Ready to apply?
Follow this step-by-step guide to gather the information and documentation needed to apply for American Express® Business Cards. The more information you’re able to provide, the faster we can process your application.
How it works
Determine Eligibility
Use the checklist below to make sure you meet the application requirements for your business type.
Complete Application
Fill out your application and attach the proof(s) of eligibility listed for your business type.
Next Steps
Once your application is complete, it will either be instantly approved or if we need more information we will be in touch.
Receive Card
You'll receive your Card in the mail once it's been approved.
If you need more time, you can save your application and return to it when ready.
If applying for a Card with a limited time offer, you'll receive the offer valid on the date of application submission.
Application requirements by business type
Sole Traders
A sole trader is an individual running a business. Money earned is considered individual income and you are responsible for all taxes and liabilities.
5-10 minutes to complete application
Most application decisions are instant
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Australian citizen or permanent resident
- At least 18 years old
- Business revenue of $75,000+
- Registered for GST. Exceptions may apply.
YOU WILL NEED:
- An active Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Your gross personal income from the previous financial year.
YOU MAY NEED:
- A copy of your driver’s licence
Companies
A company is a for-profit business that is registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). It may be privately owned or publicly traded.
15-20 minutes to complete application
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Australian citizen or permanent resident
- At least 18 years old
- Registered Director of the business (per ASIC);
- Business revenue of $75,000+
- Registered for GST. Exceptions may apply.
YOU WILL NEED:
- An active Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Understanding of the Company structure
- Personal details of all Directors and Shareholders
- Your gross personal income from the previous financial year.
YOU MAY NEED:
- A copy of your driver’s licence
Trusts
A trust is set up to hold property or assets for selected beneficiaries. There are different types of trusts, including charitable, discretionary, unit and superannuation.
15-20 minutes to complete application
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Australian citizen or permanent resident
- At least 18 years old
- Individual Trustee or Director of the Trustee company
- Business revenue of $75,000+
- Registered for GST. Exceptions may apply.
YOU WILL NEED:
- An active Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Personal details of all Trustee Directors, Shareholders, and Beneficiaries eligible to benefit from the Trust
- Your gross personal income from the previous financial year.
YOU MAY NEED:
- A copy of your driver’s licence
- Proof of business revenue (such as bank statements)
POST APPLICATION, YOU WILL NEED:
- Certified Trust Deed(s) including deeds of Amendment or Variation for Trusts (which can be supplied post application)
- For Unit Trusts, an Accountant Unit Holder Letter or Schedule of Unit Holders
Partnerships
In a partnership, two or more people or entities conduct business and receive income jointly. Partnerships are usually legally binding agreements and for-profit businesses.
15-20 minutes to complete application
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Australian citizen or permanent resident
- At least 18 years old
- Partner or controller of the partnership
- Business revenue of $75,000+
- Registered for GST. Exceptions may apply.
YOU WILL NEED:
- An active Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Certified Partnership Agreement- OR- A letter from a registered accountant confirming partnership details (where no formal Partnership agreement exists)
- our gross personal income from the previous financial year.
YOU MAY NEED:
- A copy of your driver’s licence
- Personal details of all Partners
Associations & Cooperatives
Associations are agreements between two or more parties for a common cause. Cooperatives are profit-sharing or non-profit organisations comprised of at least five parties. Cooperatives are owned and controlled by their members.
15-20 minutes to complete application
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Australian citizen or permanent resident
- At least 18 years old
- Registered Controller of the Association or Cooperative per the constitution or rules
- Business revenue of $75,000+
- Registered for GST. Exceptions may apply.
YOU WILL NEED:
- An active Australian Business Number (ABN)
- A certified copy of the applying entity’s constitution
- Details of entity structure
- Personal details of Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary or Public Officer
- Your gross personal income from the previous financial year.
YOU MAY NEED:
- A copy of your driver’s licence
- Proof of business revenue (such as bank statements)
Now it's time to apply
Once you've gathered all your information and documents, it's time to apply for the Card that backs businesses like yours. Return to the information page for your card of choice and click Apply Now to get started.
Terms & Conditions
American Express approval criteria applies. Subject to Terms and Conditions. Fees and charges apply. All information is correct as at 28 June 2022 and is subject to change. This offer is only available to those who reside in Australia. Cards are offered, issued and administered by American Express Australia Limited (ABN 92 108 952 085). Please see our Card pages for more details. ®Registered Trademark of American Express Company.