Our Verdict
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express (Terms apply. See rates & fees) offers solid value for many small businesses. The no-annual-fee card earns 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners up to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, then 1 point per dollar on all other purchases and redeeming rewards is simple. But with the lowered rewards rate after the first $50,000 in spending annually, there are likely better options for businesses that spend more than that.
Pros
- Wide variety of airline transfer partners
- No annual fee
- High rewards rate on the first $50,000 in annual spending
Cons
- There’s a foreign transaction fee
- 2 points per dollar rewards rate falls to 1 point per dollar after $50,000 in annual spending
Highlights
- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% – 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
- You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
- *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Introduction
For business owners who wish to earn American Express Membership Rewards points, The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a simple solution. With robust earnings of 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners up to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, then 1 point per dollar on all other purchases, the card offers a solid option for everyday usage. The American Express Blue Business Plus Card also has no annual fee.
The biggest downside? The foreign transaction fee of 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars. This makes the card a bad option for international travelers. It’s also not a good fit for businesses with over $50,000 in annual spending.
Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card Quick Facts
- Earn 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners up to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, then 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate of 18.49% - 26.49% applies
- Foreign transaction fee is 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
- Secondary car rental damage and loss insurance¹
Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card Rewards
Earning Rewards
The American Express Blue Business Plus Card offers a straightforward earnings structure. You’ll earn 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners up to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, then 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Redeeming Rewards
American Express Membership Rewards points are valuable in part because of their flexibility. The points can be transferred to many partner airlines, most at a 1:1 ratio.
In addition, American Express offers frequent transfer bonuses, allowing cardholders to access additional value. Among the airline transfer partners are Delta (for SkyTeam airlines), British Airways and Iberia Avios (Oneworld) and Air Canada Aeroplan (Star Alliance).
Membership Rewards can also be redeemed for a large variety of gift cards in travel, retail and restaurant categories. Rates vary depending on the vendor and fluctuate between 0.5 cents and 1 cent per point. Pay with points is available with some vendors, most notably Amazon at 0.7 cents per point. The card also offers the ability to use points to wipe charges off of your bill, but at 0.6 cents per point, it’s a terrible value.
For those who don’t plan to redeem rewards for travel, The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card (Terms apply) is a better choice since it earns cash back instead of points.
Rewards Potential
Calculating the rewards potential of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is easy. Businesses that spend $50,000 or less per year can simply multiply their annual spending amount by 2%.
Forbes Advisor uses data from various government and industry reports to determine baseline income and spending averages across various categories. From this data, we estimate that a sample small business has $36,177 in annual expenses that can be reasonably charged to a credit card. At 2 points per dollar spent, that equates to 72,354 Membership Rewards points per year.
Businesses that max out the first $50,000 in spending could earn 100,000 Membership Rewards points per year. After transferring the points to a partner airline, a business could reasonably expect to earn enough miles to redeem for four domestic round-trip tickets in economy on Delta, American or United, depending on the route and travel season.
0% Introductory Rates
The Amex Blue Business Plus credit card offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate of 18.49% - 26.49% applies.
Blue Business Plus Credit Card Benefits
- 24/7 Global Assist Hotline¹: Access to emergency assistance coordination while traveling.
- Car rental loss and damage insurance²: When you use your card to pay for a rental vehicle and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental counter, you may receive secondary auto coverage in an eligible territory. Terms apply.
- Amex Offers: Amex Offers allow cardholders to earn statement credits and bonus points on eligible purchases after registering for offers.
- Employee cards: Employee cards are available at no additional cost.
- Extended warranty³: Get up to one additional year of warranty on an eligible manufacturer’s warranty when you pay with your card.
- Purchase protection³: Covers eligible purchases from damage, loss or theft. Terms apply.
Fine Print
Interest Rates
- Regular APR: 18.49% - 26.49% Variable
- Purchase intro APR: 0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
- Balance transfer intro APR: N/A
Fees
- Annual fee: No annual fee
- Balance transfer fee: N/A
- Foreign purchase transaction fee: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
How The Blue Business Plus Credit Card Stacks Up
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express vs. The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
The Blue Business Plus and The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card (See rates & fees) cards offer nearly identical earning structures. While the Blue Business Plus Card earns Membership Rewards points, The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card offers cash back—2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%.
Businesses that want to earn points that can be redeemed for travel and are willing to put in a little more effort may get more value from the Blue Business Plus Card, but those looking for simple cash-back rewards will prefer The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express vs. Business Green Rewards Card from American Express*
The Business Green Rewards Card from American Express* is another Membership Rewards-earning card, but the Blue Business Plus card beats it in almost every category. The Business Green Card comes with the following rewards structure: Earn 2 points per dollar on eligible purchases at American Express Travel and 1 point per dollar on eligible purchases.
With a $95, it’s hard to justify choosing the Green Card over the Blue Business Plus card.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express vs. Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Those looking to dive deeper into the rewards-earning space should consider the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. The card earns 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Ultimate Rewards points are worth 1.25 cents each when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards and can also be transferred at a 1:1 ratio to airline and hotel partners. Redemption for cash back is possible at a value of 1 cent per point.
Businesses with more than $50,000 in annual spending or that spend significantly in the bonus categories offered by the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card may come out ahead of the Blue Business Plus.
Read more: Best Business Credit Cards Of 2024
Compare the Blue Business Plus Credit Card With Other Cards
Is the Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card for You?
The American Express Blue Business Plus Card’s earn rate of 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners up to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, then 1 point per dollar on all other purchases makes the card a good choice for many businesses. Membership Rewards are a versatile tool in the travel rewards toolkit, but this is not a card to use while traveling internationally or for businesses with credit card expenses of more than $50,000 a year.
To view rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express from American Express, please visit this page.
To view rates and fees of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, please visit this page.
¹Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
²Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.
³Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between American Express Blue Business Plus and Blue Business Cash?
The main difference between the American Express Blue Business Plus and Blue Business Cash is the type of rewards they earn. The Blue Business Plus earns Membership Rewards points and the Blue Business Cash earns cash back. Membership Rewards have the potential to be more valuable when transferring them to partner airlines and hotels—but only if travel rewards make sense to you as a redemption option.
What credit score is needed for the American Express Blue Business Plus?
American Express will consider the big picture of your business during the application process, but a good credit score is still recommended. Other factors may include business revenue, how long it’s been in business and any other existing liabilities.
Do I need to own a business to get the American Express Blue Business Plus?
Yes, you will need a business to be approved for the Blue Business Plus since this is not a personal card. However, businesses of all sizes and types will be considered, including self-proprietorships. You do not necessarily need an EIN to apply for a business card as long as you have a demonstrable business. This may include anything from selling things on Etsy to neighborhood lawn care services to freelance graphic design in addition to larger, more established LLCs and corporations.
What is the credit limit on the Amex Blue Business Plus card?
Amex sets the credit limit on the Blue Business Plus card based on each individual business. The initial limit is set during the application and approval process and can be influenced by business revenue, liabilities and credit history. Over time, you may request a credit line increase if needed.
Do you have to pay your Amex Blue Business Card balance off in full every month?
It is always a good idea to pay your card balance in full each month so you don’t accrue interest charges or other fees. However, you have the option to pay over time if needed. The Blue Business Plus currently has an introductory offer of 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate of 18.49% - 26.49% applies. This gives you some breathing room but be sure to pay off your balance before the standard APR period begins.
Methodology
Forbes Advisor considers a variety of criteria when assigning credit cards a rating. Cards are graded based on numerous factors, including:
- Annual fees
- Welcome bonus offers
- Ongoing earning rates
- Value of individual points or miles
- Included travel or merchant credits
- Additional cardholder benefits
Card features we expect cardholders to use the most often are weighted more heavily in our ratings. Altogether, the factors came together to provide a star rating for each individual card.
Read more: How Forbes Advisor Rates Credit Cards
*The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor: Business Green Rewards Card from American Express. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
