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. This small business credit card 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.
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.
- 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 American Express, and other factors.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.24% - 19.24%, 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
- No zero foreign transaction fee
- 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 2 years. It provides an additional 2 years if the original manufacturer’s warranty is between 2 and 5 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.
- 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 American Express, and other factors.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.24% - 19.24%, 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
- No zero foreign transaction fee
- 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 2 years. It provides an additional 2 years if the original manufacturer’s warranty is between 2 and 5 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.
Want to compare the features of one card to another? We’ve made it easy for you to do just that! Simply check off up to three cards on this page to add them to your cart. This will allow you to view the details in a side-by-side comparison.
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 APRs to be the most important criteria. We also take into account the card’s additional features, ongoing rewards, and introductory rewards.
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Who the American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card Is Right For
The American Express Blue Business Plus was considered the best overall small business credit card in our Best Small Business Credit Card Guide because of its easy rewards points.
- Business owners who have 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 who need 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
- Ongoing APR: 13.24% to 19.24% 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
American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card Rewards
- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the card within your first three months of membership
- 2x points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year
- 1x point on all purchases thereafter
You can use your points to pay for purchases made with American Express Travel, Amazon.com, Ticketmaster, Best Buy, and other retailers. You can transfer points to American Express partner loyalty programs, like those offered by airlines and hotels. You can also use points for taxi fares (including tips) in certain taxis in New York City, or redeem for gift cards from a variety of merchants.
American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card Features
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.
Purchase Protection
Items purchased using the American Express Blue Business® Plus credit card are covered in case they’re damaged or stolen within 120 days of the date of purchase or 90 days for New York residents. 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 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 that 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, and 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 between two and five years. This coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim 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.
Baggage Insurance Plan
American Express provides coverage of up to $1,250 for the replacement cost of baggage and carry-on items while in direct transit from a terminal and up to $500 for each covered person’s checked baggage. It will also cover up to $250 for high-risk items. The trip must be entirely paid for with your American Express Blue Business® Plus credit card to be eligible.
Car Rental Loss & 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.
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.
Pros & Cons Explained
Pros of American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card
- 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.
- 0% APR for 12 months: If you plan to make a large purchase, you can enjoy interest-free financing for 12 months.
- 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.
- 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.
Cons of American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card
- 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.
- No zero foreign transaction fee: 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.
- 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.
American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card Alternatives
Chase Ink Business Preferred®
The Chase Ink Business Preferred® is an excellent alternative if you prefer a travel rewards credit card that offers zero foreign transaction fees. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. It’s important to note that this business credit card doesn’t offer a 0% introductory APR.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Maximizing travel rewards at a lower annual fee
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- 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.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Pros
- Opportunity to boost the value of reward points
- Offers cellphone protection and trip cancellation insurance
Cons
- Doesn’t offer an interest-free financing period
- Charges an annual fee
- 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 U.S. and abroad.
- Cellphone protection: You and the employees named on the phone bill you pay for with your card are covered for up to $600 in theft or damages per claim. You are limited to three claims per 12-month period, with a $100 deductible per claim.
- Trip cancellation and delay insurance: If your trip is canceled, you can be compensated up to $15,000 for prepaid expenses such as airfare or hotels. If your trip is delayed for 12 hours or more, you can be reimbursed up to $500 for your hotel room, meals, and transportation.
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- 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.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Pros
- Opportunity to boost the value of reward points
- Offers cellphone protection and trip cancellation insurance
Cons
- Doesn’t offer an interest-free financing period
- Charges an annual fee
- 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 U.S. and abroad.
- Cellphone protection: You and the employees named on the phone bill you pay for with your card are covered for up to $600 in theft or damages per claim. You are limited to three claims per 12-month period, with a $100 deductible per claim.
- Trip cancellation and delay insurance: If your trip is canceled, you can be compensated up to $15,000 for prepaid expenses such as airfare or hotels. If your trip is delayed for 12 hours or more, you can be reimbursed up to $500 for your hotel room, meals, and transportation.
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 for the first $50,000 in purchases and 1% thereafter. It offers the same features and benefits as the American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card.
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
BEST FOR:
Earning 2% cash back every time you swipe and 0% introductory APR for 12 months
- 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 American Express and other factors.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.24% - 19.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- No interest for 12 months
- Earn consistent 2% cash back rewards on every purchase
Cons
- Offers no cash sign-up bonus
- 2% cash back category is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
- Extended warranty protection: American Express provides up to an additional year of coverage on warranties of up to 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 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year.
- Baggage insurance: If your luggage is damaged or lost when you travel on a common carrier, such as a plane, trip, ship, or bus, American Express will reimburse you for losses not covered by your own personal insurance.
- 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 American Express and other factors.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.24% - 19.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- No interest for 12 months
- Earn consistent 2% cash back rewards on every purchase
Cons
- Offers no cash sign-up bonus
- 2% cash back category is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
- Extended warranty protection: American Express provides up to an additional year of coverage on warranties of up to 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 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year.
- Baggage insurance: If your luggage is damaged or lost when you travel on a common carrier, such as a plane, trip, ship, or bus, American Express will reimburse you for losses not covered by your own personal insurance.
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.
Capital One® Spark® Cash Plus Card
BEST FOR:
Businesses that want purchasing power and can pay their balances in full every month
- 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
- Charges a $150 annual fee
- Full balances are due 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
- 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
- Charges a $150 annual fee
- Full balances are due 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 who need 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 other business credit cards that may be a better fit.
