Compare the Features and Benefits of The Plum Card® and
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Plum Card® is quite possibly the most unique card in the lineup of American Express business credit cards. As a full “No Preset Spending Limit” card (these used to be called charge cards by American Express, but that term is no longer used), it is really a great choice for extremely high spenders.

1.5% is a solid cash back rate for a card with no preset spending limit, though if you have spend that falls into the right bonus categories, you might want to first take a look at the American Express® Business Gold Card which is also a No Preset Spending Limit card (No Preset Spending Limit 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.).

The American Express® Business Gold Card earns 4X Membership Rewards points on up to $150,000 in total spend per calendar year, in the two qualifying categories where your business spends the most money every month out of 6 select business categories.

(Note that the Plum Card earns cash back, not rewards points).

Now if your business is often a bit behind with cash flow (perhaps all of your client payments come more than 30 days after you need to make your own payments, then the 60 day payment period offer on this card (instead of the early pay discount – i.e. the cash back) could really be a massive benefit. So while it’s a niche card product, it can knock the ball out of the park for certain business owners.

Rates and Fees for The Plum Card®

💳 This card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Chase often runs transfer bonuses where you can get even more points when you transfer to airline or hotel partners at designated times. Transfer bonuses are awesome. Get 20%, 30%, 40% or more bonus miles when you transfer points at the right times. But they are easy to miss!

You can see all past Transfer Bonuses from Chase Ultimate Rewards here.

Even better? Get notified when a new transfer bonus comes out and again before it ends (either or both, your choice). Sign up for free alerts right here. 🔔

We consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® the best starter travel rewards credit card available today. For a modest $95 annual fee, you’ll earn bonus points in several categories, get up to a $50 statement credit for hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel℠, plus get a slew of travel protections.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® credit card earns bonus points on travel purchases, dining, online grocery shopping, and select streaming services. Plus you’ll earn an annual Ultimate Rewards bonus of 10% of the prior year’s spending. Although the credit card doesn’t earn bonus points on other purchases, you can pair the card with other Chase credit cards to boost your Chase Ultimate Rewards earning rate.

Chase Ultimate Rewards points have a cash value of 1 cent each. But, you can get more value when you redeem points for travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards (1.25 cents), through Chase Pay Yourself Back, or when you transfer points to airline and hotel partners.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card justifies its annual fee year after year by providing the best set of travel protections on a card with under a $100 annual fee. Your car rentals will be automatically covered against theft and damage when you use your card and primary coverage (secondary for New York residence with their own vehicle insurance) means your own insurance won’t have to get involved. You’ll be protected against weather delays, lost luggage, and trip interruptions or outright cancellations.

Additionally, you’ll get benefits from several partners. For example, earn 5 points per dollar on Lyft rides through March 2025. Plus, you can get lower service fees when you use DoorDash by enrolling to get one complimentary year of DashPass through December 2027.