The American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card is known for its flexibility and straightforward rewards program, but it also offers some valuable perks that are often overlooked. Small business owners can benefit significantly by maximizing these features to improve cash flow, manage expenses, and earn rewards on everyday purchases. Here’s a closer look at the card’s unique benefits and how to make the most of them.
Earn Double Membership Rewards Points on Everyday Purchases
One of the primary benefits of the Amex Blue Business Plus Card is the chance to earn 2X Membership Rewards points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year. This makes it ideal for businesses with predictable monthly expenses, allowing cardholders to earn rewards without needing to track specific bonus categories. After reaching the $50,000 spending cap, you still earn 1X points on all subsequent purchases, ensuring ongoing value.
Flexible Spending Limit
The Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card offers a flexible spending limit, which adapts based on factors such as your payment history, credit record, and financial resources. Unlike traditional credit cards, this feature allows cardholders to make larger purchases when necessary, even if they exceed the card’s stated limit. For businesses that may have fluctuating expenses or seasonal spikes, this flexibility can be incredibly valuable, helping manage costs without disrupting cash flow.
No Annual Fee
For small businesses focused on minimizing expenses, the absence of an annual fee on the Amex Blue Business Plus Card is a big advantage. You get access to a range of benefits and rewards with no added yearly cost, making it easier to integrate into a business budget. This feature is particularly attractive for startups or smaller businesses that may not yet have the revenue to support higher-fee credit cards.
Introductory APR on Purchases
New cardholders benefit from an introductory 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months. This gives businesses the ability to finance larger purchases or manage initial cash flow needs without accruing interest, creating a cost-effective way to make necessary investments early on. After the first year, the APR will revert to a variable rate, so it’s wise to plan any larger expenses accordingly.
Employee Cards at No Additional Cost
With the Amex Blue Business Plus Card, business owners can issue additional employee cards without any extra fees. This feature allows team members to make business purchases directly on behalf of the company, providing better control over expenses and simplifying accounting processes. You can also set individual spending limits for each employee card, offering an added layer of financial management.
Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty
The Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card comes with purchase protection, which covers eligible items against theft or accidental damage for up to 90 days from the purchase date. Additionally, the extended warranty benefit adds an extra year to the manufacturer’s warranty for eligible purchases. These protections are especially beneficial for businesses investing in equipment or electronics, as they help safeguard those purchases and reduce the need for additional warranties.
Seamless Integration with Expense Management Tools
Amex offers integration with various expense management tools, including QuickBooks, to help business owners track spending more efficiently. The ability to download transactions directly into these programs streamlines bookkeeping, saving time and minimizing errors. For businesses looking to simplify their accounting, this feature is a standout advantage, ensuring easy access to financial data whenever needed.
Global Assist Hotline
Business travelers can access the Global Assist Hotline, which provides 24/7 support for a variety of travel-related issues. Whether you’re dealing with a lost passport, need emergency legal assistance, or require help finding a local medical provider, the Global Assist Hotline is a valuable resource. While the hotline itself is free, any third-party charges would still apply.
Protection from Employee Misuse
The Amex Blue Business Plus Card offers protections against unauthorized employee use, which is a helpful feature for business owners issuing multiple employee cards. This protection ensures that you won’t be liable for unauthorized charges made by an employee, giving peace of mind when granting spending privileges to your team.
Conclusion
The Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card offers a range of valuable benefits for business owners looking to manage their finances effectively and earn rewards on everyday expenses. From 2X Membership Rewards points and no annual fee to purchase protection and expense management integration, the card is tailored to support growing businesses. By fully leveraging these features, cardholders can maximize the value of the Amex Blue Business Plus, making it a smart choice for many small business needs.