Compare the Features and Benefits of Business Green Rewards Card from American Express and
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The Business Green Rewards Card from American Express is clearly the “starter” card in the Amex ecosystem for small businesses looking for No Preset Spending Limit (which means your spending limit is flexible. Unlike a traditional card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment, and credit history) without the heftier annual fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.

However, with this card earning just 1 point per eligible dollar spent (2 points per dollar only for Flights & Prepaid Hotels booked on AmexTravel.com) and lacking any annual statement credits or rich benefits, we struggle to see the value in paying a $95 annual fee.

Although it doesn’t have No Preset Spending Limit, if you truly can’t make the annual fee work on the American Express® Business Gold Card or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express cards, then we would recommend The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express which earns 2x bonus points on all eligible purchases up to a $50,000 annual limit (1x on all eligible purchases thereafter) and has no annual fee.

If you need a much higher credit limit, then we’d advise considering the American Express® Business Gold Card or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.

Rates and Fees for the Business Green Rewards Card from American Express

The IHG Premier Credit Card can justify its place in any traveler’s wallet. After earning the excellent sign-up bonus, cardholders continue to be rewarded with IHG Platinum Elite status, an annual free night award, a reward night free on a reward stay of four or more consecutive nights, $50 per calendar year (two $25 credits per half year) in United TravelBank Cash, and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS application fee credit.

Those perks easily justify the $99 annual fee, even if you use a more rewarding card for everyday spending.

Cardholders earn bonus points in a variety of categories, including 10X IHG points on eligible purchases at IHG hotel brands and 5X points on travel, at gas stations, and on dining. All other purchases earn 3X points.

MilesTalk values IHG Rewards points at 0.4 cents each. That means IHG Premier Card cardholders can expect an approximate return of around 4% on spending at IHG Hotels and 1.2% on other purchases.

For those unfamiliar with IHG Rewards, the IHG Rewards program includes hotel brands like InterContinental Hotels, Six Senses, Kimpton, and Hotel Indigo on the luxury end and Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn, and Staybridge Suites for more practical stays.

Thanks to the Platinum Elite status that comes as a benefit on the IHG Premier Card, cardholders will earn 60% bonus points on stays, get complimentary room upgrades, and receive welcome bonus points when staying at participating IHG hotels.

For travelers that generally stay at least four nights, the IHG Premier Card’s fourth-night free benefit can save you a bunch of points. All you need to do is book at least four consecutive nights at an IHG hotel using your IHG Rewards points. And IHG will automatically discount one night to zero points — giving you a free reward night.

You’ll get this perk whether you’re staying at a practical Holiday Inn or staying at ultra-luxurious InterContinental Hotels.