Is Amex Business Platinum worth £650 a year?

Only if you redeem the lounge access (~£300/year value), the hotel credit, and use Membership Rewards transfers on premium-cabin flights. For pure UK SMEs without heavy international travel, Capital On Tap at £0 is the better choice.

Can I pair Capital On Tap with Amex Platinum?

Yes — this is the most common 2-card setup for UK founders who travel. Capital On Tap handles 0% FX on supplier spend and Visa-only merchants; Amex Platinum handles travel categories, lounges and points.

Independent comparison · May 2026

Capital On Tap vs Amex Business Platinum (2026)

Amex Business Platinum costs £650/year and is built for founders who genuinely use airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and concierge services. Capital On Tap is the polar opposite — free, simple, fast. Here's when each makes sense.

Side-by-side specification

	Capital On Tap	Amex Business Platinum
Annual fee	£0 (Business) / £99 (Rewards)	£650/year
Rewards	1 point per £1 (= 1% cashback or 1 Avios 1:1)	1 Membership Rewards point per £1 (higher on certain categories)
Foreign-exchange fee	0% FX fees worldwide	2.99% non-sterling fee
Credit limit	Up to £250,000	No preset spending limit (charge card)
Eligibility	UK Ltd / LLP / PLC, £24k+/yr turnover, no unsatisfied CCJs (last 12 months). Sole traders not eligible. No published minimum trading-period rule.	Limited Company / sole trader / partnership; min income £20k+
Representative APR	34.65% representative variable	Charge card — pay in full each month
Application	~2 minutes, soft credit check first	10-15 minutes, hard credit check
Card type	Visa Business credit card	Amex Platinum charge card

Where Capital On Tap wins

✓ £650/year saved — that's £3,250 over five years
✓ Visa Business, accepted at 99%+ of UK card terminals
✓ 0% FX worldwide (Amex Platinum still charges 2.99%)
✓ Revolving credit up to £250k vs charge card
✓ £75 instant welcome bonus vs ~£500-worth of points after high-spend hurdle
✓ Soft credit check, no impact on file

Where Amex Business Platinum wins

✓ Centurion Lounge + Priority Pass + Plaza Premium global lounge access (unlimited for cardholder)
✓ Marriott Bonvoy Gold + Hilton Honors Gold + Radisson Premium elite status included
✓ £250 Harvey Nichols / £200 Plaza Premium hotel credit (varies year to year)
✓ Comprehensive global business travel insurance
✓ 24/7 personal concierge service

Who should pick which

Pick Capital On Tap if

You're a UK-focused SME, founder or contractor and want a free, fast, flexible business card — without paying £650/year for perks you won't fully use.

Pick Amex Business Platinum if

You're a frequent international traveller (10+ trips/year), value airport lounges and hotel status more than cashback, and your business spend reliably exceeds £80,000/yr.

FAQs: Capital On Tap vs Amex Business Platinum

Is Amex Business Platinum worth £650 a year?: Only if you redeem the lounge access (~£300/year value), the hotel credit, and use Membership Rewards transfers on premium-cabin flights. For pure UK SMEs without heavy international travel, Capital On Tap at £0 is the better choice.
Can I pair Capital On Tap with Amex Platinum?: Yes — this is the most common 2-card setup for UK founders who travel. Capital On Tap handles 0% FX on supplier spend and Visa-only merchants; Amex Platinum handles travel categories, lounges and points.