American Express Business Blueprint Review (Formerly Kabbage)

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American Express Business Blueprint Review

Key Takeaways

  • Kabbage became Amex Business Blueprint, from lending to a full financial platform.
  • Blueprint combines banking, lending, and cash flow insights in one dashboard.
  • Amex Lines of Credit have lower fees than Kabbage (0.95% to 27%, depending on the term).
  • Business Checking offers higher (1.3%) APY, no fees, and a rewards debit card.
  • The iOS app is highly rated, but Android users report issues and bugs.
  • Payment Accept replaced Kabbage Payments, but new customer availability is unclear.
  • The Resource Center provides business insights and financial tools.

Kabbage was once a popular online lender and one of the SBA’s approved PPP loan providers. American Express quietly acquired Kabbage’s platform in 2020, and reworked it to create Business Blueprint—a comprehensive business cashflow dashboard. 

So, what’s changed? And, is American Express Business Blueprint worth checking out? Here, we’ll take a quick peek at why Kabbage might have exited from their operations and learn everything you need to know about the new and expanded offer from Amex. 

This is what’s in store: 

Now, let’s dive in! 

What Was Kabbage? 

What is Kabbage?

Kabbage, founded in 2009, was an automated lending platform offering quick loans up to $250K for small businesses. Known for convenience but high fees, it paused lending during COVID-19 to focus on PPP loans, earning mostly low ratings. 

Kabbage Reviews

Later, a few years after the purchase by American Express, it transitioned into Amex Business Blueprint, discontinuing its original offer. 

Near the end, Kabbage offered tools like: 

  • Kabbage Checking (competitive APY)
  • Kabbage Payments (low invoicing fees)
  • Kabbage Insights (cash flow tracking)

While useful, these services faced some technical issues before the transition. The hiccups near the end may have made selling the company the wise choice. 

You might also like: No-Doc Business Loans: Get Funds Without Proof of Income 

What is American Express Business Blueprint? 

American Express Business Blueprint

When I first heard that Amex had acquired Kabbage (whose lending funds used to come from Celtic Bank), I said, “If the brand does bring back working capital in the future, it will most likely come directly from Amex itself. We’ll just have to wait around to see.”  

Well, that future is now. 

American Express Business Blueprint is a free platform positioned to help small businesses manage their cash flow. It lets you view your American Express business products and linked external accounts in one place. Then, it provides personalized insights to help you make informed financial decisions. 

With the tool, you can access features like a 30-day bank account balance projection, which uses data from your linked accounts to help you anticipate future balances. In a nutshell, business Blueprint aims to simplify financial management for small business owners.

Moreover, Amex is offering a Business Line of Credit up to $250K (same as Kabbage), with no mention of Celtic Bank. Today, these loans are serviced directly by American Express National Bank.  

Recommended: Amex Business Checking Review: What You Need to Know…Really 

Company Overview

American Express Business Blueprint Benefits

American Express, aka Amex, is a global financial services company with roots dating back to 1850. Founded by Henry Wells, John Butterfield, and William Fargo—names you might recognize from Wells Fargo—Amex has built a reputation for reliability and innovation in finance. 

Initially known for credit cards, charge cards, and traveler’s checks, the company has since expanded its offerings to include business checking accounts (and, now working capital) further solidifying its leading position in the financial world.

Headquartered in New York and led by CEO Stephen Squeri, Amex stands out as a trusted name in American finance. It’s publicly traded and has endured as a stable force in a fast-evolving industry. 

You might also like: A Complete, Unfiltered Amex Business Gold Card Review 

How Does American Express Business Blueprint Work? 

American Express Business Blueprint login

As I said before, American Express Business Blueprint is free. And, you can log in with existing credentials, if you’re already an American Express member, or create an account. 

Once you’re in, you’ll have access to a lot of the same features and services that were available with Kabbage, but with some notable improvements. 

1. Business Lines of Credit

american express business line of credit

Kabbage’s fixed-rate loan fees were steep, ranging from 24-99% APR, with no savings for early repayment, no long-term options, and approval limited to businesses with online checking or PayPal. 

In contrast, Amex Business Lines of Credit offer a more affordable alternative, with funding from $2K to $250K secured by business assets and personal guarantees. 

Amex’s fees range from:  

  • 0.95% to 6.05% for single repayment loans (1 to 3 months)
  • 3% to 27% for installment loans (6 to 24 months)

So, Amex offers a much less expensive business lending option than Kabbage was able to. They also offer reduced costs with early repayment on installment plans. However, you must be an Amex cardholder to apply.

2. Business Banking Accounts

American Express Business Checking

Before the transition, there was no such thing as a Kabbage business savings account. Likewise, there is no American Express business savings account (though they do have a consumer savings option). 

Kabbage Checking offered FDIC-insured banking with 1.10% APY earned on funds, which they declared was the best deal you’ll find. This wasn’t true with 2% earnings from Bluevine and varying larger amounts from several credit unions. 

Today, American Express Business Checking is worth taking a look at.  Their business checking account earns 1.3% APY on balances up to $500K and charges no  monthly maintenance fee—They also offer a rewards debit card that earns 1 point with every $2 spent, and their high deposit limits can house balances up to $5 million. 

However, they lack integrations for tools like QuickBooks and don’t accommodate cash deposits (despite free MoneyPass™ ATM access). Currently, they don’t offer virtual cards, either. 

Recommended: Best Business Bank Accounts: 5 Top Picks for Small Businesses   

3. American Express Business Blueprint Cashflow Management 

Amex Cashflow Management

Kabbage Insights, in my opinion, was comparable to Quickbooks. While it did deliver visual reports, it was basically an accounting platform. Theoretically, it allowed users to view all their accounts in one place for a clearer picture of cash flow and revenue. 

Users could link the system to various banks, including smaller credit unions. PayPal and Stripe integrations were unavailable when I reviewed Kabbage, despite being advertised. 

Today, Business Blueprint™ is the core of Amex’s small business offer, with a real-time financial dashboard that consolidates Amex business products and linked external accounts. 

It offers: 

  • Personalized cash flow insights
  • Business  income and expense tracking
  • 30-day balance projections
  • A bird’s-eye view of your financial health

You can get all of this in one place. It’s designed to help you focus on growth instead of spreadsheets. The platform is free, but individual Amex financial products have their own fees and eligibility requirements.

You might also like: Plastiq Review: Can Plastiq Really Simplify Your Finances? 

4. American Express Business Blueprint App 

American Express Business Blueprint App

Back in September 2020, I noted that Kabbage’s web app and mobile app both seemed a little wonky. I assumed this was because they had recently furloughed staff and cut back on their service offer for the time being. 

Today, the American Express Business Blueprint app, available on both iOS and Google Play marketplaces, seems upgraded. 

Apple users give The Amex Business Blueprint™ app a 4.8 out of 5 rating, based on 8,500 reviews. Users appreciate its convenience and ease of use. However, some have reported limitations in banking functionalities, like viewing canceled checks and scheduling payments. 

However, most Android users seem find the Amex Business Blueprint app frustrating due to: 

  • Persistent login issues
  • Slow transfers
  • Frequent glitches
  • Poor support

Many of them prefer using the web instead.

You might also like: What is the Best Personal Finance Software? Free and Paid Options 

5. American Express Invoicing & Payments 

American Express Business Blueprint Payments

Kabbage Payments was an online invoicing platform with competitive rates at 2.9% + $0.25 per transaction, slightly lower than most major competitors. It supported email and web link billing, with next-day deposits for transactions processed before 5 PM. 

Users could also create a unique URL to sell gift certificates ranging from $15 to $500. 

Today, American Express Payment Accept is a service designed to help small businesses process card payments online efficiently. It offers a straightforward solution with transparent pricing, aiming to make payment processing simple and quick.

*But, they may not be accepting new customer applications at this time—Check with Amex for Updated info. 

You might also like: Melio Payments Review: Can It Make Business Payments and Getting Paid Easier? 

6. American Express Financial Resources 

American Express Business Blueprint Customer Service

Kabbage’s “Resource Center” was a blog dedicated to financial advice for business owners. I found the articles to be pretty useful, easy-to-understand, and worth a look. 

Kabbage Funding Reviews

American Express, on the other hand, has a full suite of resources for small business owners through its Business Blueprint™ platform. 

This includes a Resource Center featuring: 

  • Articles on various small business topics
  • Customer success stories
  • A massive help center 

It provides not just articles but also tools, customer success stories, and guided resources to help business owners manage and grow their finances more effectively.

You might also like: 41 Companies That Help Build Business Credit [Beyond Net 30 Vendors] 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hard to get an American Express business line of credit?

Approval for an Amex business line of credit depends on factors like your business’s financial health, credit score, and cash flow. While the process isn’t overly difficult for well-qualified applicants, Amex does require a personal guarantee and evaluates your business assets carefully.

Does Amex business report to Dun & Bradstreet?

Yes, American Express reports business credit activity to Dun & Bradstreet as well as other major credit bureaus, helping you build your business credit profile.

Why do so many businesses refuse Amex?

Some businesses avoid accepting Amex due to higher transaction fees compared to other credit card providers. These fees can cut into profit margins, especially for small businesses.

Is American Express business hard to get?

Obtaining an Amex business card or account generally requires a good to excellent credit score and stable business finances. While not excessively hard, it may be challenging for newer businesses or those with weaker credit profiles.

What is the minimum income for Amex Business Platinum?

American Express doesn’t specify a minimum income requirement for the Business Platinum Card. But, MyFico forums have a lot of anecdotal stories that suggest that they expect applicants to demonstrate significant income or business revenue to justify approval.

Final Takeaway

American Express Business Blueprint took what Kabbage started and expanded it into a full-scale financial platform. With better lending terms, a solid business checking account, and improved cash flow tools, it’s a clear upgrade. 

However, some drawbacks remain, like limited integrations and an inconsistent mobile app experience. If you’re an Amex cardholder looking for streamlined business banking and financing, it’s worth considering—just be aware of its gaps.

Are you ready to learn how to obtain up to $100K in business credit in as few as 30 days? Join Business Credit Workshop today!

A Complete, Unfiltered Amex Business Gold Card Review 

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Amex Business Gold Review

Key Takeaways

  • Earn 4X points on your top 2 spending categories (up to $150,000/year), 1X on others.
  • Get 3X points on flights and hotels, no foreign fees, and trip delay insurance.
  • Manage expenses with QuickBooks, employee cards, and year-end summaries.
  • Annual fee is $375, with up to $240 in select service credits.
  • Requires good credit (700+ FICO score), $3,000+ monthly revenue, and solid business credit.
  • Includes cell phone protection, extended warranties, and purchase protection.

Have you considered applying for the Amex Business Gold card, but not sure what you’d be getting yourself into? In business, the sheer number of financial management options can be overwhelming, but let’s simplify to determine if this choice is right for you. 

In this Amex Business Gold card review, you’ll find what the card is, see a company overview, explore the benefits, and find out if (and when) it might be worth it to apply. 

This is what’s in store: 

Now, let’s dive in. 

What is the Amex Business Gold Card? 

Why Should You Get the Amex Business Gold?

The Amex Business Gold card is a premium business credit card from American Express with a handful of standout features, including: 

  • Rewards on spending
  • Expense management tools
  • Travel perks 
  • Business services

It also offers cash flow flexibility with revolving credit, which you can pay over time when needed, along with no preset spending limit. When you apply for the card, it won’t impact your personal credit, because approval is based on your business credit score. 

You might also like: Amex Business Checking Review: What You Need to Know…Really 

Amex Business Gold Requirements

American Express Business gold card limit Reddit

Wondering how to get an Amex Business Gold card? Well, as you may know, the requirements are fairly stringent. However, they’re not clearly specified anywhere. 

So, here’s what I know is required: 

  • Solid business credit score 
  • FICO (personal credit) score above 700
  • Average monthly revenue of at least $3K  

The more revenue you have and the higher your business and personal credit scores, the more likely you are to qualify for an Amex Business Gold card. 

Recommended: This is How to Build Business Credit Fast [Step-by-Step Guide] 

Business Credit Score Impact

When you apply for the Business Gold card from Amex, your business credit score might take a small hit because Amex may check it during the application process. Your personal credit score won’t be affected at this stage. 

However, If you’re approved and decide to accept the card, it may impact your personal credit, because you’ll likely need to guarantee the account. This means that, if the account defaults, you’re on the hook. 

This card could offer a good way to build business credit if you manage it well, but be sure you’re comfortable with any potential impact on your personal credit before accepting.

You might also like: Here’s How to [Actually] Get Business Credit With Just an EIN +More Options 

Amex Business Gold APR and Fees

Amex Gold Business review

The Amex Business Gold Card offers 0% APR for the first 6 months, so no interest accrues during this time. Be mindful that the introductory 0% APR doesn’t apply to cash-like transactions or fees, and this is an intro offer, which can change any time.

After that, the APR will range from 18.74% to 27.74%, based on your credit and the Prime Rate, which can change with the market. Then, if you miss payments or have returned payments, a 29.99% Penalty APR might apply for at least a year. Paying on time helps you avoid this. 

Interest is calculated using the average daily balance method.

Amex Business Gold 200k

So, let’s say you spend $20,000 in a year using the Amex Business Gold Card and only make minimum payments—Here’s what you might expect: 

  • First 6 months: You pay 0% interest during the intro APR period. Assuming you spend evenly, your balance after making minimum payments (~$300/month) is about $8,200.
  • Next 6 months: The remaining balance and new charges start accruing interest at around 21.74% APR. You’d pay about $1,130 in interest over this time.
  • After a year: You’ll have paid about $5,300 in minimum payments but still owe $15,830, including interest.

Paying only the minimum can add up quickly. To save, pay more than the minimum, especially after the 0% intro APR period ends. And, to avoid interest, you can pay your balance in full by the due date, which is at least 25 days after the billing cycle closes. 

The card also has an annual fee of $375, but no foreign transaction fees. Late payments or returned payments can cost $39 or 2.99% of the past due amount, whichever is higher.

Amex Business Gold Benefits Worth Exploring

Is Amex Gold worth getting?

Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of being an Amex Business Gold cardholder, including rewards, tools, travel perks, and business services. 

1. Amex Business Gold Rewards

Amex Gold card benefits

This card rewards you with 4X Membership Rewards points on the top 2 categories your business spends the most in each billing cycle, from options like restaurants, gas stations, transit, software providers, and more (up to $150,000 per year; 1X points after). All other purchases earn 1X points.

Here’s an example scenario of how this might stack up: 

  1. Let’s say your business spends $2,000 on software subscriptions and $1,500 at restaurants in a billing cycle. These would be your top 2 categories, so you’d earn 4X points on those purchases, giving you 14,000 points (4 points per dollar).
  2. If you also spend $500 on office supplies, you’d earn 1X points for that, adding 500 points.
  3. In total, you’d earn 14,500 Membership Rewards points for that billing cycle. The top 2 categories adjust each cycle based on where you spend the most.

You can also get up to $240 annually in statement credits for eligible purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and office supply stores, plus a monthly credit for a Walmart+ membership (up to $12.95/month). 

This could be a great way to earn points and save on business essentials.

2. Expense Management Tools

Amex Gold business card review

The Amex Business Gold Card offers tools to simplify expense management. 

With this card, here are the tools you could get:

  • A year-end summary to simplify expense tracking
  • Employee cards to control spending and earn rewards
  • QuickBooks integration to auto-categorize expenses

You can also take advantage of Vendor Pay by Bill.com to streamline payments and assign an Account Manager to handle tasks like payments and transaction reviews. Plus, you can stay on top of spending with account alerts, online statements, and the Amex app, which lets you track expenses and manage your account in real-time.

You might also like: BILL Spend & Expense Card Review (Formerly Divvy Credit Card) 

3. Travel Perks for Cardholders

Amex Business Gold card rewards review

The Amex Business Gold Card enhances travel with 3X Membership Rewards® points on: 

  • Flights
  • Prepaid hotels
  • Packages booked through AmexTravel.com

There are no foreign transaction fees, which can make international business travel seamless. 

Plus, you can enjoy perks from The Hotel Collection (like a $100 experience credit and potential room upgrades for stays of two nights or more), Global Assist® Hotline for emergencies, baggage insurance for lost or damaged items, and car rental insurance for theft or damage (secondary coverage). 

Finally, If your trip is delayed by 12+ hours for a covered reason, Trip Delay Insurance may provide assistance. These features can make business travel smoother and more rewarding.

You might also like: What are the Best Business Credit Cards for Travel? 

4. Business Services from Amex

Amex cardholder cell phone protection

The card also offers valuable business services to protect and support your operations. 

Some of the services include: 

  • Cell phone protection up to $800 per claim
  • Dispute resolution for fraud and unauthorized charges
  • Extended warranties (up to 5 years) on eligible purchases
  • Annual purchase protection up to $50K per year
  • 24/7 support through Relationship Care® 
Amex business Gold Reddit

These features can help safeguard your purchases and simplify some aspects of managing your business.

You might also like: Comprehensive ZenBusiness Review: Is it Legit for LLCs? 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Does the Amex Business Gold card have a limit?

The Amex Business Gold card has a flexible spending limit that adjusts based on your usage, payment history, and other factors–This means your spending capacity can vary over time.

Is the Amex Gold a luxury card?

The American Express® Gold Card is considered a premium card, offering substantial rewards on dining and groceries. However, it doesn’t provide the extensive luxury perks found in higher-tier cards.

Does the Amex Gold Business have lounge access?

No, Amex Business Gold doesn’t include airport lounge access. But, it does offer other travel perks like trip delay, baggage claim, and car rental loss insurance. Lounge access is typically reserved for luxury cards like the Amex Platinum.

Is it hard to get approved for the Amex Business Gold card?

Amex Business Gold approval generally requires good to excellent credit. American Express evaluates credit history, income, and other factors during the application process.

What income is recommended for the Amex Business Gold card?

While American Express doesn’t specify a minimum income, higher revenue can improve your approval odds. They consider your overall financial profile, including income, existing debts, and both business and personal credit scores.

Conclusion: Is Amex Business Gold Worth it? 

The Amex Business Gold card offers a suite of features that can be worthwhile if you think you’ll take advantage of them. But, a $375 annual fee isn’t going to work for everyone. 

If you think the benefits can outweigh the cost for you, this is a high-value card from a reputable servicer. If you’re looking for more perks like lounge access, consider a platinum card instead. If you want something with no annual fee, keep shopping around—the right card is out there.   

Do you want to learn how to obtain up to $100K in business credit in as few as 30 days? Join Business Credit Workshop today!

FairFigure Review: Is it Really That Easy to Build Business Credit?

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FairFigure review

I first discovered FairFigure when writing up my most recent post, a comprehensive Fidextech review. I found it so interesting that I put it at the top of the list to research next. Now, here’s everything I know. 

Let’s take a look at what FairFigure is, see an overview of company leadership, and explore the features of the card in detail. 

This is what’s in store: 

Now, let’s roll! 

What is FairFigure?

Fair figure net 30

FairFigure is a platform designed to help small business owners build, monitor, and improve your business credit. They offer a service that allows you to track both your business and consumer credit scores in real time. It includes features like a Business Credit Correct tool that helps identify and fix incorrect information. 

FairFigure also offers the FairFigure Business Capital Card, which you can use to get funding without personal credit checks or personal guarantees.

Key features include:

  • Business and consumer credit monitoring.
  • FairFigure Capital Card that helps build credit while providing same-day funding.
  • Payment reporting to commercial credit bureaus. 
  • Identity Theft Protection and Darknet Scanner to help secure your company.

With FairFigure, there are no personal credit checks for funding or credit applications, since they rely on business EINs instead. The company positions itself as a tool to help businesses grow by helping them improve credit scores and secure better funding options.

You might also like: Low-Risk NAICS Codes +Best SIC Codes for Business Credit in 2024 

Company Overview

Is Fair Figure legit?

FairFigure Capital LLC is a Fort Lauderdale-based company that was founded in 2021 by Dana Angelino. Angelino happens to own and co-own several other companies, including numerous net 30 offers that help people build business credit. 

His other businesses include: 

So, FairFigure’s founder is as informed as anyone could be about the business credit building market and net 30 offers. Other than a bank executive, I can’t think of a better background for a business credit builder company leader. 

While FairFigure is not Better Business Bureau-accredited, they have an A- rating on the platform, with minimal complaints and a handful of positive reviews from satisfied users. 

FairFigure reviews complaints

I didn’t find any FairFigure reviews on Trustpilot, mentions on Reddit, or staff reviews on Glassdoor. Most of the reviews I did find appeared to be affiliate reviews, so I assume they were somewhat biased. 

FairFigure credit card reviews

Without ever having applied for the card myself, I can only say that, if I were a betting man, I would wager that the company is trustworthy based on what I know about its leadership. 

With that said, I did notice something about the offer that is quite misleading. FairFigure claims to offer cashback on card purchases. 

FairFigure coupon

However, while I was searching for the cashback amount, I came across a blog post on the official website that states: “Instead of cash back, [the FairFigure Capital Card] benefits primarily revolve around your credit.”

FairFigure does not offer cashback

I’m not a fan of deceptive messaging or brands with a lack of transparency, so this doesn’t sit so well with me. But, even without cashback, the offer is worth taking a look at. 

You might also like: 41 Companies That Help Build Business Credit [Beyond Net 30 Vendors] 

FairFigure Capital Card Features

FairFigure business credit card

The FairFigure Capital Card is a “no PG” (no personal guarantee) business credit builder card. It lets you apply using your company’s EIN, which allows you to build business credit without personal credit checks or guarantees. 

The card offers: 

  • Flexible four or eight week repayment terms. 
  • Credit monitoring tools. 
  • Identity theft protection.
  • Reporting to commercial credit bureaus. 

Moreover, it provides funding based on business revenue and reports payments to key business credit bureaus, which helps boost your credit score. Ultimately, it’s designed to separate personal and business finances, which makes it practical for small businesses that want to build credit and access funding.

Note, funds must be repaid in full within the payback terms you choose—It’s more like a corporate card, not a credit card. 

Recommended: Business Credit Cards You Can Get Without a Personal Guarantee