💳 A Review of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express


 In the world of business credit cards, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is often considered the gold standard—actually, platinum standard. Designed for entrepreneurs, executives, and business owners who travel frequently or spend big on operations, this card is packed with premium benefits. But with a high annual fee of $695, is it truly worth the investment?

Let’s dive deep into the features, perks, drawbacks, and who should consider this card in 2025.

✈️ Unmatched Travel Benefits

1. Extensive Airport Lounge Access

Arguably the card’s most loved perk, this gives you entry into over 1,400 lounges worldwide:

  • American Express Centurion Lounges (premium food, drinks, Wi-Fi)

  • Priority Pass™ Select Lounges

  • Delta Sky Club® (when flying Delta)

  • Plaza Premium, Escape Lounges, and more

🧳 Imagine skipping crowded airport terminals and relaxing in a plush lounge with free food, drinks, and fast Wi-Fi between flights.

2. $200 Airline Fee Credit (Annual)

Choose a qualifying airline each year and get up to $200 reimbursed for incidental charges like:

  • Checked bags

  • In-flight snacks

  • Seat upgrades

  • Change fees

📌 You don’t have to buy a flight—just use the card for extras and get credited.

3. $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit

CLEAR® speeds up identity verification at select U.S. airports and stadiums. The card reimburses the $189 annual fee.

✈️ Combine CLEAR with TSA PreCheck, and you’ll breeze through security in minutes.

4. Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit

Every 4–5 years, Amex will cover up to $100 in application fees for these trusted traveler programs. It’s a time-saver for anyone who flies even a few times a year.

5. Hotel Elite Status

You’ll get Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, which brings:

  • Room upgrades (when available)

  • Late checkout

  • Free breakfast (at some properties)

  • Bonus points on hotel stays

💼 Business-Focused Perks

1. 1.5x Points in Business Categories

You’ll earn 1.5x Membership Rewards points (instead of 1x) on:

  • U.S. purchases of $5,000 or more
  • Eligible purchases in:
  •  Construction & hardware suppliers

  • Electronic goods retailers
  • Software & cloud providers
  • Shipping and advertising services

📊 For businesses spending heavily on operations, this leads to significant points accumulation.

2. Flexible Payment with “Pay Over Time”

Unlike traditional charge cards that require full payment every month, Amex gives you the option to pay eligible purchases over time with interest—offering some cash flow flexibility.

3. Free Employee Cards

You can issue cards to employees at no extra cost (basic version) and monitor spending, set limits, and even earn points on their purchases.

💡 This helps streamline business expenses and track everything in one place.

🏅 Rewards & Redemption

What Are Membership Rewards® Points Worth?

These flexible points can be used in many ways:

  • Travel via Amex Travel (up to 1 cent/point)
  • Transfer to airline/hotel partners (potentially 1.5–2 cents/point)
  • Gift cards, merchandise, statement credits (usually lower value)

Transfer Partners (Highlights):

  • Airlines: Delta, British Airways, Emirates, ANA, Singapore Airlines
  • Hotels: Marriott, Hilton
🧭 A smart user can extract thousands of dollars in value by using transfer partners for first-class flights or luxury hotels.

💔 Drawbacks to Consider

  • High Annual Fee: $695 is not cheap—it only makes sense if you maximize the perks.
  • Limited General Spending Rewards: You earn only 1x on many purchases; other cards may offer better everyday cash back or points.
  • Complex Benefit System: To get full value, you need to actively use lounge access, fee credits, hotel statuses, and more.

👤 Who Should Get This Card?

This card is not for everyone. It’s ideal for:

✅ Business owners who:

  • Travel often (domestic or international)
  • Spend heavily on advertising, software, or logistics
  • Value luxury perks (lounges, hotel upgrades, etc.)
  • Want to maximize Membership Rewards for travel

🚫 Not ideal for:

  • Businesses with minimal travel or small monthly expenses
  • Entrepreneurs who prefer simple cash-back rewards
  • Anyone unwilling to keep track of benefit usage

🧮 Real Example: Is It Worth It?

Let’s say you:

  • Use the $200 airline credit
  • Use the $189 CLEAR credit
  • Get $100 value from Global Entry
  • Value lounge access at $300+
  • Earn 100,000+ points = $1,000+ in travel

➡️ That’s $1,700+ in value for a $695 fee—a strong return if you’re the right user.

📌 Final Verdict

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium business tool built for serious travelers and high-spending entrepreneurs. It offers a blend of elite travel benefits, flexible rewards, and business-friendly features that few other cards can match.

If you’re a frequent flyer or you want to project a polished, professional image while earning powerful travel rewards, this card can absolutely be worth the cost—but only if you take full advantage of what it offers.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

REVIEW OF AWAYZ: THE BEST HOTEL REWARD TOOL?

Image
  In the modern era of travel, hotel rewards programs have become an integral part of the journey for many globetrotters. These programs offer a plethora of benefits, including discounted stays, room upgrades, and exclusive perks. However, managing multiple hotel rewards programs can be a daunting task. This is where tools like Awayz come into play, promising to simplify the process of maximizing your hotel rewards. In this comprehensive review, we will delve deep into Awayz, exploring its features, usability, and whether it truly lives up to its claim of being the best hotel reward tool. What is Awayz? Awayz is a hotel reward tool designed to help travelers effortlessly manage and optimize their hotel loyalty programs. Founded in [insert year], Awayz has gained popularity among frequent travelers for its promise to streamline the often complex world of hotel rewards. It offers a range of features aimed at making it easier for users to track and maximize their hotel loyalty points,...
Read more

THE BEST WALKING TOURS IN LISBON

Image
  Nestled on the western edge of the Iberian Peninsula, Lisbon stands as a vibrant tapestry of old-world charm and modern flair. As the capital city of Portugal, it beckons travelers with its captivating history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene that resonates with the spirit of the Mediterranean. Join me as we embark on a virtual journey to explore the enchanting city of Lisbon, a place where time-honored traditions meet contemporary innovation. Unveiling History through Architecture Lisbon's rich history is interwoven into its architectural marvels, and each step through its winding streets reveals stories from the past. The iconic São Jorge Castle, perched atop one of the city's seven hills, offers breathtaking panoramic views and transports you to the era of Moorish rule. Stroll through the Alfama district, the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, where narrow alleyways and colorful houses evoke a sense of nostalgia. Don't miss the Belém Tower and the Jerón...
Read more

Discover Shanghai: A Perfect Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Image
  Shanghai, a city where the past meets the future, is a dazzling metropolis that captivates every visitor with its unique mix of historic charm and cutting-edge innovation. From its towering skyscrapers in the Pudong district to its cobbled streets in the French Concession, Shanghai is a city of contrasts, offering something for everyone. The juxtaposition of ancient temples, traditional gardens, and colonial architecture alongside futuristic landmarks like the Shanghai Tower reflects the city’s rich history and its forward-looking nature. The city's vibrant cultural scene makes it a global hub for art, fashion, and entertainment. Whether it's the traditional Chinese opera, contemporary galleries in the M50 Art District, or international art at the Long Museum, Shanghai’s arts and culture are as diverse as its population. Not to mention the endless culinary options that range from Michelin-starred restaurants to bustling street food markets, where you can savor both local deli...
Read more