[wpcode id=\"6346\"]
{{card.name}} Review
![\"\"](\"https://www.dollarwise.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/The-Business-Platinum-Card-American-Express.png\")
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Annual Fee
{{card.rewards}}
Annual Rewards
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Intro Offer
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Annual fee
{{card.rewards}}
Annual rewards
{{card.introOffer}}
Intro offer
Pros
{{Pros}}
Cons
{{Cons}}
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Performance test results
At DollarWise, for each credit card we test 7 different factors including the rewards, value for money, perks, insurance, strengths and weaknesses of the card.
You can see our full testing methodology here to learn why we're the most trusted source for credit card reviews.
The {{card.name}} has earned a {{ranking}} DollarWise Rating out of 5. This score is based on a weighted average of the two highest scoring factors (excluding acceptance and approval).
{{factor_score_rewards}}
Rewards
{{factor_score_fee}}
Fees
{{factor_score_perks}}
Perks
{{factor_score_interest}}
Interest rates
{{factor_score_insurance}}
Insurance
{{factor_score_acceptance}}
Acceptance
{{factor_score_approval}}
Approval
The highest scoring categories for the {{card.name}} are {{score_1}} and {{score_2}}.
These factors are weighted 70% to the highest scoring factor and 30% to the second highest score to get an overall review score.
This weighting allows us to judge cards on their merits and the customers they are designed for.
For the {{card.name}} the most important factors for scoring this card are its {{score_1}} and {{score_2}}.
Rewards
With the {{card.name}}, here's the rates at which you earn rewards for different spending categories per dollar you spend:
| Bills | {{reward_bills}} |
| Pharmacy | {{reward_drug}} |
| Gas | {{reward_gas}} |
| Groceries | {{reward_grocery}} |
| Restaurants | {{reward_restaurant}} |
| Specific Stores | {{reward_store}} |
| Travel | {{reward_travel}} |
| All Other Spend | {{reward_other}} |
Calculating your annual rewards
We estimate that spending {{monthlyspend}} per month with the {{card.name}} would earn {{card.rewards}} in rewards over the year.
Our performance testing research uses an accurate estimation of the average Canadian households spending patterns to predict the rewards a card will earn.
We found that you'd earn this per category:
| Bills | {{bills_dollarrewards}} |
| Pharmacy | {{drug_dollarrewards}} |
| Gas | {{gas_dollarrewards}} |
| Groceries | {{grocery_dollarrewards}} |
| Restaurants | {{restaurant_dollarrewards}} |
| Specific Stores | {{store_dollarrewards}} |
| Travel | {{travel_dollarrewards}} |
| All Other Spend | {{other_dollarrewards}} |
Our study investigating the value found that each dollar spent on the {{card.name}} is worth up to {{card.max_reward}}, depending on how you redeem.
This {{card.rewards}} in rewards value puts the {{card.name}} in the {{decile.annual_rewards}} of credit cards in Canada based on rewards earned.
The average credit card in our database earns {{averages.mean_annual_rewards}} in rewards for the same spend that the {{card.name}} earns {{card.rewards}} in rewards value.
![\"\"](\"http://www.dollarwise.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The-Business-Platinum-Card-American-Express_rewards_comparison.svg\")
We can compare this card to other options by looking at the earn rate by category.
This earn rate is the percentage return that you would get when you spend on this card, assuming you redeem at the predicted maximum value.
For example, if a card earned 5 points per dollar on gas and each point is worth up to $0.02, then the earn rate is 5 points multiplied by $0.02 each, divided by the dollar you spent.
In this example, that's a 10% earn rate on gas.
| Spend | This Card | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Bills | {{bills_earnrate}} | {{averages.mean_bills_earnrate}} |
| Pharmacy | {{drug_earnrate}} | {{averages.mean_drug_earnrate}} |
| Gas | {{gas_earnrate}} | {{averages.mean_gas_earnrate}} |
| Groceries | {{grocery_earnrate}} | {{averages.mean_grocery_earnrate}} |
| Restaurant | {{restaurant_earnrate}} | {{averages.mean_restaurant_earnrate}} |
| Store | {{store_earnrate}} | {{averages.mean_store_earnrate}} |
| Travel | {{travel_earnrate}} | {{averages.mean_travel_earnrate}} |
| Other | {{other_earnrate}} | {{averages.mean_other_earnrate}} |
| Redemption method | Annual rewards |
|---|---|
| Transfer to partner airlines | {{transfer_airlines}} |
| Fixed points travel | {{fixed_points_travel}} |
| Transfer to partner hotels | {{transfer_hotel}} |
| Redeem for travel | {{redeem_travel}} |
| Apply to statement credit | {{statement_credit}} |
| Ticketmaster | {{ticketmaster}} |
| Charity | {{charity}} |
| Gift cards | {{gift_cards}} |
| Amazon.ca | {{amazon}} |
| Merchandise | {{merchandise}} |
| Make investments | {{investments}} |
| Enjoy experiences | {{experiences}} |
| Car rentals | {{car_rental}} |
| Vacations | {{vacation}} |
| Attractions | {{attractions}} |
| Cash rewards | {{cash_rewards}} |
| Grocery rewards | {{grocery_rewards}} |
| Restaurant rewards | {{restaurant_rewards}} |
| Movie rewards | {{movie_rewards}} |
| Apple / BestBuy | {{apple_bestbuy}} |
| Flight rewards | {{flight_rewards}} |
| Airlines Rewards (Charts) | {{airlines_rewards_chart}} |
| CIBC financial products | {{cibc_financial_products}} |
| Air travel - redemptions (scheduled) | {{air_travel_redemptions_schedule}} |
| RBC travel | {{rbc_travel}} |
| Transfer to WestJet | {{transfer_westjet}} |
| Transfer to Hudson Bay | {{transfer_bay}} |
| RBC financial products | {{rbc_financial_products_rewards}} |
| Air Canada gift cards | {{aircanada_gift_card}} |
| Air Canada vactions | {{air_canada_vacations}} |
| Electronics gift cards | {{electronics_gift_cards}} |
| Cash - World Elite | {{cash_worldelite}} |
| Cash - Platinum Plus | {{cash_platinumplus}} |
| Banking plans | {{banking_plans}} |
| Desjardins financial products | {{desjardins_financial_products}} |
| Expedia travel | {{expedia_td}} |
| Educational rewards | {{education_rewards}} |
| HSBC financial products | {{hsbc_financial_products}} |
| Walmart | {{walmart_rewards}} |
| Triangle (Canadian Tire) | {{triangle_rewards}} |
| Meridian travel | {{meridian_travel}} |
| Direct deposit | {{direct_deposit_rewards}} |
| Costco gift cards | {{costco_gift_cards}} |
| Wireless Rogers rewards | {{wireless_rogers_rewards}} |
| 1 Rogers rewards | {{1_roger_rewards}} |
| Other Rogers rewards | {{other_roger_rewards}} |
| Other 1 Rogers rewards | {{other_1_roger_rewards}} |
For an annual spend of {{annualspend}}, we estimated annual rewards value at up to {{total_net_rewards}}.
That's equivalent to a {{total_earn_rate}} return on spending.
The {{card.name}} has an annual fee of {{card.annualFee}}. After deducting this, we predicted net annual rewards of {{net_after_fee}}.
This puts it in the {{decile.net_annual_rewards}} of credit cards for net rewards after fees.
In comparison, the average card earns net annual rewards of {{averages.mean_net_annual_rewards}}.
Fees
The {{card.name}} has a {{card.annualFee}} annual fee.
The average card charges {{averages.mean_annual_fee}}. So, the {{card.name}} is in the {{decile.annual_fee}} of cards based on the cost of the annual fee.
Perks
![\"\"](\"http://www.dollarwise.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The-Business-Platinum-Card-American-Express_perk_score.png\")
We manually review the perks of each credit card to determine how they compare to other cards.
The {{card.name}} scored a {{factor_score_perks}} out of 5 for perks, putting it in the {{decile.factor_score_perks}} of cards.
The average card scores {{averages.mean_factor_score_perks}} out of 5 for perks.
Interest Rates
| Purchase | {{purchase_interest_rate}}% |
| Cash Advance | {{cash_advance_interest_rate}}% |
| Balance Transfer | {{balance_transfer_interest_rate}}% |
The average (median) credit card has a purchase interest rate of {{averages.median_purchase_interest_rate}} and so the {{card.name}} charges {{purchase_interest_diff}} than the average.
For cash advances it costs {{cash_advance_interest_rate}}% compared to the average of {{averages.mean_cash_advance_interest_rate}}.
![\"\"](\"http://www.dollarwise.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The-Business-Platinum-Card-American-Express_interest_accumulated_difference.jpg\")
Testing the {{card.name}} with a $2,000 starting balance, you can see in the graph how the {{purchase_interest_diff}} in interest rates impacts the interest over a year, compared to the average card.
Insurance coverage
| Insurance | This Card | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Extended Warranty | {{warranty}} | {{averages.median_warranty}} |
| Purchase Protection | {{purchase_protection}} | {{averages.median_purchase_protection}} |
| Travel Accident | {{travel_accident}} | {{averages.median_travel_accident}} |
| Emergency Medical Term | {{emergency_medical_term}} | {{averages.median_emergency_medical_term}} |
| Emergency Medical over 65 | {{emergency_medical_65}} | {{averages.median_emergency_medical_65}} |
| Trip Cancellation | {{trip_cancellation}} | {{averages.median_trip_cancellation}} |
| Trip Interruption | {{trip_interruption}} | {{averages.median_trip_interruption}} |
| Flight Delay | {{flight_delay}} | {{averages.median_flight_delay}} |
| Baggage Delay | {{baggage_delay_insurance}} | {{averages.median_baggage_delay_insurance}} |
| Lost or Stolen Baggage | {{stolen_baggage}} | {{averages.median_stolen_baggage}} |
| Event Cancellation | {{event_cancel}} | {{averages.median_event_cancel}} |
| Rental Car Theft & Damage | {{rental_theft_damage}} | No |
| Rental Car Personal Effects | {{rental_personal}} | {{averages.median_rental_personal}} |
| Rental Car Accident | {{rental_accident}} | {{averages.median_rental_accident}} |
| Hotel Burglary | {{hotel_burglary}} | {{averages.median_hotel_burglary}} |
| Mobile Phone Insurance | {{mobile_insurance}} | {{averages.median_mobile_insurance}} |
| Personal Effects Insurance | {{personal_effects}} | {{averages.median_personal_effects}} |
| Price Protection Insurance | {{price_protection}} | {{averages.median_price_protection}} |
We scored it {{factor_score_insurance}} out of 5 for insurance.
It offers {{insurance_count}} types of insurance, whereas the average card has {{averages.insurance_count}} types of coverage.
Approval and qualifying
| Do I qualify? | |
|---|---|
| Estimated Credit Score | {{credit_score_low}} - {{credit_score_high}} |
| Personal Income | {{personal_income}} |
| Household Income | {{household_income}} |
| Fees | |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | {{card.annualFee}} |
| Extra Card Fee | $0 |
| Card type | {{card_type}} |
We scored it {{factor_score_approval}} out of 5 for approval.
We predict that you will require a credit score of at least {{credit_score_low}} to qualify for the {{card.name}}, while the average card requires {{averages.mean_credit_score_low}} to qualify.
This puts it in the top {{decile.credit_score_low}} of cards by approval difficulty.
The personal income requirements are {{personal_income}}, while the average card requires {{averages.mean_personal_income}}.
This puts it in the {{decile.personal_income}} of cards by the income required to qualify.
The Business Platinum Card from American Express is a popular and powerful option for businesses looking for a premium credit card with robust rewards and benefits. In this review, we will examine the earning potential, the four key benefits, two drawbacks, and other relevant details surrounding this card.
Earning potential with the card
The Business Platinum Card offers Membership Rewards points as its rewards currency. Cardholders earn 1.25 points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases, with no limit to the amount of points that can be earned.
There are no category-specific bonuses, but the straightforward 1.25 points per dollar offer a consistent return across a wide range of business expenses.
Benefits
- Travel Benefits: One of the primary advantages of this card is the comprehensive travel benefits. Cardholders receive complimentary airport lounge access, which includes the prestigious global lounge collection and the American Express Global Lounge Collection™.
This benefit covers over 1,200 airport lounges across 130 countries, providing a prime travel experience for busy business professionals. - Travel Insurance: The Business Platinum Card also offers a generous suite of travel insurance. Coverage includes travel emergency medical insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, car rental theft and damage insurance, lost or stolen baggage insurance, and more.
The overall travel coverage provided by this card enhances peace of mind for frequent business travelers. - Business Management Tools: The card’s business management tools are another significant advantage. They facilitate seamless expense tracking and allocation, simplifying the accounting process and enabling cardholders to easily categorize their transactions.
The additional support provided by the American Express customer service team further streamlines these processes, ensuring a stress-free business experience. - Rewards Redemption Options: Lastly, the card offers a compelling set of rewards redemption options.
With the Membership Rewards program, cardholders can redeem points for statement credits, book flights, hotels, and other travel arrangements using the fixed points travel rewards, or even transfer points to a selection of hotel and airline loyalty programs.
These options enhance the value proposition of the card’s rewards system.
Drawbacks
- Drawback: A significant drawback of the Business Platinum Card is the high annual fee. At $499, the fee might be off-putting for businesses with lower expenses or those who are not interested in premium travel benefits.
The value provided by the card’s rewards structure and various benefits should be carefully weighed against this cost. - Drawback: Another drawback of this card is that it’s a charge card, meaning cardholders are required to pay off their balance in full each month. While this can promote responsible spending habits, it may not be suitable for businesses looking for the option to carry an outstanding balance from month to month.
Additional information
Potential users interested in this card might consider pairing it with a complementary credit card that offers category-specific bonuses to enhance their overall rewards potential. Additionally, it’s important to remember that an excellent credit score is typically necessary to qualify for the Business Platinum Card from American Express.
In conclusion, The Business Platinum Card by American Express offers a comprehensive and premium package for businesses looking to maximize rewards and travel benefits.
While the card does have its drawbacks, such as a high annual fee and a balance that must be paid off in full each month, its overall benefits have a powerful appeal to the target market.
Not the right fit? You could consider the Visa Desjardins Business Card. Or, if you’re looking for other options check out the RBC Business Cash Back Mastercard, and the RBC Visa Business Card.
FAQ
- Travel Redemptions: Use points to book flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages through American Express Travel Online or by transferring points to partnered airline and hotel loyalty programs.
- Merchandise Redemptions: Redeem points for a wide range of quality products, including electronics, fashion items, gift cards, and more in the American Express online catalogue.
- Statement Credit Redemptions: Use points to offset eligible business expenses by applying points as a statement credit for qualifying purchases made with your card.
- American Express Ticketmaster: Use points to pay for event tickets (e.g., concerts, sporting events) at select venues across Canada on Ticketmaster.
The Business Platinum Card from American Express, like most Canadian credit cards, does charge a foreign transaction fee. This fee is usually around 2.5% on each transaction made in a foreign currency.
Keep in mind that this applies not only to purchases made while travelling abroad, but also to online purchases in foreign currencies. This is an important factor to consider if your business involves making international transactions or spending on global ecommerce platforms.
The Business Platinum Card from American Express does not have a minimum income requirement as it is a charge card designed for businesses, rather than an individual credit card. However, American Express may still assess the company’s financial health and creditworthiness during the application process.
Key benefits
- 50,000 Membership Rewards points bonus after spending $7,000 within first three months
- Earn 1.25 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
- Enjoy complimentary access to over 1,200 international airport lounges in 130 countries
- Earn 1 point per $1 spent on purchases at airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, and more
- Complimentary access to American Express Global Lounge Collection
- Redeem points for travel, merchandise, gift cards or statement credits
- Invitations to exclusive Cardmember events and experiences
- Annual fee of $499
- Complimentary Boingo Wi-Fi hotspot access worldwide
- Purchase Assurance and Extended Warranty protection on eligible items
- Access to Amex Offers for discounts at participating merchants
- Travel Emergency Assistance and Car Rental Theft and Damage Insurance