The earnings rate offered by The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express (terms apply, see rates & fees) is hard to beat if your business can stay under the annual spending cap.
Why We Like It
A few features of this card stand out as being particularly friendly to startups: An introductory APR offer helps you fund expenses without interest. New cardholders pay 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate of 17.74% – 25.74% applies. Another financing perk is the ability to occasionally charge above your assigned credit limit with American Express’ Expanded Buying Power* option.
Your Amex Membership Rewards® points can be redeemed in a variety of ways, including 1:1 transfers to many travel partners. The Blue Business Plus also offers employee cards at no extra charge and unlocks Amex Offers, a program that provides periodic merchant deals to earn additional rewards or statement credits (enrollment required).
What We Don’t Like
Businesses will need to consider a few drawbacks of this card, the most noteworthy being that the earning rate drops in half after spending $50,000 or more in a calendar year. Rewards, though flexible, are best used toward travel: Cash redemptions result in a value of less than a penny per point.
Lastly, the card charges a foreign transaction fee, so it’s not the best option for international business expenses.
Who It’s Best For
Businesses with lower spending can maximize their earnings with the Blue Business Plus, but since there are a few reward restrictions, it’s best for someone willing to put a little effort into tracking spending and redemptions.
What Users Think
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a popular choice for small business owners, praised for its simple rewards structure with no annual fee. Many users value its flexibility to combine Membership Rewards points with personal cards and others mentioned ancillary benefits like extended warranty protection¹. The card’s intro APR is another highlight, though some users wish for a more competitive welcome bonus and there are occasional reports of application challenges.