American Express is well-known for its personal credit cards, but the company also offers a range of excellent card options for small-business owners. Two of the most underrated cards in the Amex lineup for everyday spending are the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card and The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express. While these cards share similarities, there are also significant differences that may impact your decision.
Let’s start by comparing the welcome offers of these two cards. Currently, both cards offer attractive bonuses. With the Blue Business Cash, you can earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on your card within the first three months of membership. On the other hand, the Blue Business Plus offers 15,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the same time frame. Based on TPG points valuations, Membership Rewards points are worth 2 cents each, making the Blue Business Plus bonus equivalent to $300 in rewards. However, if you prefer the flexibility of cash-back rewards, earning $250 back with the Blue Business Cash is still a solid alternative. In terms of the welcome bonus, the Blue Business Plus takes the lead, especially for travel-oriented applicants.
Moving on to benefits, both cards offer some perks, although they are not premium options. One notable benefit is Amex’s Expanded Buying Power feature, which allows you to exceed your card’s spending limit without penalties. Both cards also provide additional cardmember limits and select travel and shopping protections. They offer car rental loss and damage protection, purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and access to Amex’s Global Assist Hotline for emergency assistance while traveling. Additionally, business owners can take advantage of expense management tools such as QuickBooks and Vendor Pay by Bill.com, as well as access targeted discounts and bonuses through the Amex Offers program. In terms of benefits, it’s a tie between the two cards.
When it comes to earning rewards, both the Blue Business Cash and Blue Business Plus have similar structures. The Blue Business Plus earns 2 points per dollar on the first $50,000 spent per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar), while the Blue Business Cash earns 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year (then 1% back on all other purchases). Neither card has bonus categories, making them both easy options for earning rewards without much effort. In terms of earning rewards, it’s a tie between the two cards, and the choice will come down to whether you prefer cash back or Amex points.
When it comes to redeeming rewards, there is a significant difference between the two cards. The cash-back rewards earned with the Blue Business Cash automatically appear as a statement credit on your bill, offering simplicity but limited redemption options. On the other hand, the Blue Business Plus earns Amex Membership Rewards points, which can be redeemed in various ways. You can transfer the points to Amex’s hotel or airline partners for potentially higher value, use them for flights and hotel reservations through American Express Travel, or redeem them for gift cards, shopping, or charitable donations. The versatility of Amex Membership Rewards points gives the Blue Business Plus an advantage in terms of redemption potential.
Another crucial factor to consider is the ability to transfer rewards. The cash back earned on the Blue Business Cash cannot be turned into Amex points, while the Blue Business Plus earns points that can be transferred to Amex’s airline and hotel partners for potentially higher value. This ability to transfer points gives the Blue Business Plus an edge in terms of maximizing the value of your rewards.
In conclusion, the main difference between the Blue Business Cash and Blue Business Plus cards lies in the type of rewards you earn. If you prefer the simplicity of cash back and don’t plan on redeeming your rewards for travel, the Blue Business Cash is a suitable choice. However, if you value flexibility and the potential for higher redemption value, the Blue Business Plus is the better option, especially when paired with other Amex cards that earn Membership Rewards points.
Both of these small-business cards from Amex offer valuable earning rates and benefits without an annual fee. The Blue Business Cash is ideal for those who prefer cash back, while the Blue Business Plus is better for those seeking flexibility and greater redemption potential. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and spending habits.