What is the annual fee for the American Express Basic Business Card?

The American Express Basic Business Card has no annual fee.

What is the annual fee for the American Express Platinum Business Card?

The American Express Platinum Business Card costs £595 per year.

Which card has better rewards, American Express Basic Business Card or American Express Platinum Business Card?

American Express Basic Business Card earns 1x membership rewards per £1 spent. American Express Platinum Business Card earns 1x membership rewards per £1 spent. The better card depends on how you value each rewards currency.

Is the American Express Basic Business Card or American Express Platinum Business Card better for small businesses?

It depends on your spend level. American Express Basic Business Card is best for Low spend, Cashflow, No fee. American Express Platinum Business Card is best for Premium travel, Airport lounges, Very high spend.

American Express Basic Business Card vs American Express Platinum Business Card

Side-by-side comparison for UK businesses

Feature	American Express Basic Business Card	American Express Platinum Business Card
Annual fee	£0	£595
Monthly fee	None	None
Welcome bonus	None	40,000 Membership Rewards points
Earn rate (default)	1x	1x
Rewards currency	membership rewards	membership rewards
Card type	business	business

Data last verified March 2026. Check issuer websites for the latest terms.

American Express Basic Business Card

Free Amex card for businesses that want cashflow flexibility and basic rewards without paying an annual fee. Great starting point.

business

Annual cost

Free

Earn rate

Welcome bonus

None

Best for

Low spendCashflow

Key benefits

• No annual fee
• 1 Membership Rewards point per £1
• Expense management tools
• Connect to accounting software

View on issuer site

American Express Platinum Business Card

Premium business card for heavy spenders and frequent travellers. Unlimited lounge access and top-tier travel insurance justify the fee if your spend is high enough.