The newly announced American Express® Blue Business Cash Card is a strong option for small business owners who prefer cashback over rewards points. The card earns 2% on all purchases — up to $50,000 each year — then 1% on all purchases for hitting the spending cap. This new offering is similar to The Blue Business℠ Plus Credit Card from American Express, which has the same earning structure but earns Membership Rewards instead of cashback.
American Express® Blue Business Cash Card Review: Rewards for Moderate Business Spenders
With no annual fee () and a competitive cashback rate of 2% on the first $50,000 in spending, the American Express® Blue Business Cash Card is a great credit card for small business owners. The card has a host of features that make it an attractive option: $0 annual fee, a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers and purchases for 12 months, and the ability to spend above your credit limit.
Strong rewards rate
The American Express® Blue Business Cash Card has an excellent ongoing rewards rate of 2% cashback on up to $50,000 in purchases. This makes it competitive with top small business credit cards like the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business and Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card. Disappointingly, no welcome bonus is offered, but you'll get continuous value from this card when you use it for everyday business spending.
0% introductory APR
While this card doesn't offer a welcome bonus for opening an account, you'll benefit from 12 full months without any interest on purchases and balance transfers. This 12 month 0% APR introductory period on the American Express® Blue Business Cash Card isn't the longest available, but it's competitive with other cashback credit cards. If your business needs to make a large purchase that you don't want to pay off right away, then this credit card is a great choice.
Spend above your credit limit
One of the biggest draws to the American Express® Blue Business Cash Card is that it allows you to spend above your credit limit. Depending on your use of the card, your payment history, credit record, and financial resources known to American Express, you may be approved to make purchases that exceed your limit. For people with excellent credit, this can be extremely useful if you'd rather make a purchase with your credit than use your business' cash. However, it's important to note that we advise to always pay your bills in full and on time every month to avoid carrying a balance.
No annual fee, but a cap on cashback
Your main consideration before applying for the American Express® Blue Business Cash Card should be your business' budget. While the American Express® Blue Business Cash Card won't ding your wallet with an annual fee, you may be able to earn increased spending rewards with a different credit card. In some cases, it's worth paying an annual fee for the increased cashback opportunity.
For example, consider a card with a $95 annual fee that earns 2% cashback with no limit on rewards. After two years of spending $8,000 per month, you would earn $3,650 in cash back rewards minus the annual fees. The same spending with the American Express® Blue Business Cash Card would net $2,920.
ValuePenguin's Verdict
Ultimately, the American Express® Blue Business Cash Card is best for businesses who spend less than the $50,000 cap per year (roughly $4,000 per month). If your business is spending substantially more than $4,000 every month, you'll be better off with a business credit card that doesn't have a spending cap, like the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Blue Business Cash Card, please click .
Alternatives to the American Express® Blue Business Cash Card
If the American Express® Blue Business Cash Card doesn't check all your boxes, there are a few other cards we've highlighted below that may be better for your business' needs. For business owners with moderate expenses who prefer travel rewards over cashback, we suggest the The Blue Business℠ Plus Credit Card from American Express. If your business has considerable travel expenses, go with the Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card.
2X points on up to $50,000 in purchases
The The Blue Business℠ Plus Credit Card from American Express is almost identical to the American Express® Blue Business Cash Card, but it earns American Express Membership Rewards points rather than cashback. If you like hunting for travel deals or redeeming credit card points for lavish vacations, then consider going with the The Blue Business℠ Plus Credit Card from American Express. You'll earn 2X Membership Rewards points per dollar on the first $50,000 in purchases each year, then 1X point per dollar.
For rates and fees of the The Blue Business℠ Plus Credit Card from American Express, please click .
3X points on travel and select business categories
The Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card is a stellar credit card for businesses with high travel expenses. For a $95 annual fee, you'll earn 3X points per dollar on travel expenses, select business spending categories and more. Plus, this card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be transferred to a variety of travel partners or redeemed for travel directly on the Chase portal. If you're a heavy traveler and your business can justify the $95 annual fee, go with the Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card.
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