How to Earn Bonus Points Shopping Small Business Saturday
Add any Amex small-shop points offer first, then pay with the enrolled card at a qualifying retailer.
To earn bonus points shopping Small Business Saturday, add any available small-business bonus-points Amex Offer to your card before you shop, then pay with that same enrolled card. Direct that payment to a qualifying independent retailer so the purchase can trigger the points. Small Business Saturday is the Saturday-after-Thanksgiving day for shopping at small merchants.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it fell on November 29 in 2025 and was founded by American Express in 2010 Census story on the 2025 date.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 05, 2026.
Find qualifying shops before Saturday
American Express points shoppers to independent retailers through its Shop Small Map and Shop Small Online Directory. According to American Express, shoppers can use those tools to direct Saturday spending to qualifying small merchants American Express guide to participating in Shop Small. Pick one or two shops in advance.
Note hours, pickup options, and online checkout details. A short list keeps Saturday spending focused.
Add the points offer before you pay
American Express says eligible U.S. consumer and business card members must first enroll through their online account or Amex app, then pay with the enrolled card for a qualifying purchase Amex Offers enrollment page. Amex Offers can pay either statement credits or bonus Membership Rewards points, so select the bonus-points version for Small Business Saturday when choices appear Amex Offers explanation of credits or points.
Use these steps in order:
- Open your online account or app and find Amex Offers.
- Add the small-business bonus-points offer to the card you will use.
- Shop only after the offer shows as added.
Pay the right way for a qualifying purchase
Pay with the same card that holds the added offer. Use that card for the full qualifying amount. Keep the receipt until points or credit appear.
Check the offer terms for minimum spend, location, and online rules. A purchase outside those terms will not trigger the benefit.
What if no points offer appears?
Offers vary by card, time, and merchant. If your account shows only a statement-credit version, that version will not earn bonus points. Check again closer to Saturday, since availability can change.
If no points offer is listed, buy only items you already want at a price you accept.