Rewards & next steps

How to Apply for the American Express Blue Business Plus

★Here's how to get the most from this card. Follow the steps below, then apply on the issuer's official site.

Applying for the Blue Business Plus Credit Card is done directly through American Express and typically takes just a few minutes online, though a decision isn't always instant. Because this is a business card, be ready to provide details about your business as well as your personal financial information, since approval relies on a personal guarantee from the applicant.

Before you start the application, it helps to have your business structure, estimated annual revenue, and time in business on hand, along with your Social Security number for the personal credit check. Having this ready reduces the chance of a stalled application that requires a follow-up call.

Step by step

1. Confirm your eligibility: Make sure you have good to excellent personal credit (generally a FICO score around 670 or higher) and that you're an owner, officer, or partner of the business you're applying under — sole proprietors, freelancers, and side-business owners typically qualify.
2. Gather your business details: Have your legal business name (or your own name if a sole proprietor), business type, estimated annual business revenue, time in business, and business address ready before starting the application.
3. Apply on the issuer's site: Complete the application directly on American Express's website with your personal information, Social Security number, and the business details gathered above. Amex will run a credit check as part of the decision process.
4. Review your decision and terms: Some applications are approved instantly; others require additional review. Once approved, confirm your credit limit, the current variable APR that will apply after the 12-month intro period, and your welcome offer spending deadline.
5. Plan your first 3 months of spend: If you want the welcome bonus, map out how you'll naturally reach the required spending threshold through normal business purchases rather than overspending just to hit the target.

Tips & mistakes to avoid

• Pull your own credit report before applying so you know where you stand relative to the good-to-excellent range Amex typically looks for.
• Time your application around a period when you have real, planned business expenses coming up, so hitting the welcome-offer spending threshold happens naturally rather than through unnecessary purchases.
• If your business regularly pays international vendors or travels abroad, weigh the 2.7% foreign transaction fee against your expected savings from the 2X rewards rate — it can erase the benefit quickly.
• Set a reminder near the end of the 12-month 0% intro APR window so you know exactly when the standard variable APR takes effect, especially if you're carrying a balance.

FAQ

Can I apply if I'm a sole proprietor or freelancer without a registered business?

Yes. American Express business cards, including the Blue Business Plus, are commonly available to sole proprietors and freelancers — you can typically apply using your own name and Social Security number as the business identity.

Will applying affect my personal credit score?

Yes, applying triggers a hard inquiry on your personal credit report, since approval is based on a personal guarantee. Some card details and payment history may also be reported to personal credit bureaus depending on how the account is used.

How long does approval take?

Many applicants receive an instant decision online, but some applications go into manual review, which can take several business days if American Express needs to verify additional information about you or your business.

Advertiser disclosure: general information only, not financial advice. We are an independent publisher, not a card issuer or lender. Confirm current terms on the issuer's official site.