Key facts
The Blue Business Plus takes the cake for affordability and value among all business credit cards. With 2x bonus points on all eligible purchases up to a $50,000 annual limit (1x on all eligible purchases thereafter), you can earn at least 100,000 points per year on your business spending. You can then redeem your Membership Rewards points for travel, cash back, and more.
Min. Credit Score for Approval:
Good *APR on Purchases:
0 % Intro APR on purchases for 12 months, 17.74%-25.74% thereafterForeign Transaction Fee:
2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.With the card’s expanded buying power, this important business credit card feature allows you to have the utmost flexibility to spend above your credit limit. Coupled with financial resources for small business owners, the Amex Blue Business Plus is a must-have that works for all types of ventures.
This simply makes the rate an even 1:1 as it’s normally 1:0.8. You’ll also have to pay the excise transfer fee. Unlikely to be a great deal for most.
One possible outsized redemption would be a Qatar Airways QSuite bookable with 70,000 points if terminating in Doha. Unfortunately, connections like to Male add quite a bit on. You may find better award space to Doha on JetBlue compared to other Oneworld airlines like American, but find the space on the JetBlue website before transferring anything!!
KEEP IN MIND: Virgin Flying Club has moved to a dynamic pricing for awards. In some cases we are seeing extreme value like 29,000 point Business Class awards from the US to London. In other cases, the prices have risen dramatically. Run some searches before transferring.
It’s also worth Virgin Atlantic transfer bonuses are fairly frequent between various programs. See historical transfer bonuses to Virgin Atlantic here. This is the 7th transfer bonus this year from a bank program to Virgin Atlantic. Most bonuses have been at 30%, although one from Chase for 40% just ended.
Best Uses of Virgin Flying Club points:
Two great uses are domestically on Delta within the US or US-Mexico/Canada and for economy flights to/from Europe that are as few as 12,000 miles each way on partners such as KLM or Delta.
Another great use is on ITA Airways to/from Italy for 75,000 miles in Business Class. Surcharges are low; even FCO to JFK has only $55 in fees. (Expect that to end once Lufthansa closes on the ITA acquisition). And if you could actually find a Delta One award FROM Europe to the US, it would be just 50,000 points. Availability is a unicorn. Unfortunately, awards TO Europe on Delta now cost more and have $1,000 + surcharges)
The other, well known, “best use” is to book ANA First and Business class awards:
- First Class to/from Japan from West Coast: 145,000 points Round Trip
- First Class to/from Japan from East Coast: 170,000 points Round Trip
- Business Class to/from Japan from West Coast: 105,000 points Round Trip
- Business Class to/from Japan from East Coast: 120,000 points Round Trip
We have seen past bonuses from Chase and American Express of up to 70%, so while 35% seems like a large bonus, it’s in the midrange of historical bonuses. (See historical transfer bonuses to Marriott Bonvoy).
This is almost never a good transfer unless you are topping off for an award you are ready to book. Keep in mind that we value a Membership Rewards point at almost 3X the value of a Marriott Bonvoy point.
However, there are always exceptions and you might find a 5 night stay (5th night free) where the transfer makes sense so do the math – but you likely do not want to transfer speculatively unless you are a Bonvoy pro and believe you will exceed value you can get via other Amex partners.
This offer runs through the end of 2024, so no rush to decide.
Reward multipliers
The Blue Business Plus provides 2x Membership Rewards points on all eligible business purchases up to the first $50,000 spent per year – and 1 point per dollar spent after that.
Earns bonus points for spend in the following bonus categories:
Estimated Rewards Value: 3.4%
Estimated Rewards Value: 3.4%
Estimated Rewards Value: 3.4%
Estimated Rewards Value: 3.4%
Estimated Rewards Value: 3.4%
Estimated Rewards Value: 3.4%
Estimated Rewards Value: 3.4%
Estimated Rewards Value: 3.4%
Estimated Rewards Value: 3.4%
Estimated Rewards Value: 3.4%
Estimated Rewards Value: 3.4%
Estimated Rewards Value: 3.4%
Estimated Rewards Value: 3.4%
Estimated Rewards Value: 3.4%
Estimated Rewards Value: 3.4%
Estimated Rewards Value: 3.4%
Estimated Rewards Value: 3.4%
Estimated Rewards Value: 3.4%
Estimated Rewards Value: 3.4%
Estimated Rewards Value: 3.4%
Estimated Rewards Value: 3.4%
Key features
Unique Card Benefits
Expanded Buying Power
If you’re in a pinch, you can purchase items on the card that may be above your credit limit depending on your creditworthiness.
Business Expense Management Tools
Stay organized and top of your business expenses thanks to the card’s ample financial resources. QuickBooks allows you to automatically designate all business transactions charged to your statement, making it easier to track your spending over time. You’ll also have complimentary access to Vendor Pay by Bill.com for the primary cardholder, where you can seamlessly pay your invoices.
0% Intro APR on Purchases
0 % Intro APR on purchases for 12 months, 17.74%-25.74% thereafter
Secondary Car Rental CDW Waiver
Secondary coverage will kick in after primary rental car insurance to protect you against damage or theft to an eligible rental car, which could save you hundreds of dollars. As always you must reserve and pay for your entire car rental with the card to be eligible and it does not provide any other insurance coverage, like liability.
Terms:
Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply.
· Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
· Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Purchase Protection
Purchase Protection can help protect eligible card purchases for up to 90 days if it’s stolen or accidentally damaged. Coverage is limited up to $1,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year.
Terms:
When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase with their Eligible Card, Purchase Protection can help protect their Covered Purchases for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date if it is stolen or accidentally damaged. The coverage is limited up to $1,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year.
· Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
· Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
Extended Warranty
This benefit extends an Original Manufacturer’s Warranty (of 5 years of less) by up to one additional year.
Terms:
When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year.
· Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
· Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
Does Not Report Credit Line to Personal Credit Profile
While Amex may pull your credit when qualifying you for this card, the account itself and your balances will not be reported to personal credit bureaus – UNLESS you have late payments or are delinquent on your account.
i.e. Only negative activity would show on your personal credit file.
Travel and Emergency Assistance Services
When you travel more than 100 miles from home, you can contact 24/7 travel and emergency assistance services through the Global Assist® Hotline. Cardholders are responsible for any services rendered.
Terms:
You can rely on Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility.
· Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
· Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.
No Fees for Authorized Users
If you’d like to get additional employee cards, you can do so with no cost. As the primary cardholder, you can manage the spending and credit limit on these employee cards — all while earning Membership Rewards points that’s pooled to your rewards balance.
Free Access to Credit Score
Available when you opt-in to their free “MyCredit Guide.” Find this on the Amex website under My Account >> Free Credit Tools and Support.
Earn more rewards by combining credit cards
Pros & cons
- No annual fee, making the Blue Business Plus a great starter card for new or small business owners
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards points on purchases (capped at the first $50,000 in a year)
- Business expense management tools and expanded buying power ability
- The 2x earning rate is capped at $50,000 per year
- Charges a foreign transaction fee
Our review
With the Blue Business Plus, small businesses can maximize their everyday business purchases, whether it’s shopping for office supplies to paying for client dinners to restocking inventory. There’s no annual fee and a nice welcome bonus to boot.
You can earn valuable Membership Rewards points at a terrific rewards rate: 2x bonus points per dollar spent on all eligible purchases, up to the first $50,000 spent per year; 1X thereafter. This makes the Blue Business Plus a great fit for businesses who don’t want to keep up with confusing bonus categories and spend less than this $50,000 limit every year. Above all, American Express Membership Rewards points are acclaimed for flexibility, as you can redeem them for travel, gift cards, charges on your statement credits, and more.
While you’ll be assigned a credit limit upon account opening, you’ll have access to Amex’s unique expanded buying power tool. This gives you the flexibility to pay for expenses potentially above your credit limit, which is important for business owners who likely have thousands of dollars of expenses every year. You’ll also get access to a 0% introductory APR rate on purchases in the first 12 months of account opening.
There are also important business expense management tools that can help you keep track of your business’s annual revenue and expenditures. With complimentary access to QuickBooks and Vendor Pay by Bill.com, the Amex Blue Business Plus is a fantastic starter card whether you own a new business or have a side hustle.
Rates and Fees for the the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card
Frequently asked questions
Does the Amex Blue Business Plus Card have an annual fee?
No, the Blue Business Cash does not have an annual fee.
Is it hard to get the Amex Blue Business Plus Card?
For your best chances at approval, you should have a strong payment history with a good credit score of at least 670.
Is it worth getting the Amex Blue Business Plus Card?
The Blue Business Plus Card is an excellent choice for small business owners who don’t want to pay an annual fee.
How do I earn points with the Amex Blue Business Plus Card?
You’ll earn 2x Membership Rewards points on virtually all everyday business purchases, up to the annual maximum of $50,000. After this limit, you’ll still earn 1x points.
Is there a better credit card than the Amex Blue Business Plus Card?
If you’re willing to pay an annual fee, there are other premium Amex cards worth considering, such as the American Express Business Gold® Card and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express Card.
Does the Amex Blue Business Plus Card charge a foreign transaction fee?
The Blue Business Plus charges a 2.7% foreign transaction fee of the amount of each transaction converted into U.S. dollars.
Does the Amex Blue Business Plus Card have car rental coverage?
Yes, the Amex Blue Business Plus Card offers secondary car rental coverage when renting cars for eligible business reasons.
Does the Amex Blue Business Plus Card offer extended warranty?
The Amex Blue Business Plus Card offers extended warranty on card purchases that come with a U.S. manufacturer’s warranty of five years or less. You can receive up to one year of additional coverage with the extended warranty benefit.
Does the Amex Blue Business Plus Card offer purchase protection?
The American Express Blue Business Plus offers purchase protection for eligible card purchases within 90 days of purchase to reimburse you for stolen or damaged items.
Does the Amex Blue Business Plus Card offer trip protections?
While the Amex Blue Business Plus does not offer trip protections like delayed baggage insurance or trip cancellation or interruption coverage, you can access the Global Assist Hotline anytime you travel 100+ miles away from home.
What credit score do I need to get a Amex Blue Business Plus Card?
While Amex does not disclose a specific credit score, you’ll want to hold a good credit record with a score of 670+.
What can I do with the points earned for spending on the Amex Blue Business Plus Card?
With your Membership Rewards points balance, you can transfer your rewards to Amex’s 20 airline and hotel partners like Delta Air Lines or Hilton Honors. You can also redeem your Amex points to get gift cards, cover charges on your statement
Does the Amex Blue Business Plus Card have Cell Phone Protection?
The Blue Business Plus does not offer cell phone protection.
For rates and fees of the Blue Business Plus card, please click here.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
