Applying for a Business Credit Card

What to look for in a Business Credit Card or Charge Card

Your number one consideration, when looking at Business Card options, is how the Card will benefit your business.

An American Express^® Business Card offers your business a transparent way to keep track of your company’s expenses, streamline cashflow management and set employee spending limits.

With an American Express^® Business Gold Card, you’ll benefit from our Membership Rewards, which allow you to earn points for every £1 you spend and 2 Membership Rewards points for every £1 spent with Amex Travel. Points can then be used to offset virtually anything you’ve bought on your Card, or redeemed against purchases from our global network of American Express partner brands.

Before you apply for a Business Credit Card, take the time to weigh up your options.

Start by checking:

• Eligibility criteria
• Credit limits
• Annual fees
• Interest rates
  

How to apply for a Business Credit Card or Charge Card

It's easy to apply for a Business Card. Follow these steps to complete your application process:

• Click the “Get Started” to explore our range of Cards.
• Find the Business Card that will best suit your needs and click 'Apply Now' to start your Business Card application.
• Fill out the required personal and business information, then hit 'Submit'
• Once approved, you'll receive your Card in the post
• Activate your Card and start earning rewards
  

What will I need to apply for a Business Card?

When you submit your Business Card application, you’ll be asked to fill in some personal information, as well as your business details.

In the personal details section, you’ll be asked for the following:

• Personal information: including your name, email address, date of birth and nationality
• Contact details: including your phone number and current address. If you’ve lived at your current address for less than three years, we’ll also need your previous address
• Financial information: including your annual personal income (and any other household income), your employment status and employer contact details, as well as how long you’ve been with your bank or building society

You’ll be asked whether you have an existing American Express Card and, if so, to provide the Card number. This all helps to speed up the decision-making process.

In the business details section of the application, you’ll be asked for the following:  

• Business trading address
• Full registered name of the business, registered trading address and company registration number, where applicable
• If relevant, details of all individuals who own or control 25% or more of the company’s shares or voting rights (even if these interests are held indirectly)
• Details of all Directors/Partners/Committee Members/Officers, where applicable. If the business is run by a sole trader, you’ll need to provide details for this person.

To complete the application process, we may request additional details for verification and authentication.

You’ll receive our decision on whether your application has been successful within 10 working days of applying. If you still haven’t heard from us after three weeks, you can contact our team on 0800 032 7642.

As soon as you’re approved and your Card arrives, simply activate it online to start using it and earning rewards straight away. To activate your new Card, visit the Activation page and add your Card details. While you’re there, you can also create an Online Account, which makes it easy to manage your Business Card Account via the website or through the American Express^® App.

Am I eligible for a Business Card?

Before you apply for an American Express Business Card, check our eligibility criteria to confirm that:

• You’re 18 or over
• You have a permanent UK address
• Your business has a current UK bank or building society account
• You and your business have no County Court Judgements for non-payment of debt

Need help and support?

Need help completing your application? Click here for more information.

What are the benefits of a Business Credit Card?

Paying for business travel, office supplies, business registration or advertising? When you put your business expenses on an American Express Business Card, you can earn rewards for you and your business.

What is the difference between a Business Charge Card and a Credit Card?

Business Credit Cards and Charge Cards are each designed to meet different business needs. While you’ll need to pay off your Charge Card bill in full each month, a Credit Card allows you to pay back your purchases over an extended period.

What is a business credit score?

Like your personal credit score, your business credit score helps lenders decide whether to extend credit. A Business Credit Card can be a highly effective way to boost your business credit score.