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Side-by-side

American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited vs BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited comes from American Express at $295/yr; the BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card from BECU at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,500 more in estimated value) than the BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card's. Get the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited first; revisit the BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureAmerican Express Graphite Business Cash UnlimitedBECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card
Annual fee$295$0
Sign-up bonus$1,500 cash backNo welcome bonus
Bonus value (est.)$1,500$0
Min spend to unlock bonus$50,000 in 6 mo$0 in 0 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressBECU
Card categorybusinesscashback
Best earning category (Amex_travel_flights_prepaid_hotels)5x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
      Read the full review
      American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited
      $295/yr · $1,500 cash back
      Read the full review
      BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card
      $0/yr · No welcome bonus

      Editorial take: American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited

      Editorial take: BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card

      Common questions

      Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card?
      The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited has the bigger bonus, $1,500 cash back, worth roughly $1,500, versus No welcome bonus (~$0) on the BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card.
      Is the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited's $295 annual fee worth it compared to the BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card?
      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 BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
      Can I have both the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited and BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card?
      Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and BECU) the application rules don't conflict. 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 BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card 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. BECU Secured Cash Back Credit Card: $0 in 0 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.