American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Review for 2023
Tricia has nearly two decades of experience in commercial and federal government lending. Her expertise is highlighted throughout small business loan content on Fit Small Business.
Benilyn has over a decade of experience as a banking officer. Her expertise is featured throughout Fit Small Business in personal finance, credit card, and real estate investing content.
This article is part of a larger series on Best Small Business Credit Cards.
The American Express Blue Business CashTM Card is best for business owners needing to spend beyond their credit limit. It features expanded buying power, which is an adjustable credit limit based on your usage, payment history, credit record, and financial resources. Plus, you can earn cash back rewards on all business-related purchases regardless of spending categories, without having to pay an annual fee.
To see how this card stacks up against others we have reviewed on our site, click Add to Compare on the card below and select up to two additional cards for comparison.
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Those who want better cash back rewards
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
17.74% - 25.74% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
- From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
- Just remember, 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.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.74% - 25.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% intro APR
- Welcome bonus
- Fixed rate rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Cash advance isn’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2% cash back is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
- Expanded buying power: Enjoy flexible buying power when your business needs it. Expanded buying power gives you the freedom to spend beyond your credit limit and help get business done. While the amount you can spend above your credit limit isn't unlimited, it adjusts with your use of the card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: As a Card Member, You can be covered for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental company counter.
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
17.74% - 25.74% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
- From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
- Just remember, 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.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.74% - 25.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% intro APR
- Welcome bonus
- Fixed rate rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Cash advance isn’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2% cash back is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
- Expanded buying power: Enjoy flexible buying power when your business needs it. Expanded buying power gives you the freedom to spend beyond your credit limit and help get business done. While the amount you can spend above your credit limit isn't unlimited, it adjusts with your use of the card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: As a Card Member, You can be covered for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental company counter.
How We Evaluate Cash Back Business Credit Cards
When grading fixed-rate cash back business credit cards like the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card, we first consider the ongoing rewards. We rate the introductory rewards as the second-biggest factor. We also take into account the annual fees, introductory and ongoing annual percentage rates (APRs), and additional features.
Grading Criteria | Card Score | Highest Possible Score |
|---|---|---|
Ongoing Rewards | 30 | 30 |
Introductory Rewards | 5 | 20 |
Additional Features | 13 | 15 |
Annual Fee | 15 | 15 |
Introductory APR | 10 | 10 |
Ongoing APR | 10 | 10 |
Total Score | 83 | 100 |
Who the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Is Best For
- Business owners who want better cash back rewards: It offers 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% after that. It’s our top pick for the best cash back business credit cards.
- Business owners who don’t want to monitor spending categories: You can earn fixed-rate rewards for all eligible purchases, regardless of categories.
- Business owners who might exceed their credit limit: You can spend above your credit limit with its expanded buying power feature. Your buying power adjusts with your use of the card, your payment history, your credit record, financial resources, and other factors.
If this card doesn’t meet your needs, see our recommended alternatives below.
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Fees
APR
- Introductory: 0% on purchases for the first 12 months
- Ongoing: 17.49% to 25.49% variable, which adjusts with the Prime Rate
- Penalty: 29.99% variable, which adjusts with the Prime Rate; applies to your account if you
- Make late payments twice in a 12-month period
- Fail to pay the minimum payment by the closing date when it’s due
- Make a returned payment
Fees
- Annual: None
- Balance transfer: Either $5 or 3% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater
- Foreign transaction: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to United States dollars
- Cash advance: Cash advances aren’t allowed
- Late payment: Up to $39
- Overlimit: None
- Returned payment: $39
How To Make Payments on the American Express Blue Business Cash™
- Amex mobile app: Download the Amex iOS or Android App to pay your bills on the go, anytime.
- Direct bank payment: Pay bills through direct payment automatically. Provide your bank account details to American Express and indicate the amount you’d like to pay every month.
- AutoPay: Set up AutoPay through your American Express online account. However, your first AutoPay payment may not be applied to your current billing cycle, so you need to make your usual payments until it begins.
- Online: Make a payment through your American Express online account anytime by choosing your payment account and selecting your bank account and payment date. Note that credit cards and debit cards cannot be accepted as a form of payment.
- Via mail: Mail your payment either by check or money order made payable to American Express. Ensure to include your account number at the front of your payment.
First Class Mail
American Express
PO Box 650448
Dallas, TX 75265-0448
Express Mail
American Express
Attn: Express Mail Remittance Processing
20500 Belshaw Ave.
Carson, CA 90746
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Rewards
- $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in qualifying purchases within the first three months after opening an account
- 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% cash back thereafter; rewards are credited automatically to your billing statement
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Additional Features
Cash Management
- Expanded buying power: This allows you to spend over your credit limit. The amount you can spend will depend on your card usage, payment history, credit score, and financial resources.
- QuickBooks Integration: Your financial transactions are tagged with your QuickBooks categories automatically.
- Year-end summary: You’ll have access to a complete summary of your spending, which is categorized by month and purchase type, at the end of each year. This will help you keep track of your business expenses.
Travel
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: When you rent a car using this card, you’re covered with car rental loss and damage insurance. To be eligible, decline the collision damage waiver offered by the rental company.
- Global Assist® hotline: This 24/7 hotline provides access to medical, legal, financial, and other emergency services when you’re traveling farther than 100 miles from home. Note that this is a concierge service only—any fees charged by third-party service providers will be charged to card owners.
Protection Coverage
- Purchase protection: The card offers coverage against theft and damage on new purchases for up to 90 days from the purchase date. This coverage is limited to $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per calendar year.
- Extended warranty protection: Extended warranty for one additional year is provided for purchases with original manufacturer’s warranties of up to five years or fewer. To be eligible, the items must be purchased in either the United States or its territories or possessions using your American Express credit card.
Pros & Cons of the American Express Blue Business Cash™
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| 0% intro APR for 12 months from the date of opening an account | Cash advance isn’t allowed |
| Signup bonus of $250 statement credit | Charges a foreign transaction fee of 2.7% |
| No annual fee | 2% cash back is capped at $50,000 in annual spending |
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Alternatives
Chase Ink Business Unlimited®
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Pocketing 1.5% cash back on every single purchase
Intro APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases
Regular APR
17.49% - 23.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- BEST OFFER EVER: Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
- With Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring.
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Pros
- 0% introductory APR on purchases
- Unlimited cash back rewards on all purchases
Cons
- Introductory APR period doesn’t apply to balance transfers
- 5% balance transfer fee
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Requires excellent credit to qualify
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes; it provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the United States and abroad
- Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account per year
- Extended warranty protection: Extends the time period of the US manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less
Intro APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases
Regular APR
17.49% - 23.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- BEST OFFER EVER: Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
- With Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring.
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Pros
- 0% introductory APR on purchases
- Unlimited cash back rewards on all purchases
Cons
- Introductory APR period doesn’t apply to balance transfers
- 5% balance transfer fee
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Requires excellent credit to qualify
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes; it provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the United States and abroad
- Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account per year
- Extended warranty protection: Extends the time period of the US manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less
- Chase Ink Business Unlimited® is ideal for businesses wanting unlimited rewards without having to track spending categories
- Offers 1.5% cash back for every dollar spent on any business purchase with no cap
- Charges no annual fee
- Comes with 0% APR for the first 12 months
- Is our top-recommended small business credit card and one of our best business credit cards with no annual fees
Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Good Credit
Capital One® Spark® Cash Select Good Credit
BEST FOR:
Businesses with good credit that want a 0% introductory APR
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
20.24% - 28.24% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good
- Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Unlimited 1.5% fixed-rate cash back on all purchases with no limits or category restrictions
Pros
- No annual fee
- Ability to finance purchases with 0% APR for 12 months
- Free employee cards
Cons
- 0% APR doesn’t apply to balance transfers
- No sign-up bonus
- $0 foreign transaction fee: No foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside of the United States
- $0 fraud liability: Advance emergency replacement for lost and stolen cards plus a cash advance
- Roadside assistance: Services like jump-starting, tire changing, and towing
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
20.24% - 28.24% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good
- Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Unlimited 1.5% fixed-rate cash back on all purchases with no limits or category restrictions
Pros
- No annual fee
- Ability to finance purchases with 0% APR for 12 months
- Free employee cards
Cons
- 0% APR doesn’t apply to balance transfers
- No sign-up bonus
- $0 foreign transaction fee: No foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside of the United States
- $0 fraud liability: Advance emergency replacement for lost and stolen cards plus a cash advance
- Roadside assistance: Services like jump-starting, tire changing, and towing
- Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Good Credit is best for business owners who have good credit and want to get unlimited cash back rewards
- Comes with 1.5% fixed rate cash back on any business purchase with no limits
- Offers an introductory APR of 0% for the first 12 months
- Has no annual, foreign transaction, and balance transfer fees
- Is one of our leading business credit cards for consultants and self-employed individuals
PNC Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Business Credit Card
PNC Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Business Credit Card
BEST FOR:
PNC Bank account holders who want to earn cash back rewards
Intro APR
0% for 9 billing cycles
Regular APR
15.24% to 24.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Earn $250 cash bonus for spending $3,000 in the first three billing cycles
- 0% APR on purchases for the first nine billing cycles after opening an account
- Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- No annual fee
Pros
- No annual fee
- Sign-up bonus
- Low ongoing APR
Cons
- Short 0% APR period
- No 0% APR period on balance transfers
- Online application not available for nonaccount holders
- Cash Flow Insight®: This tool helps you monitor your spending categories so that you can plan your budget.
- Business integrations: You can download your transactions into Excel®, Quicken®, or QuickBooks®, or use .csv files.
- Visa Signature® benefits: This card comes with Visa travel benefits and protection for purchases.
Intro APR
0% for 9 billing cycles
Regular APR
15.24% to 24.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Earn $250 cash bonus for spending $3,000 in the first three billing cycles
- 0% APR on purchases for the first nine billing cycles after opening an account
- Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- No annual fee
Pros
- No annual fee
- Sign-up bonus
- Low ongoing APR
Cons
- Short 0% APR period
- No 0% APR period on balance transfers
- Online application not available for nonaccount holders
- Cash Flow Insight®: This tool helps you monitor your spending categories so that you can plan your budget.
- Business integrations: You can download your transactions into Excel®, Quicken®, or QuickBooks®, or use .csv files.
- Visa Signature® benefits: This card comes with Visa travel benefits and protection for purchases.
- PNC Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Business Credit Card is a great option if you need to carry a balance
- Comes with a 0% introductory APR for nine billing cycles and one of the lowest starting regular APRs at 13.99%
- Offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all eligible net purchases
- Lets you earn a signup bonus of $400 after spending $3,000 worth of qualifying purchases within the first three months of account opening
- Is one of our top credit cards that don’t report to consumer credit bureaus; transactions made on this card won’t affect your personal credit
If you prefer another credit card from American Express, read our review of the best American Express credit cards. You may also check out our guide to the leading small business credit cards and our Credit Card Marketplace for more options.
Bottom Line
Our American Express Blue Business CashTM Card review determines that this card is best for business owners wanting to earn fixed-rate cash back rewards on all purchases with no annual fee. It’s also a great option for those who need flexible buying power. Keep in mind that the premium cash back of 2% is only applicable to the first $50,000 purchases per year.
