The American Express Platinum Card vs. The Business Platinum Card: Why the Business Platinum Card Reigns Supreme

The American Express Platinum Card and the Business Platinum Card are two ultra-premium travel cards that share a long list of high-tier benefits, from access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and Priority Pass lounges worldwide, to exclusive experiences with American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts and complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott. Both cards come with a hefty $695 annual fee, but despite their similarities, the Amex Business Platinum Card stands out as the more compelling choice for frequent travelers. In this article, we’ll explore why the Business Platinum Card is the better option for its exceptional flight benefits, more practical annual credits, and strategic advantages for business users.

1. The Business Platinum Card Is a Game Changer for Flights

One of the most significant advantages of the Business Platinum Card is its ability to enhance the value of your Membership Rewards points when booking flights. Both the Platinum and Business Platinum cards allow you to redeem points for travel through Amex Travel via the Pay with Points feature, which typically offers a lackluster 1 cent per point. However, the Business Platinum Card takes this to the next level with a 35% points rebate on flights booked in business or first class, or economy on the airline you select for your annual travel credit.

This rebate effectively boosts the value of your points to approximately 1.54 cents per point, making it one of the most valuable ways to redeem Membership Rewards points. Additionally, flights booked this way earn frequent flyer miles and elite-qualifying miles, just like cash tickets, and there are no blackout dates or inventory restrictions. To sweeten the deal, Amex’s International Airline Program often offers discounted business-class tickets, allowing you to save even more on premium travel.

2. The Annual Credits Are More Useful

Both cards offer annual statement credits to help offset their high annual fees, but the Business Platinum Card’s credits are far more practical and versatile. The personal Platinum Card offers up to $100 annually in Saks Fifth Avenue credits and up to $200 in Uber credits, but these can be difficult to maximize. For example, the Uber credits are split into monthly installments, which expire at the end of each month and are only valid in the U.S., making them less useful for frequent international travelers.

In contrast, the Business Platinum Card provides statement credits for Dell Technologies, Indeed, Adobe, and U.S. wireless service providers after enrollment. For instance, the Dell credit is easy to use, as Dell offers a wide range of accessories compatible with various devices, and Amex often provides additional discounts or bonus points through Amex Offers. These credits are tailored to business expenses, making them inherently more valuable for professional users.

3. The Business Platinum Card Doesn’t Impact Your Personal Credit Report

Another key advantage of the Business Platinum Card is its minimal impact on your personal credit report. While applying for the card will result in a hard inquiry, once the account is open, it won’t appear on your personal credit report. This is a significant benefit for business owners or frequent travelers who need to make large purchases, as it prevents high balances from negatively affecting your credit score.

Additionally, business credit cards like the Business Platinum Card don’t count toward the Chase 5/24 rule or similar restrictions imposed by other issuers like Bank of America. This means you can apply for the Business Platinum Card without jeopardizing your eligibility for other personal credit cards, giving you more flexibility in managing your credit portfolio.

4. The Business Platinum Card Offers Exceptional Earning Potential

The Business Platinum Card shines when it comes to earning points on everyday purchases. You’ll earn 5 Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, and 1.5 points on eligible purchases at U.S. construction material suppliers, hardware retailers, electronic goods stores, software and cloud providers, and shipping companies. You’ll also earn 1.5 points on purchases of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million per calendar year, making it an excellent choice for large business expenses.

While both cards offer impressive earning potential, the Business Platinum Card’s rewards structure is better suited for business-related expenses, allowing you to maximize points on purchases that are likely to make up a significant portion of your spending. Combine this with the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners, and you have a card that is both versatile and rewarding.

5. The Business Platinum Card Comes with Exclusive Business Perks

The Business Platinum Card is designed with business owners and frequent travelers in mind, offering a suite of perks that go beyond what the personal Platinum Card provides. For example, the card includes a $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit, which can significantly speed up your airport experience, and a $200 airline fee credit for incidentals like baggage fees. Additionally, Hilton Honors Business members can earn up to $200 back annually on eligible purchases at Hilton properties worldwide.

These benefits, combined with the card’s generous lounge access, Amex concierge services, and exclusive travel discounts, make it an invaluable tool for professionals who travel frequently for work. The Business Platinum Card is Essentially a Swiss Army knife of travel rewards, offering something for every type of business expense or trip.

6. Conclusion: The Business Platinum Card Is the Ultimate Travel Companion

While both the American Express Platinum Card and the Business Platinum Card are excellent choices for travelers, the Business Platinum Card’s superior flight benefits, more practical annual credits, and strategic advantages for business users make it the better option. Whether you’re booking discounted business-class flights, maximizing your points with the 35% rebate, or taking advantage of business-focused perks, the Business Platinum Card delivers unmatched value for its $695 annual fee.

For those who can leverage its benefits, the Business Platinum Card is not just a credit card—it’s a powerful tool that can transform the way you travel and manage your business expenses. If you’re considering adding a premium travel card to your wallet, the Amex Business Platinum Card is an investment worth making.