Posts by Ryan

So, you’ve heard about the Chase Ink Plus credit card… Unfortunately, Chase no longer offers the Ink Business Plus card. They have, though, created a completely new line of Ink Business cards to replace the Ink Plus card. There are now three Ink Business cards and they’re all great options.

The three current Ink Business credit cards are as follows:

• Ink Business Preferred

See our full review of the Ink Preferred.

• Ink Business Cash

See our full review of the Ink Cash.

• Ink Business Unlimited

See our full review of the Ink Unlimited.

In our opinion, the Chase Ink cards are the best small business credit cards offered by any bank. Why do we believe this to be true? Well, to start, each of the cards has a very high introductory offer of Chase Ultimate Rewards points. The Chase Ink Preferred has the largest offer of all three cards and is one of the most valuable offers of ANY credit card. The Ink Cash and Ink Unlimited have very large introductory offers and also don’t have annual fees.

Chase Ink Plus Compared to the Current Ink Cards

Let’s take a look at what the Chase Ink Plus credit card last offered for new card members. When it was last available, it offered a 60,000 point introductory offer. It earned 5X rewards at office supply stores and on cell phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services. It also earned 2X rewards at gas stations and hotels. The card also came with the advantage of 20% extra value for redeeming Ultimate Rewards through the Chase travel portal. All of these features came with an annual fee of just $95.

Here are the main features of the current Chase Ink credit cards.

	Ink Bus. Preferred	Ink Business Cash	Ink Bus. Unlimited
Signup Bonus	80,000	$500 (50,000 pts)	$500 (50,000 pts)
Bonus Spending Categories	3X on travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone, and online ads	5X on office supply stores, phone, internet, and cable, 2X on gas and dining.	1.5X on all purchases
Annual Fee	$95	$0	$0
Extra Perks	Cell phone protection Primary Car Rental Insurance Travel Insurances	Strong 5X Rewards Categories	Purchase protection, extended warranty, free employee cards
Best for People Who...	Want a huge introductory bonus Spend money advertising online Want cell phone accident coverage	Want a large introductory bonus Want no annual fee Spend money at office supply stores	Want a large introductory bonus Want no annual fee Want simplicity in earning through spend
	Learn More >>	Learn More >>	Learn More >>

As you can see, none of the three newer cards alone have exactly what the Chase Ink Plus card offered. With a combination, the features of the Chase Ink Plus can nearly be achieved. For instance, the Chase Ink Preferred has a superior introductory offer, while it has slightly different rewards opportunities. The Chase Ink Plus has nearly identical rewards opportunities, but a slightly lower introductory offer. Lastly, the Chase Ink Unlimited has a completely new offering in the rewards department, earning 1.5X on all purchases and has an introductory offer slightly lower than what the Chase Ink Plus used to offer.

We also have an article comparing the three current Chase Ink Business cards.

Combine Two Ink Cards for the Best Results

By having the Ink Preferred and the Ink Cash together, you can have the best of both worlds. You’ll enjoy having the rewards earning opportunities of the Chase Ink Plus and more. Also, you’ll earn introductory offers adding up to more than double the points of the Chase Ink Plus. With these two cards, you’d also only be paying the same amount for the annual fees as you were with the Chase Ink Plus.

Old Chase Ink Plus vs Current Ink Cards

	Introductory Offer	Rewards	Benefits	Annual Fee
Chase Ink Plus (no longer available)	60,000 Ultimate Rewards	5X at office supply stores, and on cell phone, landline, internet and TV services. 2X at gas stations and on hotels.	Points worth 20% more in Chase travel portal. Chase airline & hotel transfer partners.	$95
Ink Bus. Preferred	80,000 Ultimate Rewards	3X on travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone, and online ads.	Points worth 25% more in Chase travel portal. Chase airline & hotel transfer partners. Cell phone protection. Primary car rental insurance.	$95
Ink Business Cash	$500 (50,000 Ultimate Rewards)	5X on office supply stores, phone, internet, and cable. 2X on gas and dining.	Purchase protection. Extended warranties. Employee cards at no additional cost.	No annual fee
Ink Bus. Unlimited	$500 (50,000 Ultimate Rewards)	1.5X on all purchases	Purchase protection. Extended warranties. Employee cards at no additional cost.	No annual fee

Earning Chase Ultimate Rewards with Ink Cards

All of the Chase Ink cards earn Ultimate Rewards points. The Ink Cash and Ink Unlimited cards are advertised as cash back cards, but actually earn the same Ultimate Rewards. Those cards by themselves can only be redeemed for 1 cent per point and have no access to Chase transfer partners. Fortunately, Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred between card accounts. So, if you have a primary Chase credit card (Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, Ink Preferred) you’ll be able to transfer your points to one of them to have better redemption options.

Chase Airline Transfer Partners

Chase Hotel Transfer Partners

With a primary Chase card you will be able to redeem your Ultimate Rewards for 25-50% more value within the Chase travel portal. You’ll also gain access to the Chase hotel and airline transfer partners, where you can often redeem points for 2 cents of value or more. My wife and I often use our Chase points to book flights to Hawaii with British Airways miles, which usually gets a redemption value of 2-2.5 cents per point. When you use this method, round trip flights cost 25,000 miles and are often priced at $500 or more.

Primary vs Secondary Chase Ultimate Rewards Cards

Decision Time: Which Chase Ink Card Should You Get?

If you were thinking about applying for the Chase Ink Plus card before you found out that it no longer exists, definitely consider the new Ink cards. If you’re simply looking for the best introductory offer, the Chase Ink Business Preferred is the best. When it comes to rewards, the Ink Business Cash is a great option with multiple 5X categories. Or, if simplicity is your thing, the Ink Business Unlimited and it’s 1.5X rewards on all purchases will fit the bill perfectly.

Pairing Multiple Chase Ink Cards

If you want the best of both worlds, you might want to consider pairing two of the above cards. I actually have and use all three cards for my business expenses. I never earn just 1 point per dollar on any purchase because of it.

	Ink Bus. Preferred	Ink Business Cash	Ink Bus. Unlimited
Signup Bonus	80,000	$500 (50,000 pts)	$500 (50,000 pts)
Bonus Spending Categories	3X on travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone, and online ads	5X on office supply stores, phone, internet, and cable, 2X on gas and dining.	1.5X on all purchases
Annual Fee	$95	$0	$0
Extra Perks	Cell phone protection Primary Car Rental Insurance Travel Insurances	Strong 5X Rewards Categories	Purchase protection, extended warranty, free employee cards
Best for People Who...	Want a huge introductory bonus Spend money advertising online Want cell phone accident coverage	Want a large introductory bonus Want no annual fee Spend money at office supply stores	Want a large introductory bonus Want no annual fee Want simplicity in earning through spend
	Learn More >>	Learn More >>	Learn More >>

Capital One Spark Miles

50,000 points after spending $4,500 in 3 months

$95 Annual Fee (waived year 1)

LEARN HOW TO APPLY >>

Getting a good travel rewards credit card is really going to make a difference for you. Being able to rack up rewards miles for business purchases will be a rewarding experience if you can find the right card. There are so many different types of cards on the market that it can be tough to whittle down the choices. If you are having trouble figuring out which travel business credit card you want to apply for, then it is smart to take the time to look at your options. One popular option that is gaining a lot of traction lately is the Capital One Spark Miles for Business credit card.

The Capital One Spark Miles card is a very good option for any business that wants to be able to earn miles as rewards. If you have travel needs as a business, then this card is going to work out quite nicely for you. Does this card stack up to the competition, though?

Taking the time to look at the credit card from all of the different angles before applying is smart. Your business deserves a business credit card that offers the right level of flexibility along with the expected ample rewards. We will dig into everything that you need to know about the Capital One Spark Miles for Business credit card. It will be a lot easier for you to see whether this is the credit card for your business after getting all of the information.

Capital One Spark Miles
LEARN HOW TO APPLY >>
INTRODUCTORY OFFER You’ll earn 50,000 points after you spend $4,500 in the first 3 months.
REWARDS You’ll earn 2X points on every purchase.
BENEFITS No limits on earning points.
FEES $95 annual fee. (waived year 1)
TRAVEL FREEDOM THOUGHTS This is a good business travel credit card. It offers a large introductory offer and the annual fee is waived the first year.

Capital One Spark Miles Fees

Overall, the prices and fees that are associated with this credit card are very reasonable. The first thing that you should know is that there is an annual fee that you will have to pay when using this credit card. It costs $95 per year, but the first year’s fee is going to be waived for you. This is a pretty standard annual fee that should not put you off too much, so it isn’t really worth making a fuss over.

If you like to travel abroad, then you will be happy to hear that this credit card has no foreign transaction fees. This means that if you send employees to another country on business, they will be able to use the credit card while avoiding any outrageous fees. It gives this card some advantages over travel credit cards that are not so lenient. If your business has dealings outside of the country that necessitates occasional travel, then this business credit card will be appealing to you.

The APR of this credit card falls within a very reasonable range too. It is not unusually good or anything, but it comes in at an average rate that will work well for your business. This is a sensible business credit card that you can make use of very easily. If you have been needing a solid business credit card that has agreeable fees and a good interest rate, then you will be pleased with this card.

Features of the Spark Miles Card

Most of the features of this business credit card that are going to pique your interest will be related to rewards. One of the first things that you will notice is that this card comes with a very good sign-up bonus opportunity. By spending a certain amount of money in the first three months of having the card, you will be able to earn a large number of bonus miles. You will be able to get a substantial reward quite easily, as the amount of money that you need to spend to get the bonus is quite attainable.

There are many great features that make this card easy for you to use too. This card makes it easy to keep track of your spending with quarterly and yearly summaries that are convenient to access. You will be able to manage your card and get all of the necessary information using a dedicated mobile app. You will even be able to download purchase records for your convenience for when you want to keep a close eye on the details.

This credit card makes it easy for you to give employees purchasing power as well. You will have access to free employee cards that you can hand out to your staff. You won’t be able to set up any spending limits on these employee cards, but you will be able to give your employees the cards to use as they see fit. To add to this, you can also take advantage of certain discounts on business purchases using Visa Savings Edge.

The features of this card aim to be as customer-friendly as possible. It is a card that simply makes running your business a smooth experience. You will always be able to use this card in the most convenient ways and you will be racking up miles as rewards the entire time. It is a great card that will truly come in handy for many types of businesses.

Benefits of the Spark Miles Card

There are several benefits that you will be able to enjoy when you are a cardholder. Like many of the best business credit cards, this card is going to offer you purchase protection coverage. If an item that you have purchased has been damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchasing it, then you will be covered for up to $10,000. There is a maximum of $50,000 in claims per account, but this is a very helpful benefit that can keep your purchases safe.

This card can also provide you with an auto collision damage waiver when you are renting vehicles. This will allow you to decline the insurance from the rental car company if you want to do so. Many cards offer some type of secondary car insurance coverage as a benefit to their cardholders, but this coverage is actually primary. As long as the rental is happening due to business reasons, you will be able to use your credit card as primary car insurance coverage on your rental car.

Another neat little feature is that the card will extend the manufacturer’s warranties on many products. When you buy an item that has a warranty of three years or less, this card will be capable of extending that warranty by one year. This is a convenient little extra that can help your business to keep certain items under warranty for longer than usual. It can be quite beneficial to your business, so it is a benefit that is worth taking note of.

Rewards Program Information

The rewards program that you will be taking advantage of here is very straightforward. If you are not the type of business that likes having to micromanage credit cards, then you are going to love this one. This business credit card allows you to earn two miles for every dollar that you spend. There are no categories that you will need to worry about and there is not a cap on how many miles you can earn.

No matter what your business is purchasing, you will be earning miles for that purchase. This is a simple rewards structure that works to give your business many bonus miles that can be redeemed at your leisure. If you have traveling expenses as a business, then your bonus miles can be used to mitigate those costs. Spending bonus miles to help pay for business trips will make your life a lot easier.

The miles that you earn can be transferred over to many different airlines. There are currently a dozen partners that are participating in the transfer program with this credit card. You will be able to transfer your miles at a 2:1.5 rate for most of them and at a 2:1 rate for two of the partners. You can also simply choose to book your travel through the Capital One travel portal, if that method appeals to you more.

There may be some travel rewards cards out there that offer a more lucrative opportunity, but this card has a strong level of appeal. It is simple to use and it is easy to understand the rewards structure. Being able to just spend your business money on any purchases and being rewarded for it will be appealing to most. If you would prefer to avoid bonus categories and extreme micromanagement, then this business credit card may be for you.

The Pros

• Easy to use
• Earn rewards on every purchase made
• Several airline partners
• No foreign transaction fees
• Good benefits

The most appealing thing about this credit card is probably that it is very easy to use. People who want to have a streamlined experience with their business credit card will appreciate this one. It does not have any convoluted rules or strange things that you will need to do to use the card right. Simply buy things for your business and you will earn miles.

Being able to earn rewards for every purchase that you make will be incredible. You will really be able to earn miles fast if you use your business credit card to make purchases frequently. The fact that you can get employee credit cards for free makes using the card as easy as it can be. You will be able to use this credit card as your everyday business card without having any problems.

When it comes to redeeming miles, you will have a very easy time. There are a dozen airline partners that you can transfer the miles to and it should work out well. Being able to spend your miles on business trips will help to keep your expenses lower as a business. It should prove to be a very helpful thing for your company overall.

If you regularly do business outside of the country, then the lack of foreign transaction fees will really help you out. Not having to pay exorbitant sums of money out due to foreign transaction fees will make your travel experience that much better. Any business that has dealings abroad will be able to appreciate this aspect of the card. It keeps you safe while you are traveling and you will never have to worry about unexpected fees.

The benefits of this card are various as well. If you like the idea of having access to good purchase protection coverage, then you’ll love this card. It can even act as primary car insurance on your rental cars when you are going on a business trip. These card benefits will definitely help you out over the years and it showcases that there are perks that come with being a cardholder.

The Cons

• Miles transfer rate
• Could use more domestic airline partners
• May lack some convenient features

The biggest problem that people will have with this business credit card is that the transfer rate of your miles is not always going to be the best. Most of the airline partners allow you to transfer your earned miles at a rate of 2:1.5, with a couple of them only allowing a 2:1 transfer rate. This may not be ideal, as you will, sometimes, feel like you are losing out on miles due to how it works. You can simply book trips through the Capital One travel portal, but it is worth noting that some may not like the transfer rate.

It is good that there are many airline travel partners with this credit card, but it could use some more. There is a lack of many large domestic airline partners. This means that many of the largest airlines may not work together with your card when redeeming miles. If this won’t work out well for you, then you may want to find a different card that will meet your specific business needs.

This credit card may lack a few convenient features that would make life easier for everyone too. A good example is the employee credit card situation. You can create employee credit cards for free, but you cannot set up specific spending limits at this time. This is a bit inconvenient and it may wind up making it less useful to have the employee credit cards when you don’t want to allow people to use the card without restrictions.

Credit Score Needed for Approval

Getting approved for this business card is going to take a good credit score. If you have a credit score of 690 or higher, then you are likely to get approved for this card. Credit scores need to fall in the good range and you will have a very high chance of being approved if your credit score is excellent. Keep this in mind and check on your credit score to make sure that you will qualify ahead of time.

Who Does This Card Appeal to Most?

This credit card is going to be perfect for businesses that want to keep things simple. If your business wants to have a reliable business credit card that is easy to use, then this one will certainly meet the mark. It is also going to be very appealing to those who dislike having to pay attention to bonus categories. If you want a credit card that simply works, then you will like this one.

Being able to earn on every purchase is very convenient. You will earn bonus miles at a very high rate and these can be used to help with business travel expenses. This card will mostly appeal to businesses that need to spend some of their budget on travel expenses. If you don’t ever travel, then the rewards are not really going to be all that useful to you.

An Alternative Business Credit Card to Consider

You might want to consider looking into the Chase Ink Business Preferred credit card. It is an excellent business credit card that will offer you many benefits. You can earn three points for every dollar that you spend on travel for the first $150,000 of an anniversary year. This will allow you to earn rewards faster than with many other credit cards, but there is a cap to how much you can earn at the increased rewards amount.

There are benefits to choosing the Chase Ink Business Preferred credit card. It has a great list of travel partners and it is easy to earn lots of rewards using the card. The Ink Preferred does not offer the same flexibility for earning points as the Capital One Spark Miles, though. It just comes down to what you want out of a business credit card and what your spending habits look like.

Ink Business Preferred
LEARN HOW TO APPLY NOW >>
INTRODUCTORY OFFER You'll earn 80,000 points after spending $5000 in the first 3 months.
REWARDS You'll earn 3X points on travel and select business expenses (including online social media ads). *Limited to first $150k per year.
BENEFITS Points are worth 25% more when used in the Chase travel portal. No foreign transaction fees. Employee cards at no additional cost.
FEES $95 No foreign transaction fees.
TRAVEL FREEDOM THOUGHTS The signup bonus alone for this card is amazing. Pair that with some great rewards earning for your business and this card is great. If you have a business, we find the Ink Preferred to be the best offer available.

See our full review of the Chase Ink Business Preferred card.

Decision Time: Is the Capital One Spark Miles for You?

Signing up for the Capital One Spark Miles for Business credit card should prove to be a good decision. This is a credit card that can really come in handy for most businesses. You will be able to constantly earn miles and you will be able to redeem those miles with ease. There are some flaws with this credit card that pop up here and there, but it is a very reliable card that will be useful for your business.

If you like the idea of having a business credit card that is simple to use, then you should keep this one on your radar. It is a card that will offer you a streamlined experience and it won’t take up too much of your time with micromanagement. As long as you have a good credit score, your business will be able to make use of this card without having any problems. For earning travel points, the Capital One Spark Miles is a good option.

Capital One Spark Miles

50,000 points after spending $4,500 in 3 months

$95 Annual Fee (waived year 1)

LEARN HOW TO APPLY >>

People who travel a lot can really benefit from having a good travel rewards credit card. If your travel expenses are heavily skewed toward money being spent on hotels, then it makes sense to get a hotels-based credit card. This can potentially reward you for money spent on booking hotels, and it can help to mitigate some of the costs. There are actually many options out there for cards that do this, and some of them are associated with a specific brand of hotels.

That is the case for the hotel rewards credit card that we will be discussing today. The Hilton Honors American Express card is going to be a very useful card to have when you stay at Hilton Hotels regularly. Being that Hilton is such a prevalent brand, this is likely going to be among the most convenient hotel rewards credit cards that you can use. It will allow you to earn rewards for staying at any of the thousands of Hilton locations around the world.

That being said, you still want to be able to take the time to make a good decision. If you want to get the very best credit card that is possible, then you need to examine the particulars of this card to see if it lines up with your needs. The Hilton Honors American Express card is certainly a popular credit card option with many features, but it will be good to be able to make an informed decision of your own. Read on to learn all about this credit card and what it brings to the table.

	Hilton Honors American Express
Introductory Offer:	You’ll earn 90,000 Hilton Honors points after you spend $2,000 in the first 3 months.
Rewards:	You’ll earn 7X points Hilton properties. You'll also earn 5X at US supermarkets, restaurants, and gas stations. 3X on all other purchases.
Benefits:	Automatic Hilton Honors silver elite status. Spend $20,000 in a calendar year to earn gold elite status through the end of the next year.
Annual Fee:	No annual fee. Terms Apply
Our Thoughts:	With no annual fee, this card is great for getting an introductory offer and automatic elite status (which offers 5th reward night free).
	LEARN MORE >>

Hilton Honors American Express Card Fees

You will be happy to hear that this credit card does not have any type of an annual fee. Not having to pay money just to have access to a credit card is always going to be a good thing. It makes it easy for just about anyone to justify signing up for this credit card. If you feel like you will be able to use this card to its full potential, then you will not have a pesky annual fee holding you back.

This card always never has any foreign transaction fees. This is going to be an especially important factor for many people. If you regularly travel outside of the country and want to be able to stay at Hilton Hotels to earn rewards, then you will be able to do so without worrying about fees. It makes things as convenient as possible for those who have friends or family outside of the country. Fewer fees will always be a good thing, so you can put this as a check mark in the positive column.

All of the other associated fees are fairly normal with this credit card. The balance transfer fee of this credit card is set at 3% or $5.00. You will be charged whichever amount winds up being higher. This is a pretty normal balance transfer fee, so it should not really sour your experience in any way.

There is also no special introductory APR offer or anything of that nature. Without an introductory APR offer, this card will likely not appeal to anyone who wishes to do a balance transfer. The APR of the card simply falls within average ranges and is nothing that is worth putting much thought into. Combine this with the associated fee, and it makes it unattractive as a balance transfer card.

Anyone who travels somewhat often and wants to be able to avoid fees will like this credit card. There are very few fees that will get in your way while using the card. It provides you with a user-friendly experience that will make sure that you earn rewards at a good rate. There may be other cards that offer greater potential for rewards, but being able to avoid many fees by using this specific card will be enough to give it the edge for some people.

Features of the Hilton Honors American Express Card

For the most part, the features of this credit card that will matter to you are going to be related to the rewards program. We will be going into the rewards potential of this credit card later on. There are some other beneficial features and benefits of this card that will help to sway your opinion. For instance, this card comes with a pretty decent welcome bonus.

In order to earn the welcome bonus, you will need to make sure that you spend a certain amount of money on this credit card within the first three months of being a cardholder. The purchases must be made on eligible categories in order for you to be able to claim your welcome bonus. This welcome bonus winds up giving you many rewards points that you will be able to work with. It makes it simple to start saving money on your hotel purchases right away, and being able to get a bonus from a card with no annual fee is nice.

You can also expect to be able to take advantage of all of the standard features that you would get from most cards. This credit card will give you access to a robust customer service department whenever you need help with something. It has an online chat option, and you can also choose to call customer service agents on the phone. This is a 24/7 customer service experience and should be convenient for all cardholders.  

Benefits of the Hilton Honors American Express Card

You should also expect to be able to take advantage of various benefits as a cardholder. Some of the standard perks include useful things such as car rental insurance and free roadside assistance. Being able to have secondary insurance coverage on a rental vehicle can come in handy while you are on the road. The roadside assistance availability may be a standard benefit, but it is invaluable when you encounter issues while on the road.

Cardholders will also have access to baggage insurance and purchase protection. Baggage insurance works excellently to keep your belongings safe on a flight. If your bags are misplaced or stolen while on your trip, then you will be able to be reimbursed. Purchase protection will protect you when items that you purchased are damaged or stolen.

The biggest benefit that you will be taking advantage of is the automatic silver status that is offered by this card. Being able to have access to silver status will give you a 20% bonus to your Hilton Honors base points. It makes it easier to rack up rewards fast, and your 5th night is going to be free whenever you book five nights or more at a Hilton property. This can really help to save you some money while increasing your rewards potential.

The card also makes it much simpler to become a Gold status member of Hilton. If you manage to spend $20,000 or more on the card in a calendar year, you will be given this upgrade in status automatically. This gives you a fantastic points bonus of 80%, and it entitles you to some great freebies as well. You will be given a complimentary breakfast at all Hilton hotels and will receive room upgrades when they are available.

Cardholders will also have access to several conveniences that will make staying at the Hilton more enjoyable. Your second guest at the hotel will be able to stay for free. Guests will also enjoy express checkout, and late checkouts will also be available. It simply makes your time at the Hilton that much better, so it is worthwhile for anyone who stays at the Hilton often to sign up for a card like this.

Rewards Program Info

The rewards program for this credit card is going to prove to be especially beneficial for Hilton hotel regulars. You will be able to earn 7X Hilton Honors points on all of your eligible Hilton purchases. There are many eligible resorts and hotels in the Hilton portfolio, making it very easy to earn this high rewards point total. 7X points for every $1.00 spent on eligible Hilton purchases will add up very fast, allowing cardholders to truly make the most of the rewards system.

It is possible to earn increased rewards points in categories outside of hotels as well. You can expect to earn 5X points for every $1.00 spent on United States gas stations, restaurants, and supermarkets. Some may find it to be a bit of a shame that this rewards bonus is restricted to businesses in the United States, but it still is very helpful. It allows cardholders to keep earning rewards at an increased rate, even when they are not traveling.

All of the other eligible purchases that you make will give you a rewards rate of 3X per $1.00 spent. This is not too bad for a standard rewards rate. When you combine all of these points that you can earn together, it can really come in handy for paying for your hotel purchases. You will also be able to earn Hilton Honors base points on top of these normal rewards, so this is a truly handy card to have.

Redeeming points should always be a straightforward process, as well. Your points will never expire so long as you use the card once every 12 months. This card does not set any caps on the points that you can earn, either. You can redeem points for hotel stays, airfare, car rentals, dining, shopping, and cruises. These points are also capable of transferring to one of the 41 airline partners that work with this credit card program.

The Pros

• High rewards rate
• Makes your experience at Hilton better
• Easy to redeem rewards
• No annual fee or foreign transaction fee

The high rewards rate of this credit card is hard to deny. You are going to be able to earn rewards very fast if you decide to use this card regularly. Those who take advantage of this card and its generous rewards rate will be able to save money on their yearly hotel expenses. It is simple to earn hundreds of dollars worth of rewards per year if you do your best to spend your money intelligently.

This credit card has very easy to redeem points, too. You will be able to redeem your earned rewards in a number of different ways. You can redeem the points for hotel stays, airline tickets, cruises, rental cars, and much more. It is even possible to redeem points to pay for a portion of the cost of a hotel room.

Anyone who is after a credit card that can make their hotel experience nicer is going to like this card, too. You will be upgraded to silver status automatically by being a cardholder. You will have access to many nice perks, and staying at the Hilton will be better than ever before. This also increases the base Hilton Honors points that you earn on top of your credit card rewards points.

Many people will sign up for this credit card just due to the fact that it is cost-effective. This card has no associated annual fee and this makes it easy to justify keeping it in your wallet. You will not need to worry about foreign transaction fees when you use this credit card, either. It is very good at helping you to keep fees to a minimum while enjoying your hotel experience.

The Cons

• Value of rewards points are not as high as some other cards
• Many cards offer better travel perks
• Limits you to Hilton Hotels

It should be said that the value of the rewards points for this card is not as high as some other credit cards. You can earn a lot of points very fast with this card, but the value of the points may be lacking when compared to other options. Each point is estimated to be worth around 0.5 cents. This means that it may look like you’re earning more rewards than you really are when it comes time to redeem the points.

Also, many cards offer better travel perks. If you are interested in a good hotel rewards card due to wanting access to travel perks, then this card is just okay. It does not have the same perks that a luxury rewards credit card would give you access to. Granted, a luxury credit card would have a large annual fee. It just depends on what you expect out of your hotel experience.

Some people will not like being limited to Hilton Hotels either. If you are the type of person who would prefer to look for the best deal possible among many hotel brands, then this is going to make you feel boxed in. If you love staying at Hilton Hotels already, then you will be able to make good use of this card. It just comes down to how you feel about this specific brand and whether you want to be loyal to them or not.

Credit Score Needed for Approval

Those who are looking to sign up for this credit card will need to ensure that they have a very good credit score. If you have a credit score of 690 or higher, then you should have a good chance of being approved. This credit card requires very good credit, and it will be even easier to be approved if your credit is in the excellent range. Take the time out of your day to check your credit score before you move forward and apply for this card.

Who Does the Hilton Honors Amex Appeal to Most?

A credit card like this is mostly going to appeal to people who like staying at Hilton Hotels. If you travel somewhat frequently, then having a credit card that will help you to earn rewards is a good idea. You can earn points to help offset some of your hotel expenses. Those who only travel very infrequently may not find this card to be quite as useful.

The card can be used to earn points even when you are not staying at hotels, though. You can earn 5X points on United States supermarket, gas station, and restaurant purchases. These are very common purchases, and it should make it very easy to rack up points, even when you are just using the card near your home. It increases the overall practicality of this credit card for many people.

An Alternative Card to Consider

There are a number of different hotel loyalty rewards credit card options to consider. If you are looking for a good alternative to the Hilton Honors American Express card, then you may wish to consider the Capital One Venture card. (Learn more) Although this is not a hotel-based credit card, it does give you great rewards earning potential. You can earn 2 miles for every $1.00 spent using this card, and the miles are valued at 1 cent.

Capital One Venture

50,000 points after spending $3,000 in 3 months

$95 Annual Fee (waived year 1)

LEARN HOW TO APPLY >>

See our full review of the Capital One Venture card.

Those who sign up for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card can expect a very good traveling experience. It allows you to redeem points toward any travel purchase. It is among the most practical flat rate credit cards that you can get. If you don’t want to go with a hotel credit card, then this is a good option that can earn you rewards fast.

Decision Time: Is the Hilton Honors American Express Card Right for You?

The Hilton Honors American Express card will appeal to many people. If you travel somewhat often and need a good rewards card, then this is a great option. It allows you to have a better experience than ever at Hilton Hotels. Earning rewards will always be simple, and the rewards will come in very fast overall.

There are some other cards on the market that offer better perks or higher rewards potential. Even so, the fact that this credit card does not have an annual fee makes it very practical for most people. You can use this card as much or as little as you would like and will still be able to reap the rewards. This is a solid credit card that will help you to earn great rewards over time while also offering you a smoother traveling experience.

	Hilton Honors American Express
Introductory Offer:	You’ll earn 90,000 Hilton Honors points after you spend $2,000 in the first 3 months.
Rewards:	You’ll earn 7X points Hilton properties. You'll also earn 5X at US supermarkets, restaurants, and gas stations. 3X on all other purchases.
Benefits:	Automatic Hilton Honors silver elite status. Spend $20,000 in a calendar year to earn gold elite status through the end of the next year.
Annual Fee:	No annual fee. Terms Apply
Our Thoughts:	With no annual fee, this card is great for getting an introductory offer and automatic elite status (which offers 5th reward night free).
	LEARN MORE >>

Many people need to have access to a good rewards credit card. When you are able to use a rewards credit card for everyday purchases, it can help you to earn rewards that will offset some of the costs. This really comes in handy, and it helps people to use their money in smart ways throughout the year. The problem is that there are so many different rewards credit cards on the market to pick from.

You might even feel a bit intimidated by all of the various rewards credit card options. Thankfully, it will be much easier to pick out a good one when you have access to all of the right information. Today we will be looking at the US Bank Cash Plus credit card. This card has proven to be among the most popular options for people who are seeking a good cash back experience.

Is this credit card worthwhile enough to warrant it taking up a spot in your wallet? Read on as we examine this card from every possible angle. We will discover the various features and benefits that it has to offer while paying close attention to the rewards program. You’ll be able to make a good decision on whether or not to apply once you have seen all of the information.

	US Bank Cash Plus
Introductory Offer:	You'll earn $150 after spending $500 in the first 90 days. Intro APR offer on balance transfers.
Rewards:	You'll earn 5% on the first $2000 each quarter in 2 selected categories. Earn 2% on 1 more selected "EveryDay" category.
Benefits:	No limit to total cash back earned.
Annual Fee:	No annual fee.
Our Thoughts:	This is one of the best true cash back cards. You can earn 5% per dollar spent on valuable categories that you get to choose from. Utilities seems like a good option... Plus, you also get 2% on a category like gas, restaurants, or groceries. As a lesser known card, it packs a punch with no annual fee!
	LEARN MORE >>

US Bank Cash Plus Credit Card Fees

Right away, you will notice that this credit card does not come with an annual fee attached to it. This is great news for anyone who gets a little nervous about having to pay to get access to a credit card. You will be able to sign up for this card without worries due to the lack of an annual fee. It makes it easier to simply earn rewards and use the card as you see fit, as you do not need to earn enough rewards money to justify some high fee.

Cardholders will also be able to enjoy a very good introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles. This introductory APR offer applies to both purchases and balance transfers, too. It gives the credit card a bit of added utility for those first 12 billing cycles. If you use the card intelligently, then it will be easy to keep your balance paid off without having to worry quite so much about interest.

The normal APR is pretty standard and should not give you any pause. After the initial 12 billing cycles have passed, you will be dealing with the normal APR rate. Since it is fairly normal, it should not throw you off in any way. This card has a very comparable rate to most other credit cards like it, with the rate varying somewhat depending on certain factors.

This credit card does have other types of fees that you will need to be worried about, though. One of the more annoying ones is the foreign transaction fee. If you find yourself traveling outside of the country from time to time, then you should know that this card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee if the transaction is made in foreign currency. The fee percentage will be at 2% if the exchange is done in US dollars. Fees like this can add up after a while, so this is not going to be the most practical credit card to use while you are abroad.

You can also expect to have to deal with balance transfer fees. Due to the introductory APR of this card, some people will want to consider transferring a balance over. The balance transfer fee of 3% with a minimum of $5.00 may deter some people. It is a fairly standard fee, but you still need to be aware that it is there.

Features of the US Bank Cash+

One potentially disappointing element of this credit card is that it does not have a very intriguing introductory offer. This is not likely to be a huge problem for many people but it still might sway your opinion a bit. If you look forward to the opportunity to earn a bit of a bigger welcome bonus when signing up for a new credit card, then you should know that you will not be getting the very best experience here. The lack of an annual fee helps to alleviate that disappointment a good bit, but it still is a bit of a negative.

The small introductory offer is very easy for cardholders to achieve. For spending a small amount of money in the first three months of being a cardholder, you will be granted a bonus. This gives you an almost instant bump to your rewards, but it is not a high amount. Even so, any rewards are always going to be quite welcome. It just may not stack up to other sign-up bonus offers from comparable cards.

Benefits of the US Bank Cash+

The benefits of this credit card are mostly standard, but some of them are going to be quite helpful. For instance, being a cardholder is going to give you access to extended warranty protection. When you buy a product that is covered under a warranty, your credit card is going to be able to extend that warranty by one year, in many cases. This helps to keep important purchases covered under a warranty for longer periods of time and can allow you to avoid any inconveniences due to something breaking down.

Lost luggage reimbursement is another good perk that cardholders will take advantage of regularly. When your bags are lost while you are traveling, you will be able to be reimbursed. Getting reimbursed for the value of your lost bags is great. It may not be convenient to have your luggage stolen or misplaced, but at least you can be compensated for it monetarily.

You can also use this credit card to provide yourself with an auto collision damage waiver. This is perfect for when you need extra insurance for your rental car. It can help to keep you safer by alleviating some of the burdens on you when something goes wrong with your rental car.

Rewards Program Info

The rewards program that this credit card offers its customers is the main reason to sign up. It is going to provide you with a very flexible rewards experience that can conform to what you want it to be. In order to take full advantage of this, you are going to need to be very proactive, though. You have to opt-in when it comes to certain bonus categories, and you will need to manage a lot of factors in order to maximize the profitability of this card.

You are going to be able to earn 5% cash back on certain bonus categories each quarter. What makes this card stand out is the fact that it allows you to choose certain categories. There are going to be a series of different bonus categories each quarter, and you will be allowed to pick two of them where you can earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 spent on that category. There will also be a 2% cash back category that will allow you to pick an additional category to earn that amount.

If you do not opt-in to these categories, then you will be earning the standard 1% cash back rate on any purchase that you make. This means that this is a rewards credit card that requires you to manage it effectively. You do not want to forget to pick your categories, or you will accidentally hamper your ability to earn rewards in a meaningful way. As long as you are on the ball about keeping track of your credit card information and statements, this should not be a big deal.

Being able to earn 5% cash back can help you to earn rewards at a good rate. Many people will be able to reach the caps on the different categories each quarter. It just comes down to how much you spend and what types of things you buy with your credit card. If you pick the right bonus categories, then it should be simple to earn the maximum rewards over time.

You should note that sometimes certain categories will disappear. Fast food may be a category for one quarter, and then it will disappear the next. Categories will sometimes stick around for multiple quarters, too. You just have to check what is available and you are allowed to choose the same category over and over again so long as it is an option.

Your earned rewards can be redeemed for statement credit very easily. You will also be able to choose to redeem the rewards in the form of gift cards or as a deposit into an eligible U.S Bank. Rewards can be redeemed in any amount so long as you are not trying to redeem for gift cards. Gift cards need to be redeemed in $5.00 increments.

The Pros

• Flexible bonus categories
• Good rewards potential
• Easy to redeem rewards
• No annual fee

The flexible bonus categories offered by this card are definitely among the best reasons to sign up. You will not have to worry about having to hit bonus categories that you would never normally use. You pick the categories that will earn you 5% cash back rewards. It makes it easy for just about anyone to use this card to its full potential.

The good overall rewards potential of this card is going to make it stand out, as well. You can earn 5% cash back on special categories for the first $2,000 that you spend on that category. This helps you to earn rewards at a fairly high rate. If you pick categories that you use all of the time, then it will be easy to hit those caps and earn the maximum amount.

Redeeming rewards is very simple, as well. You will always be able to rely on getting a statement credit for your rewards. Rewards can also be redeemed for gift cards, or you can have rewards money deposited into an eligible U.S Bank account. This is a simple rewards redemption structure that will work well for you.

This card does not even have an annual fee that you need to contend with. Signing up for a card is a lot easier when you do not have an annual fee hanging over your head. If you are able to qualify for this card, then it should be easy to make use of it right away. No pesky fees are getting in your way of having access to this credit card.

The Cons

• Foreign transaction fees
• Middling sign-up bonus
• Complicated rewards program

The foreign transaction fees are going to be a real downer for some people. If you have to travel outside of the United States on occasion, then you will need to pay foreign transaction fees if you use your card. The fees are fairly standard, but it is always a nuisance when they pop up. If you travel abroad frequently, then you may not want to rely on this card while you’re away.

This credit card has a fairly middling sign-up bonus, as well. Any type of sign-up bonus is a nice addition. This one just doesn’t offer you anything big to help the credit card stand out. If you like hunting big welcome bonuses, then this card may disappoint you just a bit.

Having a complicated rewards program will harm this card in some ways, too. You have to micromanage this card and pick your bonus categories each quarter. If you like a more laid-back experience with your rewards credit cards, then you should probably find something simpler. This card requires your attention when you want to use it in the most beneficial ways.

Credit Score Needed for Approval

You should know that this credit card is only going to be available to those who have excellent credit scores. If your credit score is 720 or higher, then you should have a good chance of being approved for this credit card. This is going to limit the number of people who are able to take advantage of the card, but it will be a worthwhile card to have access to, for those who can qualify. Make sure to check your credit score to ensure that you meet the requirements in order to be approved.

Credit Sesame Price: Free Get your free credit score each month, and monitor your credit report at no cost. We'll also send you monitoring alerts about changes to your credit report. CHECK YOUR CREDIT SCORE NOW

Who Does the US Bank Cash Plus Card Appeal to Most?

This credit card is going to appeal to anyone who wants to have a very user-friendly cash back rewards credit card. This is a credit card that has a lot in common with many of the other famous cash back credit cards on the market. Even so, it manages to stand out in several key ways. Being able to choose your bonus categories really makes it simpler for each person to maximize the rewards potential of this credit card.

Anyone who needs a good credit card that can be used for everyday purchases will find this to be a handy option. It has good features, and it offers you very good rewards potential. If you have been waiting for a rewards card that is convenient enough to fit in with your purchasing habits, then you will want to consider signing up for this one. It offers cardholders a smooth experience, and it makes it simple to earn rewards your way.

An Alternative Card to Consider

The biggest alternative to this credit card is certainly the Chase Freedom Card. Much like the US Bank Cash Plus, the Chase Freedom Card can offer people 5% cash back on bonus categories. Being able to earn 5% cash back on these bonus categories for the first $1,500 spent is a good reason to sign up. People sometimes choose the Chase card over the others due to the conveniences of the Chase Ultimate Rewards program.

Chase Freedom

$150 (15k Ultimate Rewards) after spending $500 in 3 mo.

No Annual Fee

LEARN HOW TO APPLY >>

See our full review of the Chase Freedom card.

Having access to the Chase rewards redemption options can really be quite convenient. If you are looking to redeem your points for maximum value, then Chase may be the way to go. It offers many options for travel redemptions and offers a similar experience to the US Bank Cash Plus card. It is not as good as the US Bank Cash Plus in some aspects while being superior in others. The decision on which to go with will ultimately rest with you.

Decision Time: Is the US Bank Cash Plus Right for You?

Signing up for the US Bank Cash Plus is going to be very helpful for a number of different people. This is among the most convenient cash back credit cards on the market. The rewards program is very good, and being able to choose your own bonus categories is incredibly helpful. If you want to be able to do things in your own way when it comes to earning rewards, then this might be the card for you.

This card has high rewards potential, and it also offers you many other conveniences. It is not easy to gain access to this card, as it requires an excellent credit score. Regardless, if you have excellent credit and are in need of a credit card like this one, then it comes highly recommended. It can help you to earn rewards fast, and you can use those rewards intelligently to alleviate some of your financial burdens.

	US Bank Cash Plus
Introductory Offer:	You'll earn $150 after spending $500 in the first 90 days. Intro APR offer on balance transfers.
Rewards:	You'll earn 5% on the first $2000 each quarter in 2 selected categories. Earn 2% on 1 more selected "EveryDay" category.
Benefits:	No limit to total cash back earned.
Annual Fee:	No annual fee.
Our Thoughts:	This is one of the best true cash back cards. You can earn 5% per dollar spent on valuable categories that you get to choose from. Utilities seems like a good option... Plus, you also get 2% on a category like gas, restaurants, or groceries. As a lesser known card, it packs a punch with no annual fee!
	LEARN MORE >>

Running a business is something that can be very satisfying but you need help to keep things going smoothly. When you need to finance things for your business, it can be very good to have a business credit card around. You can use a credit card such as this to make the everyday business purchases that much easier. In many cases, a business credit card will be able to help you earn rewards to help alleviate some of your costs too.

There are an absolute ton of business credit cards on the market currently, though. With so many options to choose from, it can be tough to figure out which ones are going to be worthwhile and which ones are better off ignored. This is where we come in to provide you with a little bit of insight. Today we are going to be taking a look at the Blue Business Cash Card from American Express in order to see just how good it really is in all of the important areas.

Being able to look at this credit card closely will reveal all of its potentials. You will be able to see whether or not it looks as if it is something that will help your business or not. It’s important to choose the right option when looking into credit cards in order to maximize the benefits to your business. Simply keep reading and you will learn everything you need to know, making it simple to make an informed decision.

Amex Blue Business Cash Card
LEARN MORE >>
INTRODUCTORY OFFER Intro APR Offer
REWARDS You'll earn 2% cash back on all everything. ($50,000 limit) 1% after the limit. Cash back will automatically be rewarded as a statement credit.
BENEFITS It's possible to spend over your credit limit. (amounts vary)
FEES No annual fee. Terms Apply
TRAVEL FREEDOM THOUGHTS This is an excellent no-fee card for your business, especially if you make purchases for phone service and at office supply stores.

Amex Blue Business Cash Card Fees

Knowing the different prices and fees that are associated with a credit card is very important. It is going to play a role in determining just how appealing this credit card is to your business. Thankfully, this one comes across as being particularly good in the fees department. You will not have to pay any type of an annual fee when signing up for this credit card.

The lack of an annual fee is also buoyed by the fact that this credit card has a decent introductory APR offer. For the first 15 months that you are a cardholder, you will be able to enjoy a special APR on purchases. This does not apply to any balance transfers that you may be interested in making, though. Even so, it is always good to be able to avoid interest for as long as possible.

There are a few fees that you will need to watch out for when using this credit card for your business. One of the most potentially annoying fees is the foreign transaction fee. Every foreign transaction that you make will come with a 2.7% fee attached to it. This may not matter to some businesses but for people who travel abroad frequently, it may wind up being a huge detriment.

Late fees are very reasonable with this credit card overall. You will need to pay a $38 maximum late fee when it is called for. This makes it a fairly good card when it comes to fees. The foreign transaction fee is not too unusual and the other fees are within normal ranges, making it nothing that will turn many people away from wanting to sign up.

Features of the Amex Blue Business Cash

There are several beneficial perks that will make it a little more tantalizing to sign up for the Blue Business Cash. Many of the benefits of this credit card are somewhat standard but there are a few of them that stand out as being really useful. For example, you will be able to receive valuable baggage insurance when making use of this credit card. It helps to protect your baggage when it gets lost, damaged, or stolen.

Being able to replace the baggage when it gets lost on an airplane, train, ship, or bus will always be simpler with this card. The baggage will be covered so long as you purchased the fare using your credit card. This coverage is secondary so it will wind up covering the cost of the bag that is not picked up through the carrier’s insurance coverage. Coverage does have limits, though, so you can expect to be able to get $1250 for a carry-on bag and up to $500 for checked baggage.

Your credit card is also going to be able to provide you with travel accident insurance. This will give you up to $100,000 in coverage due to dismemberment or accidental death while on a trip. In order to qualify for this coverage, you will need to travel with a common carrier and charge the entire ticket price to your credit card. It may feel as if it is a strange perk to talk about for some but it is good to have this coverage in the event of an accident.

Another common benefit that you can take advantage of is purchase protection. Damaged or stolen items that have been charged to your credit card in the last 120 days are covered by this perk. You will be allowed to claim up to $1000 for each item and you have a maximum of $50,000 in claims that you are allowed each year. These protection benefits are quite nice and will allow you to feel a bit safer when purchasing things for your business.

Extended warranties are offered when you purchase items with this card as well. Many warranties will be able to be extended for up to two years when you purchase an item with this credit card. This works on eligible warranties that are up to five years. It’s a convenient feature that your business may be able to get quite a bit of use out of.

One of the most useful perks is that you get free employee cards. As a business owner, you know that you will sometimes need to empower employees to make purchases on behalf of the business. Being able to get free employee cards makes it easy to give the cards out to your trusted employees so that business can go on as normal. The process of getting employee cards is simple and this will be very convenient for you overall.

Rewards Program

The rewards program is going to come across as a bit polarizing for some people. This credit card offers good rewards but there are certain credit cards on the market that have higher rewards potential. It really depends on what type of purchases your business makes on a regular basis. If you are able to use this credit card to its full potential, then it is very easy to justify giving this card a shot.

You can earn 5% cash back at U.S. office supply stores as well as on purchases made on wireless telephone services in the US. This 5% cash-back rate will be good for the first $50,000 that you spend in a category year. Once you have reached the limit, you will revert to earning cash back at a 1% rate. Even so, this offers businesses quite a bit of rewards potential.

The Amex Blue Business Cash business card actually offers you a pretty flexible experience when it comes to picking your bonus categories too. You will be able to earn 3% cash back on one category of your choosing. There are many different categories to pick from so it is possible to choose one that you spend a lot of money on regularly. Some of the many categories that you can choose include U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, airfare purchased directly from airlines, U.S. advertising purchases, and much more.

As you may expect, the 3% bonus category is going to have a cap placed on it. You can expect the same $50,000 annual cap on the 3% bonus category. Once the cap has been reached, you will be earning cash back at the 1% rate. All purchases made in other categories will earn only 1% back as well.

The annual category can be changed out to a different one during the annual selection period. If you do not take the time to change it, then it will continue to remain the same. This does mean that you have to be somewhat proactive if you wish to stay on top of managing your credit card rewards. It is not difficult to accomplish but you just need to know that you have to initiate changing the category during an allotted time.

Redeeming your earned rewards is always going to be fairly straightforward as well. You will simply be receiving statement credit automatically on your account. This credit will show up on the second billing statement after earning the rewards. Some may find this rewards redemption option lacking in versatility but others will like how easy it is to use.

The Pros

• No annual fee
• High rewards potential in many categories
• Introductory APR
• Simple rewards redemption structure

Being able to sign up for a business credit card that has no annual fee is certainly quite useful. You can justify signing up for this credit card without having to worry about paying for the privilege. You will have access to many useful perks without the need for a high fee. This is a good business credit card that stacks up to many others that are on the market that have much higher fees.

The high rewards potential of this credit card is going to be what makes most people give it a look. This card allows you to earn 5% cash back on office supply purchases and wireless telephone services in the U.S. Being able to pick a single bonus category to earn 3% cash back on is very useful too. The rewards will start coming in at a high rate when you make use of this card regularly.

You can also enjoy a nice 15-month introductory APR period. Those who like to have a little bit of extra incentive to sign up for a card may be pushed over the edge by having access to this APR. It helps you to save a bit of money when carrying a balance for the first 15 months. Note that the introductory APR is only for purchases made.

The simple rewards redemption structure is also very appealing for many businesses. You will not need to worry about figuring out how to maximize your rewards potential through redeeming points in a special way. You just earn statement credit by purchasing things with the credit card. Rewards points redemptions do not get any simpler than this.

The Cons

• The rewards program may be a bit complex.
• Changing rewards categories have a limited window of opportunity.
• There are foreign transaction fees.

There are also going to be many people who think that this credit card has a rewards program that is too complex. If you want a simple-to-use credit card for your business, then this one may not be the best fit overall. It can offer you pretty good rewards potential but it requires you to really pay attention to get the most out of it. This will not be for everyone and you need to be able to figure out if it will work well for your business.

Changing reward categories is actually kind of difficult too. If you want to change your 3% bonus category then you will only be allowed to do so during a specific time each year. If you miss this window of time then you will be out of luck until next year. This has the potential to be very frustrating and could sour your experience just a little bit.

Having to put up with foreign transaction fees is always negative as well. If your business has you traveling outside of the country regularly, then this is not going to be the most practical card for you. The foreign transaction fees associated with this card are not higher than usual but the fact that they are there is going to be bad for some. Remember this before signing up if it will impact you in any way.

Credit Score Needed for Approval

One potential downside to this credit card is that it is going to require a very good credit score. If you have a credit score of 690 or higher, then you should have a good chance of getting approved for this card. Those who have lower scores will likely not be eligible. It is always recommended to take the time to check your credit score before applying for a new credit card.

Who Does the Blue Business Cash Business Card Appeal to Most?

This credit card is going to appeal to several different types of people. It is going to be helpful for businesses who buy a lot of office supplies. If you regularly purchase office supplies, then you will be able to earn 5% cash back on all of those purchases. It is easy to take advantage of this and it can help to alleviate some of the costs that you encounter on a regular basis.

It is also a good card for people who like to have choices. You get to choose the 3% cash-back category that appeals to you the most. It allows you to ensure that you will get the best rewards potential out of this credit card. This card can work great as an everyday business credit card for many types of businesses due to the diversity in the bonus categories.

An Alternative Card to Consider

One good potential alternative to this credit card is the Ink Business Preferred credit card. In some ways, the Ink Business Preferred card is going to be superior. It offers 3X points on up to $150,000 in spending per year. It offers great travel rewards and comes with many different perks that are more worthwhile than some of the perks offered by the Blue Business Cash Credit Card.

Chase Ink Business Preferred

80,000 points after spending $5,000 in 3 months

$95 Annual Fee

LEARN HOW TO APPLY >>

See our full review of the Chase Ink Business Preferred.

You should know that the Ink Business Preferred credit card comes with an annual fee attached to it, though. You will need to pay an annual fee of $95. This is not too bad when you consider the high rewards potential of the card. It may be better for those who wish to earn travel rewards instead of earning statement credit so choose wisely.

Decision Time: Is the Amex Blue Business Cash Right for You?

The Blue Business Cash Credit Card from American Express is a good option for many businesses. If your business has significant office supply expenses, then it definitely makes sense to have access to this card. It will offer you great rewards potential in that category while allowing you to choose another category to earn 3% cash back. This card is nice and simple in some ways while being a little complex in others.

As long as you want to receive statement credit, this is one of the better business credit cards to consider. It has no annual fee and it allows you to earn cash back in many great categories. It should work great as a primary business credit card for everyday purchases or as a secondary one. Consider signing up if your business can truly take advantage of what this credit card has to offer.

This is not going to be an easy credit card to get for many businesses due to the high credit score requirement. Even so, it is a potentially stellar option. Do not be afraid to try this one out if you qualify for it. It has proven to be a popular option among many businesses and it may work out great for yours too.

Amex Blue Business Cash Card
LEARN MORE >>
INTRODUCTORY OFFER Intro APR Offer
REWARDS You'll earn 2% cash back on all everything. ($50,000 limit) 1% after the limit. Cash back will automatically be rewarded as a statement credit.
BENEFITS It's possible to spend over your credit limit. (amounts vary)
FEES No annual fee. Terms Apply
TRAVEL FREEDOM THOUGHTS This is an excellent no-fee card for your business, especially if you make purchases for phone service and at office supply stores.

Capital One Venture

50,000 points after spending $3,000 in 3 months

$95 Annual Fee (waived year 1)

LEARN HOW TO APPLY >>

Anyone who travels regularly should really think about having a good travel rewards credit card in his or her wallet. When you have access to a premium travel rewards credit card, it can really wind up helping you to earn great rewards. This can save you money on travel expenses and it will make your overall traveling experience quite a bit nicer. One credit card that has proven to be a popular option is the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card.

This credit card offers fantastic rewards and is overall very simple to use. Some credit cards are a bit convoluted with their rewards structure. Many cards make it difficult to figure out how to maximize the use of your credit card to get the best rewards. This one is quite a bit simpler but it still manages to help you earn great rewards in a straightforward way.

Before you go ahead and apply for this credit card, it will be beneficial to look into all of the details. You want to know everything about the card so that you can determine if it is the right one for your situation. This is definitely a good card that has a lot of positives that will appeal to you. Take in all of the information so that you can get the perfect travel rewards card that you need in your life.

Capital One Venture
LEARN HOW TO APPLY NOW >>
INTRODUCTORY OFFER You’ll earn 50,000 points after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months.
REWARDS You’ll earn 2X points on every purchase.
BENEFITS Statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Transfer points to airline and hotel travel partners.
FEES $95 annual fee. (waived year 1) No foreign transaction fees.
TRAVEL FREEDOM THOUGHTS This is a great travel credit card. It offers a large introductory offer, free TSA PreCheck for 5 years, plus the annual fee is waived the first year.

Capital One Venture Rewards Card Fees

Prices and fees really do matter when you are looking into signing up for a new credit card. Some credit cards will have great rewards but they may come with a hefty annual fee attached to them. This credit card does have an annual fee that you will have to pay but it is not too high overall. You will need to pay a $95 annual fee for this credit card and the fee will be waived for the first year.

This card also offers you a generally favorable APR. It is not really anything to write home about but it will fall within a range that you can be comfortable with. You always want to make sure that you are getting the best deal that you can with these cards. This is an easy card to keep in your wallet as it will not be throwing any unreasonable interest rates or odd fees at you.

You won’t even have to pay foreign transaction fees when you make use of this card. If you travel abroad on occasion for either business or pleasure, then you will be able to use your card without worrying. This is a great deal as there are several travel credit cards on the market that do charge these fees. Being able to keep fees to a minimum in most areas and avoiding foreign transaction fees completely make this credit card stand out from the competition.

Features of the Capital One Venture Card

The biggest feature of this credit card is that it has a high rewards rate. You will be able to earn 2X miles on every dollar that you spend. This is very convenient for helping you to earn those travel rewards that you are seeking. If you happen to fly very often, then you will definitely be mitigating the costs of your travel by using this card.

You will also be able to enjoy a really nice sign-up bonus with this credit card. Spending a certain amount of money within the first three months will net you a large chunk of points. These points can be redeemed to go towards your travel expenses and it will be very beneficial to you. The spending amount to reach the bonus level for this reward is reasonable so it should be simple for you to take advantage of it.

Redemption is very flexible with this credit card too. You will be able to redeem your miles at the travel center to help you get great deals on flights, hotels, rental cars, and much more. You can also choose to book your travel outside of the Capital One travel center and receive a statement credit. Redeeming rewards will always feel intuitive and you will never have a hard time making use of your earned miles.

Benefits of the Capital One Venture Card

One really useful benefit of being a cardholder is that you get a fee credit for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck programs. These programs are excellent for frequent fliers as they allow you to have a more streamlined experience. Applying for these programs involve associated fees and they are normally fairly high. Being a cardholder will allow you to get an application fee credit, making it easier to gain membership.

You will also be able to enjoy certain travel benefits that can make your life easier. The Capital One Venture Rewards will give you travel accident insurance that will protect you from certain mishaps. This insurance goes up to $250,000 in coverage and you will also be able to get $3,000 in lost luggage coverage. The card can also act as secondary auto rental insurance when you are traveling with a rental car.

Another benefit that you will passively make use of is this card’s ability to extend warranties on products that you are purchasing. When you buy a product with a warranty that is normally three years or less, your card is going to extend that warranty by one year. You will also be able to make use of purchase protection insurance which will protect you in the event that an item is stolen or damaged. You can be reimbursed for up to $500 per claim when it is within 90 days of the purchase date with a maximum of $50,000 in claims per cardholder.

Rewards Program Information

For the most part, this credit uses a very straightforward rewards program. No matter what you purchase, you will be able to earn two miles per every $1.00 that you spend. This allows you to rack up the rewards miles very quickly. It does not make a difference whether you are using your card to buy groceries or if you are purchasing airline tickets; you will still be earning those rewards miles.

There is one really good exception to this rule that you will want to look into further. When you book and pay for hotels using the Hotels.com website, you can earn an increased rewards rate. This involves using a special link, but it will allow you to earn 10 miles for every $1.00 spent on this purchase. This is certainly incredible and it is something that you will want to try to use when you are booking a hotel.

Otherwise, this is just a great general travel rewards credit card. Earning is very easy and redeeming your points will be a simple task as well. You can redeem your rewards miles at participating airlines and hotels without having any problems. Booking your travel through the Capital One travel portal is going to be ideal but since you can earn statement credit when booking elsewhere, it will be easy to just use the card as you see fit.

The Pros

• Very good rewards rate
• Ease of use
• Good benefits
• Reasonable fees
• Capital One now has travel partners!

This credit card has a very good rewards rate that you will be able to take advantage of. If you are interested in earning travel miles for all of your purchases, then this credit card should be on your radar. You will be able to earn two miles for every $1 spent, making it one of the most practical credit cards out there. There is no need to worry about cumbersome bonus categories either.

The fact that this rewards credit card is so easy to understand makes it perfect for just about anyone. If you like to travel from time to time, then you will be earning miles that you can use to go on vacation. All of your purchases on the card will be earning you points and booking hotels through certain websites can be especially lucrative if you choose to pay attention to that bonus. Either way, you will be earning plenty of rewards miles and will be able to redeem them in a simple way.

The benefits of card membership are very nice too. You will be able to enjoy good purchase protection benefits as well as fee credit for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck programs. These benefits are very useful and they just make being a cardholder that much better. Even if they are not the reason that you will want to sign up, they are useful perks.

Being able to enjoy using a rewards card with reasonable fees is nice too. The annual fee is there but it is not overly high. This fee is waived for the first year and it should not be too much of a burden to pay it in subsequent years. The fact that you can earn a lot of points with this card makes it great for just about everyone.

The Cons

• Some cards offer higher rewards
• Cash back options are not great
• Some won’t like the annual fee

You should know that there are travel credit card options that can give you a greater reward potential. This is a great card to get if you do not want to have to concern yourself with bonus categories. Being able to earn miles on all of your purchases is very nice. Some people will prefer the bonus structure of other cards due to being able to earn very high rewards on specific categories.

The cash-back options on this card are not incredible either. You can choose to receive rewards as cash back but they will essentially be given to you at half value. If you want to get cash back, then you will be better off going with another rewards card. This is going to be a card that you will want to use towards travel purposes when it comes to redeeming the rewards.

It is also worth noting that some people may not be comfortable with the annual fee. It is a reasonable fee with the first year being waived; however, it is still an extra cost. You need to consider whether or not this is going to be worthwhile for you specifically. If you can benefit from the way that this card is set up, then it is easy to justify the annual fee.

Credit Score Needed for Approval

Getting approved for this credit card is going to difficult if you do not have a good credit score. You will want to have a good score of 690 or higher in order to have the right approval chances. Those with excellent credit scores should not have a problem getting this credit card. Taking the time to check your credit score before applying may prove to be beneficial.

Who is the Capital One Venture Rewards Card for?

This credit card is great for anyone who wants to earn rewards that can be used toward travel. If you like to be able to use your credit card rewards to help pay for your vacations or business travel expenses, then this card will be appealing to you. It is a great general rewards card that allows you to earn miles on every purchase that you make. If you do not like having to micromanage your credit card purchases in order to hit on certain bonus categories, then this card is going to be perfect for you.

There may be some people who would prefer travel rewards credit cards that have a more specialized bonus structure, though. If you want a streamlined and straightforward rewards card experience, then this one is perfect for your wallet. Those who want to really dig into bonus categories to squeeze the rewards out of a credit card may want to look elsewhere. This is a very solid credit card that appeals more to people who want to have an easy experience.

Regular travelers will love having this credit card in their wallets. Simply being able to make use of the application fee credit for the Global Entry and TSA PreCheck programs will be very handy. This makes the yearly fee justifiable even when you do not consider the various other perks. Your traveling experience can be better when you have a reliable card like this available to use so you will likely want to consider applying for this one if you think that you can make use of it.

An Alternative Travel Card to Consider

The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card is a good alternative for you to look into. It offers you similar benefits but it differs in several ways. You can earn 2X points on travel and dining expenses, allowing you to earn rewards fast when traveling. This card can pair effectively with other Chase credit cards too and it will transfer over to many airlines and hotel chains, making redemption very easy.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months

$95 Annual Fee

LEARN HOW TO APPLY >>

See our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

The reason to consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card over the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card is that it can be micromanaged a bit more. If you like trying to maximize your rewards, then you can get creative with this Chase card. For some people, the Capital One Venture Rewards card is going to be easier and better overall due to offering extra rewards on every purchase. It just depends on what you want out of a travel credit card, but both are good options.

Decision Time: Is this the Right Card for You?

Signing up for the Capital One Venture card will prove to be a very good choice for many people. This credit card makes earning rewards simple and it allows you to continually rack up those rewards miles. It is a travel credit card that is very practical to use for many people. Being able to earn those rewards on all of your purchases is convenient and you should never have any trouble redeeming the rewards effectively.

The fact that you get so many benefits from being a cardholder makes it an easy decision to go ahead and sign up. This is a card that can offer you many great perks while also remaining practical. You won’t be paying a high annual fee just to gain access to the credit card. The first year’s annual fee is waived and the subsequent yearly fees fall within a very reasonable range.

This just might be the best travel credit card to keep in your wallet when you want something that is straightforward. It is a rewards credit card that does not leave you guessing in any way. You can earn rewards constantly and use them as you see fit. It is a lot easier to use than most other travel credit cards and gives you so much value.

If you make the decision to take advantage of the Hotels.com partnership, then you can increase the overall value of this card even further. Being able to earn 10 miles on every $1.00 spent is a great deal and you can really use it to make earning rewards fast. If you travel often enough and stay in hotels, then this is something that you should keep in mind. Whatever your needs are, the Capital One Venture card is a travel credit card that will prove to be beneficial.

Capital One Venture

50,000 points after spending $3,000 in 3 months

$95 Annual Fee (waived year 1)

LEARN HOW TO APPLY >>

Amex Business Platinum Card

Up to 100,000 points. 50,000 after spending $10,000 and another 50,000 points after spending an additional $15,000 in the first 3 months

$595 Annual Fee

LEARN HOW TO APPLY >>

Your business needs to have a reliable credit card that can help to keep things running smoothly. A good business credit card is perfect for helping you to make frequent purchases that are necessary for your business. Many of these credit cards even offer substantial perks and rewards for being a cardholder. It can be very beneficial to keep a good credit card around whether you are going to use it on a monthly basis or if you only plan on using it infrequently.

Taking the time to find the right business credit card for you is not always easy, though. There is an abundance of different credit card options out there to pick from. Knowing this, you might even feel slightly intimidated about finding the perfect match for your business. Luckily, we are here to help you out by examining the Amex Business Platinum Card. This card is known for being a great option for businesses that have a lot of travel expenses but you need to see if it matches up with your needs.

This credit card has a lot to offer businesses that travel frequently but is it going to be right for yours? Take the time to read all about the features, benefits, and other pertinent information about this credit card. You will be able to get a clear picture of what this credit card is all about and it will be simple to make a good decision. It really does pay to do just a bit of research so join us as we go in-depth with The Business Platinum Card from American Express.

Amex Business Platinum Card
LEARN HOW TO APPLY >>
INTRODUCTORY OFFER You’ll earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points. 50,000 after you spend $10,000 in the first 3 months, and another 50,000 Membership Rewards after spending an additional $15,000 in the first 3 months.
REWARDS You’ll earn 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel. You’ll earn 5X points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com. Earn 50% more points on purchases over $5000. (up to 1 million bonus points.)
BENEFITS $200 airline credit. Global Lounge Collection access. TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Get 35% back when booking a flight with Membership Rewards on a select airline. Two $100 statement credits from Dell annually. 1 year of Platinum Global access to WeWork. (enrollment through 2019)
FEES $595 annual fee. No foreign transaction fees Terms Apply
TRAVEL FREEDOM THOUGHTS If you have many high ticket purchases yearly, this card will earn you a good percentage back. The WeWork membership could be very valuable, if you need a place to work for a year.

Amex Business Platinum Card Fees

The prices and fees associated with this credit card may be the one thing that will scare some businesses away. Right away, you need to know that this credit card has a hefty $595 annual fee. This fee is pretty high but it may be justifiable when you consider everything that this card can offer you. Before you make the decision to judge this fee too harshly, you should look into the various benefits that the card will offer you.

One positive is that you will not be paying out any foreign transaction fees with the Amex Business Platinum Card. It makes it a good credit card to use for businesses that travel abroad frequently. If your business dealings take you outside of the country sometimes, then you will at least not have to deal with foreign transaction fees when you need to make a purchase. It helps to keep your costs a bit lower overall.

The late payment fee for this credit card is set at $38 or 2.99% of the amount that is past due. You will have to pay whichever is greater. The returned payment fee is also set at $38. This is all pretty standard and should not negatively impact your opinion of the credit card in any way.

Features of the American Express Business Platinum Card

You should note that this credit card comes with a pretty good welcome bonus. As long as you spend a certain amount of money in the first three months of being a cardholder, you will earn many bonus points. These points can be used to redeem rewards and will definitely help to offset some of your expenses. Businesses that spend a fair amount of money every month will likely have no trouble meeting the spending requirements to receive the bonus.

The reason that many businesses are going to consider making use of the Amex Business Platinum Card is the travel perks. There are several beneficial travel perks that will make your traveling experience that much better. If you wish to have the best possible traveling experience, then it will be worthwhile to sign up for this card. There are so many perks that you might think this is an entirely travel-oriented credit card even though it is not branded in that way.

Amex Business Platinum Card Airport Lounge Access

Simply being a cardholder is going to give you access to many premium airport lounges. There are going to be more than 1200 Priority Pass lounges that you will be able to make use of worldwide. If you happen to be flying with Delta Airlines, then you will also be able to access the Delta Sky Club lounges. This will make your business travel more relaxing and will certainly go a long way toward justifying the annual fee of this credit card.

TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

You will also be able to receive fee reimbursement for the Global Entry and TSA PreCheck programs. This can make it simpler for you to travel and will save you a lot of time. Applying for these programs costs money but you will be reimbursed for your application fee once every four years. This is a helpful little perk that can make your travel easier than it was before.

Hotel Elite Status

Cardholders will also be given Gold status with the Hilton Honors program and Marriott. This makes it simpler to boost your rewards potential as you will be earning increased points for the different hotel loyalty programs. You will get many benefits from this status such as room upgrades, breakfast, special check-in times, and more. Those who stay at hotels often will love this perk.

$200 Airline Credit

You can also receive $200 per year in credits that can be used to pay for airline fees. This is perfect for paying for checked bags and it can also be used to buy drinks on a plane. You have to pick which airline you will be receiving credit for at the beginning of the year. It is a good way to help offset some of that annual fee and will come in handy at many points throughout the year.

Warranties & Protections

There are other smaller perks that you will enjoy too. Buying items with your credit card can extend the warranty on products for up to two additional years. You can also receive $200 in statement credits each year toward the purchase of different Dell technology products. All of this comes together to provide you with a very rich benefits program that makes it good to be a cardholder.

Membership Rewards Details

The rewards program of the Amex Business Platinum Card actually has some pretty good potential for those who use it in the right way. You can earn 5X rewards points when you purchase airfare and prepaid hotel rooms through the American Express Travel website. This is going to maximize your rewards potential and will allow you to earn quite a few points really quickly.

All of your other purchases are only going to earn you 1X rewards points. There is a bit of an exception to this rule, though. If you spend over $5000 on a single purchase, then you will be earning 1.5X rewards points on that particular purchase. You can earn up to one million extra points per year, although most would be absolutely unlikely to hit that threshold.

Redeeming your rewards can be accomplished in several different ways. You can redeem your earned rewards points for gift cards if that is what you would prefer. The value of redeeming points for gift cards is not great, though. Your best bet is going to be to pursue travel redemptions.

When you redeem your earned rewards points toward travel using the American Express Travel website, the points will have a much higher value. It is the most practical option due to the fact that you will be able to receive a 35% rebate. If your business takes advantage of this effectively, then the rewards program becomes a bit more viable than it initially appeared to be.

This 35% rebate is only good to be good for one specific airline, though. The good news is that you get to choose which airline that is. This will be the same airline that you choose to get your airline fee credit with. It makes it pretty convenient overall even if there are some other business credit cards with a higher rewards potential.

The Pros

• High rewards rate if you use the card right
• Lounge access and other good perks
• No foreign transaction fee
• Good introductory offer

The high rewards rate when you use this card to buy airfare in the right way is going to prove beneficial. You will need to make sure that you are booking flights through the American Express Travel website. As long as you do this, you will be able to really make good use of those rewards points. It can help to provide you with a continuous cycle of points if you travel often enough on business.

Lounge access is one of the main reasons to consider applying for this card. If you want to make your travel experience that much nicer, then having access to the lounge will be very beneficial. You can also enjoy the other great perks such as airline fee credit and Gold status with Hilton and Marriott. When you look into the perks, it will immediately become apparent whether or not this card is going to be a good fit for your business.

You will also not have to put up with any foreign transaction fees when using this credit card. If your business has to travel to places outside of the United States often, then this is going to be crucial. No one wants to pay pesky foreign transaction fees when he or she does not have to. If you have business dealings abroad, then you can consider this an important positive.

The large introductory offer also goes a long way toward making that annual fee feel as if it is less of a big deal. You can obtain the reward for signing up so long as you spend enough money in the allotted time frame. This should not be too tough for most businesses that plan on using this credit card for travel expenses. If you can get the welcome bonus, then it will definitely prove to be useful to you.

The Cons

• The annual fee is high.
• Some cards have higher rewards potential.
• The reward structure is somewhat complicated.

The high annual fee will be the biggest deterrent for many people who are considering applying for this credit card. If you do not want to have to pay a high annual fee for your business credit card, then this may not be the one for you. It is important to weigh the benefits of the card against this fee, though. If you will make use of those airport lounges regularly, then it might be able to easily justify having such a high fee. Combine this with other perks such as the airline fee credit and the fee becomes less of an issue.

Some cards do have higher rewards potential than this one does, though. For normal purchases, you will only be getting 1X rewards points. This is pretty lackluster in comparison to many other cards on the market. You have to buy airfare with your card through the American Express Travel website in order to make this card truly worthwhile from a rewards perspective.

That leads us to the other negative about the Amex Business Platinum Card. The reward structure is really too complicated for many people. You have to go to certain lengths to get the most out of this card. If you do not want to have to specifically book your travel through the website, then you will not enjoy this card quite as much. The perks are great but the rewards program may only be so-so at best for some businesses.

Credit Score Needed for Approval

In order to be approved for the Amex Business Platinum Card, you are going to need to have very good credit. If your credit score is at 690 or higher, then you should be able to be approved for this card. This is a fairly high requirement but it makes sense when you consider everything that this card has to offer. It is a premium credit card in many ways, so check your credit score to see if you will qualify ahead of applying for it.

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Who Does the Amex Business Platinum Card Appeal to Most?

This credit card can actually appeal to several different types of businesses. The most common type of business that takes advantage of this credit card will be one that travels a lot. This credit card offers great travel perks and allows you to earn travel rewards at a good pace. If your business can take advantage of these premium perks and the overall rewards potential of the card, then it becomes even more sensible to sign up.

It is also a card that will appeal to businesses who spend a lot of money every single month. If your business has thousands of dollars worth of expenses every month, then you can benefit from charging them to this credit card. It will help you to earn more rewards over time and will simply be useful for your business operations. Businesses that don’t spend money quite as much may not see this credit card as being particularly useful.

An Alternative Card to Consider

For some businesses, the Capital One Spark Cash for Business credit card is going to be more worthwhile. This is a flat-rate credit card that offers you 2% cash back on all of your purchases. It does have an annual fee of $95 but it is waived for the first year. Cardholders are able to redeem the cash back rewards at any time when they make use of this card.

Capital One Spark Cash

$500 cash back after spending $4,500 in 3 months

$95 Annual Fee (waived year 1)

LEARN HOW TO APPLY >>

See our full review of the Capital One Spark Cash.

If you are less worried about travel perks than you are about making everyday business purchases, then you should think about this card. The Business Platinum Card from American Express is also a great option but it appeals to a specific demographic. If you need a better general purpose business credit card, then it is easy to recommend the Capital One Spark Cash for Business credit card. Keep both in mind and look into which one will give you a better overall deal.

Decision Time: Is the Amex Business Platinum Card Right for You?

The Amex Business Platinum Card is one of the top-tier credit cards that businesses can make use of. It offers some incredibly useful travel perks while also having great rewards potential. If you need a credit card for your business that can give you a good mix of rewards and perks, then it is an easy decision to sign up for this one. Some businesses may shy away due to the high annual fee but you will likely earn so many rewards that the fee will become a moot point.

Simply having the lounge access that is offered by this credit card will be very beneficial. If you travel a lot for your business, then this is among the most practical credit cards that you could sign up for. You will get access to some great perks and will have an overall better traveling experience. Businesses that cannot make good use of the travel benefits may be better off with another credit card.

Weigh the positives of this credit card against your spending habits. If things line up right for you, then you will be able to easily justify making use of this card. It is an excellent fit for many businesses and is something that you should not ignore. Keep it in mind when you are looking for your next business travel credit card.

Amex Business Platinum Card

Up to 100,000 points. 50,000 after spending $10,000 and another 50,000 points after spending an additional $15,000 in the first 3 months

$595 Annual Fee

LEARN HOW TO APPLY >>

Amex Platinum Card

60,000 points after spending $5,000 in 3 months

$550 Annual Fee

LEARN HOW TO APPLY >>

Rewards credit cards have continued to grow in popularity over the years. People love being able to earn cash-back rewards and bonus points on the purchases that they make. It gives them incentives to use the credit cards and makes it more practical for them to buy the things that they need. These rewards are often quite lucrative and can really make a difference. This is the case when it comes to the Amex Platinum Card.

It pays to get a rewards credit card that offers you the best perks and the most possible benefits. There are so many different options out there when thinking about rewards credit cards now. Some of them are specifically geared towards travel purchases and others are more of a general purpose type of rewards card. One of the earliest to the game and most highly regarded rewards credit cards is the Amex Platinum Card.

This credit card has been seen as one of the premier rewards credit cards for a very long time. Does it still stack up as a worthy option that deserves a place in your wallet? Keep on reading as The Amex Platinum Card is put under the microscope in this Travel Freedom review. You will be able to discover all of the little details about this credit card that you need to know. It will make it easier to determine whether this card is for you or if you are better off looking elsewhere for a rewards credit card fix.

Amex Platinum Card
LEARN HOW TO APPLY NOW >>
INTRODUCTORY OFFER You’ll earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months.
REWARDS You’ll earn 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel. You’ll earn 5X points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com.
BENEFITS Enjoy Uber VIP status and free rides in the U.S. up to $15 each month (bonus $20 in December). Enjoy access to the exclusive Global Airport Lounge Collection. $200 Airline Fee Credit, up to $200 every calendar year with one qualifying airline. Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue on your card. Enrollment required. Fine Hotels & Resorts Access. Hilton & Marriott Gold Status. Discounts on First/Business/Premium Economy tickets.
FEES $550 annual fee. No foreign transaction fees. Terms Apply
TRAVEL FREEDOM THOUGHTS With a large introductory offer, statement credits, and airport lounge access, this is an excellent premium travel credit card.

Amex Platinum Card Fees

One of the first things that you’ll notice about this rewards credit card is that the annual fee is very high. This card is going to cost you quite a sum of money if you want to sign up for it. The annual fee is set at $550 and whether or not this is going to be worthwhile to you is going to depend on how well you can take advantage of what this card offers. For some people, paying this fee is completely justified due to the various perks that are offered by the card.

You won’t have to pay many other fees when you make use of this card, though. One nice feature that you can enjoy is that this card does not have any type of foreign transaction fee. If you are a person who travels out of the country frequently, then this will certainly appeal to you. Many comparable rewards cards charge foreign transaction fees of up to 3% but this card will allow you to enjoy a fee-free experience while you are abroad.

Features of the Amex Platinum

To fully understand the appeal of this rewards card and its features, you are going to need to travel regularly. If you travel often enough and if you like to stay in nice hotels, then this card really starts to make sense. Those who travel only sparingly will not be able to see as many benefits from this rewards credit card. It is going to be more useful to those who like to fly business class or first class rather than going coach as well.

That being said, there are many features that make this credit card a very useful one to keep in your wallet. Firstly, you automatically get a $200 credit every year that you can use at your airline of choice. You must choose the airline ahead of time and it can be used to offset expenses such as baggage fees or even in-flight purchases. This is a good feature that people really do get a lot of use out of. One negative is that you cannot use this toward airfare in any way but it is still going to come in handy for anyone who travels regularly as it is essentially free money.

You will also be receiving $200 worth of Uber credits every year. This is a fantastic feature for anyone who travels on business. This can potentially give you several completely free rides that will make getting around a new city that much easier. These credits will come in on a monthly basis and you will get an increased credit of $35 in December with the other months coming in at $15.

The Amex Platinum Card has a pretty good introductory offer as well. You will be able to get a hefty amount of points when you spend a certain amount on purchases in the first three months of having the card. This can be very useful for helping you to rack up quick rewards and helps to offset the high annual fee somewhat. Most people who will be traveling regularly will be able to easily hit the spending requirements so it is a nice bonus that you should keep in mind.

Benefits of the Amex Platinum

The benefits that this card has to offer are numerous and are likely going to be what draws you in. These benefits are very meaty and offer you some real perks. If you want to have a rewards credit card that comes with some real extra privileges, then this might be the one for you. Many of these benefits are very valuable and will make your traveling experience that much nicer.

Perhaps the biggest benefit is that you will gain entry into more than one thousand airport lounges around the world. American Express has its own Centurion Lounges that you will be able to take advantage of during your travels. You will also be gaining access to the premium lounges of several other airlines just by being a cardholder. This rewards card offers you the greatest lounge access of any credit card on the market and it can really make traveling so much easier for you.

To add to this, you are going to be given complimentary access to Gold status membership at Hilton Hotels. You will also automatically become a Gold Elite status member at the Marriott Bonvoy line of hotels. You’ll gain membership into the Avis Preferred, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, and National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive programs as well.

You will have an easier time getting both hotels and rental cars when you make use of this credit card. You’ll even be enjoying access to many fine American Express hotels and resorts so you can see how much this appeals to those who travel often. It makes getting great hotel rooms simple and you will always be treated with the utmost respect. The annual fee is worth the price of admission for people who are looking for this type of superior travel experience.

It is also worth noting that you will be able to apply for the Global Entry or TSA Pre-Check programs for free. Every four years, this card is going to waive the usual fee for you to apply to these programs. Programs such as this make things so much simpler for regular travelers so you will want to get in on this if at all possible. Not having to pay the associated fees to apply will be fantastic so it is a huge benefit to you.

This credit card also offers significant purchase protection as a benefit of membership. When you buy an item and it gets stolen or damaged, then the American Express card will reimburse you for the cost of the item. You can claim up to $10,000 for an individual item with a maximum of $50,000 in claims per year. This is very generous and it should help you out immensely.

Rewards Program Information

This card is going to allow you to earn 5X points on every dollar that you spend on airfare. If you spend a lot of money on airfare every year, then you could potentially earn a lot of rewards points using this credit card. This is the highest rewards rate possible for airfare and it makes this card very appealing to people who travel a lot. The more you spend on airfare, the better this card is going to be.

You can also potentially earn 5X points on every dollar that you spend on hotels. There is a bit of a catch to this, though. You need to make use of the American Express Travel Portal to book your hotels in order to earn the increased rewards rate. If you just book a hotel normally, then you will not be getting your 5X points.

Redeeming the points that you have earned through this credit card will be simple too. You can simply transfer these points over to various different hotels and airline partner programs. This will allow you to use your rewards to book flights, book hotels, and generally save yourself money on travel expenses. It is a very appealing rewards program and the number of participating airlines and hotels will definitely please you.

The Pros

• Great rewards rates on airfare and hotels
• Easy-to-redeem rewards
• Incredible travel benefits of membership

You will be able to earn a great rewards rate when you make use of this credit card. Being able to earn five points per dollar spent on airfare is incredible and you can earn 5X points on hotels as well. As long as you are booking hotels through the American Express Travel Portal, you will have a really good experience. It makes it practical to keep this card in your wallet when you are spending a lot of money on travel.

Redeeming your rewards is so simple with this program that it will be very appealing to just about anyone. You can use your earned rewards points to book hotels or buy flights. The points transfer over to many different airlines and hotel partner programs. You will not have a tough time using your points when you sign up for this card.

The benefits of membership are so varied too. You will become a member of many different premium hotel programs and you will also enjoy car rental perks. It makes it easier to travel in pretty much every way. When you combine this with the benefits such as purchase protection, free Uber credits, and airline credits, you can see how appealing this card truly is.

The Cons

• Less usefulness for people who spend less money on travel
• Rewards categories that are not varied
• High annual fee

Of course, this card is not going to be the perfect option for everyone. Even though this card is an incredible rewards card for people who travel often, those who don’t spend as much money on travel might find it to be less than ideal. If you try to limit your travel spending, then this card is going to be less useful for you than it would be for someone who flies first class regularly. You need to spend enough on travel every year to justify signing up for this card.

Also, the rewards categories are not really varied. There are many travel credit cards that offer bonus rewards on categories such as dining. This card only allows you to earn the increased rewards rate on airfare and hotels. For some people, another card with more rewards categories may make more sense.

The high annual fee is going to scare some people away too. If you do not like the idea of paying $550 a year for the privilege of using this card, then you may wish to shy away. It is an excellent credit card with some of the best perks out there but it will come down to whether or not you are going to use these perks. For some people, this will be the best credit card in their wallets so try to think about your personal situation before applying.

Credit Score Needed for Approval

In order to qualify for this credit card, you are going to need to have the right credit score. People with credit scores in the good range may qualify for this card and you will have better chances if your scores are excellent. A score of 690 or above will make it possible for you to be approved. It is always smart to check your credit score ahead of applying for a new card in order to avoid disappointment and any surprises.

Who is the Amex Platinum Card For?

This credit card is aimed at people who want to have a premium traveling experience. If you travel very frequently and you want to stay as comfortable as possible, then this is a rewards card that will appeal to you. The bonus categories are all related to travel and the perks center around providing you with a more comfortable traveling experience. It is a perfect rewards credit card for people who are willing to pay a little extra to stay in a nice hotel while they are out.

If you travel first class or business class regularly, then you will get a lot of use out of this credit card. Simply having access to the premium airport lounges will making flying a much nicer experience. You can pass the time during layovers in the most pleasant way possible and you will always feel your best. People who do not travel quite so often will not really be able to enjoy these benefits so much.

There are travel credit cards on the market that are geared toward more cost-effective travel experiences. If you fly coach every so often and only travel a few times in a calendar year, then this one might not be for you. Take a look at the perks and benefits to ensure that you will be able to take advantage of them often enough to justify that annual fee. You want to spend your money wisely and this card will only be a perfect fit for some people.

An Alternative Credit Card to Consider

For some people, the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card is going to be a more sensible option. It actually offers a high rewards rate on all of your purchases and it is very easy to redeem the rewards that you are earning. It is more robust in some ways when compared to this offering from American Express. You will be able to claim your rewards in the form of airline miles or you can enjoy getting statement credit if that is going to work out better for you.

Capital One Venture

50,000 points after spending $3,000 in 3 months

$95 Annual Fee (waived year 1)

LEARN HOW TO APPLY >>

See our full review of the Capital One Venture.

Being able to get two miles for every single dollar that you spend is very appealing. You do not have to keep track of categories quite as much as you do with The Amex Platinum Card. The perks and benefits of membership may not be quite as intriguing with this option, though. Even so, the annual fee is significantly lower so it is automatically going to appeal more to some people.

Decision Time: Is the Amex Platinum Right for You?

The Amex Platinum Card is a truly excellent credit card for people who travel all the time. If you are a business person who is on the go, then this is going to be a great card to keep in your wallet. It will offer you many perks and you will be able to enjoy a better travel experience overall just by being a cardholder. The benefits of being a cardholder are numerous but they are all geared toward high-end travel experiences.

If you like to travel while keeping your costs low, then this card might not be a good fit for you. This is something that works out nicely for people who enjoy nice hotels and don’t mind spending that extra cash. The more budget-conscious people who look into this credit card may not be as thrilled by what they are getting. The annual fee is quite high so you need to spend enough to justify that high fee with the rewards and perks.

You should keep this rewards credit card in mind if you are going to be traveling on a regular basis. Whether you are traveling for leisure or you are a touring professional of some kind, the Amex Platinum card is going to work out nicely. It allows you to stay in nice hotels by offering complimentary memberships in sought-after programs. You’ll gain access to the nicest airport lounges to hold you over during layovers. It makes renting cars simpler and it does many things to make your life easier.

Amex Platinum Card

60,000 points after spending $5,000 in 3 months

$550 Annual Fee

LEARN HOW TO APPLY >>