American Express Shop Small scheme returns: Everything you need to know

The American Express Shop Small scheme is back, running until 15 December 2021, giving customers the opportunity to earn £5 cashback when they spend £15 or more with participating small retailers around the UK.

What is the American Express Shop Small scheme?

The American Express Shop Small scheme was launched in 2013 with the aim to support “the small businesses that do big things in our local communities, while also rewarding Cardmembers for showing their support”.

American Express cardmembers will receive £5 cashback if they save the offer to a qualifying American Express card. You can do this by logging into your online American Express account or by using the American Express mobile banking app. You can then make a qualifying purchase of at least £15 at one of the participating small businesses.

All American Express consumer and small business cards issued in the UK are eligible for the Shop Small scheme. Supplementary cardmembers can also access the offer. However, corporate cards and pre-paid cards do not qualify.

Valid cardmembers can receive one £5 cashback instalment per participating small business location, capped at five instalments per card, meaning you could earn up to £25 cashback in total if you make five qualifying purchases with five different small businesses. Bear in mind that your cashback can be reversed if you refund your purchases at a later date.

The American Express Shop Small scheme is more modest this year, after 2020’s offer allowed customers to earn up to £50 cashback across 10 retailers.

When can I use the American Express Shop Small scheme?

This year, the American Express Shop Small scheme is running from 4-15 December 2021. Purchases made before or after these dates will not be eligible for any cashback.

Where can I use the American Express Shop Small scheme?

There is a useful map on the American Express website (see image below) showing customers where they can make purchases with qualifying small businesses. All you need to do is enable location tracking on your device, or enter your location manually in the search bar, to find a list of participating retailers near you. There is also the option to search by business name to find out if they are participating in the Shop Small scheme.

More on American Express

If you are keen to make use of the American Express Shop Small scheme, we’ve rounded up a list of the best American Express credit cards, so you can pick the one that suits you best.

Alternatively, we have full reviews of the individual cards themselves, such as the American Express Platinum Cashback Everyday credit card, the Vitality American Express credit card, and the American Express Preferred Rewards credit card.

We also have a round-up of all the best credit cards on the UK if American Express is not your preferred provider.