Guide to American Express Small Business Programs and Benefits

Access to credit and financing is a constant small business challenge. Fortunately, the American Express card goes beyond simply providing charge card perks, to offering a wide range of services and support for small business owners through its "OPEN for Business" program.

The major advantages of an American Express card for small business are:

1. No pre-set spending limit.
2. Additional financing availability.
3. A rewards program with a wide selection of possible gift choices.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchases over $250 on the card may qualify for extended payment terms
When you need more time to pay off a major purchase, American Express offers payment flexibility just like a traditional credit card, to reduce any cash flow strain.
I recommend: Sign up for the extended payment option, which costs nothing unless you elect to use it, in which case finance charges apply.

Additional lines of credit for larger purchases
In addition to issuing a wide range of charge and credit cards, American Express also offers financing options of up to $100,000.
I recommend: To apply for a term loan of up to 36 months or a line of credit through American Express, you do not need to be a card holder.

Membership Rewards points that can be redeemed for great gifts
Few other cards enable you to rack up points for every dollar spent with the card, giving you access to a wide range of possible rewards.
I recommend: Explore travel, entertainment, or shopping rewards. Or use your rewards to fund additional business travel, equipment, or supplies to support your company's growth.

Automatic discounts at major retailers and business services
Simply by using an American Express Card to pay for everyday business products and services, you can earn instant savings credited to your card.
I recommend: Review the long list of partner companies to identify opportunities for savings, by switching vendors. Some of the big names include FedEx, Staples, and Hertz.

Online expense reporting tools
By enrolling in online expense reports, you can track your charges in real-time and download data for export to Quicken or Microsoft Money, for easier financial management.
I recommend: Sign up for online statements and make check reconciliation easier and cash flow analyses less time-consuming.

Small business articles and guidance
If you'd like some help in growing your company to the next level, American Express has articles on starting and financing your company's growth.
I recommend: Hear from small business experts what you can do to improve your company's operations by reading the articles and checking out expert partners here.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Sign up for Membership Rewards, at a cost of $40/year with the basic green card, and have every purchase count towards great gift cards, purchases, and travel rewards from companies such as Bloomingdales, The Four Seasons, or Morton's, The Steakhouse, for example.
• To ensure you're receiving a discount every time you FedEx a package or rent a car, sign up for automatic billing to your American Express card.
• If you don't already have an American Express card, you can receive the first year of usage free of charge by signing up now at www.americanexpress.com.