The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express Review

As a financial expert with years of experience navigating the complex and multifaceted world of credit cards, I am excited to share my deep-dive review of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express. This card is a popular choice among business owners and entrepreneurs who are looking to maximize their rewards while managing their business expenses efficiently. In this review, we will explore the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of this card to help you determine if it aligns with your financial goals and business needs.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express Review

Overview

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express stands out with its comprehensive rewards program, competitive introductory APR offer, and a suite of travel and purchase protection benefits. The card is designed for small business owners who want to earn rewards on everyday business purchases without the burden of an annual fee. With 2x Membership Rewards® Points on the first $50,000 spent in purchases each year and 1x points thereafter, it offers a compelling value proposition for businesses with moderate spending needs.

Rewards Program

At the heart of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card is its rewards program, which is tailored to help business owners maximize their spending power. The card offers:
– 2x Membership Rewards® Points: Earn 2 points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases, up to $50,000 per year. After reaching this threshold, you will earn 1 point per dollar spent.
– Welcome Offer: Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of card membership.
The Membership Rewards® points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including travel, gift cards, merchandise, and statement credits. Additionally, the points can be transferred to a number of airline and hotel loyalty programs, which can significantly enhance their value.

Introductory APR Offer

One of the standout features of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card is its 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months from the date of account opening. This can be a valuable benefit for new businesses or those looking to finance large purchases without incurring interest charges. After the introductory period, the APR will revert to a variable rate of 18.49% to 26.49%, depending on your creditworthiness and other factors.

Travel and Purchase Protection Benefits

American Express is known for its robust suite of travel and purchase protection benefits, and The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card is no exception. Some of the key benefits include:
– Global Assist® Hotline: Provides 24/7 medical, legal, financial, and other select emergency assistance and coordination services when you travel more than 100 miles from home. This can include medical and legal referrals, emergency cash wires, and missing luggage assistance. Note that card members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.
– Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: Offers coverage for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle when you use your card to reserve and pay for the entire rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental company counter.
– Purchase Protection: Covers eligible purchases against damage or theft for up to 90 days from the date of purchase.
– Extended Warranty Protection: Extends the original manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases by up to one additional year.

Card Fees and Rates

Another appealing aspect of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card is its fee structure. The card has no annual fee, making it an attractive option for business owners who want to avoid extra costs. Here are some key fee details:
– Annual Fee: $0
– Penalty APR: 29.99%
– Return Payment Fee: $39
– Late Payment Fee: Up to $39
It is important to note that The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card does not offer balance transfers or cash advances, which may be a limitation for some users.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express Key Takeaways

– Rewards Program: The card offers 2x Membership Rewards® Points on the first $50,000 spent in purchases each year and 1x points thereafter. The welcome offer of 15,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months is a valuable incentive.
– Introductory APR: Enjoy 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months, which can help manage cash flow and finance large purchases.
– Travel and Purchase Protection: Benefit from travel assistance, car rental insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage.
– No Annual Fee: The card has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice for business owners.
– Variable APR: After the introductory period, the variable APR ranges from 18.49% to 26.49%, depending on creditworthiness.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Membership Rewards® Program: The 2x points on the first $50,000 spent each year is a significant advantage for businesses with moderate spending. The ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners adds flexibility and value.
2. 0% Intro APR: The 12-month 0% introductory APR on purchases can be a valuable tool for managing cash flow and financing large business expenses.
3. No Annual Fee: The lack of an annual fee makes this card an attractive option for budget-conscious business owners.
4. Travel and Purchase Protection: The card offers a comprehensive suite of travel and purchase protection benefits, including Global Assist® Hotline and car rental insurance.
5. Payment Flexibility: The card offers expanded buying power, allowing you to spend beyond your credit limit when necessary, with the understanding that any amount over the limit must be paid in full each month.

Cons

1. Limits on Rewards: The 2x points are limited to the first $50,000 spent in purchases each year. After that, you will earn 1x points, which may be a drawback for businesses with higher spending needs.
2. Limited Acceptance Worldwide: While American Express is widely accepted in the United States, it may not be as readily accepted internationally as Visa or MasterCard.
3. Foreign Transaction Fee: The card charges a foreign transaction fee, which can add costs when making purchases abroad.
4. No Balance Transfers or Cash Advances: The card does not offer balance transfer or cash advance options, which may be a limitation for some users.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express Benefits

Rewards and Points

The primary benefit of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card is its rewards program. Earning 2x Membership Rewards® Points on the first $50,000 spent in purchases each year can add up quickly, especially for businesses with regular expenses. The welcome offer of 15,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months is a nice boost to get you started.
Membership Rewards® points are incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of redemption options, including:
– Travel: Points can be used to book flights, hotels, car rentals, and more through the American Express Travel portal. Additionally, points can be transferred to a variety of airline and hotel loyalty programs, such as Delta SkyMiles, British Airways Executive Club, and Hilton Honors.
– Gift Cards: Redeem points for gift cards from a wide range of retailers and restaurants.
– Merchandise: Use points to purchase merchandise from various categories, including electronics, home goods, and fashion.
– Statement Credits: Apply points as statement credits to offset eligible charges on your account.
– Pay with Points: Use points to pay for eligible purchases directly at checkout with select merchants.

Travel Benefits

For business owners who travel frequently, The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card offers several travel-related benefits:
– Global Assist® Hotline: Provides 24/7 access to emergency assistance and coordination services when you travel more than 100 miles from home. This can include medical and legal referrals, emergency cash wires, and assistance with lost luggage.
– Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: Offers coverage for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle when you use your card to reserve and pay for the rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental company counter.

Purchase Protection

The card offers robust purchase protection benefits, which can provide peace of mind when making business purchases:
– Purchase Protection: Covers eligible purchases against damage or theft for up to 90 days from the date of purchase. This can be particularly valuable for expensive business equipment or electronics.
– Extended Warranty Protection: Extends the original manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases by up to one additional year. This benefit can help protect your investments and reduce the need for costly repairs or replacements.

Additional Benefits

– Expanded Buying Power: The card offers expanded buying power, allowing you to spend beyond your credit limit when necessary. This can be particularly useful for unexpected expenses or opportunities that require additional funding. However, any amount over the credit limit must be paid in full each month.
– Fraud Protection: American Express provides advanced fraud protection, monitoring your account for suspicious activity and providing zero liability for unauthorized charges.
– Integration with QuickBooks: The card can be easily integrated with QuickBooks, making it simpler to track and manage business expenses.

Conclusion

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a well-rounded option for small business owners looking to earn rewards on everyday purchases while enjoying a suite of valuable benefits. The 2x Membership Rewards® Points on the first $50,000 spent each year, coupled with the welcome offer of 15,000 points, can provide a significant boost to your rewards balance. The 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months is a valuable