The SME owner’s guide to the right Amex Card for your business
Not sure which American Express Card will work for your company? We take a closer look at some of the options.
Sponsored by the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card. Receive 130,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply by 14 January 2025 and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 2 months. Available only to new American Express Card Members. T&Cs apply.
American Express business cards offer a range of different solutions to suit a variety of business needs, helping support companies throughout their lifespan.
Today, we're taking a look at some of the key considerations when it comes to choosing a card to support your business. We'll specifically be highlighting the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card, the Platinum Business Card and the Business Explorer Credit Card.
Business travel
Getting out on the road is key for many businesses, especially during the fledgling days. It's important to get to know suppliers, prospective customers and even potential staff.
With all of that said, travel isn't cheap. It makes sense to look for a card that can help you offset travel expenses, or at least allow you to carry out the journey in more style.
If you sign up to the Qantas Business Rewards Card, you can get 150,000 bonus Qantas Points. Provided you spend $3,000 or more on eligible purchases within the first 2 months of approval, the Qantas Points are all yours.
When making travel-related purchases, you're also able to earn additional Qantas Points. In turn, all of these Qantas Points can be used on further travel, hotel upgrades or other rewards and experiences.
The Amex Platinum Business Card and the Business Explorer Credit Card also offer a range of travel perks. Membership Rewards points earned through these cards can be redeemed for flights, accommodation, vehicle hire and more.
Additionally, all of these cards allow you to access complimentary travel insurance while you're on the road1. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits).
Earning points
When spending with an American Express Card, you'll usually earn Membership Rewards points, which can be redeemed for a variety of different perks and experiences. We've got a breakdown below.
| Card | Points earned |
|---|---|
| Qantas Business Rewards Card |
|
| Platinum Business Card |
|
| Business Explorer Credit Card |
|
Credit cards and charge cards
Credit cards and charge cards are similar at first glance. However, there are a number of key differences, so it's important to choose wisely for your business needs.
Charge cards – like the Qantas Business Rewards Card or the Platinum Business Card – don't have pre-set spending limits2. Rather, the amount you can spend is based on your current credit history and your ongoing spending patterns. Accordingly, it's able to grow with your business.
The balance is then paid in full on a regular basis (usually monthly).
For business owners, this can be an effective way to extend their cash flow or to tackle last-minute expenses that arise at the end of the month. This means that you may be in a better position to take advantage of business opportunities as they arise.
As one example, you might have an urgent need to replace a piece of equipment when it breaks down. Or perhaps you need a new type of software in order to be able to take on a new client.
Situations like these are where a charge card can be extremely helpful.
By contrast, credit cards – like the Business Explorer Credit Card – generally have a pre-set spending limit. Some business owners prefer this option, as it serves as an additional form of budgeting.
You're still able to use the Card to meet expenses, but you won't be able to overspend either. This can be particularly useful when the business is starting out and it's important to keep a tight leash on spending.
It's important to remember that there isn't really a right or wrong option when it comes to credit and charge cards. It should be a decision based on the specific needs and life cycle stage of your company.
Employee Card access
You might be the owner – but that doesn't necessarily mean you're the only person in the company with expenses. So it's important to have a card that can provide access to a wide range of staff, on an as-needed basis.
The American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card, the Platinum Business Card and the Business Explorer Credit Card don't charge fees for up to 99 employee cards3.
You're also able to implement spend controls. This way, you can track your spend centrally while still being sure that it's being directed to the right places.
Offsetting business expenses
Both the the Platinum Business Card and the Business Explorer Credit Card have the option to use some (or all) of your Membership Rewards points to cover part of the costs of your Card repayments.
Rewards and perks
One of the other reasons to opt for a charge or credit card for your business is the potential to earn rewards. These can cover a pretty broad spectrum, so we'll just focus on the finer points today – make sure you check out the website for each Card for an individual rundown.
Let's look at the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card as an example. The Qantas Business Rewards program (which is linked to the Amex Qantas Business Rewards Card) also offers up to 10% off Qantas flights4.
It also includes a number of different rewards and perks, such as complimentary Qantas Business Rewards membership5, 2 Qantas Club Lounge passes each year6, early access to event tickets and dining experiences.
The Platinum Business Card and the Business Explorer Credit Card also offer similar benefits, though the scale varies for each.
When used carefully, they can be a great way to celebrate the growth of the business, build better team relationships and make a great impression with clients.
Key takeaways
The American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card, the Platinum Business Card and the Business Explorer Credit Card all have distinct offerings that make them effective choices for a range of different business sizes and types.
Every business is different – so make sure you weigh up your options carefully and select the card that's right for your particular needs.
Discover about the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card today
Compare other business cards here
