American Express Platinum Business Credit Card

• Complimentary access to Ascent Premium.
• Earn 1.5 points for every dollar spent up to $250,000, reverting to 1 point for every dollar thereafter.
• Enjoy the breathing space with up to 51 credit-free days.
• No pre-set spending limit giving you the flexibility to purchase a wide range of business purchases including stock, office equipment, furniture, travel as well as your regular everyday expenses.
• Consolidate your expenses with GST breakdowns, downloadable monthly statements with GST itemisation for improved record keeping.
• Dedicated Platinum Business Concierge to assist you day-to-day.
• Access to some of the world's most hospitable airport lounges including Delta Crown Room Club®, American Admirals Club®, Continental Airlines Presidents Club® and Northwest Airlines Worldclubs®.
• Starwood Gold Preferred Guest® membership - Lets you enjoy room upgrades, late check-out8 and preferential treatment at hotels and resorts in the vast Starwood network including Sheraton®, W Hotels®, The Luxury Collection®, Le Meridian® and Four Points by Sheraton®.
• An annual subscription to BRW and the Weekend Financial Review and complimentary access to the Business Support Line.
• A selection of unique business and lifestyle events and experiences through our Fine Dining and by invitation only programs. Gain a business advantage with complimentary subscriptions to BRW and the Weekend Financial Review.
• Complimentary Travel insurance whether you've paid using your Platinum Business Card or not.
• Loss Damage Waiver Cover for car rental vehicles (Up to AUD70,000) you hire in Australia when you pay for the entire cost on your card.
• Read the terms and conditions

• A lot of insurance comes with the card
• Dedicated business concierge service
• Free Starwood Gold Preferred Guest membership
• Access to multiple airport club lounges
• Loss damage waiver coverage for rental vehicles in Australia
• Complimentary supplementary cards
• Hefty $1,200 p.a. annual fee

How does the American Express Platinum Business Credit Card compare for rates and fees against an average credit card? Based on the data from our website this credit card comparison scorecard shows:

		Purchase Rate	Cash Adv Rate	Annual Fee	Bal. Transfer Rate	Bal. Transfer Rate Period
	American Express Platinum Business Credit Card	-%	-%	$1,200	-%	- months
	The Average Credit Card	17.17%	21.04%	$95	3.04%	7 months

With a platinum level card you can expect only the best. This is certainly the case with the AMEX Platinum Business Card, packed to the hilt with extras for maximum benefit to your business needs… security, rewards, convenience features and exclusive offers and bonuses, only for the platinum cardholder.

Pros

This could be a very long review as this card has so many features, so we’ll just give you the basics! You receive complimentary enrolment in Membership Rewards Ascent Premium. The Premium Rewards program means you get a premium points-earning rate of 1.5 points for every $1 spent (up to $150,000 each year and 1 point for every $1 spent thereafter). You can earn points even faster with up to 4 supplementary cards for your business colleagues – available at no additional charge. You can redeem your points for flights or choose from a wide range of items from electronic goods to gift cards, which can come in handy when you want to reward staff or give a gift to a client. You can even use your rewards points to pay off the balance on your card, helping with your business’s cash flow.

Security is a big concern in business and this is where this card has you covered. You get a huge amount of insurances and protection. For example you’ll enjoy monthly business expenses insurance, platinum travel insurance, purchase and refund protection for any dodgy items you may have purchased and travel inconvenience cover that will help reduce the annoyance of a flight delay impacting your business. You’ll also enjoy a loss/damage waiver on vehicles as well as a 24/7 customer service to take care of your queries and also emergency card replacement for when you lose your card.

Tools and resources to make business expenses easier to manage are at your fingertips with this card. You’ll love getting your online statements downloaded straight into Quicken, MYOB or a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, complete with GST itemisation to simplify your BAS preparations. You can get up to 99 supplementary cards free of charge for your employees so can consolidate your paperwork and easily keep track of their expenses.

Lastly, and possibly most interestingly, if you’re often on the go and could do with some help in your travel and business arrangements, the Platinum Business Concierge, available to provide you with assistance 24/7, will be your new best friend. Your concierge can source overseas and interstate meeting rooms, temporary secretarial support or even find you a gift for a special occasion. The Business Card Service Team is also there to assist you day or night with any business requests. Of course there’s more than this but you’ll discover that for yourself if you sign up for this card.

Cons

The major drawback is the $1,200 p.a. annual fee. However when you consider the myriad benefits, if your business can make good use of them, it may well be worth your while. It may also be worth your while checking with your accountant with regard to tax implications on things like redeeming points to pay off your balance, etc. Sometimes there are additional costs that come with the rewards programs so when you choose which rewards program you want to go with, read the fine print. Also, make sure you save more by having and using the card than what the annual fee is worth, otherwise it could simply add to your expenses which is the last thing you want! Lastly, AMEX cards are not accepted as ubiquitously as Visa and Mastercard, so be sure you can use it wherever you plan on doing most of your spending (flights and hotels will be fine, however).

Conclusion

This is a feature, security and convenience packed card with all the perks you’d want from a platinum card. All your business needs have been thought of and the annual fee might be pittance if you use the card to its maximum potential.