Editorial take: American Express Business Gold
The 4x on your top two categories each month is uniquely flexible, if your business spend varies, this auto-adapts. The credits need active use to offset the fee.
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Side-by-side
American Express Business Gold vs American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited
Both are business travel cards. The American Express Business Gold comes from American Express at $375/yr; the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited from American Express at $295/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
Both cards come from American Express and target business spenders, so the choice usually comes down to whether you'll use the premium-tier benefits. The American Express Business Gold costs $80 more per year, only worth it if you'll actually use the upgraded perks.
| Feature | American Express Business Gold | American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $375 | $295 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 Membership Rewards points | $1,500 cash back |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,800 | $1,500 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $15,000 in 3 mo | $50,000 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | American Express |
| Card category | business | business |
| Best earning category (Top_two_categories) | 4x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
American Express Business Gold
$375/yr · 100,000 Membership Rewards points
Read the full review
American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited
$295/yr · $1,500 cash back
Editorial take: American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Business Gold or American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited?
- The American Express Business Gold has the bigger bonus, 100,000 Membership Rewards points, worth roughly $1,800, versus $1,500 cash back (~$1,500) on the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited.
- Is the American Express Business Gold's $375 annual fee worth it compared to the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited?
- At $375/yr, the American Express Business Gold is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Business Gold and American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited?
- Yes, though both are issued by American Express so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the American Express Business Gold or the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Business Gold: $15,000 spend in 3 months. American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited: $50,000 in 6 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.