[2019.7 Update] This card can no longer be found on the official website, and the previous application link now returns an error, so it may have been discontinued. That’s a shame, since it was one of the few remaining cards offering 5% back at office supply stores. Existing cardholders should still be able to keep using it and keep the original set of benefits. However, at some point it may be converted across the board to another AMEX business card, such as the newly launched Blue Business Cash card.

AMEX Simple Cash Business Credit Card

[Note] If this is your first business credit card application, please first read “Introduction to Business Credit Cards” carefully.

Application Link:

Key Features

  • Welcome bonus: $250 (after spending $5,000 in six months) + $250 (after spending another $10,000 within one year)
  • Cash back on spending: 5% at office supply stores and on wireless telecom services; 3% in one category of your choice from eight categories such as dining, gas, hotels, and airfare; 1% on everything else (the 5% and 3% rates only apply to the first $50,000 in eligible category spending)
  • Cash back redemption: automatically issued as statement credit
  • No annual fee

Highlights

  • Excellent bonus categories: The 5% category at office supply stores is especially useful. Stores like Staples and Office Depot sell a very wide range of gift cards, such as Amazon and eBay gift cards. You can also use this card to buy Visa gift cards at office supply stores and then use those elsewhere, effectively earning 5% cash back on many purchases, though you do need to factor in the Visa gift card activation fee. Of course, getting 5% back on cell phone bills is also great. In addition, the 3% category can be selected based on your own spending needs, which makes it flexible, and you can change it once per year.
  • High cap on bonus cash back: Earning 5% on $50,000 means up to $2,500 cash back per year, which is quite solid.
  • 0 APR: Purchases made after opening the card can enjoy a 9-month interest-free period, and you only need to pay the minimum each month. Be sure to pay at least the minimum every month. See also: How to Pay During a 0 APR Period and Practical Ways to Use Credit Card 0 APR Offers
  • Refer a Friend bonus: You can earn $50 per approved referral. See: Introduction to the AMEX Refer Program

AMEX Card Benefits

  • [Business card exclusive] AMEX Open Savings: Use an AMEX business credit card at participating merchants to earn an extra 2x MR or a 5% discount. Merchants include FedEx Express and FedEx Ground, Hertz®, HP.com, and more. Details: Open Savings Overview
  • AMEX Offer: examples include Amazon 20 back on 20, Walmart 15-5, and 10 back on 75 for phone bills. Generous AMEX frequently sends cardholders valuable offers that let you earn cash rewards while spending. See: Recent Good AMEX Offers, Past Good AMEX Offers Summary, and AMEX OFFER Explained.
  • [Business card exclusive] More and better AMEX Offers: As a business credit card, it may receive more strong offers, such as Staples, Office Depot Offer, and 20% off at Sam's Club (which can be used to buy gift cards). These exclusive offers are generally not sent to personal credit cards.
  • Small Business Day: AMEX credit cards can participate in the annual Small Business Day promotion, where spending at designated merchants earns extra rewards. Details: Introduction to the Small Business Day Promotion
  • High credit limits: AMEX is very generous with customers and often extends much higher credit limits than other banks.
  • 3x credit limit increase: Starting on day 61 of card membership, you may be able to increase your credit limit to 3x the original amount through the AMEX website.
  • Free ShopRunner membership: Enjoy free two-day shipping at many online stores. Details: Official link
  • Extended warranty: Items purchased in full with an AMEX card get the manufacturer’s warranty automatically extended by one year.
  • Free credit report: Cardholders can check their EX credit score for free. See: Comparison of Free Credit Scores

Cons

My Take

As a no-annual-fee credit card, I think this card has excellent long-term value. The 5% cash back can pair very well with occasional Visa gift card promotions at office supply stores, and may even create a small profit. If you regularly need gift cards for other merchants, buying them at office supply stores is also a good way to earn 5% back. The 3% category can also be chosen based on your own spending habits. Since there is no annual fee, you essentially get AMEX OFFER benefits for free, which can both save money and make money.

As for the welcome bonus, spending $5,000 in six months plus $10,000 over the full year may be difficult for the average consumer. But considering how easy it can be to generate spend at office supply stores, people interested in this card will probably not find it too hard to reach.

Application

Application Link