Hey folks! Mani here.
Man, I still remember the day I had to return my American Express Gold Corporate Card when I left my job at Citrix in California. That shiny gold card had been my trusted companion for business trips across the US.
Fast forward to my return to India in 2017. During my first week at a tech startup in Bangalore, the HR handed me their corporate card. The disappointment on my face was real when I realized it wasn’t Amex Gold.
“Where’s the prestige? Where are the airport lounge benefits?” I wondered silently.
If you’re planning to move back to India from the US, and you’re currently enjoying the perks of an American Express Gold Corporate Card, this guide is for you. Let’s talk about what to expect, how things work in India, and whether you can continue with your beloved Amex when you return.
💡 Tip: Take screenshots of all your Amex reward points and benefits before leaving the US. You might be eligible to transfer them to an Indian Amex card if you get one!
In this article...
Understanding American Express Gold Corporate Card in India vs. USA
When I was working in the USA, my American Express Gold Corporate Card was more than just a payment tool. It was a status symbol and a benefits powerhouse.
But the American Express Gold Corporate Card works differently in India.
First, it’s less common. While Amex is everywhere in the US, its acceptance in India is limited primarily to major cities and high-end establishments. I learned this the hard way when my dinner bill was rejected at a local restaurant in Kochi when visiting my mom.
Second, the benefits structure is different. The US version offers extensive travel insurance, purchase protection, and generous rewards points. The Indian version has adapted to local needs with different perks.
The application process is also more stringent in India. Not every company offers Amex corporate cards to their employees. When I joined my first company after returning, they worked exclusively with HDFC Bank for corporate cards.
Understanding these differences helped me reset my expectations and navigate the corporate card landscape in India better.
💡 Tip: Before moving back, check if your new Indian employer has a corporate relationship with American Express. Many multinational companies and larger Indian firms do offer Amex corporate cards to select employees.
American Express Gold Corporate Card Features in India (2025)
Let’s look at what the American Express Gold Corporate Card actually offers in India as of 2025.
Despite my initial disappointment, I’ve since learned that the Indian version has evolved considerably since I returned. When I joined a multinational tech company in Bangalore last year, I finally got my hands on an Indian Amex Gold Corporate Card.
Here are the key features:
- Membership Rewards Program: Earn 1 point for every ₹50 spent on the card
- Airport Lounge Access: Complimentary access to select lounges in major Indian airports
- Travel Insurance: Coverage for flight delays, baggage loss, and medical emergencies
- Corporate Expense Management: Integration with popular expense management systems
- Flexible Billing Options: Individual or consolidated company billing
- Enhanced Security: Advanced fraud protection and purchase alerts
- Global Assistance: 24/7 customer service for emergencies abroad
The annual fee is typically around ₹4,000-5,000, though most companies negotiate waived fees as part of their corporate agreement with Amex.
What impressed me most was the expense management system integration. My previous struggles with expense reports became much simpler with their automated categorization and receipt matching.
I find the reward points accumulation slower than in the US, but the redemption options are tailored to the Indian market with local airline and hotel partnerships.
💡 Tip: The American Express Gold Corporate Card in India offers special dining privileges at select restaurants. I’ve enjoyed significant discounts at some high-end restaurants in Bangalore simply by paying with my Amex!
Comparing American Express Gold Corporate Card with Other Options in India
If you’re like me when I returned, you’re probably wondering how Amex Gold stacks up against other corporate cards in India. Here’s a comparison based on my experience and research:
| Feature | Amex Gold Corporate | HDFC Corporate Card | Axis Bank Corporate Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | ₹4,500 | ₹2,500 | ₹2,000 |
| Reward Rate | 1 point per ₹50 | 1 point per ₹150 | 1 point per ₹100 |
| Airport Lounge Access | 8 visits per year | 4 visits per year | 6 visits per year |
| Acceptance in India | Limited (improving) | Excellent | Excellent |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3.5% | 3.5% | 3% |
| Expense Management | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Insurance Coverage | Comprehensive | Basic | Moderate |
When I was using the HDFC corporate card at my first job after returning, I missed the seamless expense tracking of Amex. But HDFC’s wider acceptance made daily transactions smoother.
Now with my current Amex Gold Corporate, I enjoy the premium benefits but still keep a backup Visa corporate card for places that don’t accept American Express.
The reward points redemption with Amex offers better value in my experience. Last year, I redeemed points for a weekend stay at a luxury resort in Goa. The equivalent points on my previous HDFC card would have gotten me much less.
How to Apply for American Express Gold Corporate Card in India
Unlike in the US, you can’t directly apply for an American Express Gold Corporate Card in India. The process works differently, and I wish someone had explained this to me before I returned.
Here’s how it typically works:
- Company Application: Your employer must have a corporate account relationship with American Express. Individual employees cannot apply directly.
- Employer Nomination: Your employer nominates eligible employees based on roles, responsibilities, and spending needs.
- Documentation Requirements:
- Copy of PAN card
- Address proof (Aadhar, utility bill, etc.)
- Company ID card
- Passport size photograph
- Form 16 (sometimes required)
- Credit Assessment: American Express evaluates the company’s creditworthiness more than the individual’s.
- Card Issuance: Cards are typically delivered to the company’s finance or HR department for distribution.
When I joined my current company, the process took about 3 weeks from nomination to receiving my card. This was faster than my experience with other banks, which took over a month.
One important thing to note is that American Express does consider your designation and role when approving corporate cards. Senior managers and above are more likely to receive the Gold Corporate Card, while junior employees might get the Green Corporate Card instead.
💡 Tip: If your new employer doesn’t have an American Express corporate program but you really want to continue with Amex, consider applying for a personal American Express card. The Membership Rewards Gold Card offers similar benefits for individuals.
Transitioning from US to Indian American Express Gold Corporate Card
This was one of my biggest concerns when moving back. I had accumulated significant reward points on my US Amex Gold Corporate Card and didn’t want to lose them.
Here’s what I learned through my experience:
- Points Don’t Transfer Automatically: Corporate card points belong to the company, not the individual. My points on the US corporate card stayed with my former employer.
- Membership History Doesn’t Transfer: My years as an Amex member in the US didn’t count toward membership status in India.
- No Global Card Option: Unfortunately, you can’t keep your US corporate card and just use it in India. Corporate cards are tied to specific regional entities.
- Different Benefits Structure: Even with the same card name, the benefits and features vary significantly between countries.
However, there is some good news. If you had a personal American Express card in the US (not corporate), you might be eligible for their “Global Transfer” program. This allows you to leverage your US credit history when applying for a personal Amex card in India.
When I moved back, I did lose my corporate card points, but I was able to use my personal Amex history to get approved for an Indian Amex card faster.
Using American Express Gold Corporate Card for International Travel from India
As someone who frequently travels between India and the US for business, this aspect was particularly important to me.
The Indian American Express Gold Corporate Card does work internationally, but there are some key differences from the US version:
- Foreign Transaction Fees: The Indian Amex Gold Corporate charges around 3.5% on foreign currency transactions. This was a shock coming from my US card which had no foreign transaction fees.
- Exchange Rates: In my experience, the exchange rates used by Indian Amex cards are less favorable than those I got with my US card.
- International Acceptance: While Amex acceptance is growing globally, I’ve found that my Indian Amex corporate card sometimes gets declined at smaller merchants abroad, even in the US.
- Travel Benefits: The travel insurance and assistance services are more limited compared to the US version.
During my first international trip with my Indian Amex Gold Corporate Card to a conference in San Francisco, I was disappointed by the foreign transaction fees. For a week-long trip, these fees added up to nearly ₹15,000.
I now strategically use my card for larger expenses at established businesses when traveling internationally, and keep a backup Visa corporate card for smaller purchases.
💡 Tip: Before international travel, notify American Express of your travel dates and destinations through their app or customer service. This prevents your card from being flagged for suspicious foreign transactions.
Tax Implications of American Express Gold Corporate Card for NRIs
This is something I wish someone had explained to me before I moved back.
The tax treatment of corporate card benefits in India differs from the US. Here’s what you need to know:
- Corporate Liability Cards: If your company is fully liable for all charges (the most common arrangement), there are generally no tax implications for you.
- Individual Liability Cards: If you have personal liability for the card but the company reimburses expenses, the reimbursements are not considered taxable income if they’re for legitimate business expenses.
- Reward Points: This is tricky. In India, if you redeem corporate card points for personal benefits, technically these could be considered perquisites and might be taxable.
- Annual Fee: If your company pays the annual fee, this might be considered a taxable perquisite, though many companies structure it to avoid this.
When I joined my current company, our finance team provided clear guidelines on how to use the card to avoid tax complications. They advised us to use corporate card points only for business-related redemptions to avoid any potential tax issues.
I recommend consulting with your company’s finance department or a tax advisor who specializes in NRI taxation to understand the specific implications for your situation.
Common Issues NRIs Face with American Express Gold Corporate Card in India
Based on my experience and conversations with fellow NRIs who’ve moved back, here are some common challenges you might encounter:
1. Limited Acceptance
This was my biggest frustration initially. After years of swiping my Amex everywhere in the US, I found many Indian merchants didn’t accept it.
Solution: Always carry a backup Visa/Mastercard. Over time, I learned which places accept Amex in my city.
2. Different Benefits Structure
The benefits that I valued most in the US (like airline fee credits and extensive travel insurance) weren’t available or were scaled back on my Indian Amex.
Solution: Familiarize yourself with the Indian benefits and maximize those instead. The dining and hotel privileges in India are actually quite good.
3. Customer Service Variances
While still better than most Indian banks, Amex India’s customer service doesn’t quite match the US experience I was used to.
Solution: Use the Amex India app for most services rather than calling. I’ve found the digital experience to be more consistent.
4. Expense Reporting Differences
The integration with expense management systems works differently in India.
Solution: Ask your finance team for specific training on how expense reporting works with Amex in your company’s Indian operations.
💡 Tip: Download the American Express India app immediately after getting your card. It has significantly better functionality than the website and makes managing your corporate card much easier in India.
FAQs About American Express Gold Corporate Card for NRIs
Over the years, I’ve received many questions from fellow NRIs about this topic. Here are the most common ones:
1. Can I transfer my US American Express Gold Corporate Card to India?
No, corporate cards are tied to specific employers and regions. You’ll need to return your US card when leaving your US employer and apply for a new one through your Indian employer.
2. Will my US Amex reward points transfer to my Indian Amex account?
For corporate cards, generally no. Corporate card points belong to the company. However, points from personal Amex cards might be transferable through specific programs.
3. How widely is Amex accepted in India compared to the US?
Amex has significantly lower acceptance in India compared to the US. Major hotels, restaurants, and retail chains in metropolitan areas accept it, but smaller merchants typically don’t.
4. Are the benefits of Amex Gold Corporate Card in India worth it?
If your company is paying the annual fee, absolutely. The lounge access, reward points, and expense management features provide good value. If you’re paying personally, evaluate based on your spending patterns.
5. Can I use my Indian Amex Gold Corporate Card when visiting the US?
Yes, but be aware of foreign transaction fees (around 3.5%). The card will work at most places that accept American Express in the US.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Your American Express Gold Corporate Card in India
After using both the US and Indian versions of the American Express Gold Corporate Card, I can say that while there are differences, the Indian version still offers solid value for returning NRIs.
The key is to reset your expectations and understand the local context. The card works differently here, but it still provides premium benefits compared to other corporate cards available in India.
For returning NRIs, I recommend:
- Check if your new Indian employer has a corporate relationship with American Express
- Understand the liability structure and tax implications
- Familiarize yourself with the Indian benefits and maximize those
- Always have a backup Visa/Mastercard for places that don’t accept Amex
- Use the mobile app for better service experience
Remember that banking and credit card systems vary significantly between countries. Adapting to the local system while leveraging your international experience will give you the best of both worlds.
Planning your move back to India? Check out our other guides for returning NRIs on BacktoIndia.com, where I share more insights from my personal journey and practical advice for a smooth transition.
Have questions about the American Express Gold Corporate Card or other financial aspects of moving back to India? Drop them in the comments below. I personally respond to every comment!
Sources: Information compiled from American Express India Corporate Cards, HDFC Bank Corporate Cards, and Axis Bank Corporate Solutions websites as of March 2025, combined with my personal experience using these cards across both countries since 2015.
