American Express SimplyCash Plus Business Credit Card Review

Maintaining your business’ finances can be difficult, not to mention expensive. With the American Express SimplyCash Plus card, you can enjoy rewards for typical business purchases as well as a wide selection of tools to help manage expenses. Read on to find out if the SimplyCash Plus card is the best fit for your business.

Summary

One of the features that makes the SimplyCash Plus stand out from other business credit cards is its $0 annual fee. For businesses that are just starting out, this can prove to be an important perk. This card also offers a 0% intro APR for nine months and a generous overlimit spending option, which can help businesses make large purchases with little penalty.

While not the best option for international travelers and business owners with a low credit score, the SimplyCash Plus focuses its rewards on the needs of domestic businesses. It includes road transportation perks, cash back on everyday purchases, a customizable 3% cash back category, and budget management services.

Who is SimplyCash plus right for?

SimplyCash Plus is a good choice for businesses that are just starting out and need help with their basic business purchases.

Learn more about this card on the American Express website.

$0 annual fee; 0% APR for nine months; 2.7% foreign transaction fee

PROS

$0 annual fee
High spending limit
Customizable bonus category
0% intro APR for nine months

CONS

International transaction fee
Requires a high personal credit score
Not accepted by all merchants
No introductory cash bonus

SimplyCash Plus Alternative

Capital One Spark Cash offers the highest unlimited cash-back rate among major business credit card providers, with fees low enough to give you some breathing room.

Capital One Spark Cash: No annual fee for the first year, then $95 every subsequent year

Read our Capital One Spark Cash review

Business Credit Card Reviews

Pricing

Base Features

$0 annual fee
5% cash back at US office supply stores and wireless phone service from US providers (e.g. AT&T, Sprint, Verizon) for first $50,000 1% cash back after that 3% cash back on a category of your choosing from a list including airfare, shipping, hotel rooms, gas stations, and computer hardware for first $50,000 1% cash back after that 1% cash back on all other purchases
No overlimit fees—cardholders can spend over their credit limit and earn cash back on those extra purchases as long as the amount over the credit limit is paid in full each month
Access to Amex OPEN services like QuickBooks, mobile banking, and a dedicated customer service line
Fraud protection services

Ratings

Value - 4/5

With a $0 annual fee, the SimplyCash Plus card sets itself apart as a low-cost option for small businesses. While this card offers cash back on basic business staples, some businesses may find the $50,000 cap on the 5% and 3% categories to be too low. For businesses that do a lot of international travel, the 2.7% foreign transaction fee may add up quickly. Additionally, not all merchants accept American Express, which is something to consider when choosing vendors and traveling.

Customer Service - 5/5

Our experience with American Express’ customer service was swift and accurate. The representative we spoke with initially gave general answers, but was more than happy to answer more specific follow up questions we had and was well-versed in the card’s features. The customer service phone line is available 24/7, making it easy to get answers whenever you need them. Cardholders can also use the American Express Chat, which connects you to a representative online.

Ease of Use - 4/5

While the tiered cash back categories are simple to comprehend, understanding the limits of spending over your credit limit can get tricky. Additionally, the 3% category is set for one calendar year, meaning you can only change benefits once a year. American Express cards are also not accepted by all vendors, which can make earning rewards more difficult than with other cards.

Included Features - 4/5

One of the perks of having a business card with American Express is being part of the OPEN business benefits. With Amex OPEN, cardholders can help themselves to benefits like extended warranties and purchase protection on their business transactions. Businesses that do a lot of traveling can use services such as roadside assistance, rental insurance, and baggage insurance while on the road. Another great addition to these perks is the inclusion of expense management tools like QuickBooks, which can be helpful for keeping your business’ budget on track.

Conclusion

SimplyCash Plus is a good option for small businesses looking for an inexpensive card with many helpful extra features. While its spending limits can get confusing, the rewards given for making the purchases your business needs are competitive with other top business credit cards.