American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card Review 2022
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.
Nancy Fernandez is a Credit Card and Insurance Expert at Fit Small Business, specializing in business credit cards and business insurance.
This article is part of a larger series on Best Small Business Credit Cards.
The American Express Blue Business® Plus is an excellent no-annual-fee, low-interest credit card that offers points-based rewards on all purchases, with no category restrictions. It features expanded buying power that allows you to go over your credit limit. It also offers a 0% introductory rate for 12 months and welcome bonus points.
If you wish to compare one card over another, choose a maximum of three cards on this page and click Add to compare to view the details in a side-by-side comparison.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
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 2x points per $1 and 0% introductory APR for 12 months
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
16.99% - 24.99% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- 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.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® 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.
- You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
- *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, 16.99% - 24.99%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- No annual fee
- 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfer
- Welcome offer bonus points
- 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
- Extended warranty protection: American Express will match the length of the original manufacturer’s warranty if it’s less than two years. It provides an additional two years if the original manufacturer’s warranty is between two and five years. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year.
- Purchase protection: The issuer will repair, replace, or reimburse you for an item purchased with the card that was damaged or stolen within 120 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year.
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
16.99% - 24.99% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- 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.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® 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.
- You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
- *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, 16.99% - 24.99%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- No annual fee
- 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfer
- Welcome offer bonus points
- 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
- Extended warranty protection: American Express will match the length of the original manufacturer’s warranty if it’s less than two years. It provides an additional two years if the original manufacturer’s warranty is between two and five years. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year.
- Purchase protection: The issuer will repair, replace, or reimburse you for an item purchased with the card that was damaged or stolen within 120 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year.
How We Evaluate Low-interest Business Credit Cards
When grading a low-interest credit card like the American Express Blue Business® Plus credit card, we consider the introductory and ongoing annual percentage rate (APRs) to be the most important criteria. We also take into account the card’s additional features, ongoing rewards, and introductory rewards.
| Grading Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
Introductory APR | ||
Ongoing APR | ||
Additional Features | ||
Ongoing Rewards | ||
Introductory Rewards | ||
| Total Score |
If you prefer another credit card from American Express, then check out our review of the best American Express credit cards. You may also want to take a look at our list of the best small business credit cards for other options.
Who the American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card Is Best For
- Business owners with less than $50,000 in annual expenses: The American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card offers two points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year and one point on all purchases thereafter.
- Business owners needing to spend over their credit limits: This American Express business credit card lets you spend beyond your credit limit through its Expanded Buying Power feature.
American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card Fees
- Introductory APR: 0% on purchases for the first 12 months from the date of account opening
- Ongoing APR: 16.99% (Prime Rate + 9.99%) to 24.99% (Prime Rate + 17.99%) variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Penalty APR: 29.99% (prime rate + 25.99%) variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Foreign transaction fee: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to United States dollars
- Cash advance fee: Cash advances aren’t allowed
- Late payment fee: Up to $39
- Overlimit: None
- Returned payment: $39
American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card Rewards
- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within your first three months of membership
- 2x points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year; 1x point on all purchases thereafter
Membership Rewards-enrolled Card Members are eligible to get at least 1 Membership Rewards® for every dollar spent on their American Express Blue Business® Plus credit card. An additional point shall be made if they make eligible purchases on amextravel.com.
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 taxi fares, including tips, in certain taxis in New York City or redeem them for gift cards from a variety of merchants. Lastly, you can transfer points to American Express partner loyalty programs, like those offered by airlines and hotels.
How To Make Payments in the American Express® Business Gold Card
- Mobile app: Download the Amex Mobile App and enjoy the convenience of paying your bills on the go, anytime.
- Online: You can 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: You can 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: Direct debits let you pay bills automatically so that you don’t have to worry about missing due dates. Provide your bank account details to American Express and let the company know of the amount you’d like to pay every month.
- Mail: You can opt to 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 Features
The American Express Blue Business® Plus credit card is best suited for businesses that don’t exceed $50,000 in annual expenses and their credit limit. The features listed below are clustered based on the following: expense management, customer service, and insurance protection.
Expense Management
- Account management tools: The American Express Blue Business® Plus credit card comes with account management tools to help account holders and cardmembers manage their accounts. The American Express® Business App allows you to manage your account and transactions. The American Express® Business mobile app helps with expense reporting and controlling employee spending. The Connect to QuickBooks tool will transfer your transaction data automatically to your QuickBooks account.
- Expanded buying power: The American Express Blue Business® Plus credit card lets you spend beyond your credit limit through the expanded buying power feature. The amount you can spend above your credit limit adjusts with your card usage, payment history, credit record, financial resources, and other factors.
- Employee cards: On top of not having annual fees, this business credit card lets you earn Membership Rewards® points after adding an additional Employee Card to your account
Customer Service
- Global Assist® Hotline: For business owners who travel more than 100 miles from home, Global Assist® Hotline is made available for 24/7 medical, legal, financial, and other select emergency assistance and coordination services.
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: 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. Confiscation by authority, manufacturing defects, intentional damage by an authorized driver, wear and tear, theft of or damage to tires, and damage due to freezing aren’t included with the coverage.
Insurance Protection
- Purchase protection: Items purchased using the American Express Blue Business® Plus credit 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. Items that were damaged due to natural disasters are eligible for up to $500 per purchase protection covered event. Items that aren’t covered include perishable items, motorized vehicles, tickets, leased items, medical equipment, and permanent fixtures.
- Roadside assistance: American Express provides a 24-hour roadside assistance hotline with reps who can send help in an emergency, including services, such as towing, winching, jump-starts, tire changes, gas delivery, and lockout services. Cardmembers will be charged for the costs of any services or goods that aren’t covered. The roadside assistance hotline doesn’t cover rental vehicles, taxis, unlicensed vehicles, tractors, and trucks that weigh more than 10,000 pounds.
- Extended warranty protection: American Express provides cardholders with an extended warranty for items with original manufacturer warranties of less than five years. It will match the warranty length for items with original warranties that are less than two years and provide an additional two years if the original warranty is anywhere from two to five years. This coverage is limited to $10,000 per covered purchase and can’t exceed $50,000 per cardmember account per year.
- Travel accident insurance: American Express provides travel accident coverage up to $100,000 if you die or lose a limb, sight, speech, or hearing. You’re eligible if the entire travel fare has been charged to your American Express credit card. Instances that aren’t covered include self-inflicted injuries, certain ailments, physical or mental infirmity, and injuries received during or as a result of commuting.
Pros & Cons of the American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| No annual fee: You can minimize your overall credit card cost because the American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card doesn’t charge annual fees. | Cash advance isn’t allowed: The American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card doesn’t allow cash advances—this is a disadvantage for those who need to take out a cash advance from time to time. |
| 0% APR for 12 months: If you plan to make a large purchase, you can enjoy interest-free financing for 12 months. | Charges foreign transaction fees: For purchases made outside of the US, you need to pay a foreign transaction fee of 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars—this is a disadvantage if you travel frequently. |
| Welcome bonus points: You can earn 15,000 membership rewards points after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening an account. | 2x points rewards are capped at $50,000 in spending: The premium reward of 2x points on all business-related purchases is capped at $50,000 per year. Purchases in excess of $50,000 within a year will earn only 1x points. |
| Expanded buying power: You can spend beyond your credit limit when you need to. | |
| Fixed-rate rewards: You can earn a fixed-rate reward of 2x points on the first $50,000 in purchases per year, then 1x point thereafter, regardless of spending categories. | |
American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card Alternatives
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
If you prefer to earn cash back rewards instead of points, the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is a great option. You can earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases of up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% cash back earned is credited to your statement automatically. It offers the same features and benefits as the American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card. It’s no surprise that this is our top pick for the best cash back business credit cards.
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
16.99% - 24.99% 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, 16.99% - 24.99%, 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
16.99% - 24.99% 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, 16.99% - 24.99%, 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.
Chase Ink Business Unlimited®
Chase Ink Business Unlimited® offers a fixed cash back rate of 1.5% for every dollar spent on any business purchase, and there’s no limit as to how much cash back you can earn. On top of this would be the interest-free financing at 0% for the first 12 months after account opening and its non-charge of annual fees. These are why the card tops our lists of the best credit cards for new business with no credit history, best instant approval business credit cards, and best small business credit cards.
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
16.24% - 22.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 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 US 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
16.24% - 22.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 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 US 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
Capital One® Spark® Cash Plus
The Capital One® Spark® Cash Plus card is designed for business owners with excellent credit who can pay their balance in full every month. This pay-in-full card offers unlimited 2% cash back rewards on all business-related purchases and doesn’t have preset spending limits. Your credit limit adapts to your needs based on your spending behavior, payment history, and credit profile. It’s not surprising that it’s one of our top instant approval business credit cards and recommended business credit cards with no foreign transaction fee.
Capital One® Spark® Cash Plus Card
BEST FOR:
Businesses that want purchasing power and can pay their balances in full every month
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
None. There's no APR because your balance is due in full every month. Otherwise, you'll be charged a 2.99% monthly late fee
Annual Fee
$150
Credit Needed
Excellent
- Earn unlimited 2% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions.
- Earn up to $1,000 in the first six months; $500 once you spend $5,000 in the first three months, and $500 once you spend $50,000 in the first six months.
- Earn an annual $200 cash bonus every year you spend $200,000 or more.
Pros
- No preset spending limit
- Up to $1,000 cash bonus
- Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases
- Opportunity to earn annual cash bonus
Cons
- Requires an annual fee
- Need to pay in full every month
- Requires excellent credit
- $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 card plus cash advance
- Roadside assistance: Emergency services such as jump-starting, tire changing, and towing
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
None. There's no APR because your balance is due in full every month. Otherwise, you'll be charged a 2.99% monthly late fee
Annual Fee
$150
Credit Needed
Excellent
- Earn unlimited 2% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions.
- Earn up to $1,000 in the first six months; $500 once you spend $5,000 in the first three months, and $500 once you spend $50,000 in the first six months.
- Earn an annual $200 cash bonus every year you spend $200,000 or more.
Pros
- No preset spending limit
- Up to $1,000 cash bonus
- Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases
- Opportunity to earn annual cash bonus
Cons
- Requires an annual fee
- Need to pay in full every month
- Requires excellent credit
- $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 card plus cash advance
- Roadside assistance: Emergency services such as jump-starting, tire changing, and towing
Bottom Line
The American Express Blue Business® Plus credit card is best for business owners needing to spend beyond their credit limit. This low-interest, points-based rewards credit card is also an excellent option for businesses with annual expenses that don’t exceed $50,000. If this card isn’t right for you, visit our Credit Card Marketplace to see a list of business credit cards that may be a better fit.
