The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is designed for business owners who may need to spend beyond their credit limit and want to earn cash back without keeping track of spending categories. It features Expanded Buying Power, which is an adjustable credit limit based on your usage, payment history, credit record, and financial resources. Plus, the card comes with expense management tools and doesn’t charge an annual fee.
If you wish to compare one card over another, select a maximum of three cards on this page and click Add to compare to view the details in a side-by-side comparison.
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
BEST FOR:
Those who want better cash back rewards
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
17.99% - 25.99% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 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 as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- 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.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR)
- Welcome offer
- Fixed rate rewards
- $0 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. (Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility 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.)
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
17.99% - 25.99% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 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 as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- 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.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR)
- Welcome offer
- Fixed rate rewards
- $0 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. (Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility 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.)
When grading fixed-rate cash back business credit cards like the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, we first consider the ongoing rewards. We also rate the introductory rewards, annual fee, introductory and ongoing annual percentage rates (APRs), and additional features.
Grading Criteria | Card Score | Highest Possible Score |
|---|---|---|
Ongoing Rewards | 30 | 30 |
Introductory Rewards | 15 | 20 |
Additional Features | 13 | 15 |
Annual Fee | 15 | 15 |
Introductory APR | 7 | 10 |
Ongoing APR | 7 | 10 |
Total Score | 87 | 100 |
Who the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Is Best For
- Those with up to $50,000 in annual expenses: It offers 2% cash back on all eligible purchases of up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% after that.
- Those who don’t want to monitor spending categories: You can earn fixed-rate rewards for all eligible purchases, regardless of categories.
- Those who may exceed their credit limit: With its expanded buying power, you can spend above your credit limit. Your buying power adjusts with your use of the card, your payment history, your credit record, financial resources, and other factors.
If this card is not what you’re looking for, consider one of our recommended alternatives below. You may also want to see our roundup of the best American Express business cards for more options.
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Rewards
- $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in purchases within the first three months from the date of account opening
- 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year
- 1% cash back after the $50,000 purchase cap is met
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Calculator
Use our rewards calculator to compute the potential rewards you can earn with the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card. Enter your projected monthly spending and let our calculator do the rest.
How To Redeem American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Rewards
The cash back you earned will be credited to your account automatically as a statement credit by the second billing statement after you earned the rewards. For example, if you made a total of $5,000 in eligible purchases in January, you will receive $100 cash back as a statement credit on your March billing statement.
Note that you will not receive a statement credit for your eligible purchases if you fail to pay the minimum payment by its due date. Also, your rewards are forfeited if your account is canceled before the statement credit is issued.
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Features
Cash Management
- Expanded buying power: Spend over your credit limit and enjoy cash flow flexibility. The amount you can spend will depend on your card usage, payment history, credit score, and financial resources.
- QuickBooks integration: Connect to QuickBooks so your financial transactions are automatically tagged with your QuickBooks categories.
- Year-end summary: Get 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.
- Free employee cards: Add employee cards at no additional cost and monitor employee spending with alerts and summary reports.
- Account managers: Assign a trusted employee or partner as account manager to access and manage your business credit card account so you can delegate this task when needed.
- Vendor Pay by BILL: Use your card to pay bills with Vendor Pay by BILL. You can take advantage of free access to the Basic Plan for the first user and no fee for a second user for six months. Note that you’ll pay $15 per month for the second user after the free trial period.
Travel
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: Rent a car using this card, and 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: Receive access to medical, legal, financial, and other emergency services when you’re traveling farther than 100 miles from home through this 24/7 hotline. 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: Get 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: Take advantage of an extended warranty for one additional year for purchases with original manufacturer’s warranties of up to five years or less. To be eligible, the items must be purchased in either the United States or its territories or possessions using your American Express credit card.
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Fees
APR
- Introductory: 0% on purchases for the first 12 months
- Ongoing and balance transfers: 17.99% to 25.99% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Penalty: 29.99% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate. It 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 is due
- Make a returned payment
Fees
- Annual: None
- Balance transfer: If eligible, either $5 or 3% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater
- Foreign transaction: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to United States dollars (USD)
- Late payment: Up to $39
- Overlimit: None
- Returned payment: $39
Your due date is at least 25 days after the close of each billing period.
- Online or mobile banking: You can pay via the Amex website or mobile app.
- Phone: Call (800) 472-9297, state your card information when prompted, and then follow the prompts.
- AutoPay: Log in to your online account and click “Payments” in the blue navigation bar, then choose “Manage AutoPay.”
- Wire transfer
If you wish to make your payment via wire transfer, it is necessary to include your American Express account number where the payment will be posted. Note that while American Express does not charge additional fees, your bank may charge a fee to process the transaction.
: Include your card member name, your American Express account number, and the following information when paying via this option:
- Bank name: Chase Manhattan Bank
- Account name: American Express Card Member Wire Depository
- Address: 1 Chase Plaza New York, NY 10081
- ABA number (routing number): 0210-0002-1
- Account number: 910-2-753036
- Mail: You can send your credit card bills via courier or express delivery mail to either address below. Ensure to include your account number on the front of your payment for easy reference.
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 Alternatives
American Express Blue Business® Plus
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
BEST FOR:
Pocketing 2x points per $1 and 0% introductory APR for 12 months
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
17.99% - 25.99% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- 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.
Pros
- $0 annual fee
- 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfer
- Welcome offer
- Expanded buying power
- Fixed-rate rewards
Cons
- Cash advances aren’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2x points rewards are capped at $50,000 in spending
- Expanded buying power: The card lets you spend beyond your credit limit through this feature. The amount you can spend above your credit limit adjusts with your card usage, payment history, credit record, financial resources, and other factors.
- Purchase protection: Items purchased using this card are covered in case they’re damaged or stolen within 90 days of the date of purchase. American Express will reimburse you for the amount charged to your eligible card, up to $1,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardmember, per year.
- Extended warranty protection: American Express provides cardholders with an extended warranty for one additional year, which applies to items with original manufacturer warranties of five years or less.
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
17.99% - 25.99% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- 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.
Pros
- $0 annual fee
- 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfer
- Welcome offer
- Expanded buying power
- Fixed-rate rewards
Cons
- Cash advances aren’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2x points rewards are capped at $50,000 in spending
- Expanded buying power: The card lets you spend beyond your credit limit through this feature. The amount you can spend above your credit limit adjusts with your card usage, payment history, credit record, financial resources, and other factors.
- Purchase protection: Items purchased using this card are covered in case they’re damaged or stolen within 90 days of the date of purchase. American Express will reimburse you for the amount charged to your eligible card, up to $1,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardmember, per year.
- Extended warranty protection: American Express provides cardholders with an extended warranty for one additional year, which applies to items with original manufacturer warranties of five years or less.
Consider the American Express Blue Business® Plus as an alternative if you prefer to earn points rewards instead of cash back. You’ll also enjoy expanded buying power with this card.
Emburse Spend Card
 Emburse Spend CardBEST FOR: Earning unlimited cash back rewards | |
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Spending Limit | Load Limit |
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Costs | |
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The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card requires at least good credit standing to qualify. If you don’t have good credit, we recommend the Emburse Spend Card as a viable option. Not only does it not require a personal credit check, but it also lets you enjoy $0 annual or monthly fees. This card also comes with robust spending controls and streamlined expense reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You can apply online or by phone by calling (877) 673-6758. You will need to provide the following information:
- Business’s legal name, address, phone number, and email address
- Federal tax identification number (TIN) or Social Security number
- Type of industry your business is engaged in
- Company structure
- Number of years your company has been in business
- Number of employees
- Annual business revenue
- The name you would like to appear on the card
No, you are not required to pay your full balance every billing cycle because the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is not a charge card. However, you need to pay at least the minimum required balance on every due date; otherwise, you will be charged a penalty APR. Keep in mind that if you choose only to pay the minimum required due, the remaining balance carried over to the next billing cycle will be charged with an interest based on the ongoing APR.
Yes, you can request a credit limit increase for your American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card. Simply log in to your account and choose the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card. Go to “Account Services,” click “Payment & Credit Options,” and select “Request Credit Limit Increase.” Ensure to type in your desired credit limit and other relevant information.
Bottom Line
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is an excellent choice for those wanting to earn fixed-rate cash back rewards on all purchases and those needing flexible buying power. Keep in mind that the premium cash back of 2% is only applicable to the first $50,000 purchases per year.
