Choosing Between Amex Platinum and Business Platinum Cards

When it comes to premium credit cards, the American Express Platinum options stand out for their exceptional travel and lifestyle benefits. The two most prominent choices are The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. Both cards carry an annual fee of $695, making them significant investments for those seeking luxury perks and rewards.

While the two cards share several benefits, including Membership Rewards points and a range of travel-related perks, they also have distinct differences that can influence your decision on which card is best suited for your needs. This article will provide a detailed comparison of the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum cards, focusing on their welcome offers, earning rates, major perks, and available credits.

Welcome Offers and Points Earning Potential

Both cards come with enticing welcome offers, but the requirements to earn these bonuses vary significantly.

– Amex Platinum Card: New cardholders can earn up to 175,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months. This averages out to just over $1,333 per month.

– Business Platinum Card: In contrast, this card offers a welcome bonus of 150,000 points, but the spending requirement is much higher at $20,000 within the first three months, which breaks down to approximately $6,667 per month.

According to TPG’s July 2025 valuations, Membership Rewards points are worth about 2 cents each. This means the welcome bonus for the Amex Platinum could be valued at up to $3,500, while the Business Platinum’s bonus is worth around $3,000 when factoring in statement credits. Thus, the winner in terms of value is a tie, assuming you qualify for the highest offer on the Amex Platinum.

Travel and Lifestyle Perks

Both cards excel in providing travel and lifestyle perks, making them attractive options for frequent travelers. However, each card has exclusive benefits that cater to different user needs.

# Amex Platinum Card Perks

– Lounge Access: Cardholders receive access to the Delta Sky Club and other lounges when flying Delta on the same day.
– Travel Protections: Comprehensive travel insurance and protections, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
– Concierge Service: Access to a dedicated concierge to assist with travel arrangements, dining reservations, and more.

# Business Platinum Card Perks

– 35% Points Rebate: When booking flights directly with points through Amex Travel, business cardholders receive a 35% rebate on points used for tickets on their designated airline or for business and first class on any airline, up to one million points each calendar year.
– Expense Management Tools: Tools designed to help business owners manage expenses more effectively.

In terms of perks, both cards provide significant value, and the winner here is also a tie, as the best choice will depend on whether you prioritize personal travel benefits or business-related perks.

Points Earning Rates

Both cards offer competitive points earning rates, particularly for travel-related purchases.

– Amex Platinum Card: Earns 5 points per dollar on airfare purchased directly from airlines and prepaid hotel bookings through Amex Travel. However, earning 5 points on airfare is limited to the first $500,000 spent each calendar year, after which you earn 1 point per dollar.

– Business Platinum Card: Also earns 5 points per dollar on airfare purchased through Amex Travel. Additionally, it earns 1.5 points per dollar on purchases of $5,000 or more in select business categories, up to $2 million per year, after which you earn 1 point per dollar.

For those making larger purchases, the Business Platinum card is the clear winner due to its higher earning potential on significant transactions.

Redemption Options

Both cards allow for flexible redemption options, including travel, gift cards, and statement credits. However, the Business Platinum card has an edge with its unique points rebate feature.

The ability to earn a 35% rebate on points used for eligible flights makes the Business Platinum particularly advantageous for frequent travelers who book flights through Amex Travel. This feature can lead to substantial savings over time.

Transfer Partners

Both the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum cards provide access to the same 20 airline and hotel transfer partners, which can greatly enhance the value of Membership Rewards points. Some of the most lucrative partners include Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer.

With the ability to transfer points to these partners, cardholders can maximize their rewards and enjoy premium travel experiences.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum cards ultimately depends on your spending habits and travel needs. If you are an individual who travels frequently and values personal perks, the Amex Platinum may be the better fit. However, if you own a business and regularly incur significant expenses, the Business Platinum card could offer greater value due to its enhanced earning potential and exclusive benefits.

Both cards are designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life and want to leverage their spending for rewards that can transform travel experiences. Whichever option you choose, ensure that the benefits align with your lifestyle and spending patterns to make the most of your investment.

For more detailed reviews of each card and to apply, visit the Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum pages directly.