The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express is a popular choice for small business owners, offering benefits like no annual fee and rewards on everyday spending. If you’ve just received this card, here are five essential steps to make the most out of its features and start maximizing its value for your business.
Familiarize Yourself with the 2X Membership Rewards Points
One of the standout perks of the Blue Business Plus card is earning 2X Membership Rewards points on the first $50,000 spent annually on everyday business purchases. This means you’ll earn double points on office supplies, software subscriptions, or travel expenses — making it easy to rack up rewards. Be sure to prioritize business expenses on this card to capitalize on this benefit. Once you hit the $50,000 cap, you’ll still earn 1X points on all subsequent purchases.
Leverage the Flexible Spending Limit
The Blue Business Plus card offers a unique flexible spending limit, which means your spending capacity can adjust according to your purchase, payment, and credit history. This feature provides valuable flexibility for growing businesses. If you need to make a larger-than-usual purchase, the card’s spending limit may adapt to accommodate it, allowing you to handle unexpected expenses without worry. However, be mindful to stay within manageable spending limits, as the flexibility doesn’t eliminate the need to repay balances.
Set Up Automatic Payments to Avoid Interest
Although the Blue Business Plus card has no annual fee, interest can add up if you carry a balance. To avoid this, set up automatic payments for your monthly balance. Doing so can help you make timely payments, avoid late fees, and keep your business finances in check. Even if you can’t pay the entire balance every month, aim to pay more than the minimum to reduce your interest charges.
Take Advantage of Amex Offers and Additional Benefits
American Express frequently provides special deals and discounts through its Amex Offers program. These offers can include cash back or bonus points on purchases from specific merchants, such as office supplies, dining, or travel. Check your Amex dashboard regularly to activate relevant offers and save on everyday expenses. Additionally, explore the card’s other perks, like purchase protection and extended warranties, which can add extra value and security for your business purchases.
Track and Redeem Your Membership Rewards Points Strategically
Once you’ve accumulated Membership Rewards points, think strategically about how to redeem them for maximum value. Points can be redeemed for various rewards, including travel, gift cards, or statement credits, with some redemptions offering better value than others. For instance, transferring points to Amex’s airline and hotel partners can often provide a higher redemption value if you travel frequently. Alternatively, redeeming points for statement credits or gift cards can help offset business expenses.
Conclusion
The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express is a powerful tool for small business owners, offering valuable rewards and flexible spending limits. By following these steps, you can take full advantage of the card’s features, helping you manage expenses efficiently while maximizing rewards. Whether you’re looking to earn points on everyday purchases or benefit from exclusive offers, this card provides an excellent balance of flexibility and value for your business.