American Express Business Platinum Review

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN FOR A LIMITED TIME: Earn 25,000 Membership Rewards® points by spending $5,000 in the first 3 months. Enroll and select an airline to receive up to $200 annually in statement credits for incidental fees such as checked bags, in–flight refreshments, and change fees.* 20% Travel Bonus when redeeming with Membership Rewards® Pay with Points Take advantage of 40 premium benefits and rewards, including 24/7 concierge service and dedicated business consultants Complimentary airport club access to 600+ partner lounges, a $950/yr value By Invitation Only: Receive exclusive access to events, ideal for entertaining clients or treating staff, worldwide that aren't available to the general public No pre-set spending limit* Go to issuer's official application, terms, and details Intro APR for Purchases Intro APR for Balance Transfer APR as low as Annual Fee - - N/A $450

These great benefits do come with a steep annual fee of $450, so you'll want to carefully consider whether your business would use the features outlined below.

Business Travel Rewards

Business Platinum Card members earn reward points on travel purchases and gain access to exclusive benefits.

Rewards include a 20% travel bonus when cardholders redeem at least 5,000 points toward travel purchases through Membership Rewards Pay with Points. Points can be redeemed at 21 airlines and hundreds of hotels worldwide, so it’s likely that professionals won’t have to change their business travel habits in order to take advantage of the rewards. Members also receive a $200 Airline Fee Credit to cover qualifying incidental fees they come across during their business travels.

The card also helps take some of the stress out of business traveling through Airport Club Access, which gives complimentary access to airline clubs worldwide, including the American Airlines Admirals Clubs, US Airways Club, and Delta Sky Clubs. Access to these clubs would typically cost $950 annually, but card members get access for free. Cardholders are also able to share this benefit with two guests, so fellow business travelers can join in on the relaxation.

Concierge
Other travel benefits include access to a concierge service, car rental loss and damage insurance, membership in elite auto rental programs, hotel room upgrades, and the Platinum Office Program. This program allows cardholders to gain access to 1,000 internet-equipped business lounges in 450 major cities throughout the world.

Office Purchase Rewards

If your business doesn’t require travel, there are other benefits that you can utilize. The card provides 1 Membership Rewards point for every dollar that is spent with the card. The card also provides access to OPEN Savings, which saves businesses on expenses through companies like FedEx and Hyatt Hotels & Resorts.

The Business Platinum Card also provides businesses with extra purchase protections, including extended warranty and return protection. With the purchase protection, businesses receive 90-day coverage against theft or accidental damage to equipment. The protection is good for up to $1,000 per occurrence and up to $50,000 per cardmember per year, so companies can save big in the event of theft or accident.

Benefits: Staying Safe

The Business Platinum Card also equips your business with extra protections, such as travel accident insurance, emergency card replacement, identity theft assistance, roadside assistance and travel assistance, so you will be prepared no matter what is thrown your way while on the road, at the office or anywhere in between.

Pros

• Great rewards program with bonus point offers
  
• Airport Club Access, $200 Airline Fee Credit and other travel benefits
  
• Top-notch customer service, including a concierge service

Cons

• $450 annual fee, which is not waived the first year
  
• Requires excellent credit
  
• Less flexible payment options than some other AMEX cards

Bottom Line

The Business Platinum Card from American Express offers top-of-the-line travel services to business executives who have an established credit history and stable cash flow.

(Editing by Erin K)