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 150,000 bonus Qantas Points and a $200 credit when you apply by 01 October 2024 and spend $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months. Available only to new American Express Card Members. T&Cs apply.

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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.

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

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Name	Product	Bonus points	Rewards points per $ spent	Complimentary travel insurance	Minimum annual revenue	Annual fee
American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card		150,000	1.25	Yes	$75,000	$450	(ABN holders w/ $75k revenue). Earn 150,000 bonus Qantas Points and a $200 credit when you spend $6,000 in the first 3 months.	Go to siteMore Info Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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• Terms and Conditions

  1. The insurance on American Express Cards is subject to terms, conditions and exclusions (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits). You must use your American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card to pay for your trip in order to be covered under the travel insurance and pay for eligible items for those items to be covered under the retail insurance benefits. It is important you read the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card Insurance Terms and Conditions and consider whether the insurance is right for you. We do not provide advice about the insurance or whether it is appropriate for your objectives, financial situation or needs.

  The insurance on American Express Cards is subject to terms, conditions and exclusions (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits). You must use your American Express Business Explorer Credit Card to pay for your trip in order to be covered under the travel insurance and pay for eligible items for those items to be covered under the retail insurance benefits. It is important you read the American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Insurance Terms and Conditions and consider whether the insurance is right for you. We do not provide advice about the insurance or whether it is appropriate for your objectives, financial situation or needs.

  The insurance on American Express Cards is subject to terms, conditions and exclusions (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits). You must use your American Express Platinum Business Card to pay for eligible items for those items to be covered under the retail insurance benefits. It is important you read the American Express Platinum Business Card Insurance Terms and Conditions and consider whether the insurance is right for you. We do not provide advice about the insurance or whether it is appropriate for your objectives, financial situation or needs.

  2. No pre-set spending limit does not mean unlimited spending. Your purchases are approved based on a variety of factors, including current spending patterns, your payment history, credit records, and financial resources known to us.

  3. Employee Cards: American Express approval criteria apply. Subject to Terms and Conditions. Fees and charges apply. This offer is only available to those who reside in Australia. Employee Card Members must be over 18 years of age. Prior to 1 August 2023, the Business, the Basic Card Member and each Employee Card Member are jointly and severally liable for all Employee Card spending. On and from 1 August 2023, American Express will be making changes to the Terms and Conditions of American Express Business Card products in Australia which will include the removal of the liability of Employee Card Members for charges incurred on their Employee Card. Each employee is entitled to only one (1) Employee Card.

  4. Savings are available exclusively to Qantas Business Rewards Members on the base fare of selected fares only and do not apply to taxes, fees and carrier charges. Availability is limited. Member Deals are subject to the Qantas Business Rewards Terms and Conditions.

  5. A business must be a Qantas Business Rewards Member to earn Qantas Points. A one-off joining fee of $89.50 usually applies, however this will be waived for any business that has an existing American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card. Membership and the earning of Qantas Points as a business are subject to the Qantas Business Rewards Terms and Conditions. Points are earned in accordance with and subject to the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card Points Terms and Conditions.

  6. Qantas Club Lounge passes: provided the Primary Card Member is a Qantas Frequent Flyer member and has registered their Qantas Frequent Flyer number with your business' American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card, your business is eligible to receive two domestic Qantas Club Lounge Invitations each anniversary year of Card Membership once your business makes an Eligible Qantas Purchase on your American Express Card during that year. Eligible Qantas Purchases are Qantas passenger airfares with a QF flight number purchased directly from Qantas Australia that appear on your Card statement, Qantas Frequent Flyer, Qantas Business Rewards or Qantas Club membership, joining or annual fees. Excludes purchases from Jetstar. Within 1-2 weeks of the Eligible Qantas Purchase, two Qantas Club Lounge Invitations will be assigned to the Qantas Frequent Flyer account nominated by the business. Visit the Complimentary Invitations Portal to access invitations, link it with an eligible Qantas flight booking or find out more information. Qantas Club Lounge Invitations are valid for a single visit by one guest to a domestic Qantas Club Lounge only and must be used prior to their expiry. Invitations are subject to the Qantas Club terms and conditions. Qantas Club Invitations cannot be carried forward to any subsequent year and must not be sold, they may only be transferred as allowed by Qantas. Invitations may be revoked or withheld if your business' American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card account is not in good standing, if the Eligible Qantas Purchase is refunded in full or if you have not complied with these Qantas Club Invitation Conditions, the Card Terms and Conditions or the Qantas Club Lounge Access Terms and Conditions.