Amazon and American Express have launched a small business credit card that offers entrepreneurs some big perks tied to Amazon Web Services (AWS), while also potentially pressuring traditional retailers like Office Depot and Staples.
The long-rumored card's official name is the Amazon Business American Express Card. The card features no annual credit fee, and the flexibility for members to select rewards or payment terms to assist cash flow.
Six potential perks for Amazon Prime members include:
- 5 percent back or 90-day payment terms on U.S. purchases at Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon.com, and Whole Foods Market.
- 3 percent back or 60-day payment terms for all other customers on U.S. purchases at Amazon Business, Amazon Web Services, Amazon.com, and Whole Foods Market.
- 2 percent back on purchases at U.S. restaurants and gas stations, and on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers.
- 1 percent back on other eligible purchases.
- Cardholders can closely track business purchases -- including line-item drill downs, cost per item analysis and quantity stats, and more.
- Cardholders can use their rewards to shop at Amazon Business.
The card could be a key competitive weapon for Amazon, which is attempting to connect the dots between its cloud (AWS) and office supply (Amazon Business) operations.
Within 11 months of launch, Amazon Business attracted more than 300,000 accounts, the company said in early 2016. Amazon Business is a growing rival to Office Depot, Staples and other business-centric retail chains and online stores.
In a counter move, Staples in September 2018 acquired Essendant a $5 billion office solutions provider that both completes and cooperates with Amazon Business.
