The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express Review [2024]: How One Card Simplified My Varied Business Spending

Card basics

Who should get the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express?

The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a solid fit for businesses with varied spending patterns. This can range from catering businesses to landscaping businesses to photography and videography services. Whether I'm buying office furniture or paying for software subscriptions, I earn a solid 2X points per dollar.

The Amex Blue Business Plus also works great for small business owners who value simplicity in their rewards program. Since I qualified for this card in March, I spent about $10,000 on various expenses, earning 20,000 points. This is about $200 in travel rewards since each point provides a value of 1 cent when redeemed for travel. Not bad for a $0-annual-fee card.

The intro APR offer can be quite handy for new businesses or those facing large expenses. The expenses I paid with this card qualified for its 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases. This gave me a lengthy breathing room to pay this $10,000 off interest-free. Just remember, the regular 17.99% - 25.99% Variable kicks in after that. That’s why I planned my monthly payments to pay off the balance in full by the end of the intro period.

Who should skip?

If your business spending concentrates heavily in specific categories like office supplies or dining, you might benefit more from a card offering higher rewards in those areas. While I appreciate the Blue Business Plus for its simplicity, I realize that some purchases could earn more rewards on a card like the Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card.

Frequent international travelers should also think twice. The 2.70% foreign transaction fee can add up quickly on overseas trips. This is why I prefer using one of the best cards with no foreign transaction fees when I make purchases abroad.

What should you know before applying?

Before you hit the apply button for The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express, there's one perk you should be aware of: the expanded buying power feature.

This unique perk allows you to spend beyond your credit limit in certain situations, which can be a lifesaver for unexpected or large business expenses.

When I first got this card, I used it to pay for my business vehicle insurance policy, which was slightly above my credit limit since I had an existing balance. To my surprise, the transaction went through smoothly. Amex adjusts this feature based on my payment history, spending patterns, and other factors. While it's not a blank check to overspend, it provides flexibility when I need it.

However, it's important to understand how spending above your credit limit affects your payments. Let's say your credit limit is $10,000, and in one billing cycle, you spend $12,000. The $2,000 over your limit becomes part of your minimum payment due. For example:

You must pay at least this $2,250 by your next due date to avoid late fees and potential negative impacts on your credit score. Any portion of the $10,000 not paid will incur interest charges at the regular APR. I've found this feature incredibly useful for handling larger business expenses, but it requires careful budgeting to ensure I can cover the higher minimum payment when needed.

Here's a closer look at this card's top benefits

Valuable welcome offer

New cardmembers can earn 15,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of card membership. When I first got this card, I easily met the spending requirement through my regular business expenses.

The points I earned gave me a nice cushion to offset some travel costs. It's not the highest welcome offer out there, but considering the card's $0 annual fee, it's a great way to jumpstart your rewards balance.

Simple rewards structure

The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express shines with its straightforward earning rate of 2X Membership Rewards points on everyday eligible business purchases up to $50,000 each year, and 1X points on eligible purchases after that. This is a higher flat rate than many business cards out there.

As someone who often juggles multiple cards with rotating categories, I can't express how much mental energy this saves me. Whether I'm ordering office supplies, paying for a business lunch, or booking a flight, I know I'm earning a solid 2X points per dollar. This simplicity allows me to focus on running my business instead of maximizing credit card rewards.

Flexible redemption options

One of my favorite aspects of this card is the versatility of Amex Membership Rewards points. I've used my points for everything from shopping online to booking flights and hotels.

Once, when cash flow was tight, I redeemed points to cover some business expenses, which helped me manage my budget without compromising on necessary purchases. The ability to transfer points to Amex's airline and hotel partners has also allowed me to squeeze even more value out of my rewards for trips.

Keep in mind that not all redemptions offer the same value. Here’s what you can get per point:

Intro APR offer

The 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases (then 17.99% - 25.99% Variable) has been a game-changer for my business expenses this year.

Consider a seasonal business, like a landscaping company, preparing for its busy summer months. It could use this intro APR offer to purchase $15,000 worth of new equipment — lawnmowers, trimmers, and other tools — without worrying about immediate interest charges.

The business could then create a repayment plan that aligns with its peak earning season. For instance, it might allocate about $2,500 per month from its summer profits to pay down the balance. This strategy would allow the business to clear the debt before the intro period ends.

$0 annual fee

In a world where premium business cards often come with hefty annual fees, the $0 annual fee of the Amex Blue Business Plus is refreshing. This means every reward I earn is pure gain for my business. I've found that this lack of an annual fee makes it easy to justify keeping the card long-term, even if my spending patterns change over time.

Business management perks

The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express offers practical tools that can streamline business operations. The ability to set spending limits on employee cards proves invaluable for delegating purchasing power while maintaining control. The seamless QuickBooks integration can help you automate much of the bookkeeping process and potentially save you hours during tax season.

Amex's year-end summary helps you track expenses and identify areas of overspending. Additionally, the purchase protection¹ and extended warranty² coverage can save businesses from costly replacements, such as when equipment malfunctions just outside the manufacturer's warranty. While these features might not be flashy, they provide tangible value in managing day-to-day business operations.

Drawbacks: Why you may want a different card

Rewards cap after $50,000 spend

While the 2X points per dollar is a generous rewards rate, it comes with one limitation. Once you've spent $50,000 in a calendar year, your earning rate drops to 1X point per dollar.

That’s why businesses that consistently spend over $50,000 annually would benefit from pairing this card with another business card like The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card to keep earning elevated rewards. This card earns 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in eligible purchases each year, then 1% after that.

Foreign transaction fee

For businesses with international operations or frequent overseas travel, the 2.70% foreign transaction fees can quickly add up over time and negate the rewards you earn on purchases you make abroad.

If you frequently make international purchases or travel abroad for business, look for a card with no foreign transaction fees. For example, the Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card is an excellent business card that charges zero additional fees on transactions you make abroad.

No category-specific bonus rewards

While the simplicity of the Amex Blue Business Plus can be appealing, it may not be the most rewarding structure for all businesses. If your spending is concentrated in specific categories, you could be missing out on higher rewards potential.

That’s why a card like the Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card could be more rewarding. It offers 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year; 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year; and 1% cash back on all other purchases, which could mean significantly higher earnings for businesses that spend heavily in these categories.

Earning & redeeming Membership Rewards

Best ways to earn

Choosing to apply for a small business credit card can be a smart move. Small business owners could utilize their Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express for all of their everyday expenses. You can take full advantage of the rewards-earning potential by using your card for large purchases like computer equipment and even to pay utility bills when possible.

And since you earn bonus points for every purchase you make with this card, you could also use it for everyday business purchases at the office supply store, for fueling up the company car at the gas station, or for booking car rentals for traveling employees.

Another lucrative way to earn points is through employee cards. American Express allows business cardholders to add employee cards to their account. There are no fees for these cards, and you can set credit limits for each employee and track their spending. On top of that, this gives you the opportunity to earn even more Membership Rewards points as employees charge expenses on their cards.

Additionally, the Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express is part of the Amex trifecta and increases in value when used in combination with certain other American Express cards. Basically, you combine the power of three credit cards to get the most in cash back and rewards for more of your spending.

Maximizing your redemptions

The best value for your Membership Rewards points is to transfer your points to one of the many Amex travel partners. Other redemptions available to Blue Business Plus cardholders include:

• Paying with points on purchases at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Staples
• Booking travel directly through Amex
• Gift cards
• Shopping through the Membership Rewards portal

Redemption values will vary depending on what you use your Membership Rewards for. You’ll generally get the worst values for the Blue Business Plus by booking travel directly through Amex and shopping online through the Amex portal.

Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express transfer partners

There are a number of airline and hotel loyalty programs that are Amex transfer partners. Most Membership Rewards points transfer at a 1:1 ratio with these travel partners, with some exceptions. With the following airlines, you could use your Amex rewards to book nearly free flights.

FAQ

Alternatives that might be better for you

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

If you prefer the simplicity of cash back but want a flat earning rate like the Blue Business Plus, The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card might be a good fit. It offers:

• 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in eligible purchases each year, then 1% after that
• $0 annual fee
• Better value for statement credits compared to the Blue Business Plus

This card mirrors the Blue Business Plus's earning structure but provides cash back instead of points. This means that when you redeem your rewards for statement credits, you will get the full 2% value on your first $50,000 in purchases, compared to the 0.6 cents per point you will get with the Blue Business Plus for the same redemption method.

The Amex Blue Business Cash and Plus can work well together since each has its own $50,000 cap on elevated rewards.

Learn more in The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card review.

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

For businesses with spending concentrated in specific categories, the Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card can be more rewarding than the Amex Blue Business Plus. It offers:

• 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year; 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year; and 1% cash back on all other purchases
• $0 annual fee
• Bonus categories that align with common business expenses

This card could be particularly beneficial if your business spends heavily on office supplies, internet, cable, and phone services. For example, if you spend $2,000 monthly on these categories, you'd earn $100 in cash back with the Ink Business Cash, compared to 4,000 points (worth $40 toward travel) with the Blue Business Plus.

The additional bonus categories for gas stations and restaurants can also provide extra value for businesses with significant expenses in these areas. While it doesn't offer the flat-rate simplicity of the Blue Business Plus, the Ink Business Cash's targeted bonus categories could lead to higher overall rewards for businesses with spending that aligns with these categories.

Learn more in our Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card review.

Simplified Earnings for Small Business Owners

The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express

4.9

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express

4.9

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Apply Now

Why We Like It

Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of card membership

See rates and fees | Terms Apply

Apply Now

See how these cards compare:

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

• $0 annual fee
• 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in eligible purchases each year, then 1% after that
• Flexible spending limit
• See rates and fees | Terms Apply

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

• Solid rewards on office supply, telecom spending, gas, and dining
• Generous welcome offer
• Intro APR on purchases
• $0 annual fee
• Valuable purchase and travel protections

Simplified Earnings for Small Business Owners

The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express

4.9

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Apply Now

See rates and fees | Terms Apply

Current Offer

Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of card membership

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

2X Membership Rewards points on everyday eligible business purchases up to $50,000 each year, and 1X points on eligible purchases after that

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Elevated rewards on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 a year
• $0 annual fee
• Intro APR offer on purchases
• Flexible point redemption options
• Expanded buying power feature

Drawbacks

• Rewards cap after $50,000 spend
• 2.70% foreign transaction fee
• No category-specific bonus rewards

Card Details

• 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, 17.99% - 25.99%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
• Earn 2X 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. Terms and limitations apply.
• You’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
• No Annual Fee
• Terms Apply.