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Just as you can maximize spending on dining out, travel, office supply purchases and more by choosing the right credit card to use, you can get the most out of your spending on internet advertising if you know where to look.
As TPG explained in his latest credit card inventory post, the Business Gold Rewards Card earns a place in his wallet since it offers 3x points per dollar on US advertising (one of several optional 3x categories from which cardholders can choose). In this post, I’ll detail the benefits of this card along with another great pick for spending in this category: the SimplyCash Plus Business Credit Card.
What Counts as Advertising On These Cards
Both of these cards are issued by American Express, and the offer details for each explain that you can earn a bonus on “advertising in select media,” among other optional categories. Based on the terms and conditions for the Business Gold Rewards Card, this is defined as “advertising purchased in the US to promote your business online, on television or on the radio.”
So not only will you earn extra rewards (up to 3x on the Business Gold Rewards Card and up to 3% cash back with the Simply Cash Plus) for online advertising with Facebook and Google among other services, but also with ad spending across other media formats. But since online ad spending is so popular among businesses large and small these days, that’s likely the area where most cardholders will be able to maximize this category.
Business Gold Rewards Card
This card lets you pick one of five categories on which you’ll earn 3 Membership Rewards points per dollar:
- Airfare purchased directly from the airline
- US purchases for advertising in select media
- US purchases at gas stations
- US purchases for shipping
- US computer hardware, software and cloud computing purchases made directly from select providers
TPG values Membership Rewards points at 1.9 cents apiece, so if you were to choose US advertising purchases as your 3x category, you’d be earning a 5.7% return on this spending, and you’d earn 2x points (a 3.8% return) on the four remaining categories. However, note that both the 3x and 2x earning rates are limited to the first $100,000 in eligible spending per applicable category each calendar year, after which you’ll earn just 1 point per dollar. You’ll also earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
The Business Gold Rewards Card is currently offering a sign-up bonus of 50,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $5,000 in the first three months. Based on TPG’s valuations, that’s worth $950. This card has a $175 annual fee that’s waived the first year, and no foreign transaction fees. For more info on its other benefits — and how it stacks up to the Business Platinum Card from American Express — check out TPG Senior Points & Miles Contributor Jason Steele’s post.
SimplyCash Plus Business Credit Card
Amex announced this cash-back card earlier this year, and it’s another good pick if you spend a significant amount on advertising in the US — especially if you’ve maxed out the Business Gold Rewards Card’s 3x bonus. Unlike with the former card, you’ll be earning cash back rather than transferable points.
You’ll earn 5% cash back on wireless telephone services purchased directly from US service providers and on purchases at US office supply stores. Additionally, you’ll earn 3% back in your choice of one of the following eight categories:
- Airfare purchased directly from airlines
- Hotel rooms purchased directly from hotels
- Car rentals purchased from select car rental companies
- US gas stations
- US restaurants
- US purchases for advertising in select media
- US purchases for shipping
- US computer hardware, software and cloud computing purchases made directly from select providers
If you selected advertising, you be getting a 3% return on eligible purchases within that category, and as with the Business Rewards Gold Card, there’s a cap on bonus earnings. In this case, you’ll earn 5% and 3% back on the first $50,000 in purchases in a calendar year, after which you’ll earn 1% back. You’ll also earn 1% cash back on non-bonus-category purchases.
This card doesn’t currently offer a sign-up bonus, but it doesn’t charge an annual fee either. Interestingly, it also offers you the ability to spend beyond your credit limit to make large purchases (determined by factors like your payment and credit history), though you’ll have to pay off this additional spending every month.
Bottom Line
Online advertising with companies such as Facebook and Google has become an integral part of many business’ strategies, and luckily there are credit cards that reward spending within this category. The Business Rewards Gold Card is a great option thanks to the ability to earn up to 3x Membership Rewards points on ad spending (both online and in other media), and while the no-fee SimplyCash Plus Business Credit Card offers a lower return due to its straight cash-back offering, it’s a great option as well — especially if you’ve already spent $100,000 on advertising with the Business Rewards Gold Card, since you’ll be able to earn 3% back on up to $50,000 in ad spending per year.
Source: thepointsguy.com