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Small Business Saturday is on November 25 this year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to support local businesses — and earn credit card rewards.
Created by American Express in 2010, the event encourages shoppers to spend at local businesses. Last year, it generated $17.9 billion for independent retailers and restaurants. If you’re looking to shop small this holiday season, Small Business Saturday is a great way to find unique gifts and give back to your local community.
But you’ll also want to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck while shopping. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best credit cards for Small Business Saturday and tips to make the most out of your experience.
Best credit cards for shopping on Small Business Saturday
To earn rewards during Small Business Saturday, you’ll need the right card. Here are the best credit cards to use while shopping on Small Business Saturday.
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- American Express® Gold Card
- Citi® Double Cash Card
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Discover it® Cash Back
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
This card offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and transit, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. With an American Express card, you may see bonus offers for shopping at small businesses. While this card has a $0 introductory fee the first year, you’ll pay a $95 annual fee after. See rates and fees.
How to use it on Small Business Saturday: Find special offers for small business shopping in your American Express account.
Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
This card is similar to the Blue Cash Preferred card but with lower reward rates in exchange for no annual fee. See rates and fees. It offers 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retailers (up to $6,000 in each category per year, then 1%). You’ll also earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. If you’re shopping with small businesses online, you may benefit from this card’s elevated cash back on online retail purchases.
How to use it on Small Business Saturday: Find special offers for small business shopping in your American Express account. Plus, potentially earn 3% cash back on eligible online retail purchases.
American Express Gold Card
The Amex Gold card is one of the best rewards cards out there, and for good reason. This card offers 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1X) and 4X points at restaurants and Uber Eats in the U.S. Many small businesses fall into these categories, making it an excellent option to earn rewards while dining locally. You’ll also earn 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or via American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases.
How to use it on Small Business Saturday: Use this card when dining at local independent restaurants or local supermarkets. Find special offers in your American Express account for small business shopping
Citi Double Cash Card
This card is known for its straightforward reward structure. It offers 1% cash back when you make a purchase and an additional 1% cash back when you pay your bill, totaling 2% cash back on all purchases. It’s a reliable choice for earning consistent rewards while shopping at small businesses.
How to use it on Small Business Saturday: Flat-rate rewards on small retailers and local restaurant purchases.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards
Like the Citi Double Cash, the Quicksilver Cash offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. This makes it a simple and flexible choice for earning rewards while shopping at small businesses.
How to use it on Small Business Saturday: Earn cash back on all purchases earn cash back, including purchases made at small businesses.
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
This card lets you choose a 3% cash back category, including online shopping, dining, travel, gas, drugstore, or home improvement. You also earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% cash back on other purchases. You can customize your rewards based on your spending, making it useful for supporting local businesses.
How to use it on Small Business Saturday: Choose the category that fits the small business for 3% cash back.
Discover it Cash Back
With this card, you can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in rotating categories each quarter (then 1%). Categories often include popular spending areas like restaurants, online shopping, or grocery stores.
How to use it on Small Business Saturday: Use this card if your bonus rotating category aligns with shopping at small business.
How to maximize your card’s rewards on Small Business Saturday
Here are some tips to make the most of your card and maximize your shop small experience.
- Check for special rewards for shopping at small businesses: Many card issuers collaborate with local businesses to offer perks on Small Business Saturday. These rewards could range from extra points for each dollar spent to cash back on your purchases. American Express often has bonus rewards for spending money at small businesses. By using these cards, you support small businesses and earn rewards in the process.
- Use category bonuses: If your card offers rotating category bonuses, check if the current or upcoming categories align with small business spending. For example, if the bonus category is restaurants or online shopping, it may include small businesses that fall into those categories.
- Keep track of spending limits: Some credit cards have spending limits or tiered rewards. Be aware of these limits and structure your purchases accordingly. If your card offers higher cash back up to a certain spending threshold, maximize your spending within that limit to earn the most rewards.
- Pay attention to minimum spending requirements: Some credit cards come with sign-up bonuses after spending a certain amount within a specific period. Small Business Saturday can be a good opportunity to meet that spending threshold and earn those bonus rewards.
The bottom line
Shopping on Small Business Saturday is good for the economy but can also be good for your wallet. If you’re spending money for the holidays, you might as well earn some rewards to go with it. It may be as simple as choosing the right card — including many options on this list.
Opinions expressed are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.