American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card Review for 2023
This article is part of a larger series on Best Small Business Credit Cards.
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. Note that the amount you can spend 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
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- 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.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- $0 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
- 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.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- 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.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- $0 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
- 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 | ||
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Introductory APR | ||
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Total Score | 70 | 100 |
Who the American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card Is Best For
- Business owners with less than $50,000 in annual expenses: You can earn 2x points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year and 1x point on all purchases thereafter.
- Business owners who need to spend over their credit limits: You can spend beyond your credit limit through its Expanded Buying Power feature. The amount you can spend will depend on your credit score, financial resources, payment history, and card usage.
The American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card is our overall best business credit card for real estate agents because of its premium rewards rate on the first $50,000 expenses in a year and flexible credit limit. However, if you think this card is not suitable for your business, head over to our recommended alternatives below.
American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card Rewards
- 2x points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year
- 1x point on all purchases after the cap is met
American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card Rewards Calculator
Determine how much you can earn from 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.
How To Redeem American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card Rewards
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 |
American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card Additional Features
Expense Management
- Account management tools: Take advantage of account management tools like the American Express® Business App, which allows you to manage your account and transactions. You can also benefit from its Connect to QuickBooks tool, which will transfer your transaction data automatically to your QuickBooks account.
- 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. Enjoy no monthly fee for the first user and no 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: 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: 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 card member per year. Items that were damaged due to natural disasters are eligible for up to $500 per purchase protection covered event.
- 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.
Customer Service
- Global Assist® hotline: For business owners who travel more than 100 miles from home, the hotline is available 24/7 for medical, legal, financial, and other select emergency assistance and coordination services.
- Relationship Care® service: This 24/7 hotline provides answers to all your American Express credit card concerns and questions. Just call the number on the back of your card anytime, and one of the American Express customer care professionals will be happy to assist you.
- Dispute resolution: American Express will help 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: 18.49% to 26.49% variable, which adjusts with the Prime rate
- Penalty*: 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
*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.
Fees
- Annual: None
- 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 (USD)
- Cash advance: Cash advances aren’t allowed
- Late payment: Up to $39
- Overlimit: None
- Returned payment: $39
How To Make Payments
- 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
When To Consider American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card Alternatives
You Want to Earn a Sign-up Bonus
Keep in mind that American Express Blue Business® Plus does not offer a sign-up bonus. If you plan to use your credit card on a large purchase as soon as you get approved, you will benefit more from a business credit card that offers a sign-up bonus when you meet certain spending requirements. In such an instance, consider the Chase Ink Business Unlimited® instead.
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Those who want fixed-rate 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- 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
- Member FDIC
Pros
- With interest-free financing option on purchases
- Fixed unlimited cash back on all purchases
Cons
- Does not have interest-free financing option on balance transfers
- Charges high foreign transaction fees
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: You can decline the company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to this card.
- Travel and emergency assistance services: Call the Benefit Administrator for legal and medical referrals or other travel and emergency assistance.
- Purchase protection: You can ensure that your new purchases are covered for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Zero liability protection: Chase will not hold you responsible for unauthorized transactions made with both your card and your account information.
- Cellphone protection: Receive up to $1,000 per claim in cellphone protection against covered theft or damage for you and your employees included in your monthly cellphone bills when using your card to pay for it. This applies for a maximum of three claims within a 12-month period and will charge a $100 deductible per claim.
- Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- 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
- Member FDIC
Pros
- With interest-free financing option on purchases
- Fixed unlimited cash back on all purchases
Cons
- Does not have interest-free financing option on balance transfers
- Charges high foreign transaction fees
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: You can decline the company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to this card.
- Travel and emergency assistance services: Call the Benefit Administrator for legal and medical referrals or other travel and emergency assistance.
- Purchase protection: You can ensure that your new purchases are covered for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Zero liability protection: Chase will not hold you responsible for unauthorized transactions made with both your card and your account information.
- Cellphone protection: Receive up to $1,000 per claim in cellphone protection against covered theft or damage for you and your employees included in your monthly cellphone bills when using your card to pay for it. This applies for a maximum of three claims within a 12-month period and will charge a $100 deductible per claim.
- Lets you earn a $900 cash bonus when you spend $6,000 on the first three months of opening an account
- Comes with 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months of card ownership
- Offers a fixed cash back rate of 1.5% on all purchases, regardless of spending categories
- Charges no annual fee
It is our best overall credit card for new business with no credit history and top-recommended small business credit card. For other Chase credit card options, check out our guide to the leading Chase business cards.
You Want Premium Rewards in Your Chosen Category
If your business has significant expenses in particular spending categories each month, you may want to consider a business credit card that offers premium rewards in your chosen category. If this is your case, the Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card is the better option.
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% and 2% cash back 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 our highest Preferred Rewards for Business 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.
- 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
- Doesn’t charge annual fees
- With sign-up bonus
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% and 2% cash back 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 our highest Preferred Rewards for Business 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.
- 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
- Doesn’t charge annual fees
- With sign-up bonus
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.
- Lets you take charge of how you earn cash back—receive 3% cash back on the category of your choice, which you can change per month
- Offers up to 75% more cash back if you have a Bank of America checking account and can qualify for the Preferred Rewards for Business program
- Provides $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 within 90 days of opening an account
- Comes with 0% APR for nine billing cycles after opening an account
- Charges no annual fee
It is also one of our top-recommended fuel cards for small businesses because you have the option to earn premium rewards on gas. If you want other options from Bank of America, visit our guide to the best Bank of America business credit cards.
You Prefer to Earn Cash Back But with the Same Card Features
The American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card offers great card features that can be beneficial to your business—especially the Expanded Buying Feature, which lets you spend beyond your credit limit without additional charges. If you love the features offered by this card but would rather earn cash back instead of points, the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card will be more valuable.
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
BEST FOR:
Those who want better cash back rewards
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, 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% intro APR
- Welcome bonus
- 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.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, 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% intro APR
- Welcome bonus
- 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.
- Lets you earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases of up to $50,000 purchases per calendar year, then 1% cash back thereafter
- Offers the same features and benefits as the American Express Blue Business® Plus credit card, including the ability to spend over your credit limit
- Comes with interest-free financing on purchases for the first 12 months after account opening
- Has $0 annual fee
It is our top choice for the best cash back business credit cards because of its simple rewards program and unique perks. See our roundup of the best American Express business credit cards to find other options from the same provider.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I add employee cards?
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.
How can I set spending limits on my employee cards?
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.
When will I be charged interest on my balance?
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 best for business owners needing to spend beyond their credit limit. This points-based rewards credit card has no annual fee and is also an excellent option for businesses with annual expenses that don’t exceed $50,000. However, it charges foreign transaction fees and doesn’t allow cash advance transactions.