Amex Blue Business Plus Card: Double Points, No Annual Fee

Small business owners face an overwhelming variety of credit cards, each tailored to meet specific needs. The Amex Blue Business® Plus Credit Card stands out with its no-annual-fee structure and reward flexibility, making it an excellent choice for businesses with general spending needs.

Key Features of the Amex Blue Business® Plus Card

1. Rewards Structure

• Earn 2x Membership Rewards points per dollar on the first $50,000 in purchases annually (1x points thereafter). This simple earning mechanism eliminates the need to track spending categories​
• Points can be transferred to over 20 airline and hotel partners, often yielding higher redemption values. Alternatively, use points for cash back, gift cards, Amazon purchases, or travel bookings, though non-transfer options typically offer lower value​

2. Valuable Benefits

• Flexible Spending Limit: The card allows spending beyond the credit limit, with amounts determined by usage and payment history. This can help manage larger business expenses​
• Purchase Protection: Protects eligible purchases against damage or theft within 90 days, up to $1,000 per claim​
• Extended Warranty: Adds an extra year of coverage to warranties of five years or less on eligible purchases​
• No Employee Card Fees: Add employee cards for free, helping you consolidate and maximize rewards​

3. Introductory APR Offer

• Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months, transitioning to a variable APR of 17.74% to 25.74%, depending on your creditworthiness​

4. Access to Amex Offers

• Benefit from targeted deals such as statement credits or bonus points with specific merchants. Over time, these offers can yield significant savings​

Pairing the Blue Business® Plus Card with Other Amex Cards

To maximize rewards, consider pairing this card with premium Amex business cards:

• Amex Business Gold Card: Earns 4x points on your top two spending categories (up to $150,000 annually). Ideal for businesses with high spending in specific areas​
• Amex Business Platinum Card: Best for frequent travelers, offering perks like lounge access, hotel elite status, and a 35% points rebate on airfare booked through Amex Travel​

Considerations

• No Welcome Bonus: Unlike many competitors, the Blue Business® Plus does not consistently offer a welcome bonus. Past offers have included up to 20,000 Membership Rewards points but are not guaranteed​
• Foreign Transaction Fees: The card charges a 2.7% fee on international purchases, making it less ideal for businesses with global spending

Final Takeaway

The Amex Blue Business® Plus Credit Card is an exceptional choice for small business owners looking for a no-annual-fee card with straightforward rewards and robust benefits. With its ability to earn 2x points on general purchases, flexible spending options, and no employee card fees, it suits businesses that prioritize simplicity and value.

While the card lacks some travel perks and bonus categories, pairing it with other Amex business cards can amplify your rewards. For businesses with spending concentrated in specific categories, alternatives like the Amex Business Gold Card may be more suitable.