Compare Amex, Brex, and Mercury corporate credit cards for startups in 2025. Find the best rewards, perks, and eligibility to fuel your business growth..
When you’re running a startup in 2025, every decision matters — especially when it comes to managing expenses and accessing funding. Choosing the best corporate credit card isn’t just about rewards and perks; it’s about finding the right financial tool to fuel your company’s growth. This year, three names dominate the startup-friendly corporate card space: American Express (Amex), Brex, and Mercury.
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down Amex vs Brex vs Mercury across rewards, fees, perks, and eligibility — so you can confidently pick the best business credit card for your startup.
Why Corporate Credit Cards Matter for Startups
Before diving into the comparison, it’s worth understanding why the right corporate card can be a game-changer for startups.
Key benefits include:
- Cash flow management – Cards give you up to 30–60 days to pay, easing short-term financial strain.
- Expense tracking – Integrated tools help categorize, monitor, and control spending.
- Rewards & perks – Cashback, travel points, and discounts can save significant amounts over time.
- No personal liability (in some cases) – Certain corporate cards don’t require personal guarantees, protecting founders’ personal credit.
For startups, these benefits can mean faster scaling, better team management, and less financial stress.
Overview of the Three Contenders
American Express (Amex) Corporate Cards
Amex is one of the most recognized names in the credit card industry, offering various corporate cards for established businesses and growing startups. Known for premium perks, travel benefits, and robust expense management tools.
Popular options for startups:
- Amex Business Gold Card
- Amex Business Platinum Card
- Amex Corporate Purchasing Card
Brex
Brex entered the market with a mission to make financial tools more startup-friendly. Unlike traditional banks, Brex assesses business health differently, often approving companies without requiring founders’ personal credit checks. It integrates directly with accounting software and offers flexible rewards.
Mercury IO Card
Mercury, primarily known for its startup-friendly banking platform, offers the Mercury IO Corporate Card. This card focuses on smooth integration with Mercury bank accounts, competitive cashback, and zero annual fees.
Best Corporate Credit Card: Amex vs Brex vs Mercury (2025 Comparison Table)
| Feature / Card | Amex Corporate Cards | Brex Card | Mercury IO Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0–$695 depending on card | $0 | $0 |
| Rewards | Points (Membership Rewards) | Points or cashback (flexible) | Flat cashback |
| Eligibility | Strong credit + financial history | Business revenue or funding | Mercury account + business entity |
| Personal Guarantee | Often required | Not required | Not required |
| Expense Management | Strong tools, app + integrations | Integrated app + accounting sync | Integrated with Mercury banking |
| Travel Benefits | Excellent (esp. Platinum) | Good (travel partners) | Limited |
| Best For | Established startups, travel perks | High-growth tech startups | Early-stage startups on Mercury |
Deep Dive: American Express (Amex) Corporate Cards
Pros
- Industry-leading rewards program – Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or statement credits.
- Premium travel perks – Lounge access, hotel upgrades, and airline fee credits (especially with Platinum).
- Robust expense controls – Ability to set custom limits, generate reports, and manage cards for employees.
- Strong brand trust – Recognized globally, useful for international transactions.
Cons
- Higher annual fees on premium cards.
- Often requires a personal guarantee and good founder credit.
- Rewards structure can be complex for beginners.
Best For: Startups with frequent travel needs and founders who can meet Amex’s credit requirements.
Deep Dive: Brex Card
For a full breakdown of all Brex Corporate Credit Cards for startups, check out our Brex Corporate Credit Card Review 2025 – Features, Rewards & Fees
Pros
- No personal guarantee – Approval is based on business health, not personal credit.
- Flexible rewards – Switch between points or cashback depending on needs.
- Startup integrations – Works seamlessly with tools like QuickBooks, Xero, and Expensify.
- Partner discounts – Deals with AWS, Slack, HubSpot, and more.
Cons
- Requires certain business revenue or venture funding to qualify.
- Travel perks are good but not as extensive as Amex Platinum.
- Limited acceptance outside the U.S. in certain regions.
Best For: High-growth startups, especially in tech, with strong revenue or funding but without established personal credit history.
Deep Dive: Mercury IO Card
For a full breakdown of all Mercury Corporate Cards for startups, check out our Mercury Corporate Cards for Startups Features (2025 Guide)
Pros
- Zero fees – No annual, foreign transaction, or setup fees.
- Seamless integration – Works perfectly with Mercury bank accounts.
- Simple rewards – Flat cashback without complex point conversions.
- No personal guarantee – Approval tied to Mercury account and business entity.
Cons
- Cashback rate may be lower than optimized point systems.
- Travel perks are minimal.
- Limited availability for companies without Mercury accounts.
Best For: Early-stage startups already banking with Mercury and looking for a simple, low-maintenance card.
Which Card Should Startup Founders Choose?
If you travel frequently:
Go with Amex Business Platinum — the travel perks can outweigh the annual fee if used strategically.
If you want maximum flexibility without personal liability:
Choose Brex — strong rewards, tech integrations, and founder-friendly approval criteria.
If you want simple, fee-free banking integration:
Pick Mercury IO Card — best for new startups that already use Mercury for banking.
Rewards & Cashback Analysis
Here’s a closer look at how rewards might work for a typical $20,000 monthly spend.
| Spend Category | Amex Business Gold | Brex Card (Points Mode) | Mercury IO Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel | 4x points | 7x points | 1.5% cashback |
| Online Ads | 4x points | 8x points | 1.5% cashback |
| SaaS Subscriptions | 1x points | 3x points | 1.5% cashback |
| Other Purchases | 1x points | 1x points | 1.5% cashback |
Note: Actual point value varies; with Amex, 1 point can equal up to 1.5–2 cents in travel redemptions.
Expense Management Features
Expense control is critical for startups. Here’s how each handles it:
- Amex – Detailed reporting, advanced controls, and corporate-level management.
- Brex – Real-time tracking, virtual cards, category tagging, and integration with major accounting software.
- Mercury – Basic controls integrated directly with your Mercury account dashboard.
Approval & Eligibility Requirements
Amex: Typically requires a business credit check, strong revenue, and sometimes a personal guarantee.
Brex: Approves based on business cash flow, bank balances, and funding — no personal credit pull.
Mercury: Must have a Mercury account; approval is quick if your account is active and funded.
Final Verdict
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a quick recommendation matrix:
| Startup Type | Recommended Card |
|---|---|
| Frequent travel, international networking | Amex Business Platinum |
| High-growth tech startup with VC backing | Brex Card |
| Early-stage bootstrapped business on Mercury | Mercury IO Card |
To explore more corporate credit cards tailored for startups that don’t require a personal guarantee, see our full guide here: Best Corporate Credit Cards for Startups (2025 Guide) – No Personal Guarantee Required.
How to Maximize Your Corporate Card Benefits
- Match the card to your biggest spend category – For example, if you spend heavily on ads, Brex may offer the best return.
- Leverage partner offers – Many cards include software and service credits that can save thousands per year.
- Use employee cards wisely – Assign limits and monitor spending in real time.
- Redeem rewards smartly – Travel points can often yield higher value than statement credits.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which corporate credit card is best for startups in 2025?
In 2025, the best card depends on your needs: Amex offers strong travel perks, Brex is great for flexible rewards and startups with no personal guarantee, and Mercury suits tech startups wanting banking + credit in one platform.
2. Do I need a personal guarantee for these cards?
Brex and Mercury generally don’t require a personal guarantee, while most Amex corporate cards do.
3. Which card offers the best rewards for travel?
American Express corporate cards often provide superior travel rewards and lounge access, making them ideal for travel-heavy startups.
4. Can early-stage startups get approved?
Yes, especially with Brex and Mercury, which focus more on business revenue and funding than on credit history.
5. Which card is better for managing team expenses?
Brex and Mercury offer strong virtual card management, while Amex provides advanced expense tracking for larger teams.
Conclusion
When deciding between Amex, Brex, and Mercury for your startup’s corporate credit card in 2025, focus on your company’s stage, spending patterns, and growth plans. Amex shines for travel and global perks, Brex offers flexible rewards and no personal liability, while Mercury delivers simplicity and seamless banking integration.
By aligning your choice with your business needs, you’ll not only manage expenses more efficiently but also unlock rewards and benefits that can directly fuel your startup’s growth.
