We’re often asked if there’s a no-annual-fee American Express® Membership Rewards® card.
After all, most of Amex’s Membership Rewards cards are known for their flashy, metallic cards and array of travel and lifestyle benefits.
But there is indeed a no-annual-fee Membership Rewards card. And Amex just introduced a new welcome bonus for it!
(Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.)
No Annual Fee and Membership Rewards: The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express earns 2X Membership Rewards points on eligible purchases. The benefit is capped at $50,000 in spending each year. After you reach that threshold, your Membership Rewards earnings drop down to 1X.
Plus, the card doesn’t have an annual fee (see Rates and Fees)
And the Blue Business Plus Amex offers 15,000 bonus Membership Rewards points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases within three months of being approved for the card. Considering that your first $3,000 will also earn 2X Membership Rewards points, you’ll essentially net 21,000 total points.
Why Get the Blue Business Plus?
Membership Rewards are a great points currency. Those of us who hold The Platinum Card® from American Express and/or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express know all too well that those cards’ bonus points earnings are practically non-existent. Nearly every eligible purchase (some travel spending aside) earns 1X on those cards.
So getting the Blue Business Plus Amex is a good way to earn more Membership Rewards points without spending anything on an annual fee. (See Rates and Fees) Even if you have, say, the American Express® Business Gold Card (which has decent bonus category opportunities), there are going to be times when you earn only 1X. Why not have a card that can double that?
For example, paying a $25,000 tax bill with The Business Platinum Card® from American Express or American Express® Business Gold Card would earn you only 25,000 Membership Rewards points (well, plus whatever processing fees you pay). But that same transaction would earn you at least 50,000 Membership Rewards points with the Blue Business Plus Amex (assuming you’re not over the $50k/2X limit). Then you can take advantage of the Business Platinum Card’s 35% Pay-With-Points rebate — or transfer to one of Amex’s travel partners. Then you’re really having fun.
$250 Back: American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
If the cashback is more your bag, then look at the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card. It’s basically the same principle as the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express — except it earns cashback which can be applied toward statement credit.
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card earns 2% cash back on eligible purchases. The benefit is capped at $50,000 in spending each year. After that, purchases will earn 1%.
The current welcome bonus earns you a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases within three months of being approved for the card.
The Amex Blue Business Cash Card does not have an annual fee (See Rates and Fees)
Final Approach
A couple of solid no-annual-fee, small business American Express cards offer decent welcome bonuses available now. The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is great for those who want to earn and burn Membership Rewards points. Meanwhile, the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card offers pretty much the same earning structure — it simply rewards members with cash back instead of points.
- To see rates and fees for the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, please visit this link.
- To see rates and fees for the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, please visit this link. Terms apply.
- To see rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this link. Terms apply.
- To see rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this link. Terms apply.
- To see rates and fees for the American Express® Business Gold Card, please visit this link.
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