American Express has introduced the Graphite™ Business Cash Unlimited Card, a premium business‑card offering that delivers unlimited 2% cash back on all eligible purchases and unlimited 5% cash back on flights and prepaid hotel bookings booked through American Express Travel. The card carries a $295 annual fee and a generous welcome offer that rewards new members with $1,500 in cash back (in Reward Dollars) after spending $50,000 on purchases within the first six months of membership.
Employee cards are available in both metal and plastic versions. Metal employee cards cost $95 for the first five cards and $95 for each additional card, while plastic employee cards are free. In addition, American Express offers a statement credit of up to $2,400 for monthly fees on its accounts‑payable platform One AP®, provided the cardholder spends $250,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.
The launch is part of AmEx’s most significant year of commercial product expansion, with eight new or enhanced products, benefits and capabilities slated for 2026. The Graphite card is positioned to deepen the issuer’s commercial services offering and attract small‑ and medium‑sized businesses to its integrated payment ecosystem. In a highly competitive market that includes Chase, Capital One, Bank of America, Brex and Ramp, the card’s metal design and premium branding aim to differentiate it, while the 2% cash‑back rate competes with lower‑fee alternatives that offer similar rewards.
The card’s features align with AmEx’s broader strategy to provide comprehensive solutions for businesses. By offering a straightforward cash‑back program, integrated financial tools and a high‑value welcome bonus, the Graphite card seeks to capture a share of the SMB segment that traditionally favors cost‑effective, high‑reward products. The company’s focus on premium branding and integrated services signals an intent to move beyond traditional card issuance into a broader commercial services platform.
"Our expertise is unmatched. Regardless of a business' size or stage of growth, they need trusted partners who deeply understand the complexities of their business. We provide solutions to address their needs that offer rich value and simplify operations so they can focus on running their business and what's next," said Raymond Joabar, Group President of Global Commercial Services at American Express.
The content on EveryTicker is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.