American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Review 2019

The American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card is best for businesses that don’t want to track category bonuses. You’ll earn 2% cash back on purchases up to $50,000 annually, then 1% after that. It charges no annual fee and no interest for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers. Ongoing APR starts at 14.74%.

The best fixed-rate cash back business credit cards pay up to 2% cash back on all spending with no annual rewards cap. However, those cards charge nearly $100 in annual fees. This American Express business credit card caps its 2% cash back rewards on purchases up to $50,000 per year but charges no annual fee. However, this card offers no introductory rewards. We give it 3.5 stars out of 5.

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How We Evaluated the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card

The American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card offers ongoing rewards similar to other fixed-rate small business credit cards. In our evaluation, we also took into account introductory rewards, the annual fee, and additional perks like car rental insurance. This card charges no annual fee and offers no sign-up bonus.

Based on the wants and needs of business owners, we considered the following criteria:

• Ongoing rewards: The ongoing rewards you earn for purchases on your card. This business credit card pays 2% cash back on purchases up to $50,000 annually, then 1% after that.
• Introductory rewards: The introductory bonus you can earn by meeting a minimum spend within the first few months. The American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card offers no sign-up bonus.
• Additional benefits: Whether the card has any additional benefits that may make it more valuable. The American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card offers purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and car rental insurance.
• Annual fee: How much it costs to own the card per year. The American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card charges no annual fee.
• Introductory APR: Whether the card includes an introductory 0% APR period on purchases or balance transfers. This American Express business credit card charges no interest for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers.
• Ongoing APR: How much it’ll cost to finance purchases on your card once the introductory period ends. This card charges an ongoing variable APR of 14.74% to 20.74%.

The American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card doesn’t offer any introductory rewards, which can be an excellent way to earn several hundred dollars on business spending you would have done anyway. If you want to earn a sign-up bonus, consider another business credit card for startups.

How We Evaluate Cash Back Business Credit Cards

When grading fixed-rate cash back business credit cards like the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card, we weight ongoing rewards heaviest. We rate introductory rewards as slightly less important, but it’s still the second biggest factor. We also consider the annual fees, introductory and ongoing APRs, and additional features.

We graded the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card using the following methodology:

Based on our 5-star rating system where 20 points equals 1 star, the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card would need to offer introductory rewards or improve its additional features to earn 4 stars. In cases where cards receive perfect scores in most categories, we may award bonus points to boost the card’s rating by half a star.

This American Express business credit card is a solid fixed-rate cash back business credit card. However, its 2% cash back rate is limited to purchases up to $50,000 every year. If you spend more than $50,000 annually on your card, consider Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business. That card pays unlimited 2% cash back on all spending but charges $95 annually, which is waived the first year.

Who the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Is Right For

The American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card is best for business owners who don’t want to track category spending to earn bonus rewards. This card pays 2% cash back on all purchases up to $50,000 every year, then 1% thereafter. Other business credit cards with no annual fees don’t set rewards caps. Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM, for example, pays unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase with no limit.

Alternatives to the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card

Compared to the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card, other new business credit cards pay category bonus rewards up to 5% of your purchase price and offer sign-up bonuses up to $500. You can even find business credit cards that offer reward bonuses for cardholders who also have deposit accounts at the issuing bank.

Three alternatives to the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card are Chase Ink Business CashSM Credit Card, Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business, and Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®.

Chase Ink Business Cash^SM Credit Card

The Chase Ink Business Cash^SM card is best for business owners who want to earn top cash back rewards and track category bonuses. This limited liability company (LLC) credit card offers up to 5% cash back and a $500 introductory bonus when you spend $3,000 within the first three months of account opening. You can learn more about this card’s value in our Chase Ink Business Cash^SM review.

Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business

Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business is best for business owners who want unlimited fixed-rate cash back rewards. It pays 2% cash back on all spending but charges an annual fee of $95, which is waived the first year. Plus, you can earn a one-time $500 cash bonus once you spend $4,500 on purchases within three months from account opening. Read our Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business review to learn more.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®

The Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® is best for business owners who have an existing relationship with the bank. It pays up to 3% cash back in one of six categories. If you enroll in the Preferred Rewards for Business program, you can earn an additional 25% to 75% rewards bonus based on your deposits with the bank. Check out our Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® review for more.

American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Costs

The American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card charges no annual fee and no interest for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers. This is one of the best 0% APR financing offers among small business credit cards. Once the introductory period ends, this card charges an ongoing variable APR starting at 14.74%.

The costs on the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card are:

• Introductory APR: 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers, which makes it one of the best balance transfer business credit cards
• Ongoing APR: 14.74% to 20.74% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the transfer amount, whichever is greater
• Foreign transaction fee: 2.7%
• Cash advance fee: Cash advances not allowed
• Late payment fee: Up to $39
• Returned payment fee: $39
• Penalty APR: 29.99% for at least 12 consecutive billing periods until you’ve made timely payments for 12 consecutive months with no returned payments

This card’s ongoing variable APR is identical to what Chase Ink Business Cash^SM charges. However, its low-end is one percentage point higher than the lowest possible APR on the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®.

How to Avoid Paying Interest on the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card

To avoid interest on your American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card, you must pay your entire balance by your due date. Your due date is at least 25 days after the close of every billing period. Other sole proprietorship business credit cards may have shorter payment windows. For example, Chase Ink Business Cash^SM requires you pay your balance within 20 days of the close of each billing cycle.

American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Rewards

The American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card pays 2% cash back on all purchases up to $50,000 annually, then 1% thereafter. However, this American Express business credit card does not offer any introductory rewards.

You’ll earn the following rewards when you use the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card.

Introductory Rewards

The American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card does not offer any introductory rewards, which can be a deciding factor for some business owners. If you want to earn introductory rewards and pay no annual fee, choose Chase Ink Unlimited^SM. That card offers $500 when you spend $3,000 within the first three months of account opening.

Ongoing Rewards

You will earn the following ongoing rewards when using your card:

• 2% cash back on purchases up to $50,000 per year
• 1% cash back on all other spending

As a fixed-rate cash back credit card, the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card pays top ongoing rewards. However, other fixed-rate cards, including Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business, don’t set a monetary cap on its rewards. That card pays unlimited 2% cash back on all spending but charges an annual fee of $95, which is waived the first year.

Rewards Restrictions

The American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card won’t reward the following purchases:

• Interest charges or any card fees
• Cash advances
• Traveler checks
• Gift cards or gift certificates
• Person-to-person payments
• Prepaid cards
• Other cash equivalents

Rewards restrictions here are common across small business credit cards.

How You Can Redeem Your Rewards

Users will receive a rebate as a statement credit for any eligible purchases on their American Express business credit card. The rebate they receive is based on the percentage of eligible purchases made during a billing cycle and will appear on the second billing statement after the billing statement where those purchases appear. For example, if you earn rewards in May, you will see a statement credit on your July statement.

American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Features

The American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card offers additional card perks such as the ability to buy above your credit limit, purchase protection, extended warranty protection, rental car insurance, and a global assist hotline. It’s missing some features other American Express business cards offer, including travel accident insurance and baggage insurance.

Buy Above Your Credit Limit

You’ll be able to buy above your credit limit when you use your American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card. However, 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, and other factors. The portion of your account balance that is above your credit limit is due in full each month as part of your minimum payment due.

This feature is not commonly seen on small business credit cards. However, it’s identical to what American Express Blue Business® Plus offers. That card is a nearly identical card besides its additional features and rewards. It pays 2x points instead of 2% cash back on purchases up to $50,000 annually, then 1x points after that. You’ll also have access to baggage insurance and travel accident insurance through that card.

Purchase Protection

Purchase protection on this card covers new purchases from damage or theft for up to 90 days from the purchase date. This coverage is limited to $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per cardholder per year.

What’s Covered With the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Purchase Protection

New purchases are covered if they were damaged or stolen within 90 days of the purchase date. To be eligible, you must purchase the item using your American Express business credit card. Other cards may offer higher coverage levels. For example, Chase Ink Business Cash^SM offers purchase protection for 120 days from purchase and up to $10,000 per incident.

What the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Purchase Protection Excludes

Purchase protection doesn’t provide coverage on the following items:

• Consumable or perishable items with extended or limited lifespans
• Stolen or damaged articles in a set
• Traveler’s checks, tickets of any kind, negotiable instruments, and cash or its equivalent
• Rare stamps or coins
• Living plants or animals
• One-of-a-kind items
• Previously owned items
• Motorized vehicles like scooters, golf carts, watercraft, aircraft, and motorcycles
• Rental items
• Permanent household or business fixtures
• Items purchased as inventory

Purchase protection excluded items are common across small business credit cards.

Extended Warranty Protection

The American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card provides extended warranty protection on original manufacturer’s warranties of up to five years. The issuer offers up to an additional year of coverage. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per item.

What’s Covered With the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Extended Warranty Protection

New purchases are covered if they have an eligible warranty of five years or less, and if you paid for them entirely on your business credit card. Other American Express business credit cards offer better protection. For example, American Express Blue Business® Plus offers up to an additional two years of coverage on warranties of five years or less.

What the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Extended Warranty Protection Excludes

The following purchases are not covered by extended warranty protection:

• Items covered by an unconditional satisfaction guarantee
• Animals or living plants
• Consumable or perishable items
• Motorized vehicles and motorized devices
• Business fixtures
• Land or buildings
• More than one article in a set
• Items purchased for inventory

Extended warranty excluded items are similar when compared to most other small business credit cards.

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance

American Express car rental insurance protects you against damage to or theft of a rental vehicle up to $75,000 per rental agreement. This protection only applies for the first 30 consecutive days of a rental from a car rental company.

What’s Covered With the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance

The car rental loss and damage insurance covers damage due to collision or theft. Both the cardholder and any additional drivers permitted by the rental agreement are covered. Rentals of 30 consecutive days or less are eligible.

Other small business credit cards offer insurance with slightly longer coverage windows. Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM, for example, offers coverage on car rental for the first 31 consecutive days of a car rental period. Plus, Chase may reimburse you up to the cash value of the car.

What the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance Excludes

The following losses are not covered by this insurance package:

• Damage that occurred outside the car rental period
• Intentional damage
• Manufacturing defects and normal wear and tear
• Confiscation by the police
• Damages caused by freezing
• Mechanical or electrical breakdown
• Theft or damage to unlocked or not secured rental cars
• Theft of or damage to tires
• Damage to any vehicle other than the rental car or any property other than the rental car

Business credit cards that provide car rental insurance typically exclude most of the same items.

Global Assist Hotline

Through the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card, you can contact a hotline 24 hours a day when you travel more than 100 miles from home. This global assistance hotline can connect you to travel, emergency, medical, and legal assistance.

Services American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Provides

The American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card provides the following travel and emergency assistance:

• Emergency translation and interpretation assistance
• Lost item search assistance
• Passport and visa assistance
• Credit card cancellation assistance
• Relay and deliver urgent messages 24 hours a day

The American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card provides the following medical and legal assistance:

• Provides a list of nearby physicians and dentists
• Medical prescription replacement assistance
• Medical care monitoring
• Emergency medical transportation assistance
• Locate bail bonds that accept your card
• Embassy, consulate, and English-speaking lawyer referrals

Other credit cards offer similar services, including Chase Ink business credit cards. However, those cards don’t include bail bond assistance or English-speaking lawyer referrals.

Adding American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Employee Cards

The American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card offers up to 99 additional employee cards for free. Most business credit cards offer free additional cards, even if the primary card charges an annual fee. Employee cards are an excellent way to get company funds in the hands of your employees.

If you need at least 100 employee credit cards, consider a corporate credit card. Corporate credit cards offer many of the same benefits, including controlling employee spending limits. Plus, business owners will have no personal liability.

What the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Is Missing

The American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card does not offer any introductory rewards like some of the best business credit cards. Introductory rewards can be a great way to earn several hundred extra dollars when you meet a minimum spending requirement. For example, Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® offers a $300 statement credit when you make at least $3,000 in net purchases within 90 days of your account opening.

American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Reviews

The American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card was introduced at the end of July 2019, and we found no user reviews online. However, editorial reviewers agree this is an excellent business credit card with no annual fee because of its high return rate of 2%. However, most reviewers suggest this card would be stronger if it offered a sign-up bonus.

How to Apply for the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card

You can get a business credit card online by providing your personal and business information. You’ll typically receive a decision immediately. Once approved, your card will arrive in the mail within seven to 10 days. If you’re not approved instantly, you can check on your application status on the American Express website.

How to Log Into Your American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Account

You can log in to your American Express account online by providing your user login ID and password. If you need help, you can contact American Express customer service through the American Express website or call 800-492-3344.

Other American Express Business Credit Cards

American Express offers 13 other small business credit cards for different types of business spending needs. These cards offer a variety of rewards, APRs, and annual fees. You may want to consider another American Express business credit card if you want to earn category bonus rewards or a sign-up bonus.

The other American Express business credit cards are:

• American Express Business Platinum Card®: Best for business owners who travel frequently and want access to luxury travel perks, such as airport lounge access. This is a charge card and must be repaid in full every month.
• American Express® Business Gold Card: Best for businesses that want to earn rewards in their top two spending categories every month. This card is also a charge card that is due in full monthly.
• The Plum Card® from American Express: Best for business owners who want a charge card that offers early pay discounts or interest-free financing terms up to 60 days.
• American Express Blue Business® Plus: Best for companies that don’t want to track category bonus rewards. It pays 2x points cash back on all spending up to $50,000 annually. This card is nearly identical to the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card.
• Hilton Honors American Express Business Credit Card: Best for loyal Hilton Hotel customers who want to access Hilton points and benefits. For example, you’ll receive a complimentary Hilton Honors membership status.
• American Express Marriott Bonvoy Business^TM Credit Card: Best for loyal Marriott Bonvoy customers. You’ll receive a complimentary membership status and earn Marriott Bonvoy points for your everyday purchases.
• American Express Delta Reserve® for Business Credit Card: Best for business owners who fly with Delta Airlines. It offers complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs.
• American Express Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card: Another business credit card option best for business owners who only fly with Delta. This card does not offer free Delta Sky Club access, but it offers Delta SkyMiles on every purchase.
• American Express Gold Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card: Another business credit card for owners who travel frequently with Delta Airlines. You’ll earn Delta SkyMiles on every purchase.
• Amazon Business Prime American Express Card: Best for business owners who have Amazon Prime memberships. You can earn rewards or no-interest financing terms on eligible purchases.
• Amazon Business American Express Card: Best for business owners who do not have an Amazon Prime membership. It charges no annual fee, and you can earn rewards for your purchase at Amazon-owned businesses. To receive better rewards, open an Amazon Prime account.
• American Express Business Green Rewards Card: Best for firms that have low annual credit card expenses. This is a charge card, which means it carries no interest, and the balance is due in full monthly.
• American Express Lowe’s Business Credit Card: Best for business owners who shop at Lowe’s hardware stores. You will earn rewards for Lowe’s-related purchases and in-store discounts of 5% on eligible purchases.

For rates and fees on the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card, please click here.