INTRODUCTION

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a top choice for small businesses or freelancers looking to maximize value without paying an annual fee.

The top earnings rate of two points per dollar only applies for the first $50,000 and it then halves. Businesses spending more than this could consider pairing with another card. 

What makes this card stand out is access to American Express Membership Rewards, a transferable points program with over 20 airline and hotel partners. Common valuations of Membership Rewards® points are around two cents per dollar, making this better than most cashback rates on the market. Value can be even higher with the right airline award redemption. 

It will also work well alongside other American Express cards. The Business Gold and Platinum cards, for example, have higher earning rates in specific categories. These could be used to maximize rewards in those categories, while relying on the Blue Business® Plus for all other spending.

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MAIN CARD BENEFITS:

No annual fee.

0% APR offer for 12 months. 

Sign-up bonus of15,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.

Earning of two American Express Membership Rewards points per dollar. This is on all spending for the first $50,000, then it reduces to one point per dollar. 

Access to American Express Membership Rewards, with its more than 20 hotel and airline transfer partners. There are many ways to get higher value from rewards with these partners. 

Combine points with other American Express Membership Rewards-earning cards.

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WHO IS THE CARD FOR:

Businesses that want a simple earnings rate – but with an earnings limit – and access to American Express Membership Rewards.

The card is also a useful option for some individuals or businesses that have built up a balance of Membership Rewards points but no longer want an annual fee-based card. 

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PROS:

High earnings level of two points per dollar for the first $50,000.

Gives access to the excellent American Express Membership Rewards program without paying an annual fee. 

Pairs with other American Express cards as part of strategies to maximize rewards. 

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CONS:

Earning of two points per dollar is only offered for the first $50,000 spent annually. After that it reduces to one point per dollar. 

There are no bonus categories or higher earnings levels. 

There is a foreign transaction fee (2.7%) for non-US Dollar purchases.

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