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American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited vs Mastercard Titanium Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited comes from American Express at $295/yr; the Mastercard Titanium Card from Barclays (Luxury Card) at $299/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 Mastercard Titanium Card's. Get the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited first; revisit the Mastercard Titanium Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureAmerican Express Graphite Business Cash UnlimitedMastercard Titanium Card
Annual fee$295$299
Sign-up bonus$1,500 cash backNo public welcome bonus
Bonus value (est.)$1,500$0
Min spend to unlock bonus$50,000 in 6 mo$0 in 0 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressBarclays (Luxury Card)
Card categorybusinesstravel
Best earning category (Amex_travel_flights_prepaid_hotels)5x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
    • Priority Pass Select ($469 value)
    • 2x airfare and hotels via LuxuryCardTravel
    • 24/7 Concierge
    • No foreign transaction fees
    Read the full review
    American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited
    $295/yr · $1,500 cash back
    Read the full review
    Mastercard Titanium Card
    $299/yr · No public welcome bonus

    Editorial take: American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited

    Editorial take: Mastercard Titanium Card

    The entry tier of the Barclays Luxury Card lineup. The $299 AF buys Priority Pass Select and a real metal card, but earning is weak (1x base, 2x on Luxury Card Travel bookings) and the cash-back redemption rate is only 1 cent per point. Better only as a status-and-lounge play for people who do not want to carry a Sapphire Reserve or Venture X.

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or Mastercard Titanium Card?
    The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited has the bigger bonus, $1,500 cash back, worth roughly $1,500, versus No public welcome bonus (~$0) on the Mastercard Titanium Card.
    Is the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited's $295 annual fee worth it compared to the Mastercard Titanium 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 Mastercard Titanium Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited and Mastercard Titanium Card?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Barclays (Luxury Card)) 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 Mastercard Titanium 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. Mastercard Titanium 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.