Credit Cards Travel Credit Cards

17 Benefits That Set The Business Platinum Card® from American Express Apart

Frequent business travelers could get thousands of dollars in value from the card’s perks and benefits.

Updated Oct. 23, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

As a business owner, you may have to travel often for work. Between meetings, rushing to get to the gate in time, and trying to get work done during a layover, that can be stressful.

But applying for a travel rewards card can actually improve your experience. You can get perks like airport lounge access and travel insurance, giving you peace of mind. But what card makes the most sense?

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a great option for business owners due to the perks that it offers. Below, learn about the Amex Business Platinum’s benefits and how to get the most value from your card.

About the Amex Business Platinum

The Amex Business Platinum Card is an elite card for business owners. With a $695 annual fee, it has a steep price tag, but it offers valuable rewards and benefits that could offset the cost.

With it, you’ll earn 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on Amextravel.com; 1.5X points on eligible purchases at U.S. suppliers of construction materials and hardware, U.S. retailers of electronic goods, U.S. providers of shipping, software and cloud systems, and eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million per year, then 1X), and 1X points per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases (purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus).

You can redeem your points in a variety of ways, including using your points to pay at checkout at select retailers, gift cards, statement credits, travel arrangements, and point transfers to Amex’s airline and hotel partners. Though the exact dollar value of each point varies based on how you redeem it, points are generally worth one cent each.

One thing to keep in mind is that, unlike The Platinum Card® from American Express, the Business version of the card does not offer Uber credits. If you frequently use Uber for business travel, that could be a significant drawback.

17 valuable Amex Business Platinum benefits

The Amex Business Platinum Card offers valuable rewards for all cardholders. Check out these standout benefits.

1. Generous welcome offer

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months.

2. 35% airline bonus

Use your rewards points to book first- and business-class flights on your chosen qualifying airline or through Amex Travel and you’ll get 35% of those points back, for up to 1,000,000 points back per calendar year. Points are credited to your account within six to 10 weeks after eligible airfare purchases appear on your billing statement.

3. $400 annual Dell statement credit

If you’re planning on upgrading your company’s technology, you’re in luck: You can get up to $400 in statement credits when you use your card to pay for Dell purchases, such as laptops, monitors, or work stations. (This benefit requires enrollment.)

4. American Express Global Lounge Collection

When you travel for business, being able to find a quiet place to work with reliable WiFi is important. Access to airport lounges is a luxury that can help you relax or stay productive.

With your card, you’ll get complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. You’ll enjoy amenities like free WiFi, beverages, snacks, and dedicated workspaces. Select benefits require enrollment.

To put that into perspective, day passes at airport lounges typically cost between $29 and $75. If you travel often, getting free lounge access can save you a significant amount of money over time.

5. $200 airline fee credit

Choose a qualifying airline and use your card to pay for incidental fees, such as in-flight refreshments and baggage fees, and you’ll get statement credits worth up to $200. You must select the airline ahead of time to qualify for the statement credit, and you can select a new airline each year in January.

6. Fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

Airport security can be a nightmare, but expedited security programs like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck can help you speed through the process. Use your card to pay for your application fee, and you’ll receive a statement credit of up to $100 every four years for Global Entry or up to $85 every four and a half years for TSA PreCheck.

7. $199 Statement credit for CLEAR® Plus membership

Using biometrics to create a touchless ID, CLEAR® will help you move more efficiently through security at select airports and stadiums in the U.S. You’ll receive a statement credit of up to $199 for CLEAR Plus when you use your card to pay for your membership.

8. Annual $360 Indeed credit

Receive up to $360 in Indeed credit each year. Indeed offers services that can help your business grow, including ways to find the talent you need. This benefit requires enrollment.

9. $150 Adobe credit each year

Receive up to $150 in Adobe credit each year. This includes eligible Creative Cloud and Acrobat Pro DC plans. This benefit requires enrollment.

10. $120 statement credit for wireless telephone services

Receive up to $120 in wireless telephone services credit each year. This credit is spread out by month, so you can receive up to $10 in credit every month for an annual total of $120. Eligible purchases include any purchase made directly with a U.S. wireless provider. This benefit requires enrollment.

11. Fine Hotels & Resorts perks

Book your hotel stay through Amex’s Fine Hotels & Resorts program, and you’ll get perks like complimentary breakfast, early or late check-ins, and room upgrades. You could even get credits to access hotel amenities, valued at up to $100.

12. Elite status at Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton properties

As an Amex Business Platinum cardholder, you get Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status without having to meet any stay requirements. As a Gold Elite Status member, you’ll enjoy benefits like room upgrades, free late checkout, complimentary WiFi, and a welcome gift.

You’re also given automatic Hilton Honors Gold Status. If you stay at a Hilton-brand hotel, you could get room upgrades, late checkouts, complimentary breakfast, and more. To be eligible for status at either hotel, you must enroll in this benefit.

13. Business Platinum Card Concierge

As a cardmember, you can use the Business Platinum Card Concierge to handle certain tasks, such as arranging lunch meetings. You can contact the concierge via phone or email.

14. Preferred Seating Program

At select cultural and sporting events, you can get premium seats that are set aside exclusively for American Express cardholders. This can be a useful perk if you’re looking for an entertainment option for business clients, as you could score great seats that would otherwise be unavailable.

15. Global Dining Collection

You can get access to special reservations at restaurants all over the world. As a cardholder, you can also enjoy special experiences, such as chef meet and greets.

16. Business Platinum Travel Service

If you need help making travel arrangements, you can get complimentary assistance through the Business Platinum Travel Service. The representatives will offer recommendations and help you create custom itineraries.

17. Premium car rental privileges

You’ll get complimentary membership to premium car rental programs with Avis, Hertz, and National, giving you access to special discounts and upgrades when available. (This benefit requires enrollment.)

Additional benefits

The Amex Business Platinum Card has some unique benefits for business owners. However, it also offers other perks that are typical of elite rewards cards that can help you save on travel and shopping. 

  • No foreign transaction fees: Worried about foreign transaction fees? The Amex Business Platinum has none, so you don’t have to worry about extra charges when traveling outside the U.S. or making online purchases with international retailers.
  • Car rental loss and damage insurance: Decline the rental car company’s insurance, and you’ll get secondary coverage against damage and theft.
  • Baggage insurance: Use your card to pay for your fare and baggage that is lost, stolen, or damaged will be covered. Get up to $2,000 for checked baggage and up to $3,000 for both checked and carry-on luggage.
  • Premium Global Assist Hotline: If you need assistance when traveling overseas, you can call the American Express credit cards hotline to get medical, legal, or financial referrals.
  • Extended warranty: Eligible purchases will have their warranties extended by up to one additional year.
  • Purchase protection: When you make a purchase with your Card, you’re covered for 90 days against damage, loss, and theft, up to $10,000 per occurrence and up to $50,000 per account per calendar year.

Is the Amex Business Platinum right for you?

If you’re a business owner looking for a premium rewards card, the Amex Business Platinum Card may be a great fit for you.

It offers a robust rewards program, and it has significant benefits that can enhance business travel and provide extra protection for your business. If you travel frequently for work, you could potentially offset the annual fee, making it well worth the expense.

Premium Business Rewards

4.8
info

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Current Offer

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$695

Rewards Rate

5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on Amextravel.com; 1.5X points on eligible purchases at U.S. suppliers of construction materials and hardware, U.S. retailers of electronic goods, U.S. providers of shipping, software and cloud systems, and eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million per year, then 1X), and 1X points per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases (purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus)

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details