AMEX Small Business Saturday 2014: Up to $30 per AMEX Card

Only if the authorized users are responsible, and don't go overboard–I'm conservative and would add no more than one authorized user per existing card, preferably a spouse, partner or other person in your household whom you trust. Some people do add several authorized users to max out Small Business Saturday, but note the risk of triggering AMEX scrutiny, from a financial review to actually closing down your account.

Also note, as described below, that it *won't* help to add an authorized user for AMEX cards that aren't issued by AMEX but by another financial institution that is licensing AMEX, such as the Citi AAdvantage AMEX–only the primary cardholder will receive the $10 credit, authorized users don't receive any Small Business Saturday credit for those types of cards.

Are All AMEX Authorized User Cards Eligible to Receive a $10 Statement Credit?

No. Only authorized users of AMEX cards issued by AMEX are eligible to register and receive the $10 statement credit. AMEX licenses its use to certain other financial institutions such as Citi, so for example if you have a Citi AAdvantage AMEX, only the primary cardholder will be able to register and receive the $10 statement credit. 

“To qualify to access resources like the Shop Small Map or online directory and to apply for free online ads, a merchant must meet the following criteria:

• Accept American Express Cards
• Have a retail business location in the 50 United States, including the District of Columbia
• Have 25 or fewer locations
• Have total net revenue of $10MM or less for the 2013 calendar year

The following types of merchants do not qualify: those operating under franchise brands, merchants who accept American Express Cards solely through third party payments aggregators, including those that offer the ability to accept credit cards through a card reader attached to a mobile device, or as part of an affiliate program. Merchants in the following categories also do not qualify:

• Government agencies
• Public administration
• Political organizations
• Religious organizations
• Non-profits and charities
• Businesses that manufacture, promote, or sell diet aids, drugs, or other pharmaceuticals, pornography, sexual aids, gambling, liquor, tobacco, firearms or other weapons
• Business and trade associations
• Direct seller and property management firms

Can I Receive the $10 Credit (up to $30 per AMEX Card) for Online Purchases at Small Businesses?

No, similar to in 2013, online transactions do not qualify.

Can I Purchase Gift Certificates to Use Later?

Yes–it's a good opportunity to purchase gift certificates to your favorite local restaurants, cafes, independent grocery, spa, boutiques, etc. 

When Will I Receive My $10 Statement Credit?

Allow up to 90 days. Last year I saw my statement credits appear within a week of Small Business Saturday.

How Big a Deal is AMEX Small Business Saturday?

For some people, it's a very big deal–they carefully add a ton of authorized users and go to town, maximizing all of their AMEX cards and authorized user cards. Frankly, since each transaction only gets $10 statement credit, and online purchases are excluded, I think AMEX Small Business Saturday is overhyped given the time commitment. Then again, I also have a merchant perspective, since I'm charged more (compared to Visa and MasterCard) each time one of my clients uses an AMEX card to pay for Award Booking services. I currently only carry a no annual fee AMEX card at this point, after AMEX Signup Bonuses Became Once in a Lifetime.