Best American Express Business Credit Cards of June 2023
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American Express business cards are well known for their rewards programs and generous perks, especially when it comes to travel. Plus, several AmEx cards offer long 0% intro APR periods — on top of ongoing rewards — making AmEx business cards a great option for startups, new businesses and owners who need to finance a large purchase.
You need good-to-excellent personal credit (a FICO score of 690 or higher) to qualify for most AmEx business credit cards, which includes co-branded small-business credit cards with Delta, Hilton and Marriott, as well as Amazon and Lowe’s.
All of our selections for the best American Express business cards are chosen by our editorial team, which independently evaluates and rates cards based on fees, rewards rates and redemption options, among numerous other factors. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of our favorite AmEx business credit cards.
American Express business cards are well known for their rewards programs and generous perks, especially when it comes to travel. Plus, several AmEx cards offer long 0% intro APR periods — on top of ongoing rewards — making AmEx business cards a great option for startups, new businesses and owners who need to finance a large purchase.
You need good-to-excellent personal credit (a FICO score of 690 or higher) to qualify for most AmEx business credit cards, which includes co-branded small-business credit cards with Delta, Hilton and Marriott, as well as Amazon and Lowe’s.
All of our selections for the best American Express business cards are chosen by our editorial team, which independently evaluates and rates cards based on fees, rewards rates and redemption options, among numerous other factors. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of our favorite AmEx business credit cards.
Best American Express Business Credit Cards From Our Partners
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express Apply now on American Express' website | Best for Intro APR and rewards points | $0 | 1x- Points | 15,000 Points | Apply now on American Express' website |
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Apply now on American Express' website | Best for Intro APR and cash back | $0 | 1%- Cashback | $250 | Apply now on American Express' website |
American Express® Business Gold Card Apply now on American Express' website | Best for Customized rewards | $295 | 1x- Points | 70,000 Points | Apply now on American Express' website |
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express Apply now on American Express' website | Best for Luxury travel perks and rewards | $695 | 1x- Points | 120,000 Points | Apply now on American Express' website |
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card Apply now on American Express' website | Best for Airline miles | $550 | 1x- Miles | 70,000 Miles | Apply now on American Express' website |
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card Apply now on American Express' website | Best for Hotel rewards | $125 | 2x- Points | 75,000 Points | Apply now on American Express' website |
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card Apply now on American Express' website | Best for Hotel rewards | $95 | 3x- Points | 150,000 Points | Apply now on American Express' website |
Our pick for
Intro APR and rewards points
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$0
1x-2x
Points
15,000
Points
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express has solid ongoing rewards and the intro APR offer is great for new businesses and startups looking to finance large purchases.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express has solid ongoing rewards and the intro APR offer is great for new businesses and startups looking to finance large purchases.
Pros
This AmEx small business card gives you 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on the first $50,000 in purchases made every year, and 1 point per dollar after that. (Terms apply.)
The introductory APR offer is great for a business credit card, and the annual fee is $0. Terms apply.
Cons
The $50,000 spending cap on double points reduces this card's value for businesses with high operating expenses.
If you’d rather earn cash back card instead of points, check out the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card.
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.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® 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.
You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
*The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.24%-26.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening.
No Annual Fee
Terms Apply
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Intro APR and cash back
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$0
1%-2%
Cashback
$250
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card earns a solid cash back rate on purchases (up to a point) for an annual fee of $0. This simple cash back card gives you a good introductory APR period, which can be great for newer businesses looking to finance large purchases.
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card earns a solid cash back rate on purchases (up to a point) for an annual fee of $0. This simple cash back card gives you a good introductory APR period, which can be great for newer businesses looking to finance large purchases.
Pros
This American Express business credit card offers 2% cash back on the first $50,000 a year in eligible purchases, then 1% back. Terms apply.
Cash back is automatically credited to your statement. This card has a $0 annual fee and an excellent introductory APR offer. Terms apply.
Cons
The $50,000 annual cap on spending that earns 2% cash back makes this card less competitive than some others out there. If you're willing to pay an annual fee, there are other cards that offer unlimited 2% rewards.
Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
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.
Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.24%-26.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
No Annual Fee
Terms Apply
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Customized rewards
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$295
1x-4x
Points
70,000
Points
The unique rewards structure on the American Express® Business Gold Card automatically changes with your spending. It can mean big rewards — if your purchases match its 4X categories. 4X points apply to the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year. Terms apply.
The unique rewards structure on the American Express® Business Gold Card automatically changes with your spending. It can mean big rewards — if your purchases match its 4X categories. 4X points apply to the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year. Terms apply.
Pros
You earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar in the two categories where you spend the most each month, applicable to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these two categories each calendar year. All other spending earns 1 point per dollar. The categories: airfare purchased directly from airlines; U.S. purchases for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio); U.S. purchases made directly from select technology providers of computer hardware, software and cloud solutions; U.S. gas stations; U.S. restaurants; and U.S. purchases for shipping. Terms apply.
The American Express® Business Gold Card also includes a welcome offer for new cardholders.
Cons
The $295 annual fee is significant. If you don't spend much in the 4X categories, you might find that your business will earn more from a different rewards card.
Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
MORE REWARDS: Get 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 select categories where your business spent the most each month. 1X is earned for other purchases.**
**4X points apply to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories each calendar year.*
PAY OVER TIME OPTION: Decide whether you want to pay eligible purchases in full each month—or pay over time with interest.*
*Terms Apply
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Luxury travel perks and rewards
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$695
1x-5x
Points
120,000
Points
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is ideal for business owners looking for a luxury travel rewards card who don’t mind paying a high annual fee. This card earns impressive ongoing rewards, includes a great welcome offer and provides a range of luxury perks for frequent travelers.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is ideal for business owners looking for a luxury travel rewards card who don’t mind paying a high annual fee. This card earns impressive ongoing rewards, includes a great welcome offer and provides a range of luxury perks for frequent travelers.
Pros
Lounge membership
Transfer partners
Bonus categories
Automatic elite status
Premium travel protections
Cons
High annual fee
Complicated rewards
Requires good/excellent credit
Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
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 (that’s an extra half point per dollar) 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.
Unlock over $1,000 in annual statement credits on a curation of business purchases, including select purchases made with Dell Technologies, Indeed, Adobe, and U.S. wireless service providers.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for checked baggage fees, lounge day passes, and more at one selected airline.
$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your Card and get up to $189 back per year on your CLEAR® Plus membership. CLEAR® lanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more lounge location options than any other credit card on the market as of 9/2021.
$695 Annual Fee.
Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Airline miles
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$550
1x-3x
Miles
70,000
Miles
This AmEx small business credit card is ideal for frequent travelers, offering a range of luxury perks in addition to Delta-specific rewards. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card includes airport lounge access, an annual companion certificate, priority boarding and your first checked bag free. Terms apply.
This AmEx small business credit card is ideal for frequent travelers, offering a range of luxury perks in addition to Delta-specific rewards. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card includes airport lounge access, an annual companion certificate, priority boarding and your first checked bag free. Terms apply.
Pros
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card earns 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases (rising to 1.5 miles per dollar after you spend $150,000 in a calendar year). The card also has a competitive welcome bonus. Terms apply.
Additionally, this card offers luxury travel perks including Delta Sky Club access, priority boarding and more. Terms apply.
Cons
This luxury travel card has a high annual fee, $550. Your highest-earning miles rate (3 miles per dollar) and other rewards are also Delta-specific — so business owners that aren’t loyal to Delta might find that a more general travel rewards card is a better fit.
Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after spending $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership.
Save 15% On Award Travel With TakeOff 15. Eligible Card Members now enjoy exclusive savings on Delta flights. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
With complimentary access into Delta Sky Club®, you can relax before your Delta flight, or find downtime between connections. You’ll also receive two Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year so you can share the experience with others when you’re traveling together.
When you purchase a Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, you will receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge or Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner.
After you spend $150,000 on your Card in a calendar year, you earn 1.5 miles per dollar (that’s an extra half mile per dollar) on eligible purchases the rest of the year. If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply (ex. you would earn 3X miles on purchases made directly with Delta instead of 1.5X).
Plus enjoy 3X miles per dollar on all eligible Delta purchases.
With Status Boost®, earn 15,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to 4x per year getting you closer to Medallion Status.
Terms and limitations apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Hotel rewards
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$125
2x-6x
Points
75,000
Points
Frequent travelers looking to earn Marriott hotel rewards can’t go wrong with the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card. This card allows you to earn on your everyday business spending, as well as your eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
Plus, you get one free night per year and complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.
Frequent travelers looking to earn Marriott hotel rewards can’t go wrong with the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card. This card allows you to earn on your everyday business spending, as well as your eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
Plus, you get one free night per year and complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.
Pros
This American Express business credit card earns 6 points per dollar at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. purchases for shipping; and 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
In addition, the card gives you access to Marriott-specific perks such as one free night per year and premium on-property internet access. Terms apply.
Cons
You’ll need to stay at the Marriott often to get the most out of this card. You might find a general travel rewards card is more competitive, especially for an annual fee of $125.
Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
2x points on all other eligible purchases.
Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
Terms apply.
- View Rates & Fees
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$95
3x-12x
Points
150,000
Points
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a top-notch hotel credit card, earning rich rewards on everyday spending and up to two free weekend nights each year if you hit spending requirements.
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a top-notch hotel credit card, earning rich rewards on everyday spending and up to two free weekend nights each year if you hit spending requirements.
Pros
High rewards rate
Automatic elite status
Luxury perks
Cons
Has annual fee
No free anniversary night
Limited Time Offer: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $4,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first three months of Card Membership. Offer ends 7/19/23.
Earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card: 12X at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 6X at U.S. gas stations, on U.S. purchases for shipping, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants, 3X on all other eligible purchases.
Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card.
Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
Earn another Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend an additional $45,000 in purchases on your Card in the same calendar year.
Terms apply.
- View Rates & Fees
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS:
BEST AMERICAN EXPRESS BUSINESS CREDIT CARDS
Click the card name to read our review. Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.
Our pick for: Intro APR and rewards points
Our pick for: Intro APR and cash back
Our pick for: Customized rewards
Our pick for: Luxury travel perks and rewards
Our pick for: Airline miles
Our pick for: Hotel rewards
Our pick for: Hotel rewards
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is an outstanding small-business hotel credit card — though a little unusual. It comes with rich ongoing rewards, automatic elite status with Hilton and 10 free visits to select airport lounges each year (a rare perk for hotel cards). Rather than automatically granting a free night each year, like most hotel cards with annual fees, you have to spend at least $15,000 per calendar year to earn a free weekend night. Terms apply. Learn more and apply.
Other business cards issued by American Express:
Learn more about these additional American Express business credit cards by reading the reviews linked below:
Delta business credit cards
Amazon business credit cards
Other business credit cards
Lowe's Business Rewards Card from American Express
• • • • • • • • •
Last updated on April 27, 2023
Methodology
NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best credit cards for small business based on overall consumer value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as their suitability for specific kinds of small-business operators. Factors in our evaluation include annual and other fees, rewards rates, the earning structure (for example, flat-rate rewards versus bonus categories), redemption options, bonus offers for new cardholders, introductory and ongoing APRs, and other noteworthy features such as special financing arrangements, free cards for employees or tools for managing business expenses. Learn more about how we rate business credit cards.
Frequently asked questions
You can apply for an American Express business card online, or call 1-877-673-6758 to apply by phone.
You’ll need to provide your business’s contact information, federal tax ID, industry, entity type, number of employees and annual revenue in order to complete and submit your application.
American Express limits the number of business cards you can have to four. In general, we recommend keeping your credit utilization below 30% and ensuring that you can make your existing payments before deciding to open another credit card.
American Express reports only negative business credit card activity to the personal credit card bureaus, such as late payments, returned payments or violations of your cardmember agreement.
Therefore, your personal credit score cannot be improved with responsible spending on your AmEx business card, but it can be damaged by problems with your account.
