The American Express Business Gold card is designed for business owners looking to maximize their rewards on everyday purchases while benefiting from flexible spending options and valuable perks. It stands out as a premier choice for businesses that want to earn substantial rewards in categories that matter most to their operations.

In addition to its powerful rewards system, the Business Gold card provides essential business tools, such as flexible payment options and expense management features, making it a practical choice for businesses of all sizes.

From travel perks to partner credits like FedEx and Walmart+, this credit card caters to businesses that value both convenience and efficiency, while its no foreign transaction fees and comprehensive coverage ensure that international business travel is also a breeze.

Key information about the American Express Business Gold card

The American Express Business Gold card offers a wide array of features that cater to business needs. One of the most attractive features is the ability to earn 4x Membership Rewards® points on the top two spending categories each billing cycle, up to $150,000 in combined purchases annually.

The eligible categories include U.S. advertising, U.S. restaurants, gas stations, shipping, select media, and wireless phone services. This feature ensures that your rewards align with your actual spending, offering flexibility as your business needs change throughout the year.

How does the annual fee work?

The American Express Business Gold card carries an annual fee of $375, which is billed annually. This fee grants access to the card’s comprehensive benefits, including high reward earning potential, travel perks, and business-focused credits like the $240 flexible business credit for purchases made at FedEx, Grubhub, or office supply stores. For businesses that make use of these rewards and credits, the annual fee is quickly offset by the savings and value provided.

How is the credit limit determined?

The American Express Business Gold card operates on a flexible spending model, meaning there is no preset spending limit. Instead, your spending limit adjusts based on your usage, payment history, and other financial factors.

While this offers a great deal of flexibility, it also requires businesses to manage their spending responsibly. American Express reviews various factors, including your creditworthiness and business financial health, to set spending thresholds that align with your ability to repay.

Credit card benefits 

• 4x Membership rewards® points on the top two spending categories each billing cycle, up to $150,000 in combined purchases annually.
• 3x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com.
• $240 flexible business credit for purchases at select U.S. merchants like FedEx, Grubhub, and office supply stores.
• Walmart+ monthly membership credit of up to $12.95, covering the cost of a Walmart+ subscription.
• No foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international business travel.
• High welcome bonus: Earn up to 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $15,000 in the first three months.

4x points on top two spending categories

The most notable feature of the American Express Business Gold card is the 4x points earned on your business’s top two spending categories each billing cycle. The eligible categories include essential business expenses like U.S. restaurants, advertising, shipping, gas stations, and wireless phone services. This flexibility ensures that the rewards align with your business’s actual spending patterns, giving you the most value where you spend the most.

Disadvantages

• $375 annual fee, which may be steep for businesses that don’t fully utilize the rewards and benefits.
• No 0% APR period for purchases beyond the first six months, meaning businesses need to manage cash flow carefully to avoid interest charges.
• Limited rewards categories: The 4x points are only available in six specific categories, so businesses with spending outside these areas may not fully benefit from the card.

High annual fee

One of the main disadvantages of the American Express Business Gold card is its $375 annual fee. While this fee grants access to numerous benefits and rewards, it may be considered too high for smaller businesses or those that do not spend heavily in the card’s top 4x categories.

To make the annual fee worthwhile, businesses need to ensure that they are fully utilizing the card’s rewards and credits, especially the $240 flexible business credit and Walmart+ membership credit.

Who can apply for this card?

The American Express Business Gold card is available to U.S.-based business owners. To apply, you must provide detailed business information, including your business name, address, industry, and revenue. Additionally, you’ll need to supply personal information, including your Social Security Number (SSN), as American Express will perform a credit check to assess your eligibility.

There are no specific income requirements for the card, but American Express generally requires a strong credit score and financial history to approve applicants. While the card is not specifically geared toward businesses with bad credit, those with a solid financial background and consistent revenue will have a higher chance of approval.

How to apply for the American Express Business Gold card

Applying online

The application process for the American Express Business Gold card is straightforward and begins by visiting the American Express website. On the Business Gold card page, you’ll find an “Apply Now” button, which directs you to the secure online application form.

You will be required to provide essential business information, such as your business name, address, industry type, and annual revenue. In addition, American Express will ask for your personal details, including your full legal name, Social Security Number (SSN), and personal income, as part of their credit assessment process.

Once the necessary business and personal information has been entered, you will need to review and agree to the card’s terms and conditions. American Express will perform a credit check to assess your eligibility for the card.

After submitting the application, most applicants receive a decision within 30 seconds. This quick approval process makes it easy for business owners to find out if they qualify for the card in real time, which helps streamline their financial planning.

If approved, your American Express Business Gold card will be mailed to you within 7-10 business days. After receiving your card, it must be activated either through the American Express website, the mobile app, or by phone. Once activated, you can begin making purchases and earning rewards, taking full advantage of the card’s benefits and premium features right away.