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American Express Platinum cards are one of the most popular premium cards. The personal version of The Platinum Card from American Express is well-known to many.
This post will focus on The Business Platinum Card by American Express. It is the business version of this card. As I will explain, this could be a great opportunity to apply for the card.
Amex Business Platinum Card has some great perks but a high annual fee.
This post will provide a comprehensive look at the Amex Business Platinum Welcome Bonus, Annual Fee, Return on Spending, and other perks. I'll also discuss the amazing lounge access benefits as well as the many credit options the card offers. This card is also compared to other business cards.
The Amex Business Platinum is a high-priced card, but it can be a good option for small businesses.
120,000 Membership Rewards Points as a Welcome Bonus
Amex Business Platinum Card offers a fantastic welcome bonus of 120,000 Membership Reward points for spending $15,000 within the first three month. For me, Membership Rewards points are worth 1.7 cents per piece, which is why I consider them worth $2,040.
Your Amex points can be used to redeem for Lufthansa business class
The Once in a Lifetime Rule
The Amex Business Platinum Card welcome bonus is not available to current cardholders or card holders who have used the card previously. You won't be eligible for the bonus if you haven't received the card previously.
You can apply for Amex cards using the standard procedures. My experience is that Amex business cards are easy to get approved for, even for people with good credit.
Annual Fee: $595 (or $695 if you apply after 01/13/2022).
Annual fee for the Amex Business Platinum card is $595 (or $695 if you apply after 01/13/2022). Rates & Fees. This card has the highest annual fees. The annual fee for the personal card is currently lower than the personal card. However, as of early 2022 the business and personal versions of this card will have the same annual fee.
Authorized user fee: $300
Some cards allow you to add authorized users at a low cost. Unfortunately, this card is not one of those cards. Amex Business Platinum charges $300 per authorized user (Rates and Fees). This is a steep price.
The card's lounge access perks and most hotel perks are available to authorized users. Authorized users don't receive any additional credit (for airline fees or Dell, CLEAR, etc.).
Earn points with the Amex Business Platinum card
The Amex Business Platinum Card is worth considering if you want to maximize your return on your spending.
Other Amex cards also offer large bonus categories. I'll be more specific about these cards later. What categories does this card offer bonus point?
Get 5x points on select flights & hotels through Amex Travel
Amex Business Platinum members receive 5x Membership Rewards points for bookings made through Amex Travel. This is quite restrictive.
Book flights via Amex Travel to earn 5x points. However, this might not work for small businesses.
Booking prepaid hotels through Amex Travel has one downside: You won't be able to earn points with your preferred loyalty programs for third-party bookings. This includes bookings through Amex Travel.
Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts is the exception, where prepaid reservations earn 5x points. This can be a great deal due to the perks that you receive and because you still earn points through your preferred hotel loyalty programs. I'll discuss that later.
Amex Travel offers 5x points for prepaid hotels
1.5x Points in Select Categories
For purchases that meet certain criteria, the Amex Business Platinum will give 1.5x Membership Rewards Points. The following are some of these:
You are eligible to purchase in the following key business categories: Hardware and construction suppliers, software and cloud system providers, and software and hardware retailers. Shipping providers.
This earning rate of 1.5x points can be used for purchases up to $2,000,000 per calendar year. This is useful for small businesses but not for large corporations.
1x Points on All Other Purchases
These are the only bonuses available. The Amex Business Platinum also offers 1x points for every dollar spent. Other Amex cards offer 1.5-2x points per $1 spent. I prefer to spend on these cards or on another card that is best for small business everyday spending.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
If you make purchases overseas, the American Express Business Platinum Card does not charge foreign transaction fees (Rates and Fees).
You can redeem points with the Amex Business Platinum card
Amex Business Platinum Card earns you Membership Rewards points. This is one the four most transferable points currencies. You have two options to redeem Amex points. Either you can transfer them directly to an airline partner or hotel partner or you can use them as cash toward the purchase of an airline ticket.
Let's take a look at these two options. The best thing about Amex Business Platinum cards is the special redemption rates you get when you redeem your points for cash towards a flight ticket. This is the best rate available through an Amex card.
Transfer points to airline & hotel partners
Transferring Amex points to a Membership Rewards partner airline or hotel is the best way to redeem Amex points. These 19 partners include 16 airline partners and 3 hotel partners.
Airline Partners Hotel Partners Aer Lingus AerClub Choice Privileges Aeromexico Club Premier Hilton Honors Air Canada Aeroplan Marriott Bonvoy Air France–KLM Flying Blue ANA Mileage Club Avianca LifeMiles Cathay Pacific Asia Miles Delta SkyMiles Emirates Skywards Etihad Guest Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles Iberia Plus, JetBlue TrueBlue Qantas Frequent Flyer Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Virgin Atlantic Flying Club American Express Member Rewards Transfer partners
This is because you can receive a huge discount on premium airfare, especially for first- and business class travel. These tickets can be very expensive if you pay cash. However, they are possible to get a great deal with points. Amex also often offers transfer bonuses that can help you get even more value.
Your Amex points can be redeemed for Singapore Airlines business class
Redeem points for more than 1.5 cents each towards airfare
You can usually redeem Membership Rewards points at a cost of about one cent per member towards an airfare purchase. You can redeem points at a discounted rate if you have an Amex Business Platinum Card.
Book your flight with American Express Travel by using the Membership Rewards pay with points feature to get 35% back
Booking a business or first class flight is required. You can also book any cabin with your chosen qualifying airline.
This redemption method can earn you up to 500,000 points per calendar year
You could also book a $1,000 ticket with 100,000 points and get 35,000 points back. That's 65,000 points. This is a great value at 1.54 per point.
Amex points can be used to pay for an airline ticket
Amex Business Platinum card $1,409 in Credits
Amex Business Platinum Card has many benefits. Some of the best benefits include credits. You could earn up to $1,409 annually in credit with the card. Most cardmembers won't be able maximize all of them, but hopefully balance cardmembers will use enough to justify the annual fee.
This alone can make the card worth it if you are careful about how you use it. Let's look at these benefits in no particular order.
$200 Credit for Annual Airline Fees
Amex Business Platinum provides a $200 airline fee credit that can be used to pay for incidentals or fees. (Enrollment required). It is available every year and follows a strict January 1-December 31 calendar.
You can choose which airline credit you would like to be issued each year.
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Frontier Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
JetBlue Airways
Spirit Airlines
Southwest Airlines
United Airlines
Each January, you can change your airline selection. You can keep the same airline selection as last year if you don't change your selection.
You can't use your credit for the following:
These fees do not include airfare tickets, upgrades, mileage point purchases, mileage transfer fees, gift card fees, duty-free purchases and award tickets.
This can be used to pay airline ticket change fees (though they are less than in the past), baggage fees and any other expenses you might incur with an airline. This is something that I find easy to max out.
Frontier can be your airline choice
$400 Dell Statement Credits
You can get up to $400 worth of Dell credits each year by having the Amex Business Platinum card. Enrollment is required. You get a $200 statement credit between January- June and a $200 additional credit between July-December.
This program does not require you to make a minimum purchase (e.g. $200) and statement credits will post within two to four week of your eligible purchase.
You'd be surprised at the number of products that Dell sells from other companies. Bose headphones can be purchased through Dell. This is more than you might think.
Bose headphones on sale at Dell
$179 CLEAR Credit
Amex Business Platinum Card gives you an annual credit up to $179 toward a CLEAR membership. CLEAR provides expedited security at selected airports in the United States. Instead of waiting to get your ID checked, you can have your biometric data taken and be escorted to first line.
You can simply charge the membership fee to your credit card and it will be automatically refunded. It doesn't matter for whom the fee was paid, so long as it is charged to your card.
CLEAR credit available with Amex Business Platinum
$360 in Credit
The Amex Business Platinum now offers $360 in credits per year for Indeed purchases. The credit is divided into $90 quarter credits. This credit can be used to purchase all Indeed recruiting and hiring products as well as products and services that allow you to post jobs and recruit talent.
$150 Adobe Credit
The Amex Business Platinum now offers $150 annual statements for Adobe purchases. This includes Adobe Creative Cloud purchases and Acrobat Pro DC using e-sign.
$120 Wireless Credit
The Amex Business Platinum now offers a $120 per year wireless credit. This credit is in the form a $10 monthly statement credit that can be used to purchase direct from any U.S. wireless phone provider. This credit should be almost as good as cash for most cardmembers.
Amex Business Platinum Travel & Purchase benefits
The Amex Business Platinum Card provides valuable travel and purchase protection perks. These include hotel elite status, discounts on premium airfares, travel protection, and cell phone protection. These perks are discussed below.
Hilton Honors Gold Status
For as long as your Amex Business Platinum is active, you will receive complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status (enrollment necessary). This status is very useful and provides the following perks:
Breakfast, credit towards your hotel, and/or access to the executive lounge are all included in the free breakfast
Late Check-out is possible, but subject to availability
Preferred rooms
Bonus of 80% Points
Five night stay with no cost
Hilton Gold members receive breakfast and a credit towards hotel stays
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Status
As long as you are an Amex Business Platinum member, you will receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold (enrollment required). This status includes the following perks:
25% Bonus Points on Hotel Stays
2PM late check-out
Subject to availability, a room upgrade
As a Marriott Gold member, you can receive upgraded rooms
TSA Pre-Check/Global Entrance Credit
Amex Business Platinum Card provides a Global Entry credit or TSA Precheck credit once every four year. The $70-100 membership fee can be charged to your card and will be automatically refunded. It doesn't matter for whom the fee was paid, so long as it is charged to your card.
This perk is available on a number of cards that I own so I just use it for my friends and family.
Amex Business Platinum Platinum members can get a TSA Precheck credit
Amex International Airline Program
The Amex International Airline Program allows you to save up to 50% on international first-class, business, and premium economy flights on almost two dozen airlines. You can often get discounts on tickets already discounted, making this a remarkable value.
This could be used to pay the annual fee for international premium cabin travel.
I have saved money on my tickets by using the International Airline Program
Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts
You can enjoy additional perks when you stay at more than 1,000 luxury hotels worldwide with the Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts Program. The following benefits are available:
Daily breakfast for two
If possible, upgrade your room upon arrival
Unique property amenity: Usually a $100 property credit, a free massage, car transport, etc.
Guaranteed 4PM check-out
Check-in at 12PM, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi in your room (exclusions apply).
The best part is that the rate is usually in line with the lowest rate available. The Amex Business Platinum Card gives you this access, and you can even earn 5x points if your reservation is prepaid. Virtuoso also offers similar benefits and does not require a credit card.
Luxurious hotels offer additional benefits
Travel Delay, Interruption, And Cancellation Protection
Amex Business Platinum provides coverage for travel cancellations, delays or interruptions.
You can get $500 reimbursement per trip if you are delayed for at least 6 hours. This includes expenses such as meals, hotels, and other necessities.
You can get reimbursed up to $10,000 per trip for non-refundable expenses, or $20,000 for 12 consecutive months. This includes any accidental bodily injury, terrorist actions, call to jury duty, uninhabitable dwellings, and quarantines imposed by a doctor for medical reasons.
All of these benefits are available:
This applies to roundtrip tickets purchased entirely with an eligible Amex card. Roundtrip travel can include one-way or roundtrip tickets, or combinations thereof.
This includes paying taxes on award tickets with your card, and using Amex Pay With Points to pay for your ticket.
You, your family members (including domestic partner) and traveling companions who book a trip using your card are covered
Your claim must be filed within 60 days of the event covered
For all details, please refer to the cardmember agreement.
Protect your cell phone
Amex Business Platinum provides valuable protection for your cell phone.
Card members may be eligible for reimbursement if a cell phone is lost or damaged.
It is notable that this card covers screen damage, as many cards with a similar benefit exclude cosmetic damage (which is usually considered to be).
This coverage covers up to two claims. The maximum amount per claim is $800 and the maximum 12-month period is $1,600.
A $50 deductible is required for each claim
A wireless bill must list the cell phone number, and prior wireless bills must be paid with the card.
For all details, please refer to the cardmember agreement.
The card provides protection for your phone's cell phone
Amex Business Platinum Card Lounge Access
Amex Business Platinum Card has one of the best lounge access benefits. The Global Lounge Collection perk allows you to access over 1,200 lounges across 130 countries. This includes access to exclusive Amex lounges as well as lounges operated by other airlines or companies.
Amex Centurion Lounge Access
Centurion Lounges are a well-known feature of Amex. These lounges are far superior to what you will find at most US airlines.
Lounges offer hot food and cocktails as well as complimentary spa treatments.
The current US locations are Charlotte, Dallas and Houston. Centurion Lounges are available in Hong Kong, London, and other American Express lounges at other airports.
Two guests can use Amex Centurion Lounges to access Amex Centurion Lounges. You can also access the lounges up until three hours before your flight departs.
Access Amex Centurion Lounges in conjunction with Amex Business Platinum
Delta SkyClub Access
You can get access to Delta SkyClubs for free when you fly Delta same-day. However, guests cannot be complimentary.
Access Delta SkyClubs when you purchase Amex Business Platinum
Priority Pass Membership
Amex Business Platinum Card provides Priority Pass membership (enrollment necessary), which allows you to access 1,200+ lounges around world. Priority Pass restaurant access is not available to Amex Business Platinum card holders.
You can access 1,200+ Priority Pass lounges all over the globe
Escape Lounge Access
Access to the expanding network of Escape Lounges is possible with Amex Platinum. Present your Amex Platinum Card to gain entry. You can also bring guests.
Access Escape Lounges when you purchase Amex Business Platinum
Select Lufthansa Lounge Access
Amex Platinum Card offers access to selected Lufthansa Business & Senator Lounges. Cardmembers have access to lounges on Lufthansa Group flights (Lufthansa and SWISS), as well as Austrian.
Access to lounges in Frankfurt or Munich is not the only benefit of this agreement. There are many other lounges that can be used, including those in North America and Europe. All eligible lounges can be found on the Amexs loungefinder webpage.
Access Lufthansa Lounges using the Amex Business Platinum
Is the Amex Business Platinum card worth it?
It depends on the situation, as with most cards. The Amex Business Platinum Card, in general, is a business credit that you should get for the long-term benefits it provides, not for the return on your spending.
Spending money on the card could be a good idea if your company makes $5,000+ monthly purchases. Other than that, there are better cards available for everyday spending.
Although the card has many benefits, it also comes with a high annual fee. This is a great time to get the card. I love the welcome bonus, new perks and the possibility to pay the lower annual fees.
Consider the following when accounting for the card's value:
What do you think the different credits are worth?
What do you think of the Hilton Gold and Marriott Gold statuses?
What value can you expect from Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts or the International Airline Program and how much will it add to your life?
What do you think of the card's lounge access perks?
Amex's Best Business Cards for Spending
Two of the best Amex cards are available to help you rack up as many Amex Rewards points through business spending.
The Blue Business Plus Credit Card by American Express is the first (review). There is no annual fee. The card offers 2x Membership Rewards points for every $50,000 spent in a calendar year. I believe this card is the best for non-bonused spending, up to the limit.
If you are looking for a card that offers big bonuses, then the American Express Business Gold Card (review), is a great choice. You will receive 4x Membership Rewards points for select categories, and there is a $295 annual charge (Rates & Charges).
The Amex Business Gold program offers 4x points for the two categories where you spend the most each billing cycle. This is on up to $150,000 combined purchases per year. These are the categories that are eligible:
Direct purchase of airfare from airlines
U.S. purchases of advertising media
U.S. gas station purchases
Restaurant purchases from the United States
Shipping costs for U.S. orders
Purchases of U.S. computer hardware and software made directly at select providers
The Best Business Credit Card for Spending
The Ink Business Preferred credit card (review) is the best choice for anyone looking for the most comprehensive and well-rounded business credit cards. This card offers a 100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards bonus, a $95 annual fee, 3x points in useful categories and great coverage for car and cell phone rentals.
This is the perfect business reward card.
Summary of the Amex Business Platinum card
Amex Business Platinum Card has the most perks and highest annual fees.
This card is worth applying for if you feel you would benefit from the perks. These include an amazing lounge access benefit, $200 annual airline fee credit credit, $400 annual Dell credit and $179 CLEAR credit. You also get hotel elite status. This is a great time for you to apply, due to the bonus and the lower annual fees that will still be in effect through early 2022.
If I was looking for a business card that maximizes value and can be used daily, I would consider the Ink Business Preferred credit card. It has a lower annual fee, better rewards structure and a larger welcome bonus.
Business cards don't come with better perks.
Follow this link to find out more information about the Amex Business Platinum Card and how you can apply.
Apply Now
These links will take you to the fees and rates for American Express Cards. These are: American Express Business Gold Card (Rates and Fees), as well as The Business Platinum Card (Rates and Fees).
