The 5 best Amex business card alternatives of January 2025

While American Express business cards have long been considered the gold standard for corporate spending, changing business needs and an evolving financial landscape mean they might not be the best fit for every organization. Here's a comprehensive look at why you might want to explore alternatives to Amex business cards.

Limited acceptance that can hinder business operations

One of the most significant challenges with American Express cards is their more limited acceptance compared to Visa and Mastercard. While Amex has made strides in expanding its network, many smaller vendors and international merchants still don't accept American Express cards. This can be particularly problematic when:

• Traveling internationally for business
• Working with small suppliers or contractors
• Operating in rural areas where Amex acceptance is lower
• Dealing with vendors who avoid Amex due to higher processing fees

Higher fees that impact your bottom line

The fee structure of American Express cards is another compelling reason to consider alternatives. American Express typically charges higher merchant fees than its competitors, and while this might not directly affect you as a cardholder, it can indirectly impact your business in several ways. Some vendors will add surcharges for Amex payments to offset their costs, while others might raise their prices across the board to compensate for these fees. In some cases, smaller partners might refuse to accept Amex altogether, limiting your payment options and potentially complicating business relationships.

More flexible rewards

When it comes to rewards programs, Amex loyalists appreciate the cards travel perks; many alternative business credit cards now provide equally compelling or better benefits that might be more aligned with your specific business needs. Modern alternatives often provide more flexible redemption options and better category-specific rewards that match your spending patterns. Some cards offer simpler point systems without transfer complications, while others provide straightforward cash back options that don't require navigating complex rewards portals.

Lower annual fees and more competitive APRs

Today’s organizations can reap many premium business credit card benefits without the high price tag. Some newer fintech business cards even provide premium features without any annual fee, making them particularly attractive for small businesses watching their overhead costs. These alternatives often come with more competitive APRs, providing additional savings for businesses that occasionally carry balances.

More flexible approval requirements

The traditional barriers to obtaining a premium business card are also shifting. While American Express maintains relatively strict approval requirements, many alternatives take a more holistic approach to assessing creditworthiness. They might consider factors like business revenue patterns, banking history, and even social proof, making them more accessible to newer businesses and non-traditional business models. This can be particularly valuable for startups, e-commerce businesses, and digital service providers who might not fit the conventional corporate mold.

Advanced security features

As card fraud schemes become more sophisticated, newer card issuers have enhanced their security and fraud prevention features. Modern business cards now offer advanced security features like individual virtual business credit cards for specific vendors, real-time spending notifications, transaction anomaly detection, and granular control over employee spending. While Amex provides solid security features, alternative cards often offer more flexible and customizable security options that can be tailored to your specific business needs.

Before exploring how to apply for a business credit card that fits your needs, let's examine the top five alternatives to American Express business cards.

1. The Brex Business Credit Card

The Brex business credit card has revolutionized the corporate credit landscape by offering a secure and customizable solution that grows with your business. From ambitious startups to established enterprises, Brex provides a comprehensive financial platform that goes far beyond traditional credit cards, offering solutions for startup banking, expense management, bill payment, travel booking, and reimbursements. The cool thing about Brex is that a business can start with a Brex card and easily add more of these capabilities as they scale.

At a glance

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: N/A (Charge card — balance must be paid in full monthly)
• Minimum credit score: No personal credit check required
• Credit limit range: Up to 10-20x higher than traditional cards
• Foreign transaction fee: $0

Key benefits

• No personal guarantee: A personal guarantee is not needed for Brex card approval, meaning founders' personal assets stay completely separate from their business card spending
• High credit limits: Companies with strong cash positions and consistent revenue can unlock credit limits 10-20x higher than traditional cards. Plus, your credit limit automatically scales as your business grows.
• Global capabilities: As part of the Mastercard network, Brex cards work seamlessly worldwide. With support for 30+ currencies and local payments in over 50 countries, Brex reduces foreign exchange markups for companies with global operations.
• Business rewards: The Brex rewards program is tailored to modern business spending, offering up to 7x points on everyday expenses like Uber rides, travel, restaurants, and software subscriptions. Beyond standard cash back and travel rewards, Brex offers unique points redemption options including Times Square advertising space and team offsite events.
• Partner discounts: Upon signup, access over $180,000 worth of partner benefits, including significant credits for AWS and Freshworks and exclusive discounts on essential business tools like UPS, QuickBooks, and Slack.
• Integrations: Seamlessly connect Brex with your existing business tools through direct, two-way integrations with popular accounting software, ERPs, and HR platforms, streamlining your financial operations and improving accuracy.

Drawbacks

• Limited approval likelihood for businesses without steady cash flow and revenue
• Value proposition diminishes for companies with minimal monthly card expenses
• Traditional card programs might better suit businesses focused solely on cash back rewards

The Brex business credit card is best suited for high-growth, venture-backed companies seeking comprehensive financial solutions, rather than freelancers or businesses with minimal monthly transactions. The platform integrates high credit limits and rewards with AI-powered expense management tools, making it particularly useful for organizations needing sophisticated spend control.

Users can customize their card program by creating dedicated cards for specific business needs. Options include travel and entertainment cards for business trips, vendor cards with predetermined limits for subscriptions and advertising, purchase cards with transaction-level controls for accounts payable, benefits cards for employee perks, and fleet cards for vehicle expenses. Such flexibility helps separate expenses for easier auditing and streamlines business accounting.

This makes the Brex card particularly useful for scaling companies that need one credit solution to manage their growing financial operations. However, smaller businesses or those seeking simpler solutions may find the platform's features exceed their current needs.

“Brex is our comprehensive solution for everything finance-related. We use it for credit cards, we use it to manage our banking. We love the points, we love the perks that come along with being a customer. And I do believe that Brex is one of the only solutions out there focusing on solving the problem in its entirety.” — Richard Mensah, Founder & CEO, Salley

2. Capital One Spark Cash Plus

The Capital One Spark Cash Plus offers an impressive 2% unlimited cash back on all purchases, combining simplicity with substantial earning potential for businesses of all sizes. As a charge card with no preset spending limit, it adapts to your business's needs while eliminating the complexity of rotating categories or spending caps that often come with other business cards.

At a glance

• Annual fee: $150
• APR: N/A (Pay-in-full charge card)
• Minimum credit score requirement: Generally 700+
• Typical spending limit range: $1,000-$5,000
• Foreign transaction fee: $0

Key benefits

• Earn unlimited cash-back rewards on every business purchase
• Basic expense tracking tools
• Download purchase records for accounting purposes
• Integrations with select software providers

Drawbacks

• While marketed with “no preset spending limit,” the card's actual purchasing power fluctuates monthly based on payment history and spending patterns, which can create uncertainty for businesses with variable expenses.
• The flat-rate rewards structure lacks the customized earning potential and advanced rewards features offered by premium business cards in today's market.
• Basic expense management tools and limited software integrations fall short compared to more comprehensive financial management solutions available to businesses.

The Capital One Spark Cash Plus serves businesses seeking a straightforward rewards program with a reasonable annual fee, though its spending limits and features may be more suited for smaller businesses. The card's flexible spending power adjusts based on payment history and business performance, making it a potential fit for companies with predictable expenses rather than those with variable spending needs. However, businesses requiring sophisticated expense management tools or seeking premium rewards programs might want to explore alternatives that offer more comprehensive financial solutions.

3. Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card merges traditional banking relationships with modern rewards, offering established businesses a path to higher credit limits through their Chase connection. For companies already banking with Chase, this card provides a blend of purchase protection and travel perks, though its value proposition becomes most apparent for businesses that can maintain substantial account balances while regularly engaging in travel spending.

At a glance

• Annual fee: $95
• APR: 21.24%-26.24% variable
• Minimum credit score requirement: Generally 700+
• Typical spending limit range: $5,000-$25,000
• Foreign transaction fee: $0

Key benefits

• Earn rewards points on business purchases, redeemable for travel, cash back, or merchandise
• Receive automatic protection on eligible card purchases against damage or theft
• Seamlessly manage accounts through Chase's online banking platform
• Access elevated credit limits for established Chase banking relationships
• Basic travel insurance benefits

Drawbacks

• Credit limits heavily depend on your banking relationship with Chase and business tenure
• Personal guarantee requirement
• No comprehensive expense management tools
• Limited financial integrations

The Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers solid rewards potential for established businesses, particularly those with strong Chase banking relationships and regular travel needs. However, its traditional approach to credit approval, personal guarantee requirements, and basic expense management tools may not align with modern businesses seeking a comprehensive financial solution. For companies that already bank with Chase and can maximize the travel rewards program, this card could be a decent addition to their financial toolkit, but growing businesses requiring sophisticated expense management and higher credit limits might want to explore alternatives.

4. Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card

The Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® offers a no-annual-fee option for businesses seeking straightforward cash-back rewards without membership costs. While the card provides tiered earning potential in select categories, its spending caps and strict approval requirements make it best suited for smaller businesses with modest monthly expenses and excellent credit profiles.

At a glance

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: Up to 28.49%
• Variable minimum credit score requirement: Generally 750+
• Typical spending limit range: $3,000-$5,000
• Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Key benefits

• No annual fee
• Earn tiered cash back rewards up to 3% on select purchases, with earnings capped at $1,000 per quarter
• Special welcome offers available for new Bank of America business customers

Drawbacks

• Cash back rewards limits restrict earning potential in bonus categories
• Significant fees on international transactions
• Higher interest rates compared to competitor cards
• Multi-tiered rewards program can be difficult to navigate
• Stringent approval requirements may challenge newer businesses

The Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® is one of the most popular no annual fee business credit cards for small businesses seeking cash-back rewards. However, the combination of earning caps, high foreign transaction fees, and stringent approval requirements significantly limits its appeal for growing companies or those with international operations. For businesses with modest spending and strong credit profiles who primarily operate domestically, this card could serve as a suitable starting point in their business credit journey, though they may eventually outgrow its limitations.

5. U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card

The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card is a basic business card with a low introductory APR period. While it has no annual fee and keeps things simple, it doesn't include a rewards program or other benefits commonly found on business credit cards. This card also comes with a free expense management tool.

At a glance

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: 17.99%-26.99%
• Variable minimum credit score requirement: Generally 700+
• Typical spending limit range: $5,000-$15,000
• Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Key benefits

• Basic card controls
• No annual fee
• Physical and virtual credit cards
• Basic expense management tool

Drawbacks

• Doesn't offer rewards or cash back
• 3% fee on international purchases
• Higher than average balance transfer fee
• Basic fraud protection without additional business features

The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card is a straightforward business credit card that leads with its low introductory APR offer. While the 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers lasts for 18 months, the card doesn't provide any rewards program or points on spending, making it less attractive for businesses seeking ongoing value.

Small and local businesses might find the introductory APR period appealing, but the typical credit limit range of $5,000-$15,000 could be restrictive. Even during the interest-free period, this modest limit may not adequately support growing businesses' cash flow needs. After the promotional rate expires, cardholders should note that the APR can reach as high as 26.99%.

Though the card comes with no annual fee, which helps reduce costs, its 3% foreign transaction fee can be expensive for companies conducting international business. The basic card features and lack of premium benefits make this card best suited for businesses prioritizing interest savings over rewards and perks.

Modern businesses are drawn to Brex's corporate card for its exceptional features and innovative approach. As a high-limit credit card, Brex's unique underwriting process typically delivers credit limits 10-20x higher than traditional cards. What makes Brex particularly attractive is that it's a no personal guarantee business credit card, allowing founders to maintain a clear separation between business and personal finances.

Paul Voge, co-founder and CEO of the sparkling water company Aura Bora, said Brex cards has helped his business scale faster: "With Brex, we immediately had access to 30 to 40 times the amount of credit that Chase or Amex would have given us. Thanks to Brex, we were able to finance a lot of product runs that we would not have otherwise."

Brex goes beyond basic credit offerings with powerful spend management software that transforms how businesses handle expenses. The built-in expense management automation streamlines operations through intelligent receipt matching, smart categorization, and customizable approval workflows, and extensive accounting automation software features help finance teams do more with less. Combined with enhanced rewards on critical business expenses like software, travel, and rideshares, Brex offers a comprehensive solution for growing companies.

For companies expanding globally, Brex adapts to their needs with multi-currency cards, spending controls, and unified, multi-entity accounting across countries. The Brex platform grows alongside your business, automatically increasing credit limits while maintaining cost-effectiveness — no annual fees, no foreign transaction fees, and unlimited employee cards at no extra charge.

Mark Topping is the group finance manager at Ooni, which manufactures and distributes home pizza ovens worldwide. Ooni consolidated its five corporate credit card programs onto Brex.

“We are a global business and want it to be as simple and as few logins as possible,” Mark says, “and one of the attractions of Brex was its global platform. It’s one system employees can log into regardless of where they are. Our team’s really embraced the cards and the overall Brex platform because it’s so easy to use.”

Integration capabilities stand out as a key strength, especially Brex's seamless connections with NetSuite and other popular accounting platforms, enabling real-time spending visibility and enhanced financial control. The user experience shines through Brex's highly rated mobile app (4.9 stars on Apple's App Store), bringing full platform functionality to your mobile device and is backed by 24/7 chat and phone support when needed.

Ultimately, Brex delivers more than just a high limit business credit card — it provides a complete financial solution designed to support companies through every growth stage. For businesses seeking an advanced credit card platform that combines spending power with comprehensive financial tools, Brex emerges as the superior choice.

Modern business expense cards can transform how your company manages finances and grows. While American Express has a strong presence in corporate credit cards, companies now have access to alternatives offering more flexible rewards, better acceptance rates, lower fees, and comprehensive financial tools. By understanding these options, you can select a card that truly aligns with your business needs and growth trajectory.

Every great business has a turning point — a moment when the right tools unlock extraordinary potential. For more than 30,000 growing companies, that moment came when they chose Brex. Not just because of the up to 20x higher credit limits, the freedom from personal guarantees, or even the powerful automation that transforms expense management tasks from hours to minutes. They chose Brex because it fundamentally changed how they run their business. It gave them the tools to dream bigger, move faster, and achieve more.

If you’re looking for the best business credit cards for employees, join the community of visionaries, builders, and innovators who have discovered what truly integrated business finance feels like. With Brex's corporate card and comprehensive financial platform, you're not just getting a better way to manage money — you're getting a partner in your success story. Sign up for Brex today, and write your next chapter with us.