Amex Blue Business Plus Card: Review & Benefits
Hey guys! Let's dive into the American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card. If you're a business owner looking for a credit card that offers fantastic rewards and flexibility, you've come to the right place. We’ll break down everything you need to know, from the card's benefits and rewards to its fees and overall value. Let's get started!
What is the Amex Blue Business Plus Card?
The Amex Blue Business Plus card is a business credit card designed for small business owners who want to earn rewards on their everyday spending without paying an annual fee. This card is part of the American Express OPEN program, which is geared towards supporting small businesses. The card is particularly appealing because it offers a straightforward rewards structure, valuable perks, and the backing of a reputable financial institution like American Express. One of the standout features of the Amex Blue Business Plus card is its ability to earn valuable Membership Rewards points, which can be redeemed for a variety of options including travel, gift cards, and statement credits. The card's simplicity and lack of an annual fee make it an attractive option for business owners who are just starting out or who want to avoid the recurring cost of some premium business credit cards. Additionally, the card provides access to various Amex benefits and protections, such as purchase protection and extended warranty coverage, which can offer peace of mind for business-related purchases. For businesses with varying spending habits, the consistent rewards rate across all spending categories can be a significant advantage, making it easier to maximize rewards without having to track different bonus categories.
Key Features and Benefits
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what makes this card so awesome. The Amex Blue Business Plus card is packed with features that can really benefit your business. The card’s standout feature is its 2x Membership Rewards points on the first $50,000 in purchases each calendar year (then 1x point per dollar). This is a fantastic earning rate, especially considering the card has no annual fee. Membership Rewards points are highly valuable and can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, merchandise, or statement credits. The flexibility in redemption options makes this a major perk for business owners who want to tailor their rewards to their specific needs. The lack of foreign transaction fees is another significant advantage, particularly for businesses that conduct transactions internationally. These fees can add up quickly, so avoiding them can lead to substantial savings. Beyond rewards and fees, the card offers several other practical benefits. Purchase protection can safeguard your business purchases against damage or theft, while extended warranty coverage can provide added peace of mind for business equipment and electronics. These protections can save your business money in the long run by covering unexpected repair or replacement costs. The card also includes access to American Express’s robust suite of business tools and resources, which can help you manage your finances more effectively. From expense tracking to account management tools, Amex provides a range of resources designed to support small business owners in their financial endeavors.
Earning Rewards
The earning potential with the Amex Blue Business Plus is pretty sweet. You get 2x points on the first $50,000 spent each calendar year, then 1x point per dollar thereafter. This flat rate on all spending categories makes it super simple to maximize your rewards. No need to juggle different categories or worry about quarterly bonuses. The consistency of the rewards structure means you can focus on running your business without constantly strategizing about which card to use for each purchase. The $50,000 spending cap at the 2x rate is generous, making it suitable for a wide range of small businesses. For many businesses, this limit will cover the majority of their annual spending, allowing them to earn a significant amount of rewards points. Even after reaching the cap, the 1x point per dollar rate is still competitive and provides ongoing value. The simplicity of the rewards program also means it’s easier to estimate and plan for your rewards earnings, which can be helpful for budgeting and financial forecasting. Whether you’re paying for office supplies, marketing expenses, or travel, every purchase helps you accumulate valuable Membership Rewards points. The ease of earning and the flexibility in redemption make this card an appealing choice for businesses looking to maximize their rewards without unnecessary complexity.
Redeeming Rewards
Now, let’s talk about the fun part – redeeming your rewards! Amex Membership Rewards points are super versatile. You can use them for travel (flights, hotels, etc.), gift cards, statement credits, or even transfer them to Amex’s partner airlines and hotels for potentially even greater value. The flexibility of the Membership Rewards program is one of its key strengths. The option to transfer points to partner airlines and hotels can unlock significant value, especially for those who enjoy traveling. By transferring points strategically, you can often get more than 1 cent per point in value, which is a great return. For example, booking flights or hotel stays through Amex’s travel partners can sometimes yield much higher redemption rates compared to using points for statement credits or gift cards. The ability to redeem points for statement credits provides a straightforward way to offset business expenses, while gift cards can be a convenient option for personal or employee rewards. Amex’s travel portal offers a seamless booking experience, allowing you to use your points to cover flights, hotels, rental cars, and more. The diverse redemption options make it easy to find a way to use your points that aligns with your business needs and personal preferences. Whether you’re looking to reduce travel costs, reward employees, or simply lower your monthly bill, the Membership Rewards program provides the flexibility to do so.
Additional Perks
Beyond the rewards, the Amex Blue Business Plus comes with a bunch of other perks. You get access to Amex Offers, which can save you money on purchases from various retailers. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees, which is a huge win if you do business internationally. Amex Offers is a fantastic program that provides targeted discounts and statement credits on purchases from a wide range of businesses. These offers are often tailored to your spending habits, making it easier to save money on the things you already buy. Simply add the offers to your card and use your Amex Blue Business Plus to make the purchase, and you’ll automatically receive the statement credit. This can result in significant savings over time, especially for businesses that frequently use the participating merchants. The absence of foreign transaction fees is another substantial benefit, particularly for businesses that conduct international transactions. These fees typically range from 1% to 3% of the transaction amount, so avoiding them can save your business a considerable amount of money. Whether you’re traveling abroad for business or making purchases from international suppliers, the lack of foreign transaction fees makes this card a cost-effective choice. Additionally, the Amex Blue Business Plus card comes with purchase protection and extended warranty coverage, providing added security for your business purchases. These protections can help safeguard your business against unexpected losses and ensure that your business equipment and electronics are covered.
Fees and APR
Okay, let's talk money. The Amex Blue Business Plus has no annual fee, which is a massive plus. The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) varies based on your creditworthiness, so make sure you pay your bills on time to avoid interest charges. The absence of an annual fee makes this card an attractive option for businesses of all sizes, particularly those that are just starting out or looking to minimize their expenses. The value proposition of earning rewards without paying an annual fee is a significant draw for many business owners. However, like with any credit card, it's crucial to manage your spending responsibly to avoid interest charges. The APR on the Amex Blue Business Plus card is variable, meaning it can fluctuate based on market conditions and other factors. Keeping your credit utilization low and making timely payments are essential for maintaining a good credit score and potentially qualifying for a lower APR. Interest charges can quickly eat into your rewards earnings, so it's best to pay your balance in full each month whenever possible. In addition to the APR, it's also important to be aware of other potential fees, such as late payment fees and returned payment fees. While these fees are standard for most credit cards, avoiding them is always the best practice. By managing your account responsibly and paying your bills on time, you can maximize the benefits of the Amex Blue Business Plus card and avoid unnecessary costs.
Who is this Card For?
The Amex Blue Business Plus is ideal for small business owners who want a simple, rewarding credit card without an annual fee. It’s great for businesses with varying spending habits, as you earn a flat rate on all purchases. This card is particularly well-suited for businesses that want to earn valuable Membership Rewards points without having to track different bonus categories or deal with rotating rewards. The simplicity of the rewards structure makes it easy to maximize your earnings, regardless of your spending patterns. Whether you’re a freelancer, a small retail shop, or a growing startup, the Amex Blue Business Plus can be a valuable tool for managing your business expenses and earning rewards. The card’s lack of an annual fee also makes it a low-risk option for businesses that are just starting out or who want to keep their overhead costs to a minimum. The flexibility of the Membership Rewards program makes it easy to redeem your points for travel, gift cards, statement credits, or other valuable rewards. If you’re looking for a card that offers a straightforward rewards program, valuable perks, and the backing of a reputable financial institution like American Express, the Amex Blue Business Plus is definitely worth considering. It’s a versatile card that can adapt to a variety of business needs and help you earn rewards on your everyday spending.
Pros and Cons
Let’s break it down simply:
Pros:
- No annual fee
- 2x Membership Rewards points on the first $50,000 spent each year
- Versatile Membership Rewards program
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers
Cons:
- $50,000 spending cap on 2x points
- APR can be high if you carry a balance
- Might not be the best for businesses with very high spending
Alternatives to the Amex Blue Business Plus
If the Amex Blue Business Plus isn't quite the right fit, there are other options to explore. The Chase Ink Business Preferred offers higher rewards in certain categories and a hefty sign-up bonus, but it does come with an annual fee. The Capital One Spark Miles for Business is another strong contender, offering miles on every purchase and easy redemption options. These alternative cards may be better suited for businesses with specific spending patterns or those who are looking for additional perks and benefits. The Chase Ink Business Preferred, for example, is a great option for businesses that spend a lot on travel, advertising, or internet, cable, and phone services. It offers 3x points on these categories, which can add up quickly. However, the annual fee may not be worth it for businesses that don’t spend heavily in these areas. The Capital One Spark Miles for Business is a solid choice for businesses that want a straightforward rewards program with easy redemption options. It offers a flat rate of miles on every purchase, which can be redeemed for travel or cash back. If you’re looking for a card with a simpler rewards structure and more flexible redemption options, the Spark Miles card may be a better fit. Ultimately, the best credit card for your business will depend on your specific needs and spending habits. It’s important to compare the rewards, fees, and benefits of different cards to find the one that offers the most value for your business.
Final Verdict
Overall, the Amex Blue Business Plus is a solid choice for small business owners looking for a rewarding credit card without an annual fee. The 2x points on the first $50,000 spent, combined with the versatility of the Membership Rewards program, make it a valuable addition to any business’s financial toolkit. So, if you're in the market for a new business credit card, definitely give this one a look! This card offers a great balance of rewards, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, making it an excellent option for a wide range of businesses. The simplicity of the rewards structure is a major advantage, as it allows you to focus on running your business without having to constantly strategize about which card to use for each purchase. The absence of an annual fee is another significant benefit, making this card a low-risk option for businesses of all sizes. The Membership Rewards program provides a variety of redemption options, allowing you to use your points for travel, gift cards, statement credits, and more. Whether you’re looking to reduce your business expenses, reward your employees, or simply save money on your everyday spending, the Amex Blue Business Plus can help you achieve your goals. So, if you’re in the market for a new business credit card, be sure to consider the Amex Blue Business Plus. It’s a versatile and rewarding card that can provide significant value to your business.