If you’ve been shopping around for a premium business card, look no further. We have two around here that we love (one of them very new). We’re talking about the Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.
These are both high-fee, high-reward cards built for business owners, or anyone with business expenses, who spend big, travel often, and want perks to match.
While they share some overlap, the value they offer and how they earn are pretty different, so let’s break them down side-by-side so you can figure out which one makes the most sense for you.
How These Cards Compare
Sapphire Reserve Business — Best for business owners who want boujee travel benefits and bonus points on business expenses like advertising and direct travel. Also great if you prefer Chase points and want to redeem them through the portal or transfer to travel partners.
Amex Business Platinum — Ideal for high-spending businesses who fly often, want the best lounge access available, and don’t mind juggling several benefits to unlock value. This card is also great if you’re loyal to American Express transfer partners or love statement credits.
Welcome Offers
Both cards have generous welcome offers that require some serious spending, but the value can more than make up for it.
Card | Welcome Offer | Value Potential |
Worth up to $2,500 in travel with Points Boost | ||
Value depends on redemptions, but often $1,800 to $2,250+ in our opinion |
If you can meet the minimum spend on either, these welcome offers are a huge win.
Annual Fees and Credits
For my visual learners out there, here’s another helpful side-by-side look:
Travel Credit | $300 (applied automatically) | $200 airline incidental (must enroll and select airline) |
Hotel Credit | $500 with The Edit (up to $250, biannual credits) | Fine Hotels & Resorts perks |
Business Credits | ZipRecruiter, Google Workspace, GiftCards.com, Lyft, DoorDash | Dell, Adobe, Wireless, Indeed (enrollment required) |
The Sapphire Reserve Business’s credits are more flexible and travel-friendly. But, Amex offers more lifestyle and software perks (but they take a little extra work).
How You’ll Earn Points
Amex offers strong returns on large purchases, while Chase offers better rates on daily spend and travel.
You’ll earn:
8x points on Chase Travel purchases (including The Edit)
5x points on Lyft rides (through 9/30/27)
4x on flights and hotels booked directly
3x on social media and search engine ads
1x on all other purchases
You’ll earn:
5x on flights, prepaid hotels, and short-term rentals via American Express Travel®
1.5x on eligible purchases (on key U.S. business categories or purchases of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million per calendar year)
1x on other eligible purchases
If you’re making big payments in chunks, Amex is the move. But for ongoing travel and ad spend, Chase could make more sense.
Redemption and Travel Partners
Redemption is where Chase’s new Points Boost feature really wins out. You’ll get up to 2x value on select flights and hotels made through Chase Travel. That means your points can stretch twice as far without needing to transfer them to partners (score!).
Amex still has the most airline transfer partners (including ANA, Emirates, and Delta) but doesn’t have a hotel partner quite as strong as Chase’s beloved Hyatt. 😘
Feature | ||
Best Travel Portal Redemption | Up to 2 cents per point with Points Boost | 1 cent per point via Amex Travel |
Airline Transfer Partners | 10+ (United, Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic, etc.) | 20+ (Delta, ANA, Emirates, etc.) |
Hotel Transfer Partners | Hyatt, Marriott, IHG | Marriott, Hilton |
Lounge Access
Lounge access is one of the biggest differentiators between these two cards.
The Amex Business Platinum wins by a bit if this is your priority. It includes Centurion Lounges (some of the nicest lounges in the U.S.), Delta Sky Club access when flying Delta, and Priority Pass (enrollment required).
Chase offers access to Sapphire Lounges and Priority Pass. So, it’s solid, but not quite as extensive yet.
Other Perks to Note
The Sapphire Reserve Business packs in some unique extras:
Complimentary IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite Status and Southwest A-List after $120K annual spend
Up to $500 shopping credit through The Shops at Chase
The Edit by Chase hotel perks: room upgrades, $100 property credit, daily breakfast, and late checkout
Meanwhile, the Amex Business Platinum leans into lifestyle with:
Premium car rental status
Global Dining Access via Resy
Exclusive Amex Offers across travel and shopping
Enrollment may be required for some benefits.
Which Card is Right For You?
Choose the Sapphire Reserve Business if: You want to earn more points on everyday business categories like travel and advertising. You also want simplicity in redeeming points, love Hyatt, and want to unlock travel perks without needing to track 15 different statement credits.
Go with the Amex Business Platinum if: You’re in the airport constantly and will fully use the premium lounge access. You spend a lot in large chunks, or you can consistently take advantage of Amex’s many niche credits.
Bottom Line
Both of these cards are great options, but they cater to two very different types of business people.
If you want consistent earnings, nice travel perks, and a powerful way to redeem your points for maximum value, the Sapphire Reserve Business is a solid option.
If you’re a power credit card user who loves squeezing every ounce out of your premium card benefits and doesn’t mind jumping through a few hoops to do it, the Amex Business Platinum could be the right one for your wallet.
