Each year American Express runs something called Small Business Saturday, the idea behind it has always been to increase acceptance rates with smaller merchants and to build goodwill with cardholders and small businesses. In the past American Express have offered their cardholders statement credits for purchases they have made at participating small businesses (e.g spend $10, get $10 last year which could be done three times per card). American Express has updated it’s page for Small Business Saturday and in the F.A.Q they have included the following (emphasis mine):
As in years past, American Express will continue to drive awareness of Small Business Saturday and encourage consumers to shop small through local and national advertising.
This year we are not offering a statement credit offer for Card Members on Small Business Saturday, but are instead increasing the support and resources we provide to help small business owners market the day within their communities and truly make it their own. Learn about the materials we make available at ShopSmall.com/GetReady:
- Customizable marketing materials
- Free online ads
- Shop Small merchandise kits (while supplies last)
- Educational event guides
We are also significantly expanding our grassroots advocacy efforts, such as the Neighborhood Champion program, to facilitate more community events and activities to engage local communities to shop small on Small Business Saturday.
It looks like American Express’ intention is to instead use the money they were giving out in statement credits to community programs instead. For most American Express cardholders, this is a disappointment as it’s one of the benefits they look forward to.
I’m interested to see what the final promotion does look like from American Express, I do love supporting local communities so fingers crossed it’s still helpful in that regard.
Hat tip to @yeshu1984 on Twitter
