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The Business Platinum Card® from American Express vs The New United℠ Explorer Card
This comparison aims to assist users in evaluating two distinct credit cards: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and The New United℠ Explorer Card. Each card caters to different needs and offers unique benefits, making it essential to understand their features before making a decision.
Card Overviews
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is designed for business owners who frequently travel and seek premium travel benefits. With high rewards on travel expenses and exclusive access to airport lounges, this card is ideal for those who prioritize travel perks and business expenses.
The New United℠ Explorer Card
The New United℠ Explorer Card is tailored for United Airlines travelers, making it suitable for those who often fly with the airline. With a low introductory annual fee and various travel-related benefits, it appeals to casual travelers and frequent flyers alike.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | The Business Platinum Card® from American Express | The New United℠ Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $695 | $0 Intro Annual fee for the First Year, then $150 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in the first 3 months | Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months |
| Rewards Structure | 5X points on flights, prepaid hotels, and more; 1.5X points on eligible purchases; 1X points on other purchases | 2X miles on United® purchases, dining, hotel stays; 1X mile on other purchases |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None |
| Other Fees | Variable fees may apply | Variable fees may apply |
| Additional Benefits | Access to airport lounges, Global Lounge Collection, $200 airline fee credit, more | Priority boarding, free first checked bag, travel credits, and more |
Rewards Highlights
The New United℠ Explorer Card Rewards
- Debut Offer: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel.
- 1x mile on all other purchases.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express Rewards
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights, prepaid hotels, and short-term rentals and prepaid flight + hotel packages booked at AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1.5X points on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
- Earn 1X points on other eligible purchases.
Pros and Cons
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- Pros:
- High rewards rate on travel-related purchases.
- Access to a large number of airport lounges.
- Generous welcome bonus.
- Cons:
- High annual fee.
- More suitable for business travelers.
The New United℠ Explorer Card
- Pros:
- Low introductory annual fee.
- Strong rewards for United Airlines purchases.
- Additional travel perks like priority boarding and checked bag fee waiver.
- Cons:
- Limited to United Airlines benefits.
- Lower rewards rate on non-United purchases.
Who Should Consider Which Card?
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is ideal for business owners who frequently travel and can leverage the extensive travel perks and high rewards on business-related expenses. On the other hand, The New United℠ Explorer Card is more suitable for casual travelers and United Airlines frequent flyers who want to enjoy travel-related benefits without a significant annual fee.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and The New United℠ Explorer Card depends on individual spending habits and travel preferences. Assessing personal financial goals and travel frequency will aid in making the best decision for your needs.