The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: An In-Depth Resource for Business Travelers
As an experienced entrepreneur with nearly 20 years in the field, I’ve had the opportunity to evaluate numerous business credit cards. Some provided notable benefits, while others didn’t provide meaningful value. Yet, one card that consistently shines is The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. With its extensive array of travel and business perks, this card ranks as a premier choice for business owners, freelancers, and anyone involved in a business venture — including side hustles.
In this article, we’ll delve into what sets this card apart, how to fully leverage its advantages, and determine if it aligns with your business requirements.
What Constitutes The Business Platinum Card® from American Express?
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is an elite travel rewards card aimed at business proprietors. Whether you manage a large company or a part-time freelance operation, you might be eligible for this card. Although it comes with a significant annual fee of $695 (with pay over time options), the benefits it offers — especially for those who travel frequently — can surpass the expenses involved.
Key Welcome Bonuses and Rewards
Here’s what awaits you upon enrollment:
– Limited-Time Offer: Acquire 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after expending $20,000 on qualifying purchases within the initial 3 months.
– Additional $500 Statement Credit: Earned after spending $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or via Amex Travel within the same 3-month timeframe. Offer concludes on 6/30/25.
– 5X Points: On flights, prepaid hotel stays, and packages booked via AmexTravel.com.
– 1.5X Points: On eligible purchases at U.S. construction and hardware suppliers, electronics outlets, software/cloud service providers, shipping companies, and purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million per year).
– 1X Points: On all other eligible expenditures.
Membership Rewards Points: Flexible and Rewarding
A major benefit of the card is its Membership Rewards program. These points are highly adaptable and can be transferred to more than 20 airline and hotel partners, typically at a 1:1 ratio. Some of the most sought-after partners include:
– Delta SkyMiles
– Air Canada Aeroplan
– Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
– British Airways Avios
– Marriott Bonvoy
– Hilton Honors (1:2 transfer ratio)
While redeeming points through the Amex Travel portal is an option, transferring them to partners usually provides greater value. Nonetheless, if you decide to book through Amex Travel, you can receive 35% of your points back on qualifying flights — a distinctive and advantageous feature.
Travel Benefits That Matter
The Business Platinum Card® is loaded with travel-related benefits that enhance your airport and accommodation experiences:
Airport Lounge Access
Cardholders enjoy access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection®, which encompasses:
– Centurion Lounges
– Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta, up to 10 visits yearly)
– Priority Pass lounges
– Escape Lounges and others
CLEAR® Plus and TSA PreCheck/Global Entry Credits
– CLEAR® Plus: Up to $199 in annual statement credits to expedite airport security.
– Global Entry or TSA PreCheck: Up to $100 credit every 4 years (Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck).
Airline and Hotel Credits
– Up to $200 Airline Fee Credit: For incidental costs (e.g., baggage fees, seat selection) on one pre-selected airline.
– Up to $200 Hilton Credit: $50 quarterly when booking directly with Hilton (Hilton for Business membership necessary).
– Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status (enrollment required).
Business-Oriented Statement Credits
The card also bolsters your business initiatives with valuable credits:
– Up to $400 Dell Credit: $200 every six months for purchases made at Dell in the U.S. (through June 30, 2025).
– Up to $360 Indeed Credit: $90 quarterly for job postings and recruitment efforts.
– $150 Adobe Credit: Applicable for eligible Adobe Creative Cloud or Acrobat Pro team subscriptions (through June 30, 2025).
– Up to $120 Wireless Credit: $10 monthly for U.S. wireless provider billing.
Amex Offers
Amex Offers is a lesser-known benefit that can save you hundreds each year. These rotating promotions grant cash back or bonus points for spending at particular retailers and service providers. Offers are customized and easily activated through your online account or mobile app.
Travel Insurance and Protection
The Business Platinum Card® provides a comprehensive travel insurance package:
– Trip Delay and Cancellation Coverage
– Emergency Medical Evacuation
– Baggage Insurance
– Cell Phone Protection: Up to $800 per claim (two claims per 12 months), with a $50 deductible, provided you use the card to pay your wireless bill.
These safeguards offer reassurance, particularly for frequent travelers.