The Plum Card from American Express vs United Club Business Card: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of The Plum Card from American Express and United Club Business Card — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: United Club Business Card wins on our scorecard (7.5/10 vs 7.3/10).
| Scored on | The Plum Card from American Express | United Club Business Card |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 8 | 7 |
| Ease of use | 7 | 8 |
| Fees & pricing | 7 | 6 |
| Customer support | 6 | 7 |
| Features | 8 | 9 |
| Annual Fee | $250 (waived first year) | $450 |
| Early Pay Discount | 1.5% | — |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Late Fee | Up to 2.99% of past due amount | 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 Club Business Card in one paragraph
A powerhouse for United loyalists who need a mobile office in the lounge, but the $450 fee is a high price for those who don't live in a hub city.
Skip it if: You don't fly United at least five times a year or you prefer to use multiple different airlines for the lowest price.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, The Plum Card from American Express or United Club Business Card?
On our five-axis scorecard, United Club Business Card scores higher (7.5/10 vs 7.3/10). A powerhouse for United loyalists who need a mobile office in the lounge, but the $450 fee is a high price for those who don't live in a hub city.
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 Club Business Card?
You don't fly United at least five times a year or you prefer to use multiple different airlines for the lowest price.