Amex Blue Business Plus: The No-Fee Powerhouse for Small Businesses and Side Hustlers

If you’re a small business owner, side hustler, or just someone who loves travel rewards without the annual fee, you might want to take a serious look at the American Express Blue Business Plus® Credit Card (aka the BBP). In our latest podcast episode, we broke down exactly why this card has earned a spot in so many wallets—and how you can use it to your advantage.

Why the Amex Blue Business Plus Deserves Your Attention

Let’s start with the basics:

• $0 annual fee. Yep, you read that right.

• 2x Membership Rewards® points on all purchases, up to $50,000 per year. That’s 100,000 points if you max it out.

• Amex Membership Rewards flexibility—these points are incredibly valuable, especially when transferred to travel partners.

  
  

And the cherry on top? It acts as a points-preserving card. If you ever decide to cancel your Platinum or Gold Amex card, the BBP lets you keep your points active and usable.

A Strategic Tool in the Amex Trifecta

The BBP truly shines when paired with other Amex cards in what’s often called the Amex Trifecta:

• Amex Gold – Great for dining and groceries (4x points).

• Amex Platinum – Big perks and 5x on flights.

• BBP – Your catch-all for everything else, earning 2x with no fuss.

  
  

This combo helps you maximize every dollar you spend, without needing spreadsheets or mental gymnastics.

Business-Friendly Features

Beyond the points, the BBP offers several perks tailored to entrepreneurs and side hustlers:

• Expanded buying power – Flexibility to go beyond your credit limit based on payment history.

• Up to 99 employee cards – With customizable limits and tracking.

• Targeted offers – Sometimes you’ll see promotions like earning bonus points for employee spending.

• Expense management tools – From alerts to year-end summaries and accounting software integrations.

  
  

Plus, it includes purchase protection, extended warranty, and secondary car rental insurance, rounding out its value as a business card.

Welcome Offers Worth Watching

Right now, there's a targeted welcome bonus offering 75,000 MR points after spending $6,000 in four months. Even better—it doesn’t include Amex’s usual “lifetime language,” meaning you may still qualify even if you’ve held the card before.

If you're not targeted? The standard offer still gives you 15,000 MR points for $3,000 in spending within three months.

Also worth noting: you’ll typically get 0% APR for 12 months on purchases—handy if you're planning a large business expense.

Any Downsides?

There’s really just one major one:

• 2.7% foreign transaction fee. This isn’t your go-to card for overseas travel or international online purchases.

  
  

How to Maximize It

The BBP is ideal as:

• A backup for your MR points if you cancel other Amex cards.

• A default card for uncategorized spending that doesn’t earn bonuses elsewhere.

• A foundational piece for anyone building out a rewards strategy.

  
  

Alternatives to Consider

Not sold yet? Here are two other solid no-annual-fee business cards:

1. Amex Blue Business Cash® – 2% cashback on the first $50,000 in purchases each year. Great if you prefer cash over travel rewards.

2. Chase Ink Business Cash® – Offers 5% back on specific categories like office supplies and phone services. Part of the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem for those who lean Team Chase.

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Final Thoughts

The Amex Blue Business Plus may not dazzle with flashy perks, but it’s one of the most strategic no-fee cards available. Whether you’re building a small empire or just trying to earn a free flight or two from your side hustle, this card delivers serious long-term value.

Thinking of applying or already using the BBP? Share your experience in the comments!

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