Best Amex Credit Cards for Business in 2024
Most American Express business credit cards give you the ability to earn cash back or rewards, and they come with welcome offers too. Some of these cards charge no annual fees.
Updated: October 23, 2024
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All the top American Express business credit cards we’ve selected come with welcome offers for new cardholders. Most of these cards offer cash back/rewards on all business-related purchases. Depending on the card you get, you might have to pay an annual fee.
If you’re looking for an Amex business credit card to use internationally, consider limiting your search to ones without foreign transaction fees. The Amex Business Gold Card and the Amex Business Platinum Card fit this bill.
Some of the best American Express credit cards for business come with no preset spending limits. Access to various expense management tools is a common feature with all the top cards from this category. The level of travel insurance coverage and other benefits you get depend on the card you select.
Going through all existing and new American Express business credit cards is a monthly exercise that MoneyGeek experts follow. They compare all such cards and select the best of the lot based on different factors such as annual fees, APRs, foreign transaction fees, welcome offers, cash back/reward rates and added perks.
If you wish to extend your search beyond what American Express has to offer, you might benefit by checking our overall list of the best business credit cards.
This article is part of our larger series on
Best Business Credit Cards
MoneyGeek’s Take: Top 5 American Express Credit Cards for Business
Quick Summary
- American Express Blue Business Cash Card: A simple cash back rewards card that helps you avoid hassles.
- American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card: Great no-annual-fee card for earning rewards on business spending.
- Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: This business credit card is perfect for earning Hilton Honors points.
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card: A great miles rewards card with no foreign transaction fee for frequent business travelers.
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Excellent card for maximizing the rewards you earn while traveling.
The annual fee you need to pay essentially depends on the features and benefits you’re after. The top American Express business credit cards come with varied welcome offers. We have accounted for these factors as well as others such as APRs, reward/cash back rates, foreign transaction fees and added perks to select the best of the lot. Scroll down the page to look at other good Amex cards from this category.
- The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Straightforward cash back for businesses with no annual fee
- 1–2% Cash Back*Rewards Rate
- 18.49% – 26.49% VariableAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is a solid choice for small businesses. It's particularly attractive for its uncomplicated cash back structure and the absence of an annual fee. This combination allows businesses, even those with modest expenses, to realize a net gain from spending. Additionally, it offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases.
Pros
- High flat-rate cash back
- No annual fee
- Modest intro APR offer on purchases
Cons
- Cap on cash back earnings
- Foreign transaction fee
Introductory Offers
- Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
- Enjoy a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date you open your account. After the intro period, a variable APR of 17.74% – 25.74% applies, depending on your creditworthiness. See Rates and Fees
Rewards
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back is automatically credited to your statement.
APRs, Fees, and Penalties
- No annual fee. See Rates and Fees
Perks & Benefits
- With Expanded Buying Power, you can spend beyond your credit limit. The amount is flexible and adapts to your card usage and payment history. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- Terms Apply.
- The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Great no-annual-fee card for earning rewards on business spending
- up to 2X Membership Rewards® pointsRewards Rate
- 18.49% – 26.49% VariableAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a compelling option for small business owners in search of a simple yet rewarding credit solution. With no annual fee, the card is budget-friendly and designed to cater to the needs of businesses, particularly those with significant everyday expenses. The rewards structure is straightforward: cardholders earn a solid rate of Membership Rewards® points on their business purchases up to a generous cap each calendar year, before the rate drops to a lower tier.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Intro APR on purchases
- Simple flat-rate rewards on all purchases
- Flexible redemption options
- Good for small businesses
Cons
- No intro APR on balance transfers
- Foreign transaction fees
- Fees for transferring points and booking flights through American Express Travel
Introductory Offers
- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
- Enjoy a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening, then a variable APR of 17.74% - 25.74% after that. APR will not exceed 29.99%. See Rates and Fees
Rewards
- Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases like office supplies and client dinners, up to $50,000 per year. After that, earn 1 point per dollar.
APRs, Fees, and Penalties
- No annual fee. See Rates and Fees
Perks & Benefits
- Expanded Buying Power lets you spend beyond your credit limit, adapting to your card usage and payment history. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- Terms Apply.
- The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Great for earning Hilton Honors points
- 3–12 Points per $1*Rewards Rate
- 20.99% – 29.99% VariableAPR
- $195Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a powerful tool for businesses, particularly those with frequent travel or dining needs. Its standout benefits are the generous welcome offer and robust hotel perks, which include status upgrades and free nights. Its diverse earning categories make accumulating points easy and rewarding, and no foreign transaction fees make it a great companion for international travel. While the value of Hilton Honors points might be lower than some competitors, the card's high earning rates can offset this if they align with your typical business spending. Lastly, its annual fee is modest and can easily be justified considering the rich rewards and perks, delivering both practical value and a touch of luxury for your business.
Pros
- Attainable welcome offer
- Hotel perks, including status and free nights
- Variety of earning categories
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Hilton points have a lower value than competitors
- Modest annual fee
Introductory Offers
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $8,000 in the first six months. Offer valid until January 8, 2025.
Rewards
- Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible Hilton purchases.
- Earn 5X points on other purchases up to $100,000 each calendar year, and 3X points thereafter.
Perks & Benefits
- Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status, with an 80% bonus on base points earned during stays.
- Upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond Status if you spend $40,000 or more in a calendar year.
- Receive up to $60 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with Hilton properties.
- Enroll for complimentary National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status through your American Express online account.
APRS, Fees, and Penalties
- Annual fee of $195 See Rates and Fees
- APR: 20.24% - 29.24% Variable See Rates and Fees
- Terms Apply.
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
Great rewards for Delta loyalists
- 1–2 Miles per $1Rewards Rate
- 20.99% – 29.99% VariableAPR
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card offers significant value for frequent travelers, particularly those loyal to Delta. Right off the bat, there's an enticing welcome bonus, ensuring you start on a high note. You'll also benefit from notable discounts and unique perks on Delta flights. If international travel is on the cards, rest easy knowing you won't be hit with foreign transaction fees. Plus, the waived annual fee for the first year is a pleasant touch. While rewards can be complex and come with caps, the card's overall benefits and potential savings are hard to overlook.
Pros
- High introductory bonus miles offer
- First checked bag free on Delta flights
- Car rental and damage insurance
- Priority boarding on Delta flights
Cons
- Limited rewards on non-Delta purchases
- High spending requirement for bonus miles
- Annual fee after the first year
Introductory Offers
- Earn 60,000 Delta SkyMiles after spending $4,000 in the first six months of card membership.
- Enjoy a $0 annual fee for the first year, then $150 thereafter. See Rates and Fees
Rewards
- Earn 2 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases and dining.
- Earn 2 miles per dollar on U.S. shipping and advertising in select media, up to $50,000 per category annually.
- Earn 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
Perks & Benefits
- First checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Zone 5 priority boarding on Delta flights.
- Receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit after spending $10,000 in a year.
- Get up to $150 annual statement credit for bookings through Delta Stays.
- Save 20% on eligible Delta in-flight purchases.
APRS, Fees, and Penalties
- No foreign transaction fees. See Rates and Fees
- Terms Apply.
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Great for hotel rewards and perks for business spending
- 2–6 Points per $1*Rewards Rate
- 20.99% – 29.99% VariableAPR
- $125Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is a robust and savvy choice for small business owners who frequently travel, particularly for those loyal to Marriott Bonvoy hotels. Its rewarding points system aligns seamlessly with everyday business expenditures, plus the generous welcome bonus is a major kick-start. The card's benefits, including free night awards and Gold Elite Status, offer significant value and can easily offset the annual fee while potentially transforming every business trip into a VIP experience. Furthermore, making travel purchases on this card provides a safety net of various travel insurance protections, adding peace of mind to each journey.
Pros
- Earn free night awards
- Significant hotel perks, including Gold Elite status
- Generous welcome offer
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Annual fee
- Modest travel benefits
- No intro APR offers
Introductory Offers
- Earn 3 Free Night Awards after spending $6,000 in the first six months. Each award can be redeemed for 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.
Rewards
- Earn 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on eligible purchases at Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
- Earn 4x points on dining, U.S. gas stations, wireless services from U.S. providers, and U.S. shipping purchases.
- Earn 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
Perks & Benefits
- Enjoy a 7% discount on eligible bookings as a Marriott Bonvoy member and cardholder.
- Receive a Free Night Award annually after card renewal.
- Earn an additional Free Night Award after spending $60,000 in a calendar year.
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status.
APRS, Fees, and Penalties
- Annual fee of $125. See Rates and Fees
- Terms Apply.
Summary of the Best Amex Cards for Business
The corresponding American Express business card comparison table gives you quick insight into the other good cards from this category based on aspects such as welcome offers, APRs, foreign transaction fees and annual fees.
- Credit CardBest ForAvg. Reward RateAnnual FeeCredit Needed
- The American Express Blue Business Cash™ CardStraightforward cash back for businesses with no annual fee1–2% Cash Back*$0
- The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American ExpressGreat no-annual-fee card for earning rewards on business spendingup to 2X Membership Rewards® points$0
- The Hilton Honors American Express Business CardGreat for earning Hilton Honors points3–12 Points per $1*$195
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express CardGreat rewards for Delta loyalists1–2 Miles per $1$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® CardGreat for hotel rewards and perks for business spending2–6 Points per $1*$125
- The Plum Card® from American ExpressExcellient no preset spending limit card with flexible payback methods1.5% Cash Back$250
- American Express® Business Gold CardA dynamic rewards card for high-spending business owners1–4 Points per $1$375
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express CardA great card for frequent business travelers who want to enjoy Delta travel perks and pursue elite traveler status1–3 Miles per $1$350
- The Business Platinum Card® from American ExpressTop-tier business card with premium travel benefits1–5 Points per $1*$695
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express CardA card that offers generous rewards for business travelers who fly Delta frequently.1–3 Miles per $1$650
If you don't have a favorite airline or hotel, choosing a flexible points card that earns Membership Rewards makes sense. These flexible points can be used to book travel, buy gift cards, get statement credits or transfer to 20 different airline and hotel partners. -- Lee Huffman, credit card expert at BaldThoughts.com.
How to Compare Amex Credit Cards & Intro Offers
American Express business credit cards come with varied features and benefits. Selecting a card that works well for you will require paying attention to different aspects.
- 1
Annual fee
Annual fees for American Express business credit cards can go up to $695. However, you get a few no-annual-fee options too. These include the Blue Business Cash Card and the Blue Business Plus Credit Card. On the other end of the spectrum is the Business Platinum Card with a $695 annual fee.
- 2
Welcome offer
It’s common to find welcome offers with Amex business credit cards. For example, the Plum Card lets you earn a $500 statement credit by spending $15,000 on purchases in the first three months. The Amex Business Gold Card, on the other hand, offers 70,000 membership rewards points if you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first three months.
- 3
APR
The APR that you get might vary depending on the card you select. If you get a no preset spending limit (NPSL) card — such as the Business Gold Card or the Business Platinum Card — while you’re typically required to pay off your balance in full each month, your purchases might also qualify for the APR-based Pay Over Time feature. With the NPSL Plum Card, you may carry your balance forward for up to 60 days without paying interest.
- 4
Foreign transaction fee
With American Express business credit cards that charge this fee, you need to pay 2.7% extra on each international transaction. Some of the cards from this category that come with no foreign transaction fees include the Hilton Honors Business Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Business Card.
- 5
Cash back/rewards rate
Pay attention to this aspect after accounting for your spending patterns and the annual fee you might need to pay. For example, the Business Gold Card with a $295 annual fee offers up to 4x points per dollar on category-based spending. The Business Platinum Card, on the other hand, comes with a higher annual fee and offers up to 5x points on category-based spending.
- 6
No preset spending limit
If your requirements involve getting an NPSL business card, Amex presents alternatives in the form of the Plum Card, the Business Gold Card and the Business Platinum Card.
- 7
Co-branded or not
In case you prefer using any particular airline or group of hotels for business purposes, you may benefit by looking at the co-branded cards that Amex has to offer. Some of these include the Hilton Honors Business Card, the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Card, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Business Card.
- 8
Employee cards
Adding credit cards for your employees is a good way to keep track of their spending and earn additional rewards with individual spending limits. Many American Express business cards, like the Blue Business Plus Credit Card, allow you to add employee cards for no additional charge. However, the Business Platinum Card charges $300 for every employee added.
- 9
Added perks
While a few American Express business credit cards come with steep annual fees, they offer a variety of features and benefits. You may expect some of these with cards that charge low or no annual fees as well. Various card-specific perks on offer include statement credits, loyalty program status upgrades, airport lounge access, priority boarding, travel insurance coverage, companion certificates, free nights and access to expense management tools.
Further Reading
About Doug Milnes, CFA
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.
Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
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