5 hidden benefits of the Amex Business Gold Card

The American Express® Business Gold Card boasts some popular perks, including earning 4 points per dollar on your top two spending categories each month from a selected list (up to the first $150,000 in combined purchases, then 1 point thereafter):

• Monthly wireless phone bills directly charged to U.S. providers
• U.S. advertising purchases in specific media
• Transit
• U.S. purchases at gas stations
• U.S. dining purchases at restaurants (including takeout and delivery)
• U.S. purchases from electronics retailers, plus software and cloud service providers

The card also offers a generous welcome bonus: new members can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of card ownership.

Unsure about the Amex Business Gold's hefty $375 annual fee (see rates and fees)? Here are five lesser-known perks that might persuade you to choose the Amex Business Gold. Enrollment is necessary for certain benefits; terms apply.

Pay over time

The Amex Business Gold automatically enrolls every cardholder in its Pay Over Time program, allowing you to carry a balance and arrange payments on charges exceeding $100. However, be mindful that the variable interest rates can be quite steep, ranging from 18.99% to 27.99%, depending on your credit score.

While this may not be your primary choice for cash flow management, it’s a useful option in case of emergencies. I always recommend paying off your balance in full each billing cycle, but if that’s not feasible, Pay Over Time can lend a hand.

Account management features

Staying true to its focus on larger businesses, the Amex Business Gold card provides a robust set of account management features.

You can issue employee expense business cards without an annual fee; however, adding an employee Business Gold Card incurs a cost of $95 for the first five cards, and $95 for each additional card thereafter (up to a limit of 99 cards; see rates and fees).

Additionally, you can appoint an employee as your account manager, enabling you to delegate responsibilities like making payments, adding employee cards, and monitoring expenses to someone you trust.

Alternatively, utilize the Amex receipt match feature, allowing you to upload receipts from your mobile or desktop, tag and annotate transactions, and even sync with QuickBooks for seamless accounting.

Cardmembers can also benefit from paying vendors via Bill.com. The basic plan has no monthly fee but restricts usage to the first user, while a second user enjoys six months free, after which they incur a fee of $15 per month. Additional fees may apply depending on the plan and number of users.

The Amex Hotel Collection

Amex Business Gold cardholders will also receive perks on select travel bookings. Alongside earning points for bookings made through Amex Travel, you'll get a $100 experience credit for eligible dining, spa, and resort activities at properties within The Hotel Collection.

You’re also entitled to room upgrades at check-in, subject to availability. Some room types may not qualify for upgrades.

These perks are available only to cardmembers who book a minimum of two consecutive nights.

Like all Amex cards, you’ll enjoy access to Amex Offers, which can help you save money or earn bonus points on purchases you already intended to make. Many of these offers are specifically tailored to certain cardmembers, and anecdotal evidence suggests that Gold and Platinum cardmembers often receive the most appealing deals.

Occasionally, these offers may include cash back or extra Membership Rewards points on specific hotel expenses.

Car rental and baggage insurance

While these aren’t the most generous policies available, the Amex Business Gold provides certain travel insurance policies to assist you if something goes awry during your travels.

If you charge the full cost of a rental car to your Amex Business Gold, you’ll receive secondary coverage that supplements your personal policy in case of theft or damage.*

Be aware of several restrictions, including excluded countries (such as Australia, Italy, and New Zealand), excluded vehicle types (like off-road vehicles, limousines, and antiques), and the requirement to decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver to qualify.

You’ll also be eligible for reimbursement if your baggage is lost, stolen, or damaged, provided you pay for the full ticket cost with your Amex Business Gold**.

Coverage caps are set at $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked bags; residents of New York state are restricted to $10,000 for all covered individuals per trip.

**Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more information. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Extended warranty, purchase, and cellphone protection

There’s an exhilarating yet nerve-wracking feeling during the initial days after purchasing a new phone, laptop, or camera. If you use your Amex Business Gold card for eligible purchases, you can benefit from up to 90 days of purchase protection against theft or accidental damage***. This coverage is limited to $1,000 per eligible purchase and up to $50,000 per cardmember each calendar year.

You can feel secure with extended warranty benefits.*** For eligible purchases that come with warranties of five years or less, you can receive an additional year added to the original manufacturer's warranty.

The Amex Business Gold also provides cellphone protection when you use your card to pay for your cellphone plan****. This coverage protects against theft or damage, offering up to $800 per claim with a maximum of two claims allowed within a 12-month period. A $50 deductible applies to each claim.

***Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more information. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
****Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Bottom line

The Amex Business Gold is designed specifically for high-spending companies seeking a straightforward and rewarding approach that avoids the hassle of juggling multiple cards or meticulously analyzing and optimizing benefits.

If this will be your main card, these lesser-known perks can significantly enhance your value and simplify your financial management. From tools to help you monitor expenses to insurance coverage in case your trip takes a turn, the Amex Business Gold offers more than it appears at first glance.

To discover more, check out our comprehensive review of the Amex Business Gold.