The American Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express offers 2X points on everyday business purchases up to $50,000 annually with no annual fee. But how does it compare to other small business cards? This in-depth Amex Blue Business Plus review covers everything entrepreneurs need to know to evaluate if it’s the right card for their company.
Introduction
The Blue Business Plus Card sits at the entry-level of American Express’s lineup of small business credit cards. This no-annual-fee card provides a means to earn Membership Rewards® points on common business expenses. With 2X points on up to $50,000 in annual spending, it packs a punch without charging an annual fee.
In this review, we’ll analyze the rewards earnings, benefits, costs, and alternatives to see if the Blue Business Plus Card should be in your wallet.
American Express Blue Business Plus Card Welcome Offer
New cardholders can earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases on the card within the first 3 months of card membership. Those 15,000 points are worth approximately $150 – $300 in travel redemptions.
Benefits of the American Express Blue Business Plus Card
Key benefits of the card include:
- 2X points on eligible purchases up to $50,000 annually, then 1X points
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers
- Employee cards available at no extra cost
- Car rental insurance when renting for business purposes
- Purchase protection against theft or damage
While not as extensive as premium cards, these benefits provide value, especially paired with the solid earning rate for no annual fee.
Drawbacks and Alternatives
Downsides of the Blue Business Plus Card include:
- No sign-up bonus beyond the initial 15,000 points
- Foreign transaction fee of 2.7%
A close alternative is the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card from Chase which earns 1.5X points on all purchases with a $750 sign-up bonus and no foreign transaction fee.
Quick Facts
- $0 annual fee
- 15,000 point initial bonus
- 2X points on $50,000 in annual purchases, then 1X
- 0% intro APR for 12 months
Transferring Points
One of the best features is the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners including:
- British Airways Executive Club
- Delta SkyMiles®
- Emirates Skywards
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
Transfers help maximize point value.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No annual fee | No ongoing sign-up bonus |
| 2X points on $50,000 annually | 2.7% foreign transaction fee |
| Employee cards at no extra cost | Requires business credit history |
The Blue Business Plus Card provides a solid way for small businesses to earn Membership Rewards points without paying an annual fee. But the foreign transaction fee is a bit high.
Compare to Other Cards
The Blue Business Plus Card compares closely to cards like:
- Ink Business Unlimited® – 1.5X flat-rate points, $750 bonus
- Capital One Spark Cash Plus – 2X flat-rate cash back
- Wells Fargo Business Platinum – 1.5X points on purchases
The Blue Business Plus holds its own with benefits like employee cards and Membership Rewards transfers.
Is the Blue Business Plus Worth It?
The Blue Business Plus Card makes sense for:
- Small businesses wanting to earn transferable Amex points
- Companies with moderate expenses up to $50,000 annually
- Businesses seeking no annual fee but useful benefits
Just be aware of the foreign transaction fee. But overall the value is excellent for no annual fee.
Key Takeaways:
- $0 annual fee with solid 2X everyday earning potential
- 15,000 point initial bonus worth $150+ in travel
- Transfer points to airlines to maximize value
- Employee cards and 0% intro APR add appeal
While not as flashy as premium cards, the Blue Business Plus holds its own as a no-annual-fee business card earning transferable Membership Rewards points – perfect for small and mid-sized companies looking to bolster their rewards potential.
Final Words
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express stands out for its uncapped 2X points on moderate business spending at no annual cost. The ability to transfer points to airline partners for maximum value provides small business owners redeeming flexibility. Just be sure your business meets approval requirements.