Having the right business credit card in your wallet can go a long way in helping you save your company money and make the most of your expenses. And Blue Business® Plus Credit Card by American Express is one of the most popular business credit cards on the market today.
Blue Business Plus has many perks that business owners want, including solid commission rates, travel benefits and a welcome bonus. But is it right for your business? We will discuss when Amex Blue Business Plus is worth it and whether you should add it to your toolbox.
When does the Amex Blue Business Plus card cost?
When you want simple rewards for your expenses
If you’re looking for a business credit card that rewards you for your spending, then Blue Business Plus is a good choice. With this card, you will receive 2x Membership Rewards points for your first $50,000 spent. Once you pass the $50,000 threshold, you will earn 1X points. This card is great for businesses that spend money across all categories as it offers the same reward rate across the board.
When you need flexible rewards
One of the things consumers love most about Amex Membership Rewards points is flexibility. There are several ways to redeem your Reward Points and you can choose which one to use. Here are some of your options:
- Pay off credit statements to cover card purchases
- Book your trip with American Express Travel to get more value for your points.
- Covering checkout purchases with Amex Pay with Points
- Redeem points for gift cards from various participating locations.
- Point transfer to Amex airline or partner hotel
Keep in mind that the value you get for your points depends on how you use them. You will get the most value by booking flights with Amex Travel (1 cent), redeeming points to certain loyalty programs (price varies by partner), or buying gift cards (1 cent).
When You Need a Credit Card Welcome Bonus
Like personal credit cards, many business cards offer welcome bonuses that will help you earn big points immediately when you reach a certain spending threshold. Blue Business Plus offers cardholders 15,000 Membership Rewards when they spend $3,000 on qualifying purchases within the first three months.
To that end, you only need to shop for $1,000 per month, which is not a problem for most businesses. Given that the average membership reward score is worth 2.1 cents (according to Bankrate), your initial offer will be worth $315, which you can invest back into your business.
When you don’t want to pay the annual fee
Many of the best business credit cards on the market require an annual fee. If you want to waive the annual fee while still earning a decent reward for your business expenses, then the Blue Business Plus card may be the right card for you.
When is the Amex Blue Business Plus card not worth it?
When you spend a lot on business trips
Travel rewards tend to be a favorite among many cardholders, especially those who travel a lot for business. And while your Amex points can be used for travel, Blue Business Plus doesn’t come with many of the travel benefits included with other cards.
For example, there are no increased travel spending rewards, as well as lounge access, airfare credit, or any of the benefits we expect to see with the best travel credit cards. The card also has a 2.7% foreign transaction fee, so it’s not the best choice for international travel.
When you spend over $50,000 a year
The fixed rate of the card makes it simple and easy to use as you are guaranteed to receive bonus rewards for everything you spend. Unfortunately, it only offers this reward rate for purchases up to $50,000 per year. Once you reach the threshold, you will only earn 1X points for your spending.
Many businesses spend far less than $50,000 a year, but those who spend more may want to consider a card with a higher spending limit or a card that brings unlimited rewards.
When you spend a lot on certain categories
A flat rate may suit many small business owners. But if you spend a lot in some categories and less in others, you might be better off choosing a card with bonus reward categories.
For example, American Express® Business Gold Card offers 4X points in the two categories where you spend the most (up to $150,000 a year), while other cards offer higher points for spending on travel, business supplies, restaurants and more. So before choosing a card, consider where you spend most of your business expenses.
Should you get an Amex Blue Business Plus card?
If your business is spending less than $50,000 a year on various categories and you don’t need any special travel perks, Blue Business Plus could be a great fit due to its solid remuneration rate and no annual fees. If your spending is higher and focused on certain categories, or you travel overseas frequently, another card might be a better fit.
This is a good card for start-up companies or for those who spend money on a variety of categories every month. Whether you’re looking to furnish an office, pay vendors, or invest in marketing, this might be the right choice. And if international transaction fees keep you from using the card abroad, the Blue Business Plus card can come in handy for domestic travel. Not only can you use your Reward Points for travel, but it also provides a range of travel protections such as luggage insurance, travel accident insurance, and car rental insurance.
bottom line
With the right business credit card on hand, you can save money on business expenses, and there are many great options on the market. The Blue Business Plus card can be good for you if you spend money on different categories and don’t mind the $50,000 spending limit.
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The editorial content on this page is based solely on the objective judgment of our contributors and is not based on advertising. It was not provided or ordered by credit card issuers. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to our partners’ products.