In today’s fast-paced business world, having the right tools to manage expenses, earn rewards, and enjoy premium perks can make a significant difference. The American Express Business Platinum Card stands out as a powerhouse for entrepreneurs and executives seeking both luxury and practical value in their business operations. Here’s an in-depth look at why the Business Platinum Card might be the ultimate companion for your company.
What is Amex Business Platinum?
The American Express Business Platinum Card is a premium charge card tailored for business owners and executives seeking to optimise their expenses while enjoying exclusive benefits. It offers a robust rewards program, extensive travel perks, and business-centric features to support and enhance business operations.
Key Benefits of the Amex Business Platinum
Generous Membership Rewards Program
The Amex Business Platinum Card is renowned for its Membership Rewards program, offering points on virtually every purchase. The highlights include:
- 5X Points on Flights and Prepaid Hotels: When booked through Amex Travel, you earn five times the points—perfect for frequent business travelers.
- 1.5X Points on Large Purchases: Earn more on purchases over $5,000, which can be especially useful for inventory, equipment, or other high-cost business expenses.
- 1X Points on Other Purchases: Every dollar spent counts toward rewards, ensuring that no expense goes unrewarded.
Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, or even transferred to over 20 airline and hotel loyalty programs for added flexibility.
Travel Perks That Enhance Business Trips
For businesses that involve regular travel, the Amex Business Platinum is a game-changer. Key travel benefits include:
- Lounge Access: Enjoy complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs.
- Annual Airline Fee Credit: Receive up to $200 in statement credits for incidental fees like baggage charges or seat upgrades with your selected airline.
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit: Save time at airports with a $100 statement credit every four years for Global Entry or an $85 credit for TSA PreCheck.
- Hotel Benefits: Access perks like room upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out through the Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection programs.
Business-Centric Features
The card is designed with business needs in mind, offering tools and resources that simplify expense management and optimize cash flow:
- Pay Over Time Option: Flexibility to pay off eligible purchases over time with interest, helping to manage cash flow during busy seasons.
- No Preset Spending Limit: Your purchasing power adjusts based on your spending habits, payment history, and financial profile, making it ideal for growing businesses.
- Expense Management Tools: Integration with QuickBooks, year-end summaries, and employee card controls make tracking and managing expenses easier than ever.
Exclusive Membership Perks
Cardholders enjoy access to premium benefits that go beyond travel and rewards:
- Dell Technologies Credits: Receive up to $400 annually for purchases at Dell.com ($200 semi-annually), a valuable benefit for tech-savvy businesses.
- Global Dining and Entertainment Perks: From exclusive reservations to presale concert tickets, enjoy experiences that impress clients and employees alike.
- 24/7 Concierge Service: Need help booking a reservation, securing tickets, or solving a travel issue? The Amex concierge is just a call away.
Is It Worth the Annual Fee?
The Amex Business Platinum comes with a hefty $695 annual fee, but for many businesses, the value far outweighs the cost. The rewards, credits, and perks combined can significantly offset this fee:
- $200 airline fee credit
- $400 in Dell Technologies credits
- Lounge access valued at hundreds annually
- Travel savings and time-saving perks like Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
When used strategically, the card becomes a profit-driving asset rather than a cost.
How to Maximize the AmEx Business Platinum Card
The American Express Business Platinum Card offers a suite of benefits tailored for business owners seeking to optimize their expenses and enhance travel experiences. To fully leverage the card’s offerings, consider the following strategies:
Earn the Welcome Bonus
New cardholders can earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months. This substantial bonus can significantly offset the card’s annual fee.
Optimize Spending Categories
Travel Bookings: Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel.
Large Purchases: For eligible purchases of $5,000 or more, earn 1.5X points, applicable on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
Utilize Annual Statement Credits
- Dell Technologies: Receive up to $400 in statement credits annually for U.S. purchases with Dell Technologies, split into $200 semi-annually.
- Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by the airline to your card.
- CLEAR® Plus Credit: Get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year for CLEAR® Plus membership when you use your Business Platinum Card.
- Wireless Credit: Receive up to $120 in statement credits per year for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a U.S. wireless provider.
Leverage Travel Benefits
- Global Lounge Access: Enjoy complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide through the American Express Global Lounge Collection.
- Hotel Elite Status: Enroll to receive complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, offering perks like room upgrades and late checkout.
Maximize Point Redemption
- Pay with Points: When booking flights through Amex Travel, use the Pay with Points feature to get 35% of your points back on eligible flights, up to 1 million points per calendar year.
- Transfer Partners: Transfer Membership Rewards® points to over 20 airline and hotel partners to potentially unlock greater value.
Manage Employee Spending
Issue additional cards to employees and set spending limits to control expenses while earning rewards on their purchases.
Stay Informed About Benefits
Regularly review your American Express account and communications to stay updated on new offers, benefits, and any changes to existing perks.
By strategically utilizing these features, you can maximize the value of your American Express Business Platinum Card, effectively offsetting the annual fee and enhancing your business operations.
Who Should Get the Amex Business Platinum Card?
This card is best suited for:
Frequent Travelers: If you or your employees travel often for business, the travel benefits, lounge access, and airline credits will prove invaluable.
High-Spending Businesses: Companies with large expenses will benefit significantly from the 1.5X points on purchases over $5,000 and other bonus categories.
Tech-Driven Companies: With Dell credits and Adobe discounts, businesses reliant on technology and creative tools will find this card particularly rewarding.
Experience Seekers: Businesses that value exclusive access, such as presale tickets, fine dining experiences, or premium travel services, will enjoy the card’s luxury-focused perks.
Final Thoughts
The American Express Business Platinum Card is more than just a credit card—it’s a strategic tool for businesses aiming to optimize expenses, earn robust rewards, and enjoy unmatched perks. While the annual fee may seem steep, the value it provides can far exceed the cost for businesses that leverage its features effectively.
For entrepreneurs ready to take their business to the next level, the Amex Business Platinum offers a powerful combination of luxury, convenience, and practicality.
Disclaimer: Terms and conditions apply to all benefits mentioned. Be sure to read the full terms before applying.
FAQs About Amex Business Platinum
What is the Amex Business Platinum Card?
The Amex Business Platinum Card is a premium charge card designed for business owners and executives, offering a wide array of rewards, travel perks, and business-focused benefits.
What rewards can I earn with the Amex Business Platinum Card?
The Amex Business Platinum Card provides Membership Rewards points, including 5X points on flights and hotels booked through Amex Travel and 1.5X points on large purchases above $5,000.
How does the Amex Business Platinum Card help with travel?
The Amex Business Platinum Card offers unparalleled travel benefits such as global lounge access, up to $200 in airline fee credits, and complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.
What business tools are available with the Amex Business Platinum Card?
The Amex Business Platinum Card features tools like expense tracking, integration with QuickBooks, and employee cards with customizable spending controls to streamline business operations.
What statement credits come with the Amex Business Platinum Card?
The Amex Business Platinum Card offers valuable annual statement credits, including $400 for Dell purchases, $120 for wireless services, and up to $189 for CLEAR membership.
Is the annual fee worth it for the Amex Business Platinum Card?
For businesses that can fully utilize the perks, rewards, and travel benefits, the $695 annual fee for the Amex Business Platinum Card is often offset by the value provided.
