Shop Local with American Express During Small Business Saturday

For years, Black Friday has been known for deep discounts right before Christmas. The shopping day has become a huge draw for consumers. Cyber Monday took that same idea and brought it to the Internet considering how many people shop online. American Express also has a special holiday shopping day.

American Express started Small Business Saturday in 2010 as a way to partner with small businesses across the country. Everyone involved gets exposure and consumers shop locally, which helps boost local economies.  

In 2020, Small Business Saturday falls on Nov. 28. American Express said that it has spent $200 million to support small businesses around the world this year. In its FAQ section, the company states that encouraging people to shop locally is important to help local economies and keep small businesses alive.  

American Express offers a Shop Small Kit to the merchants in its program. The kit is meant to provide business owners with tools and resources to make the most of Small Business Saturday. 

Small businesses that accept American Express payments receive support throughout the year. Posters, services to keep shelves stocked, and more are available. Webinars, ebooks, and videos are available to help businesses grow and retain customers. 

Businesses also have resources that allow them to show if they are black-owned. Eligible businesses are listed on the Shop Small Map for customers across the U.S. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, American Express is offering posters and other kinds of signage to help customers social distance and be safe while shopping. 

American Express is known for having some sought after cards. The Platinum Card has a sleek steel look with a weight to it that makes it feel more substantial than the typical plastic card. The Platinum Card has pros and cons that need to be considered for consumers to make the right choice for them. 

In terms of pros, the Platinum Card offers a lot of perks for travelers. There's a $200 airline fee credit for travel fees like checked bag fees and items purchased on flights. There's another annual $200 credit for Uber and Uber Eats. 

Cardholders also get credit for other travel expenses like an average of $550 in benefits for Fine Hotels & Resorts and a statement credit for international travelers who require a Global Entry application. A $100 non-refundable fee for the paperwork is required even if the application is denied.

Statement credit is available for the TSA Pre✓ application fee of $85. Cardholders also get points for general travel-related purchases. 

However, the Platinum Card isn't for everyone. Because the card's benefits are mainly for travel, users won't be able to unlock the full benefits of the card if they aren't frequent travelers. It also has a $550 annual fee. If you are traveling a lot, the fee will basically pay for itself. Otherwise, the card may not be right for you.