7 reasons why the Amex Blue Business Plus Card should be in everyone’s wallet

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March 03, 2025

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7 min read

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Editor's Note

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With many choices when it comes to business credit cards — including the different fees, rewards and redemption options that come with them — choosing the right card for your company might have you feeling adrift.

This is where TPG can help.

An underrated card to consider is The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express. Amex designed this card for small businesses and sole proprietorships using a straightforward reward system.

You can earn rewards on everyday spending and business expenses for no annual fee (see rates and fees). Here are seven reasons why the Blue Business Plus card deserves a spot in your wallet.

No annual fee

There is no annual fee to carry the Blue Business Plus, so there's really no reason not to apply if the card seems like a good fit for your business.

Many of the best business cards have annual fees. If your business is smaller or just getting started, you may not be able to afford the often-high fees associated with many popular cards. If that's the case, a card like the Blue Business Plus can be a great fit.

Membership Rewards points

Amex Membership Rewards points are some of the most valuable on the market. American Express has 21 transfer partners — 18 airlines and three hotels.

This gives you access to award bookings from airline and hotel programs around the world. According to TPG's February 2025 valuations, Membership Rewards points are worth 2 cents per point when you use Amex's transfer partners to redeem. It's possible to get even more value from that with the right bookings.

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Simple reward structure

You'll earn 2 points per dollar on every eligible purchase you make on the Blue Business Plus for the first $50,000 you spend each calendar year. The rate drops to 1 point per dollar on eligible purchases after that.

This is one of the best rates for any business card when it comes to everyday spending. Plus, there are no bonus categories to track.

The only downside is that you may be forgoing larger bonuses offered by other cards in certain spending categories.

For instance, if your business books many flights, this card would work best in tandem with The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.

Pairing with other Amex cards

Pairing the Blue Business Plus with other Amex cards like the American Express® Gold Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express creates an Amex trifecta — in which all cards earn Membership Rewards points.

With this trifecta, you'll earn at least 2 Membership Rewards on all purchases across the board (subject to spending caps).

The Amex Gold earns 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per year, then 1 point per dollar) and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per year, then 1 point per dollar).

The Amex Platinum earns 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel®, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar.

TPG contributing editor Matt Moffitt uses this card as his main go-to for nonbonus spending.

As part of the Amex Trifecta, he purchases flights with his Amex Platinum, puts U.S. supermarket purchases and worldwide dining at restaurants on his Gold and uses his Blue Business Plus card for almost all other expenses to earn 2 Membership Rewards points (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).

Employee cards

Another perk is that American Express allows you to add up to 99 employee cards, which allows you to keep earning 2 points per dollar on employee per diem spending.

Expanded buying power

Amex allows you to exceed your credit limit for big purchases, depending on your previous use of the card, payment history and credit history. Terms apply.

The money spent that exceeds your credit limit must be paid by a specific due date; your full credit limit amount can be carried forward (although at TPG, we recommend paying balances off in full whenever possible).

Insurance benefits

Amex cards come with a slew of insurance benefits, and the Blue Business Plus is no exception. Cardmembers will enjoy:

Extended warranty protection: Purchases are covered for an additional year on original warranties of five years or less, up to $10,000 per item and $50,000 per account per calendar year*
Purchase protection: Any eligible item that is damaged or stolen is protected for up to 90 days (up to $1,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per cardmember account per calendar year)*
Car rental loss and damage insurance: Receive benefits of up to $50,000 per rental agreement (Note that this is secondary insurance and does not include liability coverage)**
Global assist hotline: This service provides you with information on customs information, passport and visa information, travel inquiries, foreign exchange rates, vaccination information, emergency translation and interpretation, lost-item search, missing luggage assistance, card cancellation, urgent-message relay, emergency medical transportation assistance and more***

*Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

**Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

***Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Bottom line

Although it doesn't have any special bonus categories, the Amex Blue Business Plus card is one of our favorite small-business credit cards.

Thanks to its straightforward earning structure, this card is a great way for business owners to earn valuable Membership Rewards points. It can also be a great complimentary card when paired with other credit cards in Amex's roster, especially if you're looking for ways to fill some gaps in your earning strategy.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Blue Business Plus.

Apply here: The Blue Business Plus Card from American Express

For rates and fees of the Blue Business Plus, click here.

Featured image by SOUTH AGENCY/GETTY IMAGES

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.