HOSTED BY: 1 AIR TRAVEL
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
merican Express Blue Business Cash™ Card overviewThe American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card makes it easy for business owners to track expenses and earn 2% cash back on up to $50,000 in eligible purchases every calendar year. Once you pass that threshold, you’ll earn 1% cash back, automatically credited to your statement, on all eligible purchases. Best of all, enjoy this earning power with no annual fee (see rates and fees). Card Rating*:
*Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Whether you’re a small-business owner or CFO of a major corporation, having a separate business card makes sense to help track expenses — whether it’s your own or those of employees. If you’re going to carry a business credit card, you may as well earn rewards that you can use down the road.
With no annual fee and a recommended credit score of 670, the American Express Blue Business Cash Card is great for small-business owners on a budget. The simple rewards system, with no rotating categories to track, makes it a great card for everyday business use.
Let’s look at the other benefits the American Express Blue Business Cash Card provides for business owners looking for a simple, straightforward cash-back rewards card.
Blue Business Cash welcome offer
The American Express Blue Business Cash Card is currently offering up to $500 in statement credits. You’ll earn a $250 statement credit after spending $5,000 in purchases on your card in your first six months of card membership. Then, you’ll earn an additional $250 statement credit after spending an additional $10,000 on eligible purchases within the first year of card membership.
THE POINTS GUY
This is a more valuable offer than most cash-back or no-annual-fee cards offer, but it does come with a much steeper spending requirement than we typically see. For small businesses that easily spend at least $10,000 in a year, this is a nice cash bonus. However, if you’re spending significantly on a credit card, you might want to choose a business card with a more valuable welcome bonus.
Related: The best credit card welcome offers this month
Blue Business Cash benefits
The American Express Blue Business Cash Card is a conventional card with a unique perk similar to the better-known Amex charge cards. The Expanded Buying Power feature on the card allows you to exceed your spending limit with no over-limit fees or penalties. You can even earn cash-back rewards on purchases that exceed your credit limit. You just have to pay your minimum payment, which would include any purchases charged over your limit. Since TPG always recommends paying your balance in full to avoid interest charges, this shouldn’t be a problem.
A caveat: Exceeding your credit limit could reduce your credit score since your credit utilization ratio factors heavily into your credit score.
NOSYSTEM IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES
Other benefits include secondary car rental loss and damage insurance when you rent a vehicle with your card,* up to one year extended warranty protection on purchases (for manufacturer warranties of five years or less)** and 90 days of purchase protection against theft or damage.**
The card also delivers concierge-level service through the Global Assist feature when you travel more than 100 miles from home.^ Global Assist includes 24/7 emergency assistance and coordination services for medical, legal, or passport referrals. Amex can also help with missing luggage and emergency cash wires. Cardmembers must pay the charges for third-party services.
*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
**Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
^Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.
Earning rewards on the Blue Business Cash
To earn rewards, simply use your American Express Blue Business Cash Card to make in-store or online purchases or to pay bills. You’ll earn 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in purchases you make each calendar year. After that, you’ll earn 1% back on all purchases.
ZEYNEPKAYA/GETTY IMAGES
Those aren’t otherworldly earnings rates, but they’re solid for a business card with no annual fee (see rates and fees). And they’re easy to grasp and remember.
Redeeming rewards on the Blue Business Cash
Your cash back on the Blue Business Cash appears as an automatic monthly statement credit. That way, you’re effectively reducing your business operating expenses thanks to cash-back rewards appearing on your account.
On one hand, some may be disappointed that they don’t have multiple redemption options. On the other, the automatic statement credit ensures that you’ll get the full value of your rewards without making any decisions or remembering to redeem anything.
Which cards compete with the American Express Blue Business Cash Card?
Several business cards can match (or outdo) the Blue Business Cash.
If you want better earning rates: The Ink Business Cash Credit Card from Chase also has no annual fee and offers heftier rewards in certain categories – notably, 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office-supply stores and on internet, phone and cable service each account anniversary year. For more information, read our full review of the Ink Business Cash.If you prefer travel rewards: Take a look at The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express. Like its counterpart, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar on the first $50,000 in purchases in a calendar year; then 1 point per dollar on other purchases. The points are valued at an average of 2 cents each, based on TPG’s valuations, making them double the value of cash. For more information, read our full review of the Blue Business Plus.If you want custom rewards: Big spenders might prefer a more robust card like the American Express® Business Gold Card. It carries a hefty annual fee of $295 a year (see rates and fees), but bigger business owners will like the 4 points per dollar on business-friendly categories where the business spends the most in two select categories each billing cycle, up to the first $150,000 spent in those categories per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar). For more information, read our full review of the Amex Business Gold.For additional options, check out our full list of the best business cards.
Related: Your guide to the Chase Ink Business credit cards
Is the Blue Business Cash worth it?
The American Express Blue Business Cash Card isn’t the most valuable cash-back business card out there — it’s mostly designed to help small-business owners manage and track their spending while earning rewards. But for many small-business owners, the Blue Business Cash will offer simple and easy-to-understand rewards at no cost — and nothing beats getting cash back each month.
Bottom line
Undoubtedly, the American Express Blue Business Cash Card is lacking in several areas. The 2% cash-back rewards are moderate, at best, and can’t compete with some competitors. However, the simplicity of earning and redeeming rewards and the lack of an annual fee may entice small-business owners looking for an easy way to earn rewards on their business expenses.
Apply here: American Express Blue Business Cash Card
For rates and fees of the Amex Blue Business Cash, click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold card, click here.
Title: American Express Blue Business Cash Card review: Double cash back with no annual fee
Sourced From: thepointsguy.com/reviews/card-review-american-express-blue-business-cash-card/
Published Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2024 15:00:25 +0000
No comments:
Post a Comment