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Side-by-side

American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited vs The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab

Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited comes from American Express at $295/yr; the The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab from American Express at $695/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.

FeatureAmerican Express Graphite Business Cash UnlimitedThe Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab
Annual fee$295$695
Sign-up bonus$1,500 cash backUp to 80,000 Membership Rewards points
Bonus value (est.)$1,500$1,440
Min spend to unlock bonus$50,000 in 6 mo$8,000 in 6 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressAmerican Express
Card categorybusinesstravel
Best earning category (Amex_travel_flights_prepaid_hotels)5x1x
Transfer partnersNoneamex-mr
Headline benefits
    • Invest with Rewards 1.1c/pt into Schwab
    • Centurion + Priority Pass + Delta Sky Club
    • 5X flights, 5X prepaid hotels
    • $1,500+ in annual credits
    Read the full review
    American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited
    $295/yr · $1,500 cash back
    Read the full review
    The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab
    $695/yr · Up to 80,000 Membership Rewards points

    Editorial take: American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited

    Editorial take: The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab

    The premium Platinum for Schwab brokerage customers. Same lounge access, FHR, and credit suite as the Personal Platinum, but the killer feature is Invest with Rewards at 1.1 cents per point cash-into-brokerage — the highest fixed-value MR redemption in the program. Best for cardholders who don't max out airline transfer partners.

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab?
    The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited has the bigger bonus, $1,500 cash back, worth roughly $1,500, versus Up to 80,000 Membership Rewards points (~$1,440) on the The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab.
    Is the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited's $295 annual fee worth it compared to the The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab?
    At $295/yr, the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited and The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab?
    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 Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or the The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited: $50,000 spend in 6 months. The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab: $8,000 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.