American Express Blue Business Plus
What it earns, where its points transfer, the welcome offer, the purchase protection and what it is worth.
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Business travel cards · American Express
Welcome offer
15,000 points
Annual fee
$0
15,000 Membership Rewards points after $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months. Anyone who has or has had this card may not be eligible, and offers vary by applicant and by advertisement. The card also has a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening, then a variable 16.99% to 28.74%.
Employee cards: No feeForeign transaction fees: 2.7%Rewards: Amex Membership Rewards
The Atelier Take
A simple way to earn transferable points on business spending: 2x on everything up to $50,000 a year, for no fee.
Who it suits
Businesses with steady, mixed spending of up to $50,000 a year that want Membership Rewards points without tracking categories. A natural partner to a Business Platinum or Business Gold, which earn 1x outside their bonus categories.
Who should skip it
Businesses spending well above $50,000 a year, since everything after that earns 1x, and anyone paying in foreign currencies, given the 2.7% fee.
What it earns
Rewards: American Express Membership Rewards points, which transfer to 16 airline and 4 hotel programs, most at 1:1, including Delta SkyMiles, Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways and Marriott Bonvoy.
2x
Eligible purchases
On the first $50,000 a calendar year; 1x after
2x
Travel booked on AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App
Flights, prepaid hotels, prepaid car rentals and cruises; does not count toward the $50,000
1x
Purchases after the first $50,000 in a calendar year
TPG values Membership Rewards points at 2.0¢ each, when transferred to airline and hotel partners, so 2x returns about 4¢ per dollar on the first $50,000. The points transfer from this card on its own; no premium card is needed alongside. Transfers to U.S. airlines carry a fee of $0.0006 a point, capped at $99.
Transfer partners and other benefits
Airline partners
16 programs, including Delta SkyMiles, Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, ANA, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic, most at 1:1. The full list and ratios are on Amex’s transfer page.
Hotel partners
Hilton Honors (1,000 points to 2,000), Marriott Bonvoy and Choice Privileges (1:1), and Leaders Club (1,000 points to 250).
Expanded Buying Power
Spending above the credit limit is possible, within an amount that adapts to use, payment history and other factors.
0% intro APR
0% on purchases for 12 months from account opening, then a variable 16.99% to 28.74%.
What it is worth
No annual fee, so nothing to earn back. $50,000 of spending a year earns 100,000 points, about $2,000 at TPG’s 2.0¢ valuation.
Beside a Business Platinum or Business Gold it fills the gap: those cards earn 1x on most everyday purchases, this one 2x. Past $50,000 a year it earns 1x too, so the heaviest spenders get less from it.
Purchases in foreign currencies carry a 2.7% fee, which takes most of the 2x return at TPG’s value, so it is a card for spending at home.
Insurance and protections
Purchase cover and car rental cover only; there is no trip delay, trip cancellation or baggage insurance. Amex’s Guides to Benefits have the full terms.
Car rental loss and damage
Up to $50,000 for theft or damage to a rental car, for rentals up to 30 days, when the rental company’s damage waiver is declined. Not available in Australia, Italy or New Zealand, and no liability cover. Secondary.
Purchase protection
Theft or accidental damage within 90 days of purchase: up to $1,000 per item and $50,000 a year.
Extended warranty
Adds up to one year to manufacturer warranties of five years or less: up to $10,000 per item and $50,000 a year.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 2x on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 a year
- No annual fee and no fee for employee cards
- Points transfer to the full set of Amex airline and hotel partners
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months
Cons
- Drops to 1x after $50,000 a year
- 2.7% foreign transaction fee
- No travel insurance beyond car rental cover
- Small welcome offer
Card terms change often and some offers are personalized; the issuer’s page is the final word.