Editor’s note: This is a recurring post with regularly updated card details.
The American Express Blue Business® Plus credit card is designed for business owners who prefer to earn points-based rewards on all purchases with no category restrictions. It also allows you to spend over your credit limit through its Expanded Buying Power feature, the amount of which will vary based on your card usage, credit history, payment behavior, and other financial factors.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
BEST FOR:
Pocketing 2x points per $1 and 0% introductory APR for 12 months
- 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, 17.74% - 25.74%, 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.
- 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, 17.74% - 25.74%, 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.
When evaluating points-based rewards business credit cards like the American Express Blue Business® Plus, we first consider the ongoing and introductory rewards. We also take a look at the annual fee, introductory and ongoing annual percentage rates (APRs), and additional features.
Grading Criteria | ||
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Ongoing Rewards | ||
Introductory Rewards | ||
Annual Fee | ||
Features | ||
Introductory APR | ||
Ongoing APR | ||
Total Score | 70 | 100 |
Who the American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card Is Best For
- Business owners with up to $50,000 in annual expenses: You can earn 2x points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year and 1x points on all purchases thereafter.
- Business owners who need to spend over their credit limits: It features Expanded Buying Power, letting you go over your credit limit when you need to.
American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card Rewards
- 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first three months of Card Membership.
- 2x points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year.
- 1x point on all purchases after the cap is met.
Rewards Calculator
Determine how much you can earn from the American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card by using our rewards calculator below. Calculate your potential rewards based on your projected annual expenses. Just enter your expected expenditures, and our calculator will do the rest.
The value of American Express Membership Rewards® points varies depending on how they are redeemed. It typically ranges from half a cent to 1 cent per point. For this calculator, we compute points rewards based on the minimum value of half a cent.
American Express lets you redeem your points in several ways. You can use your points to pay for purchases made with American Express Travel, Amazon.com, Ticketmaster, Best Buy, and other retailers. You can also use points for gift cards from a variety of merchants or use them to cover your credit card charges. Additionally, you can transfer points to American Express partner loyalty programs, like those offered by airlines and hotels.
The value of points varies depending on how you redeem them. In general, points are worth around half a cent to 1 cent each. The table below shows the estimated value of points based on how they are redeemed.
Type of Redemption | Points Value |
---|---|
Pay With Points at Checkout | 7/10ths of a cent to 1 cent, depending on merchants |
Gift Cards | Half a cent to 1 cent, depending on merchants |
Statement Credit | 6/10ths of a cent |
Book or Upgrade Travel | Half a cent to 1 cent, depending on the type of transaction |
Shop With Membership Rewards Points | Half a cent |
Transfer Points to Frequent Flier Programs | Half a cent to 1 cent, depending on the airlines |
For a more detailed list of redemption options and their corresponding points value, visit global.americanexpress.com/rewards/calculator.
American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card Additional Features
Expense Management
- Account management tools: Take advantage of account management tools, including the American Express® Business App and Connect to QuickBooks tool.
- Expanded buying power: Spend beyond your credit limit whenever you need to—the amount you can spend above your credit limit adjusts with your card usage, payment history, credit record, financial resources, and other factors.
- Vendor Pay by BILL: Pay your business bills and enhance cash flow management through Vendor Pay by BILL with a $0 monthly fee for the first user and a $0 fee for a second user for six months with the Basic plan. After six months, you’ll only need to pay $15 per month for the second user.
Insurance Protection
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: Receive car rental loss and damage insurance of up to $50,000 per rental agreement is provided for the first 30 days of a vehicle rental.
- Purchase protection: Get your purchased items covered up to $1,000 per claim and $50,000 per card member per year in case they’re damaged or stolen within 90 days of the date of purchase.
- Extended warranty protection: Receive an extended warranty for one additional year on items with original manufacturer warranties of five years or less.
Customer Service
- Global Assist® hotline: Access a 24/7 hotline when you travel more than 100 miles from home and are in need of medical, legal, financial, and other select emergency assistance and coordination services.
- Relationship Care® service: Call this 24/7 hotline for any American Express credit card concerns and questions.
- Dispute resolution: Resolve any issues related to your card, such as fraudulent or incorrect charges on your statement, as soon as possible.
American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card Fees
APR
- Introductory: 0% on purchases for the first 12 months from the date of account opening
- Ongoing: 17.74% to 25.74% variable, which adjusts with the Prime rate
- Penalty
Penalty APR is applied for a minimum of 12 consecutive billing periods. It will continue to apply until you have made timely payments, with no returned payments, for 12 billing periods straight.
: 29.99% variable, which adjusts with the Prime rate—will be applied to your account if you:
- Make two or more late payments in 12 consecutive months
- Fail to pay the minimum amount due by its due date
- Make a returned payment
Fees
- Annual: $0
- Balance transfer: $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, 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: $0
- Returned payment: $39
- Mobile app: Download the Amex Android or iOS app and enjoy the convenience of paying your bills on the go, anytime.
- Online: Make a payment through your American Express online account anytime. Simply choose your payment account and select your bank account and payment date. Note that credit and debit cards cannot be accepted as a form of payment.
- AutoPay: Enroll in AutoPay through your American Express online account. Note that your first payment may not be applied to your current billing cycle, so you would need to make your usual payments until AutoPay begins.
- Direct bank payment: Pay bills automatically via direct debits, so you don’t have to worry about missing due dates. Provide your bank account details to American Express and let the company know the amount you’d like to pay every month.
- 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.
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® Plus Credit Card Alternatives
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
BEST FOR:
Those who want better cash back rewards
- 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, 17.74% – 25.74%, 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.
- 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% 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.)
- 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, 17.74% – 25.74%, 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.
- 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% 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.)
The card is a great alternative if you prefer to earn automatic cash back instead of points. You can earn up to 2% cash back, which will be automatically credited to your billing statement without the need for manual redemption. Plus, it features Expanded Buying Power, so you can still spend above your credit limit when necessary.
It has $0 annual fees, 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months, and a $250 statement credit as a welcome offer when you meet the spending requirements.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard®
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
BEST FOR:
Those who want to earn 3% cash back in a spending category of their choice
9 billing cycles
- Get a $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas stations & EV charging stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services, 2% cash back on dining purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- You'll earn 3% cash back on purchases in the category of your choice and 2% cash back on dining purchases on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter.
- You can earn up to 75% more cash back on every purchase, if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier. That means you could earn up to 5.25% cash back in your selected choice category and up to 3.5% cash back on dining purchases on the first $50,000 in those combined purchases each calendar year, and up to an unlimited 1.75% cash back on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- Choose how to redeem your cash rewards-as a deposit into your Bank of America® checking or savings account, as a card statement credit or as a check mailed to you. Cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- To change your choice category for future purchases, you must go to the Mobile Banking app or Business Advantage 360, our small business online banking. You can change it once each calendar month, or make no change and it stays the same.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.49% to 28.49% will apply.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Pros
- Offers flexible redemption options
- $0 annual fee
- Welcome offer
Cons
- Premium cash back rewards are capped on a selected spending category
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Short introductory APR period
- Access to a business credit score: Bank of America lets you view and monitor your Dun & Bradstreet business credit score for free through Business Advantage 360.
- Zero liability protection: Stay protected against unauthorized transactions. Bank of America offers additional protections that cover certain purchases against loss, damage, theft, or fire and provides extended warranty coverage.
- Fraud monitoring: Bank of America will block potential fraud if it detects abnormal patterns in your transactions. It’ll also notify you if it suspects any fraudulent activity.
9 billing cycles
- Get a $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas stations & EV charging stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services, 2% cash back on dining purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- You'll earn 3% cash back on purchases in the category of your choice and 2% cash back on dining purchases on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter.
- You can earn up to 75% more cash back on every purchase, if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier. That means you could earn up to 5.25% cash back in your selected choice category and up to 3.5% cash back on dining purchases on the first $50,000 in those combined purchases each calendar year, and up to an unlimited 1.75% cash back on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- Choose how to redeem your cash rewards-as a deposit into your Bank of America® checking or savings account, as a card statement credit or as a check mailed to you. Cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- To change your choice category for future purchases, you must go to the Mobile Banking app or Business Advantage 360, our small business online banking. You can change it once each calendar month, or make no change and it stays the same.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.49% to 28.49% will apply.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Pros
- Offers flexible redemption options
- $0 annual fee
- Welcome offer
Cons
- Premium cash back rewards are capped on a selected spending category
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Short introductory APR period
- Access to a business credit score: Bank of America lets you view and monitor your Dun & Bradstreet business credit score for free through Business Advantage 360.
- Zero liability protection: Stay protected against unauthorized transactions. Bank of America offers additional protections that cover certain purchases against loss, damage, theft, or fire and provides extended warranty coverage.
- Fraud monitoring: Bank of America will block potential fraud if it detects abnormal patterns in your transactions. It’ll also notify you if it suspects any fraudulent activity.
Earn premium rewards on your chosen spending category, which you can change each month based on your expected expenses. What’s more, you’ll receive up to 75% more cash back if you have an existing business checking account with Bank of America through its Preferred Rewards for Business program.
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
BEST FOR:
Those wanting to earn up to 5% cash back on selected spending categories
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn $750 in cash back. Just spend $6000 on the Account Owner's card in the first 180 days of opening your account.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations (transactions of $200 or less)*, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants (*excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs).
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Redeem Cash Rewards right away or save them for later. Cash Rewards do not expire as long as the account remains active.
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or QuickBooks.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- 0% purchase APR for 12 months
- $0 annual fee
- U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan feature
Cons
- No 0% APR on balance transfers
- Charges balance transfer and foreign transaction fees
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year, per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year from the expiration of warranties of five years or less. An item with a six-month warranty would be backed for an additional six months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
- U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan: Pay off your eligible balance over time with this feature without interest—just pay a small monthly fee
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn $750 in cash back. Just spend $6000 on the Account Owner's card in the first 180 days of opening your account.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations (transactions of $200 or less)*, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants (*excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs).
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Redeem Cash Rewards right away or save them for later. Cash Rewards do not expire as long as the account remains active.
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or QuickBooks.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- 0% purchase APR for 12 months
- $0 annual fee
- U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan feature
Cons
- No 0% APR on balance transfers
- Charges balance transfer and foreign transaction fees
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year, per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year from the expiration of warranties of five years or less. An item with a six-month warranty would be backed for an additional six months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
- U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan: Pay off your eligible balance over time with this feature without interest—just pay a small monthly fee
This card is known for its ExtendPay Plan, a feature that lets you divide your eligible balance into monthly installments without interest—just pay a small monthly fee. It offers up to 5% cash back, 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months, $0 annual fees, and a generous welcome offer of $750 cash back when you meet the spending requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. You may add employee cards under your American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card at no additional cost. One of the benefits of adding employee cards to your account is that you can earn rewards points on your employees’ eligible purchases on top of the points you earn on your own card.
You can set your employees’ spending limits online or by calling the number on the back of your card. It’s worth noting, however, that the spending limit is not a guarantee that the employee will be able to make purchases up to the limit you set. There are certain purchases, like restaurant tips, where the limit does not apply.
American Express will charge interest on the balance that you did not pay by the due date. For example, if you only paid the minimum payment due, the remaining purchase balance will be charged with ongoing purchase APR.
If you pay your entire balance by the due date each month, you will not be charged interest. Keep in mind that your due date is around 25 days after the end of each billing period. For balance transfer transactions, however, interest is charged on the transaction date.
Bottom Line
The American Express Blue Business® Plus credit card is ideal for those who want to earn points that can be redeemed in various ways. You can spend beyond your credit limit while paying $0 annual fees. Keep in mind that it charges foreign transaction fees and doesn’t allow cash advance transactions.