At a glance
- Best for: High-spending business owners and luxury perks
- Annual Fee: $895
- APR: 18.24% - 28.99% Variable
- Reward Rate: 1X-5X
- Recommended Credit: Good to Excellent
Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards® Points
Offer Details:
Elevated Welcome Offer: Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
Why we like it
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express remains one of the most sought-after cards on the market for good reason. It’s bursting with high-end perks like lounge access and helpful statement credits, while its massive 200,000 point intro bonus can’t be beaten.
The annual fee is high and it does take a good amount of spending to make the most of the this card, but for the right business owner, it’s unbeatable thanks to its steady earning rates in high-spend categories.
Reward details
5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
Enhanced! 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
1X points for each dollar you spend on other eligible purchases.
Pros & Cons
Pros
-
Massive intro bonus
Lounge access
-
Strong earning on high-spend categories
-
Tons of high-end perks and useful statement credits
-
Looks and feels fantastic
Cons
-
High annual fee
-
Spending threshold for the bonus is also high
-
Lesser spending businesses may find value in a cheaper card
Overview
The unveiling of the American Express Platinum in the eighties changed credit cards forever. The sleek aesthetic and ultra-exclusive clientele fostered its reputation as a symbol of wealth, making it as much a statement accessory as a financial tool.
In other words, it felt pretty cool pulling that shiny card from your wallet.
The product is far more accessible today, but the premium reputation lingers on.
In 2021, Amex announced the business iteration, which holds a similar reverence by association. But is the card all it’s cracked up to be? Its massive 200,000-point introductory offer is enough to turn anyone’s head. But can its extensive perks and earning potential validate the eye-watering annual fee?
Let’s take a deep dive into the Business Platinum Card® from American Express.
Who is the Business Platinum Card® best for:
The Business Platinum Card from American Express is the perfect card for big spending, perk-loving, business travelers looking for a way to maximize their points.
The Bottom Line:
The mammoth 200,000 point intro bonus, combined with unparalleled lounge access, and strong earning on big purchases make it a strong contender in the premium business card space. However, those lured in by the prestige of Amex should ensure it represents good value before applying.
Intro Bonus
Along with it’s prestige and many perks, the biggest draw of the Business Platinum Card from American Express is its huge bonus. The card is currently offering 200,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 within three months of opening an account.
That’s one of the best welcome bonuses on the market, which can earn a cardholder more than $3,000 when strategically transferred to a travel partner. Of course, $20,000 is a lot of money. That requirement alone disqualifies many small businesses that are unable to match that level of spending. You should consider this before applying to ensure you achieve maximum value.
If your business’s typical spending is less than $7,500 a month, you could consider pre-paying some big expenses to ensure you hit the target. For example, if you pay a marketing company monthly, you could pay for the year upfront. Just make sure you have the cash available to pay it back. You don’t want to accrue interest on an expense that large.
However, if your business is spending enough to hit this number in the first 3 months, you should consider capitalizing on this bonus. Check out some of our favorite ways to maximize an AmEx bonus this big here.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Massive intro bonus
- Strong earning on high-spend categories
- Tons of high end perks and useful statement credits
- Looks and feels fantastic
Cons
- High annual fee
- Spending threshold for the bonus is also high
- Lesser spending businesses may find value in a cheaper card
Benefits & Perks
Perks is where the Business Platinum separates itself from its competitors. Similarly to the consumer product, it’s packed with benefits, statement credits, and luxury add-ons worth more than $2,000 a year.
These benefits, along with the earning potential, should dictate the card’s long-term wallet-staying power. Make sure to note which provide direct value and which are experiential. Lounge access is great, but if you weren’t putting it on your business tab already, you’re not saving money
Unmatched lounge access
No other cards offer more lounge access than the Platinum line. The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card company on the market as of 07/2025.
The Centurion collection is excellent on its own and has by far the largest selection of lounges among credit card issuers. The Global Lounge Collection also features Lufthansa Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs, although you need to be flying with the airline on the day.
If lounge access is a key perk for you, this is the best card for you.
Business-centric statement credits
Lounge access is great, but as mentioned earlier, it does not provide direct value. It provides the perks using a bevy of business-specific statement credits plus a few added travel perks. Depending on how your business operates, the statements could represent over $3,500 in savings every year. But it’s important you run through them all to ensure you can use them.
Benefit | Amount | Info | Enrollment required? |
Dell | $1,000+ | New! Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits on U.S purchases directly with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card and an additional $1,000 statement credit after you spend $5,000 or more on that same Card per calendar year. | Yes |
Adobe | Up to $250 | New! Enroll and get a $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe per calendar year on the Business Platinum Card. | Yes |
Indeed | Up to $360 | Get up to $90 in statement credits quarterly for purchases with Indeed on the Business Platinum Card. | Yes |
Wireless telephone services | Up to $120 | Get up to $10 in statement credits per month for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. | Yes |
Airline Fee | Up to $200 | Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals. | No (although airline must be chosen) |
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck | Up to $120 | Statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years | Both services have a sign up process. Using the card for this process activates the credit |
CLEAR Plus | Up to $209 | Per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal). | Service requires a card for sign-up. Renewal is required |
Elite Status
An underappreciated perk of the Business Platinum Card is automatic elite status with some of the best loyalty programs in the country.
After registering, cardholders can enjoy Gold status with both Hilton and Marriott. Both offer stronger earning opportunities and enhanced benefits, such as free upgrades and complimentary breakfasts.
Cardholders also enjoy elite car rental status with several programs. Avis Preferred, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, and National Emerald Club are all included.
Those who travel a lot for work will find even more savings in these perks.
Fine Hotels + Resorts program
At first glance, The Fine Hotels + Resorts Program is just a collection of properties tied to Amex. In reality, the perks offered make it one of the best benefits attached to the Business Platinum Card.
Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using the Business Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
When staying for two consecutive nights at one of these properties, cardholders gain access to some outstanding perks. You’ll enjoy:
12 PM check-in and 4 PM check-out when available.
Free breakfast for two.
Free room upgrades when available.
$100 hotel credit at certain properties
Also, there is a new benefit for Hilton For Business members. They get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe.
Amex Concierge
The Amex Concierge may be the most under appreciated benefit in the world of credit cards.
The concierge will try to help with pretty much anything, from booking restaurants to locating lost bags. For busy business owners, The Amex Concierge is another dedicated member of your team working to make your travel experiences more comfortable.
Earning rewards & redeeming points
Earning rewards
2x points per dollar on business expenses
On purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
Big on Amex Travel spending
If you travel a lot for work, your earnings can be massive if you’re willing to use Amex Travel. Flights and prepaid hotels all earn 5x points per dollar.
The downside to this is that you’re limited to the rates offered by Amex. Shopping around for cheaper flights on other platforms won’t reap the same rewards.
You can earn 1x on all other eligible purchases.
Redeeming points
Transfer to travel partners
Amex’s Membership Reward Points are immensely valuable. We value them at around 2 cents each when transferred to one of Amex’s 17 airline partners and 3 hotel partners.
Generally, this is the best way to maximize points as sweet spots can score outweighed value. For example, transferring 80,000 Amex points to JetBlue TrueBlue could allow you to book a Qsuite from New York to Qatar. This flight often runs for over $10,000.
Book travel on Amex Travel
If you’re uncomfortable with the complexities of points and miles, the simplest option is to book travel on Amex’s own travel portal.
With most Amex products, points are valued at 1 cent each. The Business Platinum breaks this pattern. It offers a 35% points rebate on business and first-class flights on any airline, plus economy flights with your own pre-selected carrier.
The system caps the points rebate at 1 million a year, but using this method guarantees a redemption value of 1.54 cents each. For comparison, booking the Qsuite flight mentioned above would result in a 12 cent per point redemption value.
Is this card right for you?
American Express designed the Business Platinum Card for high-spending business owners. Its $20,000 intro bonus threshold and high rewards on purchases over $5,000 highlight that business owners will derive the most value from this card.
If you’re on the edge of that category, the numerous statement credits can help retain the card’s value. Frequent travelers will also find immense value in the lounge access, elite status options, and hotel perks.
Those with lower spending or with more specific spending needs may get more from another card. The high annual fee can be a barrier, especially if the statement credits aren’t applicable to your business. It’s expensive to add extra cards, too.
- Best for: High-spending business owners and luxury perks
- Annual Fee: $895
- APR: 18.24% - 28.99% Variable
- Reward Rate: 1X-5X
- Recommended Credit: Good to Excellent
Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards® Points
Offer Details:
Elevated Welcome Offer: Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
Why we like it
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express remains one of the most sought-after cards on the market for good reason. It’s bursting with high-end perks like lounge access and helpful statement credits, while its massive 200,000 point intro bonus can’t be beaten.
The annual fee is high and it does take a good amount of spending to make the most of the this card, but for the right business owner, it’s unbeatable thanks to its steady earning rates in high-spend categories.
Reward details
5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
Enhanced! 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
1X points for each dollar you spend on other eligible purchases.
Pros & Cons
Pros
-
Massive intro bonus
Lounge access
-
Strong earning on high-spend categories
-
Tons of high-end perks and useful statement credits
-
Looks and feels fantastic
Cons
-
High annual fee
-
Spending threshold for the bonus is also high
-
Lesser spending businesses may find value in a cheaper card
by your friends at The Daily Navigator
