If you’ve ever stared at your credit card and whispered, “Are you really doing enough for me?” — trust me, I’ve been there. For years, I kept circling around the Amex Business Platinum, reading glowing reviews, watching unboxing videos of shiny welcome kits, and—ironically—never pulling the trigger. I mean, come on, a $695 annual fee? That’s not pocket change, bro. Especially when you’re running a small creative agency in Jogja where every rupiah counts and ngopi di warkop is still your therapy.
But it got to a point where my regular business card just wasn’t cutting it. No real travel perks, no points worth bragging about, no lounge access (and yes, I’m petty—I wanted that Centurion Lounge vibe so bad). The breaking point? A 6-hour layover in Changi, eating overpriced instant noodles, watching other people nap on plush chairs like royalty. I felt like a background character in someone else’s success story.
So yeah, I caved. I applied. And guess what? That one decision kinda flipped my whole business-finance game. From premium travel perks, airport lounge access, to 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels through Amex Travel—it’s not just a flex card, it’s a real tool for business. And weirdly, it made me feel seen as a small business owner.
What Makes Amex Business Platinum Different from Others?
Let me be blunt: not all business credit cards are created equal. Some offer cashbacks, some give you miles, but Amex Business Platinum hits different—like, deep tissue massage different.
5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked via Amex Travel
$200 airline fee credit per calendar year (no joke, this one saved me during my last Bali trip)
35% points rebate when you use points to book eligible flights
Access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide
Dedicated concierge service that feels more like having a personal assistant
It’s like suddenly leveling up from motor bebek to Harley Davidson. Same destination, but the ride? Way smoother.
The Emotional Tug-of-War: Is It Worth the Annual Fee?
I won’t sugarcoat it—$695 per year feels like a lot, especially when you’re not swimming in dollars. I remember sitting in my little office-slash-studio, calculator in one hand, anxiety in the other. I kept thinking, “Am I really this person now? The kind who pays this much for a credit card?”
Turns out, I was. But with perks stacking up monthly (Uber credits, Dell credits, and discounts on business software), the fee started making more sense. The first time I got into a lounge for free while my team queued outside at a crowded café corner—it hit me. This was no longer about luxury. It was about being efficient, present, and a bit pampered so I could lead better.
When the Points Start to Roll In
Let’s talk Membership Rewards®. These babies accumulate faster than gossip in a family gathering. I used mine to offset travel costs for a project in Tokyo—and yes, that one trip alone covered half the card’s fee in value. Not to mention, you can transfer points to over 20 airline partners.
Think of it like this: if your regular business expenses could feed a loyalty beast that gives back real, tangible travel perks—why wouldn’t you?
Lounge Access: The Sweetest Cherry on Top
If you travel often (or even semi-often), this alone is worth its weight in kopi luwak. The Centurion Lounge? Game changer. Priority Pass? Lifesaver. One time in KLIA2, I walked into the lounge while my crew waited on plastic airport chairs—and I’ll admit it—I felt a little like Tony Stark. Minus the suit. Plus sambal.
Tips Before You Apply for Amex Business Platinum
If you’re eyeing the card, here’s what I wish someone told me:
Make sure your monthly business expenses are over $3K—so you can maximize the rewards.
Use Amex Travel religiously to get that 5X point multiplier.
Don’t sleep on the Dell and Adobe credits if you’re in digital or creative fields.
Call the concierge once—just for fun. It’s wild how helpful they can be.
Treat the card like an asset, not a badge of ego. It pays back when you use it with strategy.
The Bottom Line: It’s Not Just a Card, It’s a Catalyst
I’m not saying this card will change your life. But for me? It was that gentle shove I needed to take my business a little more seriously. To invest in ease, efficiency, and yes—a little elegance too. Because let’s be honest, sometimes the difference between burnout and breakthrough is a good seat, a smooth boarding process, and the right kind of plastic in your wallet.