In the current state of business, it’s no surprise that running a business means making tough financial decisions about where your money goes. Whether it’s travel, software, or simply keeping the lights on, every dollar counts. When it comes to high-end business credit cards, there are few that generate as much buzz as The Business Platinum Card from American Express. With its hefty annual fee, it’s easy to see why many might assume it’s a luxury item rather than a business necessity.

As someone who has been using the Amex Business Platinum Card for years, I can confidently say that it not only pays for itself but actively adds value to my business. In this article, I’ll explore why this particular card has become one of my most valuable business investments.

How the Amex Business Platinum Card Adds Value to My Business

The Amex Business Platinum Card is no casual credit card. It’s meant for businesses that spend big on travel, technology, and other digital solutions. With an annual fee of $895, it’s clear that this card is meant for high-end business use.

What sets this card apart, however, isn’t its luxury status it’s the sheer amount of value it provides. From statement credits to travel rewards and operational benefits, this card provides so much more than simply a means of making purchases.

But when used properly, this card not only pays for itself but also goes above and beyond the annual fee.

How I Determine the Value of My Business Investments

When it comes to determining the value of my business investments, it’s not just about looking at the bottom line. What I really want to know is how my business is being positively affected by the tools and resources that I am using. When it comes to the Amex Business Platinum Card, the answer is simple: it’s making a level of value that goes far beyond just a means to make purchases.

Rather, it’s more important to look at the actual value of the Amex Business Platinum. With my own personal experience in mind, here is a breakdown of where the value is being made each year:

• Airline incidental credits
• Hotel statement credits
• Prepaid luxury hotel savings
• Membership Rewards point rebates
• Technology and software credits
• Wireless discounts

By itself, this is already worth more than $2,700 per year, not including lounge access or elite status. And this is all before even paying the annual fee, which makes the profit even greater.

Airline Fee Credits That Feel Like Instant Rebates

The card offers up to $200 per year in airline incidental fee credits. After selecting an airline in the U.S., credits towards seating, baggage, and lounge access are automatically applied.

If you regularly travel on the same airline for your business, this alone is worth a great deal and makes you feel as though you are being refunded your annual fee in part upfront.

Hotel Credits That Add Up Faster Than You Expect

Hotel benefits are another place where the Amex Business Platinum card offers a great deal of value on a regular basis.

Hilton Statement Credits

The card offers a Hilton statement credit of up to $200 per year, paid out in quarterly increments. Whether you are staying at a Hilton property for a full stay or simply using the card to pay for incidentals, this credit is easy to redeem if Hilton is a part of your regular travel plans.

Prepaid Hotel Credits for Premium Stays

One of the most valuable new benefits of the card is the prepaid hotel credit of up to $600 per year, which is distributed in equal increments throughout the year.

This credit can be applied to reservations made through:

• American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts

These programs offer benefits such as hotel breakfast, property credits, late checkout, and potential room upgrades. For business owners who occasionally travel to upscale hotels, this benefit alone offers tremendous value in terms of both cost savings and added comfort.

Turning Points Into Flights With a 35% Rebate

The Amex Business Platinum card offers a benefit that is unlike any other on the market. This benefit is a 35% rebate on Membership Rewards points redeemed for eligible flights booked through AmexTravel.com.

This is important because you can choose one preferred airline each year and redeem your points for flights at a fixed value of one cent per point. After booking, you receive a 35% rebate on the points used, which boosts their value. Plus, even when you book with points, you still earn miles and elite status credits on the flight.

This is a huge benefit, especially when traveling for business purposes. While at times it may be possible to get more bang for your buck by transferring points to airline partners, the simplicity of this rebate makes it a huge benefit.

In my own personal experience, this benefit alone has brought tens of thousands of points back into my account each year essentially wiping out my travel costs without sacrificing any convenience.

Business Credits That Help Fund Daily Operations

In addition to travel benefits, the Amex Business Platinum card also comes with credits that help fund everyday business operations.

Dell Technologies Credit

The card comes with up to $150 per year in Dell statement credits after enrollment. For businesses that often purchase laptops, monitors, or accessories, this credit can help reduce technology costs without lifting a finger.

It also comes with an additional reward for spending more on Dell purchases, making it an excellent card for growing businesses.

Wireless Credits and Phone Protection

The card also comes with up to $120 per year in wireless credits, paid monthly when you pay your business phone bill with the card.

In addition, it also comes with cell phone protection against loss or damage, offering up to $800 per claim. For entrepreneurs who spend most of their time on their phones, this combination of savings and protection is a total game-changer.

Elite Status That Enhances Every Trip

Another benefit of the Amex Business Platinum card is the automatic elite status it offers with leading travel brands, including Hilton Honors Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold, and Leading Hotels of the World, helping enhance your travel experience on every trip.

These elite statuses come with perks such as bonus points, late checkout, and space-available upgrades. While these are not guaranteed, they do help to enhance every business trip and reduce expenses.

The elite membership provided by car rental companies like Hertz, National, and Avis is an added convenience, especially when there are last-minute changes in travel plans.

Final Verdict:

The Amex Business Platinum Card is not about the bells and whistles it’s about value. When used in a deliberate manner, the card turns mundane business expenses into savings, rewards, and streamlined business.

For my business, it’s more than just a credit card. It’s a financial instrument that always brings back returns far in excess of the annual fee.

If you’re ready to take advantage of its benefits and integrate them with what your business is already doing, the Amex Business Platinum Card can be one of the best investments you make this year.