The Complete Process to Apply for an Amex Business Card: From Qualification to Approval
Are you looking to elevate your business finances with premium rewards and benefits? Applying for an American Express business card could be your gateway to better cash flow management, valuable rewards, and exclusive perks tailored specifically for business owners. Whether you run a large corporation or manage a side hustle, Amex business cards offer solutions designed to meet your specific needs.
Many entrepreneurs don’t realize they qualify for business credit cards, assuming they need an established company with significant revenue. The truth is that even freelancers, gig workers, and new startups can successfully apply for an Amex business card. In fact, you typically need a personal FICO score of 690 or higher to qualify, and even new businesses with no established revenue or business credit history can be approved if you have some level of personal income or assets.
The application process is straightforward but requires attention to detail to maximize your chances of approval. This guide will walk you through each step, from checking your qualifications to submitting your application and making the most of your new card benefits.
Understanding Amex Business Card Requirements
Before starting your application, it’s important to understand what American Express looks for in potential business cardholders. Unlike some other card issuers, Amex makes the qualification process relatively accessible for various business types.
Personal Credit Score Requirements:
American Express typically requires a personal FICO score of at least 690 for business card approval. Your personal credit history plays a significant role in the application process, especially for new businesses. While business credit history is considered when available, personal creditworthiness often carries more weight.
Business Information Requirements:
When applying, you’ll need to provide basic details about your business:
- Legal business name (can be your personal name for sole proprietors)
- Business address and phone number
- Industry type
- Company structure (corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship)
- Time in business
- Number of employees
- Annual business revenue and estimated monthly spend
- Tax identification number (EIN or SSN for sole proprietors)
Even new businesses with no established revenue can be approved if the business owner has sufficient personal income or assets to support the application. This makes Amex business cards accessible to entrepreneurs just starting their journey.
Benefits of Applying for an Amex Business Card
American Express business cards offer numerous advantages that make them worth considering for businesses of all sizes:
Separation of Business and Personal Expenses:
Maintaining separate business and personal finances is crucial for accurate bookkeeping and tax preparation. Business credit cards provide clear separation of business activity from personal spending, making financial management more efficient.
Robust Rewards Programs:
The rewards you earn from American Express business cards and personal cards are automatically pooled together, making it easier to maximize your benefits. Depending on the card you choose, you can earn:
- Membership Rewards points for travel
- Cash back in the form of statement credits
- Partner-specific rewards with airlines or hotels
Premium Travel Benefits:
Many Amex business cards come with travel perks such as:
- Airport lounge access
- Travel insurance
- Hotel upgrades and credits
- No foreign transaction fees
Business-Specific Statement Credits:
Cards like the American Express Business Gold Card offer statement credits for business-related purchases at merchants like FedEx, Grubhub, and office supply stores—up to $240 annually with enrollment.
Expense Management Tools:
American Express offers a suite of expense management tools to help track and organize your business expenses and efficiently manage your cash flow. The Amex Business App allows you to capture receipts, categorize expenses, and generate reports.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an Amex Business Card
Follow these steps to apply for your American Express business card:
1. Check Your Credit Score
Before applying, check both your business and personal credit scores. The higher your credit score, the more likely your company will be approved and receive a higher credit limit. You can obtain your personal credit score through various free services and your business credit score through agencies like Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax, and TransUnion.
2. Research and Select the Right Card
When choosing an Amex business card, consider three main factors: where your business spends the most money (flights, hotels, advertising, restaurants, shipping, etc.), what type of rewards you want (cash back or Membership Rewards points), and how much of an annual fee makes sense for your business.
Popular Amex business card options include:
- The Business Platinum Card: Best for business travelers with premium benefits
- American Express Business Gold Card: Best for flexible bonus categories
- Blue Business Cash Card: Best for no-annual-fee cash back
- Delta SkyMiles Business Cards: Best for frequent Delta flyers
3. Gather Required Documentation
Before starting your application, collect all necessary information:
- Business legal name and structure
- Business address and phone number
- Tax identification number
- Annual revenue and years in business
- Personal information including SSN and income details
4. Complete the Online Application
Follow these tips for specific sections:
- Legal business name: For sole proprietors, use your own name as the business name
- Business revenue: Be honest about your current revenue, even if it’s minimal
- Years in business: Even new ventures qualify, so provide accurate information
- Non-Taxable Annual Income: This box is optional and can be left blank, but you can include income exempt from federal income tax
5. Submit Your Application and Review Status
After completing the application, you can save it to apply later or submit it for immediate review. Often, you’ll receive an instant response, but sometimes your application may go into pending status if Amex needs additional information.
Comparing Popular Amex Business Cards
When selecting your card, compare these popular options based on your business needs:
| Card | Annual Fee | Welcome Offer | Key Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Platinum | $695 | 150,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 in 3 months | Airport lounge access to 1,400+ lounges, 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels through AmexTravel.com, $200 in Hilton credits annually | Frequent business travelers |
| Business Gold | $375 | Varies | 4X points on top 2 spending categories, up to $240 in statement credits at FedEx, Grubhub, and office supply stores | Businesses with varied expenses |
| Blue Business Cash | $0 | Varies | 2% cash back on all purchases up to $50,000 per year | Small businesses wanting simplicity |
| Blue Business Plus | $0 | Varies | 2X Membership Rewards points on all purchases up to $50,000 per year | New businesses wanting flexible rewards |
Expert Tips for a Successful Application
Follow these expert recommendations to increase your chances of approval:
1. Use Your Real Business Information
Be honest about your business details, including revenue and time in business. Amex understands that many applicants are small business owners or even side hustlers.
2. Include All Income Sources
When listing your income, include all legitimate sources of personal income, not just your business revenue. This gives Amex a complete picture of your financial situation.
3. Consider Your Existing Relationship with Amex
If you already have a personal Amex card in good standing, you may have better approval odds for a business card. If you have an existing Amex account, sign in to simplify the application process.
4. Apply When You Have Strong Credit
Since approval typically requires a personal FICO score of at least 690, work on improving your credit score before applying if needed.
5. Be Prepared for Additional Questions
Sometimes Amex may request additional information about your business. Be prepared to provide documentation that validates your business identity and financial situation.
Making the Most of Your New Amex Business Card
Once approved, follow these steps to maximize the benefits of your new card:
1. Meet Spending Requirements for Welcome Bonuses
Plan your business purchases to meet minimum spending requirements for welcome bonuses. For example, the Business Platinum Card’s welcome offer requires spending $20,000 within the first three months.
2. Enroll in Statement Credit Programs
Many Amex business cards offer statement credits for specific purchases, but enrollment is often required. The Business Gold Card, for instance, provides up to $240 annually in credits for purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and office supply stores after enrollment.
3. Add Employee Cards
Consider adding employee cards to consolidate business spending and earn more rewards. You can set spending limits for employee cards and track their purchases separately.
4. Utilize Expense Management Tools
Take advantage of the expense management tools provided with your card to track expenses, manage cash flow, and simplify your bookkeeping process.
5. Regularly Review Card Benefits
Amex occasionally updates card benefits, so regularly review your card features to ensure you’re taking advantage of all available perks.
Is an Amex Business Card Right for You?
American Express business cards offer substantial value for business owners who can maximize their benefits and rewards. The application process is accessible to various business types, from established companies to side hustles, with approval largely dependent on your personal credit profile.
By understanding the requirements, selecting the right card for your spending patterns, and following the application steps outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of approval and begin enjoying the premium benefits that come with an Amex business card.
Take time to compare different card options, focusing on rewards structures that align with your business spending habits and benefits that provide real value to your company. Whether you’re looking for travel perks, cash back, or flexible rewards points, there’s likely an American Express business card that fits your needs.
Ready to apply? Visit the American Express website to explore available business cards and start your application today.