Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express
Earn 2X Membership Rewards on $50,000 in business purchases annually with $0 annual fee
The Blue Business Plus delivers $2,000 in annual rewards value (2X points on $50,000 spending at 2 cents per point) without charging an annual fee. This card functions as the foundation of an Amex points strategy, earning 2X on all business purchases up to $50,000 per year with no category restrictions.
- Annual Fee
- $0
- Welcome Bonus
- As high as 50,000 Membership Rewards points — offers vary
Terms checked against the issuer on October 18, 2026
At a Glance
- Annual Fee
- $0
- Authorized User Fee
- $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee
- 2.7%
- Network
- —
- Rewards Currency
- American Express Membership Rewards
- Point Value (Transfer Estimate)
- 1.3–2 cpp (mid: 1.5)
- Credit Required
- Good to Excellent
Welcome Offer
Bonus: As high as 50,000 Membership Rewards points — offers vary
Spend: $5,000
Period: 3 months
The issuer states this offer only as a maximum. Offers vary by applicant: you may be offered less, or no offer.
Earning Rates
- 2X
All Other
2X Membership Rewards points on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1X. Eligible purchases on AmexTravel.com also earn 2X and do not count toward the $50,000 cap.
Cap: $50,000/annual
Earning Scenarios
Earn 2X points on every business purchase up to $50,000 annually
All business spending earns 2X Membership Rewards points with no category restrictions or quarterly activation required, up to $50,000 per year (then 1X). This uncapped structure covers office supplies, software subscriptions, marketing expenses, inventory, and any other business purchase.
A business spending $50,000 annually across all categories earns 100,000 points worth $2,000 when transferred to airline partners for premium cabin awards.
Benefits & Perks
Travel Benefits
3 perksGeneral Travel
Experiences
Insurance & Protections
4 protectionsZero liability protection on fraudulent charges
You're not responsible for unauthorized charges. Amex covers 100% of fraudulent transactions when reported promptly.
Up to $1,000 per item against damage or theft
$1,000
Reimbursement for purchases damaged, stolen, or lost within 90 days. Up to $1,000/occurrence, $50,000 annual max.
Up to $50,000 car rental damage coverage
secondary
Secondary coverage for damage or theft of rental vehicles up to $50,000 per rental agreement when you pay with your card and decline the CDW.
Extended warranty adds up to 1 year
Get an additional year of warranty protection on eligible electronics and appliances with original warranties of 5 years or less.
Program & Transfers
Membership Rewards
Membership Rewards rewards earned with this card can transfer to 20 loyalty partners.
Amex Membership Rewards offers one of the broadest transfer networks in the industry with 16 airline and 4 hotel partners. The program's strength lies in premium cabin redemptions, with exceptional sweet spots like ANA first class via Virgin Atlantic and Delta One awards through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Unlike competitors, Amex frequently runs transfer bonuses (15-40%) to partners like Virgin Atlantic, Avianca, and British Airways, often 3-4 times per year. These bonuses can dramatically improve redemption value, making MR points worth 2-3+ cents per point for savvy users who time their transfers. The program covers all three major alliances with multiple partners in each, providing unmatched redundancy. If one partner has poor availability, you have alternatives. This flexibility, with most transfers estimated at 48 hours, makes Membership Rewards workable for short-notice premium cabin bookings.
Program Ratings
Transfer Partners (20)
Transfer your Membership Rewards points to 20 leading loyalty programs for maximum value.
Airlines
(16)Most partners accept Membership Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio with instant or near-instant transfers.
View detailed transfer ratios
Airlines
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:8 | 1-2 days | — | 0.8 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 3-5 days | — | 1.5 cpp | |
| 5:4 | 1-2 days | — | 1.3 cpp | |
| 5:4 | 1-2 days | — | 1 cpp | |
| 5:4 | 1-2 days | — | 1.35 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | — | — | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 94% | 1.25 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 88% | 1.3 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 3-5 days | 81% | 1.3 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 81% | 1 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 81% | 1.25 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 75% | 1.2 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 75% | 1.25 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 75% | — | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 75% | 1.25 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 69% | 1.35 cpp |
Hotels
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:1 | 3-5 days | — | — | |
| 1:2 | 1-2 days | 63% | 0.4 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 44% | 0.8 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 44% | 0.7 cpp |
Sweet Spots — Best Redemptions
| Route / Property | Points | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intra-Europe Economy via Iberia | 3,500 | economy | Europe |
| Intra-Europe in Economy on a Partner | 4,000 | economy | Europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 6,000 | economy | Europe |
| US to South America in Economy | 7,100 | economy | South America |
| Domestic US and Canada in Economy | 7,100 | economy | United States |
| Intra-Europe in Economy | 7,500 | economy | Europe |
| Intra-Europe in Business | 8,000 | business | Europe |
| US to Canada in Economy | 10,300 | economy | United States |
| US to Mexico in Economy on a Partner | 11,500 | economy | Central America |
| Canada to Hawaii in Economy | 11,600 | economy | United States |
| Domestic US in First Class | 12,500 | first | United States |
| US to Mexico in Economy | 14,400 | economy | Central America |
| US to Hawaii in Economy on a Partner | 15,000 | economy | United States |
| US to Iceland in Economy on a Partner | 17,000 | economy | Europe |
| US to Japan in Economy | 20,000 | economy | Asia |
| US to Asia in Economy | 20,000 | economy | Asia |
| US to South America in Business | 22,500 | business | South America |
| US to Northern Africa in Economy | 25,000 | economy | Africa |
| US to Hong Kong in Economy | 27,000 | economy | Asia |
| US to Mexico in Business on a Partner | 30,000 | business | Central America |
Showing top 20 of 45 sweet spots
Reviews & Analysis
Third-Party Rankings & Ratings
5 sourcesCategory Rankings (1 category)
How It Compares
The Blue Business Plus is the only no-annual-fee business card earning 2X transferable points on all purchases up to $50,000 annually. While the Chase Ink Business Unlimited offers 1.5X unlimited and the Capital One Spark Cash Plus provides 2% cash back unlimited, the BBP's access to Membership Rewards transfer partners delivers 2.0 cents per point value versus 1.0-1.5 cents with competitors.
Editorial Review
Because this card’s sign-up bonus remains historically low and restricted to once per lifetime, we strongly suggest waiting for a potential elevated offer or choosing a different business card with more rewarding benefits.
Key Takeaways
American Express states this card's welcome bonus only as a maximum — as high as 50,000 points after $5,000 in spending, and offers vary — so we typically do not recommend it for the bonus, even if you need a business card for 5/24 purposes. Since the bonus you are offered may be far below that ceiling — and redemptions are fewer than those offered by other business cards with higher welcome bonuses — this card is not worth pursuing. You may want to consider downgrading to this card if you don't want to pay the annual fee on the Business Gold or Platinum. This will allow you to hold any earned Membership Rewards points without paying an annual fee.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
The Amex Blue Business credit card is straightforward for earning points and does not affect your 5/24 status. It earns 2x points on all purchases up to $50,000 annually, so there is no need to track spending categories. It also offers rewards as points or miles (rather than just cash back), and features a 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months. These benefits, however, are relatively minor compared to other cards, and even though there is no annual fee, a welcome bonus that is stated only as a ceiling is not compelling. The $5,000 spending requirement would be better directed toward a card with a higher, stated sign-up bonus.
Note that if you already have the Amex Business Gold or Amex Business Platinum, you may receive targeted offers for this card with a higher signup bonus. Another scenario that might make sense with this card is downgrading from one of those high fee cards. If you don't feel you're getting the value from the Gold Business or Platinum Business cards but still have Membership Rewards points, downgrading to this makes sense because you can hold those points and not pay a fee. Downgrading does will not add a card to your 5/245 status either.
Read full review (3 more sections)
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
Here are some exceptions where the card might not be good for you:
- This card offers no standout benefits compared to the many other cards available.
- If you want a larger sign-up bonus and more perks, and are willing to pay an annual fee for them, this card likely will not meet your needs.
What to Know About Amex Membership Rewards
Amex points are great in theory. We just find them harder to collect and more expensive to hold than Chase points.
- If you’re in the points game long enough, you’ll dabble in both main systems (Chase & Amex).
- Amex has a one card bonus every 7 years rule, so ultimately, there will be more of a limit to how many you can collect via sign-up bonuses.
- There is only one no-fee card that allows you to earn and keep Membership Rewards points - the Blue Business Plus card.
- Delta and Hilton are solid transfer values and having Amex points gives you top-off flexibility if you are invested in either of those systems.
- We do find Amex travel a higher quality of service over the Chase travel portal.
How The Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card Fits In The Amex Membership Rewards Ecosystem
While American Express offers several business cards, we only recommend two at the moment:
- American Express Business Gold – Comes with a $375 annual fee and a 100,000-point sign-up bonus. If most of your spending is on food, you will likely benefit from the strong spending multipliers and statement credits. Many cardholders find enough ongoing value to keep this card beyond the first year.
- American Express Business Platinum – This is Amex’s premium business card, offering an 200,000-point sign-up bonus and a $895 annual fee. Although the fee may appear high, the extensive benefits and statement credits can make it a worthwhile long-term option.
Other business cards from American Express either have low welcome bonuses or lack significant perks. For example, the American Express Blue Business Cash card closely resembles the Blue Business Plus (and is equally unremarkable), and the Business Green card’s low bonus does not justify its $95 annual fee. The Business Plum card offers little beyond its basic features, so we do not recommend it either.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- +No annual fee for Membership Rewards earning card
- +2X points on all purchases up to $50,000/year
- +Up to 99 free employee cards
- +Transfer points 1:1 to airline and hotel partners
- +Simple earning structure with no category activation
- +Complements higher-tier Amex cards by pooling points
Cons
- -Earnings drop to 1X after $50,000 annual spend
- -2.7% foreign transaction fee limits international use
- -Amex network acceptance more limited than Visa/Mastercard
- -Lower welcome bonus compared to premium Amex business cards
- -No travel credits or statement benefits
Who It's Best For
Best For
- Small businesses seeking flexible Membership Rewards points with no annual fee
- Business owners who want transfer options to airline and hotel partners
- Companies needing multiple employee cards at no additional cost
- Businesses with spending under $50K annually across all categories
Not Ideal For
- Businesses spending over $50,000 annually seeking ongoing 2X rewards
- International businesses due to foreign transaction fees
- Those seeking cash back instead of transferable points
- Companies needing Visa/Mastercard acceptance
Details & Terms
Application Rules
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Amex 2/90 | You'll be declined if you apply for a third Amex card in 90 days |
| No CR | This business card will not show on your personal credit report, so it won't count against your 5/24 status |
| Amex 4 Credit | Amex will decline your application if you already have 5 credit cards (not charge) and apply for a sixth |
| Amex 1/7 | Amex allows only 1 bonus per specific card every 7 years (yours or that version of the card) |
| Amex Popup Jail | After you apply, Amex may show a pop-up saying you're ineligible for the welcome bonus |
Payment Terms
| Purchase APR | 16.99%–28.74% (Variable) |
| Cash Advance APR | 28.49% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 2.7% |
| Authorized User Fee | $0 (first 99 free) |
Card Family
Blue Business family
| Card | Tier | Annual Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Blue Business Cash | entry | $0 |
Product changes available between family members without a new credit inquiry.
FAQs
Can you cash out Amex Membership Rewards points?
You can redeem Membership Rewards points for a statement credit at only 0.6¢ per point. With an Amex Business Checking account you can reach 1¢ per point, which still isn’t great value. For the best return, transfer points to airline or hotel partners before booking.
Where is the best place to use American Express points?
The best place to use Amex points is with transfer partners. Move points to an airline or hotel program and book award travel for more than 1¢ per point you'll earn from the Amex Travel Portal. Partner sweet spots often yield much higher value once you get more advanced in the hobby.
Can I upgrade Amex Gold to Platinum?
You can upgrade, but it’s usually not recommended. Amex limits welcome offers to roughly once every 7 years per card. Upgrade bonuses are typically much smaller than new-card offers, so applying for a new Platinum card generally provides better long-term value.
How to avoid Amex Platinum annual fee?
There’s no way to avoid the [Amex Platinum](https://pointsnav.com/credit-cards/american-express-platinum-personal) annual fee. The card’s benefits and welcome offer can offset year one, but ongoing value depends on your use of credits and lounges. If the math no longer works, your options are to cancel or downgrade to a lower-fee card.
Can I use Amex points to upgrade to business class?
Yes. Upgrading with points often costs less than paying cash, but you’ll usually get better value by transferring points to the airline and booking business class from the start. Amex partner sweet spots can produce excellent premium-cabin redemptions when available.
Should you transfer points or book with the Amex Travel portal?
Transfer to airline partners when redemption value exceeds 1.5 cents per point (common for business/first class). Use the Amex Travel portal at 1 cpp for economy flights when transfer partners offer poor availability or require fuel surcharges. Portal bookings earn 5x on Platinum for effective 5 cpp value, making them competitive with mediocre transfer redemptions.
How do I transfer Amex Membership Rewards points to airlines?
Log into your Amex account, navigate to the rewards section, click "Transfer Points," link your loyalty account with your chosen airline partner, select the partner and amount, then initiate the transfer. Transfers are irreversible once completed, so verify all details before confirming.
Are there fees when transferring Amex points?
There is a federal excise tax of $0.0006 per point (maximum $99 per transaction) when transferring to US-based airline partners like Delta and JetBlue. No transfer fees apply to other partners, hotel programs, or international airlines. Always check the specific partner's terms before transferring.
Can you pool or share Amex points?
Points from multiple Amex Membership Rewards cards automatically pool under one login for flexible redemptions. You cannot directly transfer points between different Amex accounts or to unauthorized users, but you can transfer pooled points to an authorized user's loyalty account after a 90-day waiting period.
Media & Resources
Video Reviews
8 videosBEST No Annual Fee Amex Business Card?! | Watch This Before Applying - Amex Blue Business Plus (BBP)
Amex Blue Business Plus Review 2025 - Best No Annual Fee Business Card?
5 Reasons why you MUST Get the Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card
Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card Review (2021)
American Express Blue Business Plus Review 2024
Amex Blue Business Plus // No Business Required!
Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card Review | The BEST American Express Card
Third-Party Articles & Reviews
7 reasons why the Amex Blue Business Plus card should be in everyone's wallet
Chris Nelson identifies seven strategic reasons to hold the Blue Business Plus, including its role in the Amex Trifecta strategy, no-annual-fee 2X earning on $50,000 annually, and access to 20 Membership Rewards transfer partners worth 2 cents per point.
Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express Review
Comprehensive TPG review analyzing the Blue Business Plus's 2X uncapped earning structure, $0 annual fee, welcome offer value, and insurance benefits including purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.
American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card Review
Forbes Advisor examines the Blue Business Plus's appeal for small business owners and startups, focusing on the no-annual-fee structure, 2X earning on all purchases, and Membership Rewards transfer options for maximizing point value.
American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card Review
NerdWallet's business card review analyzes the Blue Business Plus's appeal for small businesses with diverse spending categories, calculating value across different redemption methods and comparing it to category-specific business cards.
The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express Review
Bankrate's 4.1/5 star review calculates $2,300 first-year value and $2,000 ongoing value based on $50,000 annual spending at 2 cents per point. Analysis highlights Expanded Buying Power and rare intro APR for business cards.
American Express Blue Business Plus Card Review
CreditCards.com examines the Blue Business Plus's position in the business card market, comparing its 2X earning rate and transfer partner access against cash back competitors like Chase Ink Business Unlimited and Capital One Spark Cash Plus.
Why the Amex Blue Business Plus is the most underrated card in the wallet
Upgraded Points makes the case for the Blue Business Plus as an underrated cornerstone card, analyzing its role in maximizing Membership Rewards earning across multiple Amex cards and its strategic value despite the $50,000 annual cap.
American Express Blue for Business Credit Card Review
CompareCards provides a 4.0/5 rating, analyzing the card's competitive position against other no-annual-fee business cards and highlighting the value of Membership Rewards points versus cash back alternatives.
Blue Business Plus Credit Card Review
Yahoo Finance review evaluates the Blue Business Plus for freelancers and solopreneurs, emphasizing the flexibility of uncapped 2X earning on all business expenses and the 0% intro APR for managing cash flow.
The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express
Credit Karma's guide breaks down the card's earning structure, explaining how the $50,000 annual cap on 2X earning works and comparing redemption values across statement credits (0.6 cents), Amex Travel (1 cent), and transfer partners (2 cents).
Card Design
Evidence Sources
| Source | Verified | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| American Express | — | American Express |
| RewardsCC API | — | RewardsCC API |
| American Express | American Express: Earn rates | |
| American Express | American Express | |
| Issuer Page | Issuer Page: Multiple card facts |