American Express Makes Big Improvements to Amex Business Gold Card With $395 in Annual Credits

The American Express Business Gold Card just got an impressive upgrade. It still earns bonus points in your top two eligible spending categories, but American Express added new eligible categories. The card issuer added hundreds of dollars per year in spending credits -- enough to outweigh the $295 annual fee ($375 if application is received on or after Feb. 1, 2024). Terms apply, see rates and fees.

There's also a new design option, as this card is now available with the Rose Gold design made popular with the American Express® Gold Card for consumers. Here's a breakdown of all the new perks of the American Express Business Gold Card.

More bonus categories to maximize rewards

The American Express Business Gold Card earns 4 points per $1 in the top two categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle, on the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year. American Express has made some changes to the categories that are eligible for that rate. Here's the full list with the new additions:

• NEW: U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software and cloud system providers
• NEW: Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the United States
• NEW: Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
• Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online, TV, and radio)
• U.S. purchases at gas stations
• U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
• terms apply.

In another new benefit, this card now earns 3 points per $1 on eligible purchases through AmexTravel.com. It earns 1 point per $1 on other purchases (terms apply). The rewards rate remains a standout perk, as it's competitive with what we've seen from the very best credit cards.

Up to $395 in annual spending credits

There are two new spending credits available with the American Express Business Gold Card:

• $240 Flexible Business Credit: Earn up to $20 in statement credits each month after you use the card for eligible purchases at FedEx, GrubHub, and office supply stores. Enrollment required.
• Walmart+ Membership Credit: Use the card to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) and receive a statement credit that covers the full cost each month. This is valued at $155 annually.
• terms apply.

With spending credits, the value depends on whether you can use them. If your business regularly spends money at FedEx, GrubHub, or office supply stores, then you could get the full $240 in yearly value from the Flexible Business Credit. And if you have Walmart+ or have been wanting to get it, then you could save another $155 per year from the membership credit. But if those aren't things you'd normally spend money on, then these credits won't be worth much to you.

Cellphone protection

American Express cards usually have great complimentary protections. Now, the American Express Business Gold Card also offers cellphone protection. The cellphone line must be listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill must have been paid by an Eligible Card Account for this protection to apply.

It reimburses you for the lesser of your repair or replacement costs following damage or theft to your phone. There's a maximum of $800 per claim with a $50 deductible, with a limit of two approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply.

Other protections offered by this card include:

• Baggage insurance plan
• Car rental loss and damage insurance
• Extended warranty
• Purchase protection
• terms apply.

The American Express Business Gold Card was already great for earning Membership Rewards points. That's still the case, and now it has several valuable new features as well. The spending credits could help you save some money every month, and cellphone protection is always good to have from a business card. If you have a business with high monthly spending, it's definitely a card worth checking out.