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- Introduction
- Corporate Credit Cards for Startups
- Unique Startup Financial Needs
- Why Corporate Cards Are Good for Growth
- Examining Brex and American Express
- Company Backgrounds and Market Position
- How Their Business Credit Cards Work
- Differences Between Brex and Amex for Startups
- Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Startup Credit Card
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Recommended Reads
Introduction
Startups face many decisions in their early stages, and choosing a business credit card is one of the most important. A card can help with managing expenses, building business credit, and streamlining daily operations. Two leading choices are Brex and American Express. Each offers unique features tailored to different business needs. Brex is designed for tech-savvy, fast-growing startups, while Amex offers traditional reliability and strong travel perks. Understanding how these cards compare can help founders make the right financial decision for growth.
Corporate Credit Cards for Startups
Corporate credit cards are made specifically for business use. They allow startups to separate personal and business expenses while gaining access to features that improve spending control and reporting. These cards are vital for companies that need clear spending oversight and tools to scale operations.
Brex cards typically offer higher credit limits and do not require a personal guarantee. They are designed with automation in mind. Amex, on the other hand, is well-known for its excellent travel rewards and business perks. Startups must consider whether flexibility or brand recognition is more important.
Unique Startup Financial Needs
Startups often experience fluctuating cash flow, changing budgets, and unpredictable spending patterns. Traditional credit cards are not always built to handle these shifts. Startups need scalable tools that grow with them.
A flexible card can help startups respond to shifting priorities, whether it’s software purchases one month or marketing campaigns the next. Brex meets this need with adaptive credit limits and automation, while Amex supports more traditional needs like travel benefits and established credit structures.
Why Corporate Cards Are Good for Growth
Corporate cards are more than convenient; they’re strategic tools. They allow centralized expense tracking, enforce spending controls, and help startups build credit.
This is especially helpful for venture-backed startups, which often operate multiple teams. A strong corporate card system allows tailored budgets, quick decisions, and reduced manual expense work. This freedom supports innovation and controlled growth.
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Examining Brex and American Express
Brex and American Express are major players in the business credit card market. Brex focuses on automation and startup-friendly features. American Express offers a broader portfolio with strong travel rewards.
Choosing between them depends on what your startup values most, whether that’s ease of use, global spending, or expense tracking tools. Each platform has its own strengths for different business goals.
Company Backgrounds and Market Position
American Express has long been a leader in business credit cards, especially for established companies. Its global recognition and premium service make it ideal for firms with frequent travel and strong credit histories.
Brex is a newer company that targets modern startups. It offers scalable financial tools, built-in software integrations, and higher credit limits without a personal guarantee. Brex is especially popular among fast-growing, VC-backed startups.
How Their Business Credit Cards Work
American Express provides both charge and credit cards. Charge cards require full payment each month. Credit cards allow for payments over time and are tied to credit limits based on the user’s financial history. Their strengths lie in travel benefits and broad acceptance.
Brex provides credit based on a company’s cash flow, revenue, and bank balance. No personal credit check or guarantee is needed. Startups receive higher, adaptive limits and integrated spend controls. Brex cards are fully managed through a tech platform built for automation and transparency.
Differences Between Brex and Amex for Startups
| Feature | Brex | American Express |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Target Audience | Primarily for startups, mid-size companies, and enterprises, with a focus on tech and high-growth businesses. | Serves a broader range of customers, from individuals to small businesses and large corporations. |
| Product Focus | A comprehensive AI-powered financial platform that includes corporate cards, expense management, bill pay, and business accounts. | A financial services company with a wide array of credit cards (personal, business, and corporate), loans, and banking services. |
| Card Type | Offers corporate charge cards that must be paid in full on a daily or monthly basis, preventing interest accumulation. | Offers a mix of business credit cards (allows carrying a balance with interest) and charge cards (must be paid in full). |
| Eligibility Requirements | Evaluates a company’s financial health, including cash balance, revenue, and funding. A personal guarantee is not required. | Traditionally requires a review of the business owner’s personal credit history and FICO score (often 690+). They have a newer program for startups that links spending to the company’s bank account, but it is not a feature of all cards. |
| Annual Fees | No annual fees for its core corporate card and business account offerings. | Annual fees vary significantly by card, ranging from $0 to over $600 for premium cards with extensive perks. |
| Rewards Program | Rewards are often tailored to startup spending, with high point multipliers on categories like rideshare, software, and travel. Points can be redeemed for cash back, travel, or partner perks. | Offers the popular Membership Rewards® program, with points in a variety of categories. Redemption options include travel, gift cards, merchandise, and statement credits. |
| Expense Management | A central selling point is its integrated AI-powered platform for automated expense reporting, receipt capture, and accounting reconciliation. This is built directly into the service. | Offers robust expense management tools, but they are often separate features or require integration with third-party software, which may incur additional costs. |
| Credit Limit | Credit limits are dynamic and based on the company’s cash flow, bank balance, and other financial factors, often allowing for much higher limits than traditional cards. | Credit limits are based on a mix of personal and business credit history and are generally a set limit on credit cards, while charge cards have “no preset spending limit.” |
| Global Capabilities | Offers local currency cards in over 50 countries to help avoid foreign exchange fees and streamline global operations. | Widely accepted globally, but may charge foreign transaction fees on some cards. Their global acceptance is a key strength. |
| Additional Services | Provides a business bank account with high-yield treasury options and enhanced FDIC insurance, as well as integrated bill pay and travel booking. | Offers a wide array of personal and business financial products, including loans, high-yield savings accounts, and financial education resources. |
Card Structures, Limits and Payment Terms
Brex offers dynamic limits based on company cash flow. Startups get higher limits and can issue unlimited virtual cards with spending controls. Payment is typically due in full each cycle but scales with growth.
Amex offers both charge and credit cards. Many require full payment each month, though some allow balances over time. Credit limits depend on both business and personal credit profiles and may not grow as quickly.
Eligibility and Approval Requirements
| Feature | Brex Card | Amex Card |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Guarantee | Not required | Often required |
| Approval Basis | Business cash flow, revenue, funding | Personal credit score, business info |
| Minimum Credit Score | None | Typically 700+ |
| Business Documents Needed | Yes | Yes (varies) |
| Startup Friendly | Highly | Less friendly to new businesses |
Brex is more accessible for new or early-stage startups, while Amex is best for those with established credit histories.
Comparing Rewards and Benefits Programs
| Feature | Brex Card | Amex Card |
| Points Earning | Up to 7x points (rideshare, software, restaurants) | Points or cashback (varies by card) |
| Redemption Options | Cash back, bill pay, ads, team events | Flights, hotels, gifts (value varies) |
| Partner Perks | $180K+ in discounts | Travel and luxury partnerships |
Brex provides more relevant perks for startups that spend heavily on SaaS or software. Amex caters more to travel-heavy businesses.
Perks Tailored to Startup Spending
Brex prioritizes SaaS, software, and transportation spending. Its perks include bill credits and tech discounts.
Amex offers travel perks like airport lounge access and insurance. These are valuable for founders who travel often but less relevant to digital-first companies.
Fees and Other Charges
| Feature | Brex Card | Amex Card |
| Annual Fee | None | $250-$695 (premium cards) |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | 2-3% per transaction |
| Expense Reporting | Included | May require extra software |
| Hidden Costs | None | Possible admin costs from legacy systems |
Startups often prefer Brex due to its transparency and lower total cost of ownership. Amex fees can add up, especially with international use and third-party software.
Transparency and Cost Control
Brex offers clear pricing and real-time expense tracking through its platform. This supports better budgeting and fewer surprise costs.
Amex provides strong customer support and services, but some users may experience delays in reporting or encounter additional software needs for full spending visibility.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Startup Credit Card
Choosing the best credit card for your startup depends on your company’s current size, spending habits, and growth plans. Brex stands out for flexibility, automation, and no personal liability, making it ideal for early-stage or venture-backed startups. American Express offers robust travel perks and a longstanding reputation, better suited for mature businesses or teams frequently on the go. Take time to weigh each platform’s pros and see which aligns best with your needs today and as you scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brex better than Amex for new startups?
Brex is often a better fit for early-stage startups, especially those with strong business finances but limited personal credit history. It offers flexible credit limits and no personal guarantee requirements.
Does Brex require a personal credit check?
No, Brex bases approval on company financials. It does not check personal credit scores or require a guarantee.
Which card is better for travel rewards?
American Express is generally stronger for travel rewards, offering premium benefits like lounge access, insurance, and hotel perks.
Can you get both Brex and Amex cards?
Yes, some startups use Brex for operational expenses and Amex for travel or vendor benefits. This can optimize rewards across different spending types.
What kinds of startups should choose Amex?
Established startups or those with frequent travel needs may prefer Amex for its premium benefits and global acceptance.
Reviewed and edited by Albert Fang.
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Article Title: Brex vs American Express: Which Credit Card is Best for Startups?
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