Amex Business Platinum vs Chase United Explorer
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
Amex Business Platinum wins 3-2. US-incorporated startups with $50K+/year corporate spend. Chase United Explorer is still the right call if united loyalists — free checked bag + lounge passes..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Amex Business Platinum | Chase United Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $695 | $95 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 5% (travel) | · 2% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | 1.5% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 150,000 Membership Rewards points after $20,000 spend in 3 months | = 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | · 720 | 700 |
| Editorial rating | 4.5/5 | · 4.2/5 |
Benefits compared
Amex Business Platinum
- 5x points on flights + prepaid hotels via Amex Travel
- 1.5x on purchases ≥$5,000 (uncapped)
- Centurion + Priority Pass + Delta SkyClub access
- $200 airline fee credit + $200 dell credit + $400 Indeed credit
- Hilton Honors Gold + Marriott Bonvoy Gold
- Generous expense-management features (Vendor Pay)
Chase United Explorer
- 2x miles on United + dining + hotel stays
- 1x on everything else
- Free first checked bag (saves ~$70/round trip)
- 2 United Club one-time passes annually
- Priority Boarding
FAQ
›Amex Business Platinum vs Chase United Explorer: which is better?
Amex Business Platinum wins on more dimensions (3 vs 2). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern — see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Amex Business Platinum for its best categories, Chase United Explorer for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Amex Business Platinum: 150,000 Membership Rewards points after $20,000 spend in 3 months. Chase United Explorer: 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months.