American Express Blue Business® Plus (BBP)
Amex's No-Fee Business Points Card
Annual Fee
$0
Earning Rate
2x on everything (up to $50,000 per calendar year) • 1x on everything after that
Welcome Bonus
15,000 points after $3,000 spend in 3 months
Card Material
Plastic card with matte finish
Practical Recommendation
If you want one simple points card for "everything else," this is it. 2x on all purchases up to $50,000 each year (then 1x) with a $0 annual fee is easy math. Just don't use it overseas—there's a 2.7% foreign transaction fee.
Normal people can get business cards. If you sell on eBay, drive Uber, freelance, or resell a few sneakers, that's a business. Apply as a sole proprietor using your Social Security number; no corporation required. It's straightforward and very common.
Perks
- 2x everywhere up to $50,000/yr – Simple earning on all purchases; then 1x after the cap. Good "catch-all" card for expenses that don't fit a bonus category.
- Employee cards: $0 – Add employees (up to 99) with no additional annual fee; set spending alerts/limits and earn points on their purchases.
- Amex Offers – Targeted statement credits/extra points at specific merchants; activate first, then use the card. Real savings if you check monthly.
Protections
- Purchase protection – Covers theft/accidental damage for 90 days, up to $1,000 per purchase and $50,000 per card per calendar year. Handy backup on gadgets and small gear.
- Extended warranty – Adds 1 extra year to eligible U.S. warranties of 5 years or less, up to $10,000 per item and $50,000 per card per calendar year. This can save you from buying extra store plans.
- Rental car damage waiver (secondary) – Decline the rental agency's collision damage waiver and pay with the card to get coverage for theft/damage; liability not included; exclusions apply. Good for short domestic rentals.
- Global Assist Hotline – 24/7 coordination help for emergencies when traveling; you pay any third-party costs. Think lost passport help, medical referrals.
- Foreign transaction fee – Cards add 2.7% on non-U.S. purchases, so leave this at home on international trips.
Gotchas & Fine Print
- Cap math: The 2x rate stops after $50,000 in purchases each calendar year; then it's 1x.
- amextravel.com wrinkle: Travel booked on amextravel.com earns 2x via a separate program bonus but does not count toward the $50,000 cap and does not stack beyond 2x.