Review: American Express The Blue Business Plus Credit Card

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*All information included in this article was current on its publication date (July 25, 2019) and is subject to change.

It’s a smart decision for a small business to get a business credit card. Not only does it allow the business to build credit, but it also enables earning rewards you can reinvest in your business. American Express has created a credit card designed especially for small businesses. Whether your business is a solidified brick and mortar or a budding startup, The Blue Business Plus Credit Card by American Express is a formidable option for your business. The Blue Business Plus card allows for substantial earnings without worrying about a high interest rate and annual fee. 

Specifications

Interest Rate:

A benefit of this card is a 0% introductory APR for any purchases and transfers during the first 12 months. After the first year of opening the account, the APR will be 13.24%, 16.24% or 19.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.

Membership Point Earning:

American Express keeps it simple and clear in how membership points are earned for this card–here’s no confusion about different earnings for separate categories. Spending is broken into only 2 categories: non-business and business. Every purchase you make, no matter what it is, earns points. You earn 1 point for every dollar charged to the card for non-business purchases. For everyday business purchases, you earn double points on up to $50,000. Everyday business purchases include things like office supplies or client dinners. 

Membership Point Redemption:

You can use the membership points you earn with The Blue Business Plus Credit Card in the same way as the points you earn with other American Express Business cards. Membership points can be used for things such as travel, statement credits, gift cards, shopping, donations to charity, and points to transfer partners. 

Benefits

No Annual Fee:

Many business cards come with an annual fee. The Blue Business Credit Card gives you the benefit of earning membership points without a yearly charge.

Expanded Buying Power:

American Express understands there are times in business when you need to make necessary purchases beyond your credit limit. Expanded buying power allows you to spend beyond your usual credit limit for those necessary purchases. It’s important to note that the amount you can go above your credit limit is not unlimited and is based on payment history, credit record, and known financial resources.

Drawback

The most noticeable drawback to The Blue Business Plus Credit Card is the lack of introductory bonus. The majority of business cards offer an introductory bonus, whether it’s cash back, points, or miles. While it’s disappointing there isn’t an introductory bonus, most cards that offer a bonus require an annual fee. This card doesn’t require an annual fee, which makes the absence of a bonus a flaw that can be overlooked.

Final Say: Business As Usual 

The Blue Business Plus Credit Card by American Express is perfect for the small business that doesn’t have many expenses. There is a $50,000 cap on earning double points for business expenses, so if your company easily exceeds that amount in business expenses every year, you might consider finding another business credit card with a higher cap. If exceeding the $50,000 cap for double points isn’t an issue, this card would be an excellent addition to your business. It allows you to capitalize on the spending your business already does without demanding an annual fee.