Amex Business Credit Card: Benefits, Use and Alternatives

American Express has been a part of the credit card market since the 1950s, and its business cards are still some of the most well-known in the UK. If you are considering getting a business credit card, knowing what Amex offers will help you make a more informed decision.

What is an Amex business credit card?

Amex has a variety of different business credit cards to suit all business needs. The business range is aimed at small to medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurs who want to keep their business and personal finances separate, monitor spending, and earn rewards. It is worth noting that since January 2026, the Business Gold and Business Platinum cards are restricted to directors of limited companies and members of LLPs. Sole traders are no longer accepted for these cards. The Business Basic Card, the British Airways Accelerating Business Card, and both Amazon Business cards remain available to sole traders and small businesses.

Amex business credit card benefits

The main draw of Amex business cards is the rewards and perks that come with them. Depending on the card you choose, you might get:

Membership Rewards points earned on every pound you spend, redeemable against travel, purchases, or transfers to airline and hotel programmes.

Cashback on eligible spending, with some cards offering straightforward cash back rather than points.

Travel perks on higher-tier cards, including access to airport lounges, travel insurance, and hotel benefits.

Employee cards at no extra cost on most accounts, making it easier to track team spending and consolidate expenses under one statement.

Interest-free periods on purchases when you pay your balance in full each month, which can help with short-term cash flow. The length of the interest-free period varies by card.

Expense management tools including spend tracking and reporting through the Amex online account and app.

Types of Amex business credit cards

You can find links to all terms and conditions for Amex business cards on the American Express business cards page.

How to apply for an Amex business credit card

It is worth reading the eligibility requirements carefully before applying, as these vary by card. Income requirements also differ, although most business cards require a personal income of at least £20,000 per year, while the Business Platinum Card requires £35,000 per year.

To apply, visit the American Express website, choose the card that suits your needs, and complete the online application with your personal and business details. You will need proof of identity, proof of address, and business registration information. Many decisions are made quickly online. You can find links to all terms and conditions on the American Express business cards page.

Does an Amex business credit card affect your personal credit score?

In most cases, yes. Amex runs a personal credit check as part of the application process, which will leave a mark on your credit file. Where a personal guarantee is required, the card activity may impact your personal credit. If you use the card responsibly, making payments on time and staying within your limit, this may help strengthen both your personal and business credit profile over time. Missing payments or carrying a high balance can have the opposite effect. You can find out more about building business credit and what lenders look for when assessing your application.

Alternatives to Amex business credit cards

If you are looking for a different approach to managing business spending, it is worth thinking about what you actually need from a card. If straightforward cash back on everyday spending matters more than travel rewards or points programmes, there are simpler, lower-cost cards worth comparing that may be a better fit for your business.

If you need to cover a specific large payment such as a VAT bill or supplier invoice, something like FlexiPay from Funding Circle may be worth considering alongside a credit card. It lets you spread the cost over 1 to 12 months at a flat fee of 1.99% per use, with no interest and no hidden charges, without needing to put the full amount on a card.

There is no one solution. The right choice will depend on how your business spends, what rewards matter to you, and whether the annual fee on a premium card is justified by the benefits you will actually use.

12/05/2026: While we want to help as much as we can, the information found here is provided solely for informational purposes and should not be considered financial or legal advice. To the extent permitted by law, Funding Circle does not accept any liability for any loss or damage which may arise directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information contained here. If you have any questions, please speak to your professional adviser or seek independent legal advice.