Choosing the right business credit card is crucial for managing your company's finances and maximizing rewards. The American Express Blue Business Plus Card stands out as a top choice for business owners, offering significant value without an annual fee.
Key Features of the AMEX Blue Business Plus Card
No Annual Fee
The most attractive feature of the AMEX Blue Business Plus Card is that it comes without any annual fee. This is particularly beneficial compared to other business cards like the Capital One Spark Business or the AMEX Business Gold, which charge substantial annual fees of $395 and $375 respectively.
Welcome Bonus
The card offers a welcome bonus of 15,000 points after you spend $3,000 in the first three months. With the Points Guy valuing AMEX Membership Rewards points at 2 cents each, this bonus alone is worth $300.
Earning Potential
With the AMEX Blue Business Plus Card, you earn:
- 2X points on every dollar spent on all purchases up to $50,000 annually.
- 1X points on all additional spending.
This equates to effectively receiving 4% back on all your business spending up to the $50,000 cap.
Introductory APR
The card offers 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months. This feature is especially useful for new businesses making large initial purchases or those looking to manage cash flow carefully in the first year.
However, it’s important to plan to pay off the balance before the introductory period ends to avoid interest charges.
Foreign Transaction Fees
While the card is excellent for domestic use, it does charge a 2.7% foreign transaction fee on international purchases. If you frequently travel abroad or make payments in foreign currencies, you might need to consider other options for those transactions.
Additional Benefits
- Flexibility in Rewards Redemption: Points can be redeemed for travel, shopping, gift cards, or transferred to several airline partners like Delta, Air France, or British Airways, offering the flexibility to use rewards as best suits your business needs.
- Alternative Cash Back Card: For those who prefer straightforward rewards, AMEX also offers the Blue Business Cash Card which provides 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 per year, then 1%.
When to Choose Another Card
If your business spends significantly in specific categories like advertising or dining, you might benefit more from cards like the AMEX Business Gold, which offers 4X points in your top two spending categories each billing cycle (up to $150,000 per year).
Conclusion
The American Express Blue Business Plus Card is an excellent choice for any business owner looking for a versatile credit card without an annual fee. It’s particularly well-suited for those just starting out or small to medium-sized businesses that want a simple, effective rewards program.
However, for spending outside the U.S. or if your business expenses heavily align with specific categories, considering additional cards might be worthwhile.
If you want to know which credit card should be your first choice when starting a business in 2024, check out our other article:
- Best 1st Business Credit Card 2024
- American Express Business Gold Review 2024
- Bank of America Business Bank Review 2024
- Bluevine Business Checking Account Review 2024
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the main benefits of the American Express Blue Business Plus Card?
The American Express Blue Business Plus Card offers no annual fee, a welcome bonus of 15,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months, 2X points on all purchases up to $50,000 annually, and 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months, making it a valuable option for business owners.
How does the earning potential of the AMEX Blue Business Plus Card work?
The card earns 2X points on every dollar spent on all purchases up to $50,000 annually, after which it earns 1X points. This translates to an effective 4% back on business spending up to the $50,000 cap, making it a strong choice for businesses with diverse expenses.
Are there any fees associated with using the AMEX Blue Business Plus Card internationally?
Yes, the AMEX Blue Business Plus Card charges a 2.7% foreign transaction fee on international purchases. If your business frequently makes payments in foreign currencies, you may want to consider a card without foreign transaction fees for those transactions.
Who would benefit most from the AMEX Blue Business Plus Card?
This card is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses or new business owners looking for a versatile credit card with no annual fee and a straightforward rewards program. It's especially beneficial for those who have diverse spending needs and want to maximize rewards on all purchases.
When might another business credit card be a better choice than the AMEX Blue Business Plus?
If your business spends heavily in specific categories like advertising or dining, you might benefit more from a card like the AMEX Business Gold, which offers 4X points in your top two spending categories each billing cycle, up to $150,000 per year.