Simplicity is a goal that many business owners and entrepreneurs strive for. Fortunately, the American Express Blue Business Plus (BBP) Card makes reaching that goal easier. This card is a favorite of many business owners and entrepreneurs alike because of its flat earning structure and lack of annual fee.
The BBP is special because it’s the only business card that lets you transfer points to partners for no annual fee. The American Express Everyday Card is the only other card that has this option, but its a personal card. Also, the BBP is a traditional credit card, meaning that you can (but shouldn’t) carry a balance.
Earning
The Blue Business Plus Card’s simplicity and value lie in its earning structure. It earns 2x Membership Rewards (MR) points per dollar for the first $50,000 in purchases every year. Thereafter, you will receive only one point if you spend more than $50,000 per year. I suggest switching to another MR-earning card if you spend more than $50,000 annually. Purchases reset every calendar year on January 1.
Unfortunately, the BBP Card does not have a public sign-up bonus. A lack of sign-up bonus is the BBP Card’s biggest weakness. American Express did this on purpose to compensate for the card’s high flat earning rate. The Citi Double Cash is another example of a card like this.
You can be referred for the BBP Card from a friend or family member who is also an Amex cardholder. Your friend or family member can hold any American Express card to refer you for the BBP. If they refer you, both you and your friend or family member will receive referral bonuses. Spending requirements and points amounts may vary, depending on the promotion.
Burning
Earning points is fantastic, but points earned are useless if you cannot redeem them for anything of value. Amex has multiple options for redemption:
Transfer Partners
American Express’ transfer partners are this card’s most valuable redemption option. They are the reason why points and miles enthusiasts love the Membership Rewards family of credit cards so much. Amex transfers points at a 1 MR to 1 partner currency ratio unless otherwise noted.
Hotels
- Choice Privileges
- Hilton (1 MR = 2 Hilton Honors Points)
- Marriott
Airlines
- Aer Lingus
- Aeromexico (5 MR = 8 Premier Points)
- Air Canada
- Air Italia Millemiglia
- Asia Miles / Cathay Pacific
- Avianca Lifemiles
- British Airways
- Delta Airlines
- Emirates
- Etihad Guest
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Iberia
- JetBlue (5 MR = 4 TrueBlue Points)
- KLM Flying Blue / Air France
- Nippon Airways
- Qantas
- Singapore Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
Your mileage may vary for each partner. But for most partners, you should be able to easily redeem your points for at least 1.5 cents per point (CPP).
Other Options
Amextravel.com is Amex’s travel website that can be used to book hotels and flights. However, it can be more expensive than other third party travel booking websites.
Gift cards, merchandise, and statement credits are not recommended. You will earn less than 1 CPP using these options. If cash back or gift cards are what you want, this card is probably not for you.
Benefits
QuickBooks
Most business owners know that programs like QuickBooks are very helpful for organizing your business’ financials. This card lets you connect your card to your business’ QuickBooks account just for having membership. The QuickBooks benefit is becoming increasingly common among American Express business cards.
Expanded Buying Power
This feature combines aspects of a traditional credit card and a charge card. Purchases within your credit limit are handled like those from a revolving credit card. But you can also make purchases beyond your credit limit. You must pay the excess amount in full like a charge card if you take advantage of this feature.
This can be useful for businesses and entrepreneurs with uncertain and varied cash flow.
Secondary Car Rental Insurance
This benefit covers the entire loss, damage, or theft of your car rental after your regular insurance’s policy kicks in.
Similar Cards
Check out these alternatives if the Blue Business Plus is not right for you or your business:
Chase Ink Business Unlimited
The Chase Ink Business Unlimited is the closest competitor to the Blue Business Plus. It earns a flat 1.5x Ultimate Rewards (UR) points for all purchases. But the Ink Business Unlimited does not have a spend limit unlike the Blue Business Plus.
Furthermore, the BBP is better for those who have less than $50,000 in annual business expenses and like Amex’s transfer partners. It’s also the better card for those with side gigs because of its higher earning rate.
However, the Ink Business Unlimited is better for those with at least $50,000 in non-bonus business expenses. Businesses with large expenses who want to use only one card might be better off with the Ink Business one as well. This card is also the better one if you prefer Chase’s transfer partners.
American Express Business Gold Card
The American Express Business Gold Card is a great option for businesses with steady cash flow and expenses that align with the card’s bonus categories. It has a $295 annual fee (NOT waived the first year) and a handful of perks to boot. Plus, Amex’s golden charge card has a sign-up bonus worth 35,000 points. You can earn this bonus by spending $5,000 in the first three months.
Furthermore, the Business Gold Card earns 4x Membership Rewards (MR) points on two categories of choice (for the first $150,000 in purchases). It also earns 2x points on the remaining categories and one point on all other purchases.
The categories to choose from are as follows:
- Advertising (TV, radio, and online only)
- Airfare (booked directly with the airline)
- Select Computing Merchants
- US Gas Stations
- US Restaurants
- Shipping
This card is awesome if you or your business spends heavily in any two of these categories. Otherwise, the Blue Business Plus is the better card. The Blue Business Plus is also better if you don’t want to pay an annual fee or have varied business expenses.
Final Draw
The American Express Blue Business Plus is a great card for entrepreneurs and small businesses with varied spend. Amex created this card specifically for that market niche. It’s also a very valuable option for those with side gigs because of its high and flat earning structure.
However, if your small business grows, the Blue Business Plus Card’s $50,000 annual spend limit might not be enough. That’s when getting another card will be beneficial.
Apply Today: American Express Blue Business Plus
PYCR Credit Card Rating
PYCR Credit Card Rating-
Sign-Up Bonus0/100
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Earning100/100
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Burning80/100
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Perks40/100
There is a Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.7% for this card.
Hi Winnie,
Thanks for reading PYCR and pointing out that mistake. You’re right about the BBP’s 2.7% forex fee. I have taken out that section as necessary.
I think there is an error in the article. The Blue Business Plus does not cover roadside assistance.
Hi Ron,
Thanks for reading PYCR and pointing this error out. The BBP does offer roadside assistance via its hotline. But you are right that it doesn’t cover roadside assistance itself like the Business Gold and Platinum Cards do. I have changed the roadside assistance section to mention the hotline.
Also there is no return protection.
Hi Ron,
Thanks for reading PYCR and catching this error. That section is as good as gone.
Anthony