Amex Blue Business Cash vs. Blue Business Plus: A clash of the blues

Alongside its impressive selection of personal credit cards, American Express offers a variety of excellent options for small-business owners.

If you struggle to recover high annual fees from certain Amex business cards through premium benefits or rotating bonus categories, consider two of the most overlooked cards for daily spending in the Amex portfolio: the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card and The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express.

Though these two cards share similarities, including their names, they possess notable differences.

Here’s what to consider when choosing between the Amex Blue Business Cash card and the Amex Blue Business Plus card.

Comparison of Blue Business Cash and Blue Business Plus

Welcome offers for Blue Business Cash vs. Blue Business Plus

Currently, both cards come with attractive welcome bonuses.

With the Blue Business Cash, new members can receive a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening.

In contrast, new Blue Business Plus cardholders can earn 15,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 within the first three months of card membership.

According to TPG's August 2024 valuations, Membership Rewards points are valued at 2 cents each, making the Blue Business Plus bonus equivalent to $300 when used for travel.

On the other hand, earning $250 in cash back is a great option if you prefer the versatility of cash-back rewards.

Winner: Blue Business Plus. Its welcome offer provides greater value.

Benefits of Blue Business Cash vs. Blue Business Plus

Although neither card is considered premium, they do offer some noteworthy perks.

Both cards include Amex's Expanded Buying Power feature, allowing you to exceed your card's preset spending limit without facing declines or over-limit fees.

Even purchases that surpass your credit limit can earn rewards as long as you meet at least the minimum payment requirement.

Both cards offer additional perks, including car rental loss and damage protection,* purchase protection up to $1,000 per incident and $50,000 per account annually,** as well as extended warranty coverage for up to an extra year on items purchased in the U.S. with warranties of five years or less.**

The Blue Business Cash and Blue Business Plus also provide access to Amex's Global Assist Hotline, offering cardholders 24/7 emergency support when traveling more than 100 miles from home.^

Business owners can utilize expense management tools like QuickBooks and Vendor Pay by Bill.com, which streamline invoicing and bill payments. Additionally, both cards provide access to targeted discounts and bonuses through the Amex Offers program.

Enrollment is necessary for select benefits, and conditions apply.

**Eligibility and benefit levels differ by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more information. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

^Eligibility and benefit levels differ by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. For details, visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Cardmembers are responsible for any fees incurred from third-party service providers.

Winner: Tie. Both cards provide the same benefits.

Reward earning with the Blue Business Cash vs. Blue Business Plus

The two cards feature comparable earning structures.

The Blue Business Plus earns 2 points for every dollar spent on the first $50,000 each calendar year (then 1 point per dollar).

In contrast, the Blue Business Cash provides 2% cash back on the first $50,000 spent each calendar year (then 1% cash back).

Neither card includes additional bonus categories, making them a straightforward option for earning rewards effortlessly.

Winner: Tie. Similar to the welcome offer, the choice depends on whether you prefer cash back or Amex points.

Redeeming rewards with the Blue Business Cash vs. Blue Business Plus

The cash-back rewards you earn with the Blue Business Cash are automatically credited to your monthly statement. While this straightforward approach may appeal to some, it also limits your redemption options.

On the other hand, the Blue Business Plus card earns Amex Membership Rewards points, which can be redeemed in numerous ways.

Typically, you can maximize the value of these points by transferring them to one of American Express's 21 hotel or airline partners. Alternatively, you can use them directly for flights and hotel bookings through American Express Travel, though these redemptions have a fixed value.

If you decide not to use your Blue Business Plus points for travel, you can redeem them for gift cards to offset your bill, shop directly on Amazon, donate to charity, or use Pay with Points at various retailers. However, none of these options provide substantial value for your points (1 cent or less each).

Winner: Blue Business Plus. The flexibility of Amex Membership Rewards points surpasses basic cash back.

Transferring rewards with the Blue Business Cash vs. Blue Business Plus

The cash back earned on the Blue Business Cash cannot be converted into Amex points, whereas the Blue Business Plus awards points that can be transferred to Amex's 18 airline and 3 hotel partners for greater value potential.

TPG managing editor for credit cards Matt Moffitt holds the Blue Business Plus and actively seeks transfer bonuses to key programs like the British Airways Executive Club and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club to secure business-class tickets for long-haul flights.

Winner: Blue Business Plus. The Blue Business Cash earns cash-back rewards and lacks access to Amex's transfer partners.

Should I choose the Blue Business Cash or Blue Business Plus?

The primary distinction between the Blue Business Plus and Blue Business Cash cards lies in the type of rewards offered. Consider whether you prefer cash back or Amex Membership Rewards points and the travel opportunities they provide.

The Blue Business Plus can be combined with other cards that earn Membership Rewards points, such as the American Express® Business Gold Card or The Platinum Card® from American Express, while the Blue Business Cash is limited to cash back redemptions.

Final thoughts

These two small-business cards from Amex are excellent choices for everyday expenses, offering valuable earning rates and benefits without an annual fee. The Blue Business Cash is ideal for those who prefer the simplicity of cash back.

Conversely, the Blue Business Plus is a better choice for those seeking more flexibility and higher redemption potential.

For more information, check out our complete reviews of the Blue Business Cash and Blue Business Plus cards.