No annual fee
    • Foreign transaction fee
    • Personal guarantee
    • 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.
    • 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% - 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
    • Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.
    • You’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
    • No Annual Fee
    • Terms Apply.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. - Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. - Extended warranty, purchase protection, and car rental loss & damage underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. - Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Why we picked it: The The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express lets you earn 2X Amex Membership Rewards points on the first $50,000 worth of qualifying purchases each year, plus 1X points on subsequent purchases. There's no annual fee, plus you can earn 15,000 additional Membership Rewards points if you spend $3,000 in the first three months -- which should be relatively easy to hit. Terms apply, see rates and fees.

What to watch for: Though the card lets you earn Membership Rewards points, it doesn't come with many of the perks that premium American Express business cards offer, like airport lounge access or elite status at hotels. If you plan to use the card for frequent travel, consider an alternative like the American Express Business Gold Card or Amex Business Platinum Card -- even though you'll pay an annual fee.

Best for frequent Amazon shoppers: Amazon Business Prime American Express Card

Great for: Frequent Amazon shoppers

Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

18.49% - 26.49% Variable

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Take advantage of 5% Back or 90 day Terms on U.S. purchases at Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with eligible Prime membership. You can earn 5% Back on the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year, 1% Back thereafter. Otherwise, earn 2% Back at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers. Earn 1% Back on other purchases.

1%-5% cash back

Annual Fee

No annual fee

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Eligible Prime Members get a $125 Amazon Gift Card upon approval for the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card.

$125

  • A solid business card for Amazon Prime members who want to earn rewards on Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon.com, and Whole Foods Market purchases -- or take advantage of favorable financing terms.

    • No annual fee
    • Earn rewards
    • Optional 0% interest payment terms
    • Welcome offer
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Non-Prime members earn less rewards
    • No rewards earned on 0% interest purchases
    • Limited redemption options
    • Eligible Prime Members get a $125 Amazon Gift Card upon approval for the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card.
    • Take advantage of 5% Back or 90-Day Terms on U.S. purchases at Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with eligible Prime membership. You can earn 5% Back on the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year, 1% Back thereafter
    • 2% Back at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers
    • 1% Back on other purchases
    • No Annual Fee¤
    • Back your business with the broad selection of Amazon and the service of American Express. Stay focused on your top business priorities, knowing we’re behind you.
    • Redeem rewards on millions of items during checkout at Amazon.com and Amazon Business (U.S.) or apply towards a purchase on your statement.
    • Terms apply.
The information for the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card has been collected independently by Motley Fool Money. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Why we picked it: Prime members can earn 5% back -- or receive 90-day terms -- on up to $120,000 worth of Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon.com, and Whole Foods Market purchases during the year. You can shop on Amazon.com or Amazon Business with your points, or you can redeem them for a purchase on your statement. Terms apply, see rates and fees.

What to watch for: Though you can earn 2% back on a few other categories, like U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and wireless charges, most other non-Amazon purchases will earn a measly 1% back. Also, the card has very few additional perks.

How to choose the right American Express business card for your business

No card is a perfect fit for all small businesses. Be sure to weigh these factors to choose the best American Express business card for you.

How you spend money

You want a card that offers generous rewards for your biggest spending areas. If you frequently travel for business, choosing a card like the Amex Business Platinum Card that lets you earn 5X points on airline purchases and prepaid hotel stays books through American Express is a savvy move.

But if your business spends huge amounts on Amazon purchases, the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card could be the better choice, since you can earn up to 5% back on Amazon purchases.

Welcome offer

A lavish welcome bonus can sweeten the deal when you sign up for a business card, but the biggest offer isn't necessarily the best one. Make sure you can hit the offer's spending requirement if a welcome bonus is an important consideration.

Annual fee vs. perks

Cards with generous perks often come with an annual fee, so be sure to consider the value of any perks you'll get that will offset that cost. Paying the $695 annual fee for the Amex Business Platinum Card (see rates and fees) may be well worth it for the airport lounge access, elite status at hotels, and upgrades that the card affords you if you're constantly on the go.

But if you're only traveling for business once or twice a year, a simple cash back card like the Amex Blue Business Cash card may be best for your small business. It's lighter on perks, but there's no annual fee.

0% Intro APR on purchases

Some American Express business cards offer an intro 0% APR. If your small business is planning a major purchase, you may want to prioritize a zero-interest intro APR over other perks.

Free employee cards

If your staff frequently makes business purchases, choosing an Amex business card that offers free employee cards could simplify your operations. You can earn rewards or cash back on their purchases, as well.

How to apply and sign up

The process of applying for an American Express business card isn't much different than applying for a personal card. You'll need to provide the standard information, like your name, address, Social Security number, and income. But you'll also need to provide some business information, such as:

  • Legal business name
  • Company DBA name
  • Business address and phone number
  • Industry
  • Business structure, i.e., corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship
  • Years in business
  • Number of employees
  • Gross annual revenue
  • Your role with the company

American Express says you can be approved for a business card in as little as 30 seconds. If your application is denied, you'll want to look at your business and personal credit reports to get to the root of the issue. You may want to work on building business credit in other ways, like by opening trade lines that report to the credit bureaus, before you apply for another card.

Benefits of getting an Amex business card

Getting an Amex business card can have a number of benefits, though specific benefits will vary by card. Some common advantages include:

  • Membership points or cash back on spending
  • Welcome bonuses
  • 0% temporary APR on new purchases
  • Statement credits for purchases
  • Expense-tracking tools
  • Free employee cards

Amex business cards comparison

The Picks
Card Our Rating Intro APR APR Learn More
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
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Great For:

Bonus category rewards

Purchases: 0% on purchases, 6 months from date of account opening
 
Balance Transfers: N/A
18.49% - 27.49% Variable
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Great For:

Luxury travel perks

Purchases: N/A
 
Balance Transfers: N/A
18.49% - 27.49% Variable
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Great For:

Earning cash back

Purchases: 0% on purchases, 12 months from date of account opening
 
Balance Transfers: N/A
17.49% - 27.49% Variable
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Great For:

Rewards with no annual fee

Purchases: 0% on purchases, 12 months from date of account opening
 
Balance Transfers: N/A
17.49% - 27.49% Variable
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Great For:

Frequent Amazon shoppers

Purchases: N/A
 
Balance Transfers: N/A
18.49% - 26.49% Variable
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. • Trip delay insurance underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. • Extended warranty, purchase protection, baggage insurance, and car rental loss & damage insurance underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. • Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. • Trip delay insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, cell phone protection, underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. • Extended warranty, baggage insurance, car rental loss and damage, and purchase protection underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. • If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. - Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. - Extended warranty, purchase protection, and car rental loss & damage underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. - Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. - Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. - Extended warranty, purchase protection, and car rental loss & damage underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. - Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.
The information for the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card has been collected independently by Motley Fool Money. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Credit card methodology

At Motley Fool Money we rate credit cards on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rates, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and 0% intro APR offers to evaluate our ratings.

Our highest-rated credit cards have:

  • A rewards rate above 2% (or 2x points or miles) with average spending, or competitive 0% intro APR balance transfer and purchase offers
  • Attainable welcome bonuses that make up for any annual fees
  • Low annual fees or a balance transfer fee of 3%
  • Top perks such as purchase and travel protections, no foreign transaction fees, travel credits, and status upgrades

We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best card recommendations. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.