Ready to apply for an American Express Business Card?
- Ready to apply for an American Express® Business Card? Find out how it works and what documentation you’ll need to apply, as well as information on your business eligibility.
If you’re planning on applying for a Business Charge or Credit Card, this page could help provide you with important things to consider,
eligibility information and details on how to complete your Business Credit or Charge Card application.
Consider the benefits of a Business Card
Different types of Cards offer different benefits and some of these maybe better suited to your business than others. Some of the things to consider include:
Rewards
If earning rewards is important to you, then applying for a Business Credit or Charge Card could also provide you with more generous earn rates for Membership Rewards®.
Benefits and Features
Business Credit and Charge Cards can provide your business with a range of valuable benefits and tools. Depending on which Card you choose, these could include interest-free days to pay your Credit Card balance to help manage cash flow, travel offers, and exclusive Card Member offers and services. When applying for a Business Credit or Charge Card it’s a good idea to choose the one that best suits your business needs and aligns with your business spending.
Card fees and interest-free periods
Some Business Credit and Charge Cards offer greater benefits and rewards, however they may come at a premium. Others provide more generous interest-free days which could help with your cash flow. You should check these conditions and for other fees such as Membership Rewards® enrolment fees before applying for a Business Credit or Charge Card.
Eligibility
Before you apply for a Business Charge or Credit Card you should also check to see if your business meets the eligibility requirements. You can find these in the checklist below.
4 seamless steps to getting a Business Card
Choose a Card That Suits Your Needs
Explore our range of Cards on offer and decide which is right for your business.
Determine Eligibility
Prepare your proof(s) of eligibility documentation listed for your business type.
Apply for a Card
Fill in your application following the steps below. If we need more information, we will be in touch.
Receive Card
You'll receive your Card in the mail once it's been approved.
If you need more time, you can save your application and return to it when ready.
If applying for a Card with a limited time offer, you'll receive the offer valid on the date of application submission.
Application requirements by business type
Sole Traders
A sole trader is an individual running a business. Money earned is considered individual income and you are responsible for all taxes and liabilities.
5-10 minutes to complete application
Most application decisions are instant
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Australian citizen or permanent resident
- At least 18 years old
- Business revenue of $75,000+
- Registered for GST. Exceptions may apply.
YOU WILL NEED:
- An active Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Your gross personal income from the previous financial year.
YOU MAY NEED:
- A copy of your driver’s licence
Companies
A company is a for-profit business that is registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). It may be privately owned or publicly traded.
15-20 minutes to complete application
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Australian citizen or permanent resident
- At least 18 years old
- Registered Director of the business (per ASIC)
- Business revenue of $75,000+
- Registered for GST. Exceptions may apply.
YOU WILL NEED:
- An active Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Understanding of the Company structure
- Personal details of all Directors and Shareholders
- Your gross personal income from the previous financial year.
YOU MAY NEED:
- A copy of your driver’s licence
Trusts
A trust is set up to hold property or assets for selected beneficiaries. There are different types of trusts, including charitable, discretionary, unit and superannuation.
15-20 minutes to complete application
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Australian citizen or permanent resident
- At least 18 years old
- Individual Trustee or Director of the Trustee company
- Business revenue of $75,000+
- Registered for GST. Exceptions may apply.
YOU WILL NEED:
- An active Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Personal details of all Trustee Directors, Shareholders, and Beneficiaries eligible to benefit from the Trust
- Your gross personal income from the previous financial year.
YOU MAY NEED:
- A copy of your driver’s licence
- Proof of business revenue (such as bank statements)
POST APPLICATION, YOU WILL NEED:
- Certified Trust Deed(s) including deeds of Amendment or Variation for Trusts (which can be supplied post application)
- For Unit Trusts, an Accountant Unit Holder Letter or Schedule of Unit Holders
Partnerships
In a partnership, two or more people or entities conduct business and receive income jointly. Partnerships are usually legally binding agreements and for-profit businesses.
15-20 minutes to complete application
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Australian citizen or permanent resident
- At least 18 years old
- Partner or controller of the partnership
- Business revenue of $75,000+
- Registered for GST. Exceptions may apply.
YOU WILL NEED:
- An active Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Certified Partnership Agreement- OR- A letter from a registered accountant confirming partnership details (where no formal Partnership agreement exists)
- Your gross personal income from the previous financial year.
YOU MAY NEED:
- A copy of your driver’s licence
- Personal details of all Partners
Associations & Cooperatives
Associations are agreements between two or more parties for a common cause. Cooperatives are profit-sharing or non-profit organisations comprised of at least five parties. Cooperatives are owned and controlled by their members.
15-20 minutes to complete application
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Australian citizen or permanent resident
- At least 18 years old
- Registered Controller of the Association or Cooperative per the constitution or rules
- Business revenue of $75,000+
- Registered for GST. Exceptions may apply.
YOU WILL NEED:
- An active Australian Business Number (ABN)
- A certified copy of the applying entity’s constitution
- Details of entity structure
- Personal details of Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary or Public Officer
- Your gross personal income from the previous financial year.
YOU MAY NEED:
- A copy of your driver’s licence
- Proof of business revenue (such as bank statements)
Here you’ll find a quick guide to applying for an American Express Business Credit Card or Charge Card, including helpful information on who is eligible and what documents you’ll need to have on hand during the process.
Ready to apply right away? Simply follow the three steps below to get started.
Apply for a Business Card in as little as 10 minutes
1 |
Click the ‘Get started’ button below, select your preferred Card from the following page and then click ‘Apply Now’. (Don’t forget to check the eligibility requirements and read the Terms and Conditions for the Card you’re applying for.) |
2 |
Enter your personal and business information, supply any supporting documentation requested, and submit your application. |
3 |
Once you’ve been approved, you’ll receive your Card in the mail and you’ll just need to activate it. |
Information we’ll need for the application
About you:
- Personal details, such as your home address, contact number, and annual income.
About your business:
- Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Business Entity Name (this is how your business is registered, which may be different to the name your business operates under).
- The details of all individuals who own or control 25% or more of your business’ shares or voting rights, even if these interests are held directly.
- The details of up to four Directors, Partners, Committee Members, or Officers.
- All of the relevant business information for the Sole Trader, if this is how the business is set up.
Possible supporting documents:
- Identification documents for the primary Card Members (depending on the business structure, this may also be required for Directors, Beneficial Owners or other legal representatives).
- Partnership agreements.
- Constitution or meeting minutes.
- Trust deeds.
Now it's time to apply
Once you've gathered all your information and documents, it's time to apply for the Card that backs businesses like yours. Return to the information page for your card of choice and click Apply Now to get started.
Explore our range of Business Cards
Compare the features and benefits across our different Cards to find the
one that’s the best fit for your business.
More from American Express
Cards to suit your cash flow
We offer both Credit Cards and Charge Cards to support businesses with different cash flow patterns. Learn which one is right for you.
Earn rewards on every dollar
Make business spend count for more with points on every dollar and rewards such as gift cards and statement credit.
Terms & Conditions
American Express approval criteria applies. Subject to Terms and Conditions. Fees and charges apply. All information is correct as at 28 June 2022 and is subject to change. This offer is only available to those who reside in Australia. Cards are offered, issued and administered by American Express Australia Limited (ABN 92 108 952 085). Please see our Card pages for more details. ®Registered Trademark of American Express Company.