Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
American Express business cards are well known for their rewards programs and generous perks, especially when it comes to travel. In addition, AmEx offers a few 0% intro APR cards that can be great small business credit card options for startups and new businesses.
American Express also issues co-branded cards with Delta, Hilton and Marriott, as well as Amazon and Lowe’s.
To qualify for an AmEx business card, you’ll generally need a good personal credit score of 690 or higher.
Below, you’ll find a breakdown of our favorite American Express business credit cards.
American Express business cards are well known for their rewards programs and generous perks, especially when it comes to travel. In addition, AmEx offers a few 0% intro APR cards that can be great small business credit card options for startups and new businesses.
American Express also issues co-branded cards with Delta, Hilton and Marriott, as well as Amazon and Lowe’s.
To qualify for an AmEx business card, you’ll generally need a good personal credit score of 690 or higher.
Below, you’ll find a breakdown of our favorite American Express 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's website | Best for Intro APR and rewards points | $0 | 1x-2x Points | 15,000 Points | Apply now on American Express's website |
 American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Apply now on American Express's website | Best for Intro APR and cash back | $0 | 1%-2% Cashback | $250 | Apply now on American Express's website |
 American Express® Business Gold Card Apply now on American Express's website | Best for Customized rewards | $295 | 1x-4x Points | 70,000 Points | Apply now on American Express's website |
 The Plum Card® from American Express Apply now on American Express's website | Best for Flexible financing | $250 | 1.5% Cashback | $0 | Apply now on American Express's website |
 The Business Platinum Card® from American Express Apply now on American Express's website | Best for Luxury travel perks and rewards | $595 (10/14-1/12/22) | 1x-5x Points | 120,000 Points | Apply now on American Express's website |
 Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card Apply now on American Express's website | Best for Airline miles | $550 | 1x-3x Miles | 80,000 Miles | Apply now on American Express's website |
 Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card Apply now on American Express's website | Best for Hotel rewards | $125 | 2x-6x Points | 125,000 Points | Apply now on American Express's website |
Our pick for
Intro APR and rewards points
on American Express's website
on American Express's website
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1x-2x
Points
Intro offer
15,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
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 American Express, and other factors.
0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.24% - 19.24%, 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's website
on American Express's website
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-2%
Cashback
Intro offer
$250
Recommended Credit Score
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 American Express and other factors.
0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.24% - 19.24%, 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's website
on American Express's website
Annual fee
$295
Rewards rate
1x-4x
Points
Intro offer
70,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
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.*
AIRLINE BONUS: Get 25% points back after you use points for all or part of an eligible flight booked with Amex Travel, up to 250,000 points back per calendar year.*
PAY OVER TIME OPTION: A flexible payment option with interest to help manage cash flow on purchases of $100 or more.*
*Terms Apply
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Flexible financing
on American Express's website
on American Express's website
Annual fee
$250
Rewards rate
1.5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$0
Recommended Credit Score
Businesses with high working capital needs but sometimes inconsistent cash flow might find The Plum Card® from American Express a perfect fit. This card allows you to pay early and get a discount, or enjoy up to 60 days without interest. Terms apply.
Businesses with high working capital needs but sometimes inconsistent cash flow might find The Plum Card® from American Express a perfect fit. This card allows you to pay early and get a discount, or enjoy up to 60 days without interest. Terms apply.
Pros
With The Plum Card® from American Express, if you pay your bill within 10 days of your statement closing date, you get an automatic 1.5% discount.
If you need more time, pay the minimum due, and you can get up to 60 days without interest to pay the rest. The card also has no preset spending limit, meaning your spending limit is flexible. Unlike a traditional card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment and credit history. Terms apply.
Cons
With a sizable annual fee, this card is designed for businesses that spend big. And although it offers flexible terms, your entire balance is due each billing cycle — you can't spread out the cost of a purchase over several months.
In addition, unlike many of the American Express business credit cards out there, this card does not offer luxury perks or rewards.
Paying early pays off: get a 1.5% Early Pay Discount, with no cap on what you can earn back.
Take up to 60 days to pay with no interest, when you pay your minimum due by the Payment Due Date.
Use the power of the Plum Card to buy big for your business.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Terms & Restrictions Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Luxury travel perks and rewards
on American Express's website
on American Express's website
Annual fee
$595 (10/14-1/12/22)
Rewards rate
1x-5x
Points
Intro offer
120,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
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
This card earns 5 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on flights and prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com; 1.5 points per $1 on eligible purchases of $5,000 or more; and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. Terms apply.
In addition, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express includes a welcome offer, airport lounge access, business platinum travel service, and a range of other luxury travel perks. Terms apply.
Cons
The $595 (10/14-1/12/22) annual fee is high — you’ll want to determine whether the perks are worth the annual cost of this card.
If you don’t want to pay such a high annual fee, there are other travel rewards cards (including some from AmEx) that you can consider.
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.
Plus, 0% Intro APR for 12 months from the date of the account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time. After that, your APR will be 14.24% to 22.24% based on your credit worthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com.
Earn 1.5X Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else. Cap applies.
Unlock over $1,000 in value per year for statement credits on select purchases with your Card, including up to $400 with Dell Technologies, up to $360 with Indeed, up to $150 with Adobe and up to $120 on wireless telephone purchases. Enrollment required.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year toward baggage fees and more at one qualifying airline.
$179 CLEAR® Credit: Use your Card and get up to $179 back per year on your CLEAR® membership.
Access to more than 1,300 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting with The American Express Global Lounge Collection®. More lounge options than any other credit card on the market as of 8/2020.
$595 Annual Fee ($695 if application is received on or after 01/13/2022).
Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Airline miles
on American Express's website
on American Express's website
Annual fee
$550
Rewards rate
1x-3x
Miles
Intro offer
80,000
Miles
Recommended Credit Score
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.
Limited Time Offer: Earn 80,000 bonus miles, 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs), and a $200 statement credit after spending $5,000 on your new Card in your first 3 months. Offer Ends 11/10/21.
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.
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).
Pay no foreign transaction fees when you spend overseas.
Earn 3 Miles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.
Terms and limitations apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Hotel rewards
on American Express's website
on American Express's website
Annual fee
$125
Rewards rate
2x-6x
Points
Intro offer
125,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
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 Silver 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 Silver 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 U.S. restaurants, 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.
Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points & 2 bonus Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months. Each bonus Free Night Award has a redemption level up to 50K points. Certain hotels have resort fees. Offer ends 11/3/2021.
6x points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program.
4x points at U.S. restaurants, 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 account anniversary. 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 the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. Certain hotels have resort fees.
Enjoy complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status with your Card. Plus, earn Gold Elite status after making $35,000 in eligible purchases on your Card in a 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
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a near-twin to the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, with one key difference: Rather than cash back, it pays you in AmEx Membership Rewards points. Read our review.
Our pick for: Intro APR and cash back
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card boasts one of the better introductory APR offers among business credit cards. Beyond that, you earn a solid cash-back rate (at least for a while — the rate drops after you hit a spending threshold). There's also no annual fee. Read our review.
Our pick for: Customized rewards
The rewards on the American Express® Business Gold Card adjust according to your spending: The card has six bonus categories, such as travel, U.S. restaurants and U.S. gas stations. You automatically earn bonus rewards in the two categories where you spend the most each month. That can translate into outstanding rewards, as long as your business spends money in those categories. If it doesn't, the steep annual fee probably isn't worth it. Read our review.
Our pick for: Flexible financing
Businesses with high working capital needs but sometimes inconsistent cash flow might find The Plum Card® from American Express a perfect fit. Pay early and get a discount, or enjoy up to 60 days without interest. Terms apply. There's a substantial annual fee, but if you're using the card for, say, big inventory purchases, the benefits could far outweigh the costs. Read our review.
Our pick for: Luxury travel perks and rewards
Like the consumer version of this card, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a big annual fee. But business travelers who prefer to go in style will find plenty that appeals to them: high rewards on certain travel purchases, bonus rewards on larger non-travel purchases, a superb newcomer bonus offer, extensive airport lounge access, elite hotel status, hundreds of dollars a year in available credits and a list of perks as long as your arm. It's not cheap, but luxury never is. Terms apply. Read our review.
Our pick for: Airline miles
If your business has you on the road a lot, you'll appreciate the airport lounge access on the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, which includes both Delta's own Sky Clubs and American Express's Centurion Lounges when flying Delta. The annual companion certificate — which is good even in first class — and the checked-bag benefit add considerable value, too. Terms apply. Read our review.
Our pick for: Hotel rewards
The Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card can pay for itself just with the automatic free night's stay every year. Add in automatic elite status, generous rewards, a dandy welcome bonus and more, and it's hard to go wrong. Terms apply. Read our review.
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
• • • • • • • • •
All information about the Business Green Rewards Card from American Express has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Business Green Rewards Card from American Express is no longer available through NerdWallet.
To view rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
To view rates and fees of The Plum Card® from American Express, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Amazon Business American Express Card, see this page.
Last updated on September 30, 2021
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.
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.