Amex Business Gold vs Reflex Platinum Mastercard: Which Is Better In 2026?

Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a closer look at what makes the Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® a card worth considering.

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• It’s an unsecured card, making it accessible for those with poor or limited credit who might not qualify for other options.
• The card reports your payment activity to all three major credit bureaus, which is essential for building or rebuilding your credit history.
• Responsible use can be rewarded with a potential credit limit increase, which can help improve your credit utilization.

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Pros

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• You can check for pre-qualification online without it affecting your credit score.
• The card offers free access to your credit score, helping you track your progress as you build credit.
• It comes with standard Mastercard benefits, including fraud liability protection.

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Cons

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• The card has high ongoing fees and a high interest rate, making it an expensive option for building credit.
• There is no upgrade path to a better card with lower fees from the same issuer once your credit improves.
• Applicants are required to have a checking account to qualify, which could be a barrier for some.

Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® vs American Express® Business Gold Card

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Categories

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When deciding which is better, Amex Business Gold or Reflex Platinum Mastercard, it's essential to recognize that these cards are designed for completely different financial needs and goals.

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• American Express® Business Gold Card: This card is best for business owners. It is designed as a versatile tool for companies with variable expenses that value flexible rewards earning.
• Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®: This card is best for credit builders. It is intended for individuals with poor or limited credit history who are looking to establish or rebuild their credit profile.

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Redemption

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American Express® Business Gold Card: Cardholders can redeem their points for a wide variety of options, including travel, merchandise, and statement credits, offering significant flexibility to suit business needs.

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Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®: As a card focused on building credit, it does not offer a traditional rewards program, so redemption options for points or cash back are not a primary feature.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To eliminate the guesswork, you can use a tool like Kudos to compare thousands of credit cards using your actual spending data for personalized recommendations.

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• Test drive credit cards using your real spending data to see potential earnings before you apply.
• Receive detailed approval odds analysis based on your credit report.
• Track your progress toward earning credit card welcome offers.
• Discover new cards with personalized matching based on your spending history.
• Earn extra rewards when shopping at your favorite stores that stack on top of your existing credit card rewards.

Who Should Choose the American Express® Business Gold Card?

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The American Express® Business Gold Card is designed for business owners with variable expenses and at least $50,000 in annual spending. Its key feature is the ability to automatically earn 4X points on the top two spending categories each billing cycle, making it ideal for companies whose highest costs shift between things like advertising, shipping, and travel (Terms Apply). This card best serves entrepreneurs who can consistently maximize these flexible bonus categories to justify the annual fee.

Who Should Choose the Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®?

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The Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® is designed for individuals with poor or limited credit history, including those with scores in the 500s or who have experienced bankruptcy. It serves as an unsecured 'second chance' option for consumers who have been denied traditional credit cards and need a tool to start rebuilding their credit profile. Ultimately, it's best used as a short-term solution to add positive payment history to your credit reports, as its high fees make it unsuitable for long-term use.

Alternatives to Consider

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If the Amex Business Gold vs Reflex Platinum Mastercard comparison has left you undecided, it's worth exploring other cards that might be a better fit. Neither the American Express® Business Gold Card nor the Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® is the perfect solution for everyone, so let's look at a few alternatives.

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[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["509", "118"], "bestCategoryIds":["17", "18", "19"], "bestForTexts":["Exceptional Value", "Generous Travel Rewards"]} ]]

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_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

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Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Know Your Credit Score - Different cards target different credit profiles, from excellent credit to those rebuilding.
• Assess Your Spending Habits - Ensure the card's rewards and benefits align with where you spend the most.
• Review Issuer Requirements - Some cards have unique rules or require specific accounts to be eligible.

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Application Strategy

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• Use Pre-Qualification Tools - Some issuers, like the one for the Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®, let you check approval odds without a hard credit inquiry.
• Time Your Application - Applying before a large planned purchase can help you meet a welcome offer's spending requirement more naturally.
• Apply for the Right Card Type - Ensure the card matches your profile, whether it's a business card like the American Express® Business Gold Card or one for building credit.

Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the main difference between a business credit card and a personal credit card?

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Business credit cards are designed for company expenses and often offer rewards tailored to business spending categories, while personal cards are for individual use. Business cards can also help build your company's credit history, separate from your personal credit.

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Can I use a business credit card for personal expenses?

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It is strongly advised to keep business and personal expenses separate to simplify accounting and tax preparation. Using a business card for personal purchases can complicate bookkeeping and may violate your cardholder agreement.

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How do annual fees factor into choosing a credit card?

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When choosing a card, you should weigh the annual fee against the value of the card's benefits, such as rewards, statement credits, and other perks. A high fee can be worthwhile if you fully utilize the benefits, but a no-fee card might be a better fit if you don't.

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