American Express Business Platinum Card Review: Premium Perks For Serious Businesses
In the realm of premium business credit cards, the American Express Business Platinum Card is a heavyweight contender. Many entrepreneurs and small business owners gravitate toward it for its robust suite of benefits, including lounge access, travel credits, and valuable Membership Rewards points. However, this card also carries a notably high annual fee, and its earning structure may not be for everyone. So, how do you decide if the Amex Business Platinum is worth it for your business?
In this detailed review, we’ll walk you through the card’s welcome offer, annual fee, core benefits, and overall value proposition. By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of whether it deserves a place in your wallet, or if another card might be a better fit for your needs.
American Express Business Platinum Card Review
Table of Contents
American Express Business Platinum Card Review
Amex Business Platinum Card Basics
The American Express Business Platinum Card targets small and mid-sized businesses that desire high-end travel benefits, luxurious lounge access, and a suite of statement credits aimed at offsetting its steep annual fee. While it shares many traits with the personal Platinum Card from Amex, the Business Platinum includes unique perks that cater specifically to entrepreneurs and companies—especially those with substantial spending on travel, technology, and other business essentials.
Key things to note:
A hefty annual fee of $695 (see Rates & Fees)
Potential for large welcome offers (often well above 100,000 Membership Rewards points)
Solid premium travel perks, including multiple airline, hotel, and rental car benefits
Extensive lounge access—one of the card’s biggest draws for frequent travelers
A strong focus on “business” categories like high-value purchases ($5,000+ transactions) and select industries (shipping, computing, etc.)
The card is best suited for business owners who can:
Use enough of the annual statement credits to help justify the cost.
Take advantage of the card’s higher redemption rates, such as 35% points back on select airfare.
Value the lounge access, hotel/rental car status, and other travel benefits.
American Express Business Platinum Card Review
Welcome Offer & Eligibility
Welcome Offer
The Amex Business Platinum frequently features some of the best sign-up bonuses in the business card space. The exact amount can vary depending on promotions, targeted offers, or referral links. At the time of writing, you might see a welcome bonus of up to 200,000 Membership Rewards points after hitting a certain spending threshold (for example, $20,000 in the first three months). Always check the most recent terms to confirm the current deal.
Points Valuation
Membership Rewards points are incredibly flexible. We estimate a baseline value of around 1.7 cents per point if you redeem them wisely (for instance, by transferring to airline partners). That puts many current welcome bonuses in the neighborhood of $2,550 in potential value—a compelling reason to consider applying if you can meet the spending requirement.
Eligibility & “Once In A Lifetime” Rule
Amex generally imposes a “once in a lifetime” rule for welcome bonuses. That means if you’ve previously held the Business Platinum (and collected the bonus), you typically won’t qualify for a new one. You could still get approved for the card, but wouldn’t receive the sign-up points. If you’re new to the card, or have only had other Amex business cards (like the Blue Business Plus or Business Gold) in the past, you’re likely in the clear—assuming your credit profile meets American Express’ standards.
American Express Business Platinum Card Review
Annual Fee & Authorized User Costs
Annual Fee: $695
There’s no sugarcoating it: $695 per year (see Rates & Fees) is on the higher end for a business card. This parallels the personal Platinum Card, which carries an identical annual fee. Whether or not you recover that cost hinges on your usage of the card’s various credits, lounge access, and other perks.
Is The Fee Justifiable?
Frequent flyers: If you travel often and leverage lounge access, airline fee credits, and premium hotel/rental car statuses, you could save a lot of out-of-pocket expenses that might have otherwise gone to memberships or airline seat upgrades.
Heavy Dell or Tech Spenders: The card’s annual $400 Dell credit is a potential game-changer if your company routinely purchases software or hardware.
CLEAR & Airline Fee Credits: These are straightforward for frequent travelers, offsetting part of the fee.
If your company’s spending and travel patterns align with these credits, you might see an “effective” net fee much lower than $695. But if you won’t use the monthly or annual credits, that cost can sting.
Authorized User Fee: $350 Per User
Unfortunately, the authorized user cost is also among the highest in the market. Each additional card costs $350 per year (see Rates & Fees). That user will receive lounge access, elite statuses, and other travel privileges, but they won’t get separate statement credits. If you’d like to extend lounge privileges to co-owners or top employees, you’ll need to weigh whether paying an additional $350 makes sense.
American Express Business Platinum Card Review
Earning Points
When you’re paying nearly $700 per year for a business credit card, you’d probably hope it offers top-tier rewards on everyday purchases. While the Amex Business Platinum does deliver in specific categories, it’s not as broadly rewarding as some other business cards, especially for routine spend under $5,000.
Bonus Categories
5x Points on Flights & Prepaid Hotels via Amex Travel
Book flights or prepaid hotels through Amex Travel to earn 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar.
Note that with hotels, you typically won’t earn loyalty points in your preferred hotel program (unless it’s an Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts booking).
For flights, always compare prices with direct airline bookings to ensure you’re not overpaying.
1.5x Points on Big-Ticket Purchases & Select Categories
Earn 1.5x points on eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million per calendar year).
Earn 1.5x points in select categories, including U.S. shipping, electronics, software, and certain cloud computing services.
This bonus is beneficial for businesses that regularly place large orders—maybe for inventory, computer hardware, or manufacturing equipment.
1x Points on Everything Else
All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar.
If you plan to put a lot of everyday spending on this card, 1x isn’t very exciting. You might want to pair this card with another American Express business card (like the Blue Business Plus or Business Gold) to optimize your returns.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
When traveling internationally, you won’t be charged extra fees on purchases made in foreign currencies (see Rates & Fees). This is a valuable benefit if your business frequently operates across borders.
American Express Business Platinum Card Review
Redeeming Points
The Business Platinum earns Membership Rewards, one of the most versatile points currencies available. You can redeem them for:
Airline & Hotel Transfers
Transfer points to 18 airline and three hotel partners, including Delta SkyMiles, British Airways Executive Club, Emirates Skywards, Singapore KrisFlyer, Marriott Bonvoy, and more.
Occasionally, Amex runs transfer bonuses (e.g., 20-30% more miles when moving points). This can significantly boost the value you get, especially if you aim for premium cabin redemptions on first or business class tickets.
Pay With Points (35% Rebate on Eligible Flights)
If you book via Amex Travel using the “Pay with Points” feature, you typically get 1 cent per point in value.
However, as a Business Platinum cardholder, you receive 35% of your points back on first/business class tickets or on any flight in the main cabin of your selected airline.
This boosts your redemption rate to roughly 1.54 cents per point.
You can recoup up to 1 million points per calendar year via this perk, which is substantial for heavy spenders.
Other Redemption Options
Cash back, gift cards, Amazon shopping—these generally yield less than 1 cent per point, so they’re not recommended if you want maximum value.
Statement credits for random purchases also usually yield a subpar valuation compared to airline or hotel redemptions.
Maximizing Value
Pro Tip: If your business flights are regularly booked in first or business class—or you have a specific airline you fly frequently—this 35% points-back perk can be huge. You’re essentially getting 1.5+ cents per point, which is above average compared to many other rewards programs.
American Express Business Platinum Card Review
Annual Credits & Rebates (Worth Up To $1,409)
The Business Platinum offers an impressive array of credits. While it’s unlikely you’ll fully exploit each credit to its maximum, using a few consistently can help offset the $695 annual fee. (Enrollment is required for select benefits.)
$200 Airline Fee Credit
Each calendar year, you select one qualifying airline (United, Delta, Southwest, etc.) and charge incidentals (checked bags, seat upgrades, Wi-Fi). Amex reimburses up to $200 total.
Doesn’t cover airfare itself—only ancillary charges.
$400 Dell Credit
Split into two $200 increments, one for January–June and the other for July–December.
Can be applied to various items from Dell, including laptops, peripherals, and even third-party electronics like Bose headphones.
$199 CLEAR Plus Credit
CLEAR Plus speeds up the ID check process at select airports and stadiums across the United States.
Pay with your Business Platinum, and Amex refunds the membership cost (up to $199 annually).
$360 Indeed Credit
Allocated as $90 quarterly.
Applies to Indeed hiring, recruiting services, or job posting fees. Great for a business frequently advertising open positions.
$150 Adobe Credit
Useable toward select Adobe Creative Cloud products or Acrobat Pro DC e-sign solutions.
Provided as statement credits once you charge an eligible Adobe subscription.
$120 Wireless Credit
$10 per month, offsetting cell phone bills charged directly with a U.S. wireless provider.
When you sum these up, you get $1,409 in potential annual credits. That’s enormous if you can realistically use them. Of course, the real question is whether these categories align with your business expenses. If so, your net out-of-pocket for the card effectively drops to a fraction of the sticker price.
American Express Business Platinum Card Review
Business Travel Perks
Beyond the statement credits, the Amex Business Platinum is laden with travel perks that elevate your experience on the road—or in the air.
Hotel Elite Status
Hilton Honors Gold: Enjoy complimentary breakfast (or a dining credit, depending on the brand), possible room upgrades, late check-out, and an 80% earning bonus on paid stays.
Marriott Bonvoy Gold: Receive a modest upgrade at check-in (if available), 2PM late check-out, and a 25% points bonus on paid stays.
These statuses won’t match top-tier perks like free suite upgrades or lounge access, but they do offer enough benefits to sweeten hotel stays.
Rental Car Perks
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle: Enjoy guaranteed car-class upgrades, expedited check-in/out, and a higher points multiplier on rentals.
National Emerald Club Executive: Pick from a dedicated lot, skip the counter at many locations, and access free one-class upgrades.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit
You’ll get one application fee rebate every four years for Global Entry or every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck. If you or your staff still need these services, the $100 credit covers the cost in full.
International Airline Program
The International Airline Program can shave hundreds—or sometimes even thousands—off premium cabin fares with nearly two dozen participating carriers. This alone can recoup the card’s annual fee if you frequently book first or business class tickets across the Atlantic or Pacific.
Fine Hotels & Resorts
Amex’s Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) platform grants special benefits at luxury properties globally, such as daily breakfast for two, guaranteed 4PM checkout, room upgrades, and property credits. Rates often mirror the “best flexible rate,” making it a valuable perk for business owners mixing work and leisure travel.
American Express Business Platinum Card Review
Amex Business Platinum Lounge Access
The Global Lounge Collection is arguably the crown jewel of the Business Platinum’s travel benefits. It offers:
Amex Centurion Lounges
Premium lounges featuring chef-driven menus, craft cocktails, and even spa treatments in some locations.
Access up to three hours before departure (exceptions apply for connections).
Guest access is only free if you spend at least $75,000 on the card each calendar year; otherwise, fees may apply.
Delta Sky Club
Access for the primary cardholder when flying Delta the same day.
Guests cost $50 each.
Priority Pass
Over 1,300 lounges worldwide, although Amex’s version excludes restaurant credits.
Bring up to two guests at no additional cost.
Escape Lounges & Select Lufthansa Lounges
Escape Lounges in several U.S. airports—think snacks, comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi.
Lufthansa Lounges when traveling on Lufthansa Group tickets (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian) in certain airports.
Who Benefits Most?
Business travelers who traverse multiple airports monthly will see the greatest advantage. You can skip crowded terminal seating and refresh in a lounge with free Wi-Fi, snacks, or hot meals. If you only fly a few times a year, weigh how much you’d truly value these perks.
American Express Business Platinum Card Review
Is The Amex Business Platinum Right For You?
The Amex Business Platinum has a clear audience: business owners who want a premium travel experience and can leverage the card’s annual credits. Typically, it’s an excellent fit if:
You Travel Often
Whether domestic or international, the lounge access alone can enhance frequent flights.
You enjoy Marriott or Hilton properties often enough to appreciate Gold status perks.
You’re likely to use the airline fee credit to offset incidental expenses.
Your Company Spends Big
Large purchases ($5,000+) earn 1.5x points. If you’re making frequent five-figure purchases for inventory or services, those points can pile up quickly.
The 5x on flights and prepaid hotels (via Amex Travel) also adds up if you book premium or moderate business travel frequently.
You Can Maximize Multiple Credits
The $400 Dell credit goes a long way if your business regularly buys computers, monitors, or corporate gifts.
The $199 CLEAR credit offsets the entire membership fee for expedited airport lines.
The $200 airline fee credit, $360 Indeed credit, $150 Adobe credit, and $120 wireless credit can further chip away at the annual fee.
On the flip side, if:
You rarely fly, or primarily use budget carriers, the lounge perks and airline credits might not justify the fee.
Your business spending doesn’t align with the 1.5x categories or high-value purchases.
You can’t reliably use the Dell, Adobe, or Indeed credits.
Then a cheaper (or more flexible) rewards card could be a smarter bet.
American Express Business Platinum Card Review
Other Amex Business Cards To Consider
American Express offers a portfolio of business cards that might pair well—or even replace—the Business Platinum for certain companies.
Blue Business® Plus Credit Card
No annual fee, earns 2x Membership Rewards points on the first $50,000 spent each calendar year (1x thereafter).
Perfect for everyday, smaller purchases where you’d only earn 1x on the Platinum.
American Express® Business Gold Card
$375 annual fee (see Rates & Fees), with 4x points on your top two spending categories each billing cycle (among six options: US restaurants, US gas stations, shipping, advertising, technology, and travel).
Maximum of $150,000 in combined 4x categories per calendar year.
A more balanced choice for businesses that spend broadly in a few categories.
If you want to remain in the Amex ecosystem, combining the Business Platinum for lounge access and premium credits with the Blue Business Plus or Business Gold for daily spend can yield an excellent overall strategy.
American Express Business Platinum Card Review
Bottom Line & Final Thoughts
The American Express Business Platinum Card stands out for its executive travel perks, hefty sign-up bonus, and abundant statement credits that can offset much—if not all—of the $695 annual fee. Frequent flyers, businesses with large-ticket expenses, and those who can utilize the array of credits will likely find substantial value here. Meanwhile, the lounge access benefits are second to none in the business card market, offering coverage with Amex Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, Priority Pass, and more.
That said, if your spending rarely triggers the 1.5x bonus categories, and if the card’s credits don’t naturally align with your monthly or quarterly expenses, you might be paying for perks you don’t use. In that case, you could explore more wallet-friendly alternatives like the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card from Chase or the Amex Business Gold, both of which have robust rewards structures and lower annual fees.
In short, the Amex Business Platinum can be a game-changer for certain businesses, offering the potential to recoup its cost multiple times over. The key is to evaluate your spending profile, travel habits, and tech needs—because if you can leverage its benefits in all the right ways, you’ll feel like you’ve unlocked first-class status in your day-to-day operations.
