American Express Gold Business Card
We review the American Express Gold Business Card, the business charge card offering rewards points (2 per $1 spent), a generous 50,000 Membership Rewards Bonus Points signup bonus, and up to 50 cash flow days.
Updated 7 May 2025
Who Is The American Express Gold Business Card for?
Important: To apply for an American Express Gold Business Card, you’ll need to be able to meet all of the following criteria:
If you meet the criteria and want to know more, our review outlines the benefits, pros and cons and suggests typical cardholders. We cover:
Know This First: You can now use your AMEX to pay IRD and ACC bills using RewardPay. Our review explains how it works, what it costs and what benefits you will earn.
Advertising Disclaimer: MoneyHub may earn a referral bonus for anyone (or any business) who applies and/or is approved through some of the below links. Our research and findings are independent of any bank, credit card issuer, or product manufacturer/service provider, and have not been endorsed by any of these entities. Please see our Advertising Policy for more details about how we make money.
- The American Express Gold Business Card is unique - with up to 50 cash flow days, the ability to pay invoices with the card (using RewardPay) and use points for statement credit, free travel insurance and a dedicated client support team, there is a lot to like alongside its low annual fee and integration with Apple Pay.
- Bonus signup offer: 50,000 Membership Reward Points when you apply, are approved and spend $1,000 on eligible purchases on your new American Express Gold Business Card within 2 months of your approval date. New American Express Card Members only.
Important: To apply for an American Express Gold Business Card, you’ll need to be able to meet all of the following criteria:
- New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- At least 18 years old
- Business registered to New Zealand Companies Office
- Business revenue of $60,000+
If you meet the criteria and want to know more, our review outlines the benefits, pros and cons and suggests typical cardholders. We cover:
- Annual Fee and Membership Rewards
- The American Express Gold Business - Benefits in Detail
- Pros and Cons
- How Does the American Express Gold Business Card Work?
- Summary and Conclusion
Know This First: You can now use your AMEX to pay IRD and ACC bills using RewardPay. Our review explains how it works, what it costs and what benefits you will earn.
Advertising Disclaimer: MoneyHub may earn a referral bonus for anyone (or any business) who applies and/or is approved through some of the below links. Our research and findings are independent of any bank, credit card issuer, or product manufacturer/service provider, and have not been endorsed by any of these entities. Please see our Advertising Policy for more details about how we make money.
MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh shares his views about how to maximise the American Express Gold Business Card with Qatar Airways Privilege Club Avios:
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MoneyHub's extensive research suggests the best strategy for making the most out of your American Express Gold Business Card is simple - use the points you earn on Qatar Airways business class flights or luxury hotels. We outline how you can use them for hotels here.
For flights, my view is simple - the most rewarding approach is to apply for the card, take advantage of the 50,000 Membership Rewards Bonus Points signup offer, earn points as you go about your everyday business, and then, when you have 270,000 in total, convert those points into Qatar Airways Privilege Club Avios at a 3:1 conversion rate. Here's how it works:
My View: By combining the 50,000 bonus points and your regular spending, you can accumulate 270,000 Membership Rewards Points, which convert to 90,000 Qatar Airways Avios. These Avios can unlock incredible value for long-haul business class flights to or from New Zealand. Even better, you can book flights for multiple people on the same Avios reservation (subject to award seat availability), making this a highly rewarding option for solo travellers, couples and groups. I believe the American Express Gold Business Card is an outstanding choice for any business owner, with the travel benefits adding an enriching bonus to its overall value. |
MoneyHub Founder
Christopher Walsh |
Know This First - Annual Fee and Membership Rewards
1. The Gold Card's Welcome Bonus and Annual Fee
- Annual fee: $95, billed annually
- Bonus offer: 50,000 Membership Reward Points when you apply, are approved and spend $1,000 on eligible purchases on your new American Express Gold Business Card within 2 months of your approval date. New American Express Card Members only.
- Earn Membership Rewards: The Business Gold Card earns at a rate of 2 points for every $1 spent (until at least 31 August 2025). You can use Membership Rewards points to pay for travel with American Express directly, or you can convert them to other airline and hotel programs. As a background, 150 Membership Rewards points = 1 Air New Zealand Airpoints Dollar while 2 Membership Rewards points = 1 Qantas Frequent Flyer Point.
- Annual percentage interest rate: 3.25% liquidated damages. This means that if you miss a payment on your American Express Gold Business Card, liquidated damages of 3.25% may be charged. This essentially is a fee applied to cover costs related to late payments. For this reason, it's important to manage cash flow effectively and avoid this charge by paying your balance on time.
2. Redeeming Membership Points
What point value will I earn? This is best explained with an example:
- If you spend $50,000 (about $4,200 a month) on the card in one year, you will earn 100,000 Membership Reward points.
- 100,000 points translate to around 667 Airpoints Dollars or 50,000 Qantas Frequent Flyer points (which arguably doesn't get you too much).
- If you use the points with American Express, you'll earn around $750 of travel credit.
- Otherwise, a $500 credit on your card costs 104,000 Membership Rewards points.
- The benefits you receive will depend on your travel preferences and how you redeem the points.
The Gold Business Card - Benefits in Detail
1. Earn 2 point per $1 spent
You can use the points for rewards or to help offset business expenses. This means that an annual card spend of around $50,000 will earn 100,000 Membership Reward Points. This can be converted to 667 Airpoints Dollars, $750 of travel credit (bookable via American Express Travel) or around $500 credit on your card costs (104,000 Membership Rewards points).
2. Up to 50 cash flow days
Payments are not due for up to 50 days, which helps manage cashflow without needing to look for debtor financing or a line of credit from a lender.
3. Complimentary Travel Insurance
If you buy your airline tickets with your American Express Business Card, or Membership Rewards points, you’ll receive complimentary overseas travel insurance.
The card also offers "Business Trip Completion Cover" (a payment of up to $20,000 if a second employee must be sent to complete your business trip due to the seriousness of your injury or illness) and "Transport Accident Cover" if you suffer a serious accident while you’re travelling whereupon AMEX will pay certain benefits.
The card also offers "Business Trip Completion Cover" (a payment of up to $20,000 if a second employee must be sent to complete your business trip due to the seriousness of your injury or illness) and "Transport Accident Cover" if you suffer a serious accident while you’re travelling whereupon AMEX will pay certain benefits.
4. ​Online account management
You can view your latest transactions daily, download your current statement, and download via MYOB, Quicken or MS Excel.
5. Chargebacks from fraudulent transactions
You’ll also be protected against fraudulent transactions made using your Card details with the American Express Fraud Protection Guarantee. In our chargeback research, we found that American Express offered the best consumer protection. The benefits include having a helpline, a provider that has a transparent process for its customers and a track record of approving chargebacks.
Our view: We have observed difficulties with securing chargebacks using Mastercard and Visa-issued cards as issuing banks are involved and complicate the process. American Express is much easier to deal with in this regard as they are an all-in-one card issuer and card provider.
Our view: We have observed difficulties with securing chargebacks using Mastercard and Visa-issued cards as issuing banks are involved and complicate the process. American Express is much easier to deal with in this regard as they are an all-in-one card issuer and card provider.
6. Cashback promotions
Beyond the standard benefits, a MoneyHub user highlights ongoing cashback promotions:
"One great benefit I've noticed with AMEX is their regular cashback promotions. Over the past six months, I've received $75 in cashback - $25 from a Shop Small promotion (5 x $5 credits) and $50 from a Sony/AMEX promotion. While it's not massive, it helps offset the annual fee. The key is to register for each promotion as they become available, which I've made a habit of doing. It's a nice surprise when those small credits appear on your statement".
"One great benefit I've noticed with AMEX is their regular cashback promotions. Over the past six months, I've received $75 in cashback - $25 from a Shop Small promotion (5 x $5 credits) and $50 from a Sony/AMEX promotion. While it's not massive, it helps offset the annual fee. The key is to register for each promotion as they become available, which I've made a habit of doing. It's a nice surprise when those small credits appear on your statement".
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Cons:
- If you spend at least $18,000 a year (or $1,500 a month), the card will pay for itself – You'll earn 2 Membership Reward points per $1 spent, which gives you 36,000 points and converts to 240 Airpoints Dollars. If you want a $250 statement credit, you'll need to spend $26,000 a year (or around $2,200 a month).
- Customer Service – With American Express, you have a direct line, but if you use Visa and Mastercard, you’ll have to deal with your bank. Most New Zealand banks use a multi-option call centre for credit card help with standard office hours. Any troublesome issues may be ‘referred’ to Visa or Mastercard for ‘review’ and 'decision'. American Express operates specific 0800 hotlines which are open 24/7 and makes decisions directly.
- Favourable Customer Dispute Terms – if you experience fraud or wish to question a transaction, American Express will actively fight in your corner. Our guide to chargebacks has more details.
- Xero data fees - expenses appear in Xero feeds every day to minimise admin time.
- Cards are increasingly accepted at major New Zealand businesses - our guide explains more.
Cons:
- A number of non-chain retailers don’t accept American Express as a payment method so you may need a backup credit card.
- A 2.50% Currency Conversion Commission applies to all American Express NZ credit cards - This means you’ll pay more when making foreign purchases than other credit cards. Travel reward credit cards usually charge 1.85% to 2.50%. However, if the vast majority of your spending is in NZD, then there is little difference between other credit cards.
How Does the American Express Gold Rewards Card Work in New Zealand?
To help determine the feeling about how the card works for businesses, we've created examples of typical use:
1. Managing Cash Flow for Seasonal Business
A Christchurch-based landscaping company that experiences seasonal revenue fluctuations uses the American Express Gold Business Card to manage cash flow during the off-season. They use the card to pay for essential supplies and tools, taking advantage of up to 50 days of interest-free credit. By the time payment is due, revenue starts to pick up again, allowing them to cover the card balance without relying on high-interest loans.
2. Paying Tax Bills and Earning Rewards
A small Wellington-based IT consultancy needs to pay its GST and ACC bills. Instead of using its bank account, it uses RewardPay with its American Express Gold Business Card, which allows it to earn Membership Rewards points for these transactions. These points can later be redeemed for statement credits to offset business expenses or for travel rewards, effectively turning its tax obligations into a benefit for the business.
3. Employee Business Travel
An Auckland-based marketing agency regularly sends employees across New Zealand and Australia to meet clients. They use the card to book airline tickets, automatically providing complimentary travel insurance.
4. Automated Expense Tracking and Reporting
A Nelson food and beverage startup needs to track business expenses for accounting and tax purposes. They use the American Express Gold Business Card for all major purchases and expenses, such as inventory and digital ads. They use the online account management tool to export transactions directly into their MYOB software, saving time during tax season and allowing for better financial oversight throughout the year.
5. Capitalising on Vendor Discounts
An Otago-based furniture retailer has negotiated favourable payment terms with some of their suppliers, with discounts available for early payments. Using the American Express Gold Business Card, the retailer can pay the suppliers upfront and earn points while benefiting from discounts. The 50-day cash flow period allows them to manage payments more effectively, avoiding costly borrowing options.
6. Handling Customer Disputes and Fraud Protection
An Auckland-based e-commerce company frequently deals with chargebacks related to customer disputes. Using the American Express Gold Business Card, the business benefits from the Amex Fraud Protection Guarantee, simplifying the dispute process. Recently, a fraudulent order was charged back without hassle, avoiding the long wait times they experienced when using a bank-issued Visa card previously.
7. Earning Travel Rewards for Business Trips
A Queenstown-based consultancy firm uses the card to pay for client dinners, office supplies, and travel bookings. Over the year, they accumulate 100,000 Membership Rewards points, converting them into Qantas Frequent Flyer points. These points are then used to book flights for a business conference in Sydney, significantly reducing travel expenses and improving the bottom line.
1. Managing Cash Flow for Seasonal Business
A Christchurch-based landscaping company that experiences seasonal revenue fluctuations uses the American Express Gold Business Card to manage cash flow during the off-season. They use the card to pay for essential supplies and tools, taking advantage of up to 50 days of interest-free credit. By the time payment is due, revenue starts to pick up again, allowing them to cover the card balance without relying on high-interest loans.
2. Paying Tax Bills and Earning Rewards
A small Wellington-based IT consultancy needs to pay its GST and ACC bills. Instead of using its bank account, it uses RewardPay with its American Express Gold Business Card, which allows it to earn Membership Rewards points for these transactions. These points can later be redeemed for statement credits to offset business expenses or for travel rewards, effectively turning its tax obligations into a benefit for the business.
3. Employee Business Travel
An Auckland-based marketing agency regularly sends employees across New Zealand and Australia to meet clients. They use the card to book airline tickets, automatically providing complimentary travel insurance.
4. Automated Expense Tracking and Reporting
A Nelson food and beverage startup needs to track business expenses for accounting and tax purposes. They use the American Express Gold Business Card for all major purchases and expenses, such as inventory and digital ads. They use the online account management tool to export transactions directly into their MYOB software, saving time during tax season and allowing for better financial oversight throughout the year.
5. Capitalising on Vendor Discounts
An Otago-based furniture retailer has negotiated favourable payment terms with some of their suppliers, with discounts available for early payments. Using the American Express Gold Business Card, the retailer can pay the suppliers upfront and earn points while benefiting from discounts. The 50-day cash flow period allows them to manage payments more effectively, avoiding costly borrowing options.
6. Handling Customer Disputes and Fraud Protection
An Auckland-based e-commerce company frequently deals with chargebacks related to customer disputes. Using the American Express Gold Business Card, the business benefits from the Amex Fraud Protection Guarantee, simplifying the dispute process. Recently, a fraudulent order was charged back without hassle, avoiding the long wait times they experienced when using a bank-issued Visa card previously.
7. Earning Travel Rewards for Business Trips
A Queenstown-based consultancy firm uses the card to pay for client dinners, office supplies, and travel bookings. Over the year, they accumulate 100,000 Membership Rewards points, converting them into Qantas Frequent Flyer points. These points are then used to book flights for a business conference in Sydney, significantly reducing travel expenses and improving the bottom line.
Summary and Conclusion
- The American Express Gold Business Card is a powerful tool for business owners who want to maximise rewards, manage cash flow, and access valuable travel benefits.
- With a generous 50,000 Membership Rewards bonus, 2 points per $1 spent, up to 50 days of interest-free credit, and the ability to convert points to a range of airline programs, this card offers unmatched value.
- Whether you’re paying general expenses, settling IRD, ACC and supplier bills via RewardPay, booking business travel (and activating complimentary travel insurance), or leveraging points for flights, the flexibility and rewards are excellent. The low annual fee and top-tier customer support further solidify its position as an essential business card.
- For business owners focused on maximising rewards and minimising admin time, the American Express Gold Business Card is a standout option providing financial benefits and enhanced travel experiences.
Which Cards Compete With the Gold Business Card?
Our list of business credit cards has the latest offers. However, given the integration of RewardPay, which allows you to pay suppliers, the bonus offer, generous points earning rate, cashflow-free days, low annual fee, complimentary overseas travel insurance, Xero feeds, and AMEX's customer support, we see this card is unrivalled for most business purposes.
