Why Choose the Amex Business Platinum Over the Personal Platinum?

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a standout option for small business owners and avid travelers alike. With an annual fee of $695, this card is packed with perks that can enhance your travel experience and reward your spending. While it often gets overshadowed by its personal counterpart, The Platinum Card® from American Express—also priced at $695—there are compelling reasons to consider the Business Platinum as your go-to travel rewards card.

As both cards are set to undergo significant updates in the fall, including potential increases in their annual fees, let’s explore why the Business Platinum may be the better choice for you, especially if you are only planning to hold one of these prestigious cards.

Key Differences Between the Cards

Before diving into the benefits of the Business Platinum, it’s essential to understand the key differences between the two cards. Both cards offer similar benefits but differ in earning structures, welcome bonuses, and additional perks.

1. Welcome Bonus Eligibility: American Express has tightened eligibility for welcome bonuses across its card offerings. If you’ve previously held the personal Platinum Card or similar variants, you may not qualify for its current welcome offer. In contrast, the Business Platinum may provide an opportunity to earn significant Membership Rewards points if you haven’t held this card before.

2. Spending Requirements: To earn the welcome bonus with the Business Platinum, you must spend $20,000 within the first three months. While this may seem steep, it is manageable for many small businesses. The personal Platinum card, on the other hand, has a lower requirement of $8,000 to be met within six months, which may be more appealing if you’re not ready to commit to the larger spend.

3. Earning Potential: Both cards earn 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked through Amex Travel. However, the personal card also earns 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines, while the Business Platinum does not. Additionally, the personal card has a cap of $500,000 in eligible flight spending per year, whereas the Business Platinum has no such cap, making it a better choice for frequent flyers.

4. Unique Earning Structure: The Business Platinum offers cardmembers a 35% points bonus when redeeming through Amex’s Pay with Points feature, a benefit not available with the personal card. This can lead to substantial savings when booking premium class tickets, potentially saving you tens of thousands of points.

5. Annual Statement Credits: The Business Platinum provides various statement credits that can benefit small business owners, such as credits for purchases from Adobe, Dell, and U.S. wireless providers. In contrast, the personal card includes lifestyle credits for services like Clear Plus and Equinox, which may not be as relevant for business needs.

6. Ongoing Rewards and Benefits: The personal card offers benefits like up to $15 in Uber Cash each month, which can accumulate to $200 annually. However, if you don’t regularly use Uber, this benefit may not be as valuable. The Business Platinum, with its focus on business-related expenses, might offer more relevant perks for entrepreneurs.

7. Flexibility and Strategy: If you have the ability to meet the Business Platinum’s minimum spending requirement through regular business expenses, you could maximize the rewards and benefits. However, if the spending threshold seems daunting, the personal Platinum might be a better fit for your financial habits.

Conclusion: Which Card is Right for You?

Both the Amex Business Platinum and the personal Platinum Card are excellent options for those seeking to maximize their travel rewards. The choice ultimately depends on your spending habits, travel preferences, and eligibility for welcome bonuses.

If you often spend on flights through Amex Travel and have business-related expenses that can help you meet the higher spending requirement, the Business Platinum may provide superior value. On the other hand, if you prefer a lower spending threshold and rewards for direct airline bookings, the personal Platinum could be your best bet.

Consider your financial habits, the types of travel you engage in, and which perks you are most likely to utilize. If you find that both cards offer unique benefits that align with your lifestyle, you might even consider applying for both to maximize your rewards potential.

For more information on applying for these cards, you can explore the Business Platinum Card from American Express or the Platinum Card from American Express.

Traveling is about making the most of your experiences, and with the right credit card, you can turn everyday spending into extraordinary adventures.