The American Express Business Gold Card is a powerhouse for business owners seeking flexibility, rewards, and exclusive perks. With its unique ability to offer bonus points in categories tailored to your spending, it’s more than just a typical credit card—it’s a financial tool designed to grow with your business. Whether you’re looking for substantial rewards on travel or routine business expenses, this card has something for every kind of entrepreneur.

One of the standout features of the Business Gold Card is its attractive welcome offer, currently granting 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after meeting certain spending thresholds. Pair that with tools to manage your business cash flow, and you have a card that does more than just streamline purchases—it helps optimize your business’s financial health.

Key features of the Business Gold Card

How does the annual fee work?

With an annual fee of $375, the Business Gold Card clearly targets business owners looking for more than just the basics. While some cards waive their fee for the first year, the Business Gold Card makes no such offer. However, what sets this card apart is how much value it offers in return for this fee, especially for businesses that take full advantage of its rewards and perks.

In terms of payment options, the fee can often be broken down into manageable monthly or quarterly payments through flexible payment options offered by American Express. This ensures that your business can maintain its cash flow without being burdened by a single large payment. Although there is no direct fee waiver program, savvy cardholders can easily offset this cost through the card’s various credits, which we’ll discuss later.

How does the credit limit work?

The Business Gold Card doesn’t operate with a traditional pre-set spending limit. Instead, American Express employs a dynamic model to determine your spending power based on various factors, such as your business’s spending habits, payment history, and overall financial health. This flexible limit grows with your business, ensuring that you can make larger purchases as needed without the traditional constraints of a fixed credit limit.

For larger transactions, you may also leverage the Pay Over Time feature, which allows you to manage expenses over an extended period. With an introductory 0% APR on these purchases for six months, this feature offers businesses the breathing room they need to handle larger expenditures without the pressure of immediate repayment.

Card Benefits

The Business Gold Card is loaded with features that make it an essential tool for any business owner. Here’s a closer look at the most significant perks:

• 4X Membership Rewards® Points: Earn 4X points in the top two categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle.
• 3X Points on Travel: Earn 3X points on flights and pre-paid hotels when booked through AmexTravel.com.
• $240 Flexible Business Credit: Use your card for purchases at select merchants and get up to $20 back monthly.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Pay for your Walmart+ membership with your card and get up to $12.95 back each month.

Standout Benefit: Customizable Rewards Structure

The real game-changer with the Business Gold Card is its flexible rewards system. American Express allows you to earn 4X points on the two categories where you spend the most during each billing cycle. This dynamic approach means that as your business needs change—whether you’re investing more in advertising or spending heavily on supplies—the rewards will follow. Categories eligible for this benefit include:

• U.S. media purchases for advertising (TV, radio, online)
• U.S. purchases at electronics stores or software and cloud providers
• U.S. gas stations
• U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery
• U.S. transit and travel services like taxis, rideshare, parking, buses, and more

This benefit applies up to the first $150,000 spent in these categories each calendar year. After that, you’ll earn 1X points on additional purchases. It’s a system designed with flexibility in mind, ensuring that you’re getting maximum value where it matters most for your business.

Disadvantages of the Business Gold Card

As with any product, there are downsides that you should consider before applying:

• High Annual Fee: $375 is a steep entry point.
• Limited Travel Perks: Lacks some of the premium travel benefits offered by other cards.
• Cap on Bonus Points: The 4X points are only applicable up to $150,000 in spending per year.

Highlighted Disadvantage: High Annual Fee

The annual fee of $375 is one of the card’s major drawbacks, particularly for smaller businesses that may not fully utilize all of the available perks and credits. For business owners who don’t travel frequently or spend significantly in the bonus categories, it could be challenging to justify the fee.

However, for those able to maximize rewards and leverage the various statement credits, this cost can be offset, turning a potential disadvantage into a neutral or even positive aspect.

Who can apply for the Business Gold Card?

Before diving into the application process, it’s essential to understand who qualifies for this card. American Express has a few straightforward requirements:

• Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Credit Score: While there’s no minimum score explicitly stated, a good to excellent credit score (usually 690+) is often required.
• Business Requirements: Whether you’re a sole proprietor or running a larger operation, having an active business in the U.S. is necessary.
• Income: While there’s no specific income requirement, your personal or business income will play a role in determining approval and spending power.

Another key point is that American Express allows you to check for pre-approval without affecting your personal credit score. This is a significant benefit for those concerned about the impact of multiple credit inquiries on their score.

How to apply for the Business Gold Card

Apply Online

One of the easiest ways to apply is directly through the American Express website. Here, you’ll find a detailed application form asking for personal and business information, including revenue, business type, and your SSN or EIN. Once you submit the form, you may receive an instant decision, though some applications may require further review.

Apply via the Mobile App

American Express also offers the ability to apply for the card via their mobile app, available on both Android and iOS. The app guides you through the same process as the online application, but with the added convenience of managing your card account and tracking your rewards once you’ve been approved.

Apply In-Person

For those who prefer a more personal touch, you can visit a local American Express office or contact a representative through the customer service line to begin the application process. While less common in today’s digital world, this option still exists for those who like face-to-face interactions.