The Plum Card from American Express vs United Business Card: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of The Plum Card from American Express and United Business Card — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: United Business Card wins on our scorecard (7.4/10 vs 7.3/10).
| Scored on | The Plum Card from American Express | United Business Card |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 8 | 9 |
| Ease of use | 7 | 7 |
| Fees & pricing | 7 | 8 |
| Customer support | 6 | 6 |
| Features | 8 | 7 |
| Annual Fee | $250 (waived first year) | $99 ($0 first year) |
| Early Pay Discount | 1.5% | — |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Late Fee | Up to 2.99% of past due amount | — |
| Late Payment Fee | — | Up to $40 |
| Purchase APR | — | 21.49% - 28.49% variable |
The Plum Card from American Express in one paragraph
The Plum Card is a powerful liquidity tool for inventory-heavy businesses that value payment flexibility over travel perks.
Skip it if: Skip it if you spend less than $14,000 a month or want to earn travel points for your business spending.
United Business Card in one paragraph
A top-tier choice for United loyalists that pays for itself through bag fee waivers and anniversary credits.
Skip it if: You don't live near a United hub or you prefer flying whichever airline is cheapest on Expedia.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, The Plum Card from American Express or United Business Card?
On our five-axis scorecard, United Business Card scores higher (7.4/10 vs 7.3/10). A top-tier choice for United loyalists that pays for itself through bag fee waivers and anniversary credits.
Who should skip The Plum Card from American Express?
Skip it if you spend less than $14,000 a month or want to earn travel points for your business spending.
Who should skip United Business Card?
You don't live near a United hub or you prefer flying whichever airline is cheapest on Expedia.