American Express® Platinum vs Ink Business Premier
Side-by-side comparison
| American Express® Platinum | Ink Business Premier | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $895 | $195 |
| Welcome offer | $1,000 cash back | |
| Advertising | 1% | 2% |
| Shipping | 1% | 2% |
| Office supplies | 1% | 2% |
| Phone & internet | 1% | 2% |
| Travel | 5% | 2% |
| Everything else | 1% | 2% |
| Est. yearly rewards* | $642 | $900 |
| Points type | Transfers to airlines & hotels | Cash back only |
| Network | Amex | Visa |
*Estimated yearly rewards on typical household spending, every point valued at a flat 1 cent. Verified June 2026. See your own numbers in the calculator.
The verdict
On a typical year of business spending, the American Express® Platinum earns about $642 a year in rewards and the Ink Business Premier about $900, valuing every point at a flat 1 cent. The American Express® Platinum charges $895, but carries about $1,229 in annual statement credits that offset it for anyone who uses them. The Ink Business Premier charges $195, which you clear through its rewards and perks. Counting rewards, fees, and any credits, the Ink Business Premier delivers more total value, about $344 a year more for a typical spender, mostly because it earns more where you spend most, on everything else and advertising. The bigger difference is the ceiling: the American Express® Platinum earns points you can move to travel partners for outsized value, while the Ink Business Premier pays plain cash back. Favor the American Express® Platinum if you will use travel transfers, the Ink Business Premier if you want simplicity. On the sign-up bonus, the American Express® Platinum currently has the larger welcome offer (a limited-time offer above its usual amount, so treat it as a one-time boost). A welcome bonus is a one-time event, so weigh it apart from the ongoing rewards.
Pick the American Express® Platinum if your spending leans toward travel. Pick the Ink Business Premier if your spending leans toward advertising, shipping, office supplies.