A recent email has sent shockwaves through the points community: Chase Ink Plus cardholders may soon lose the iconic 5x points on office supply store purchases—a benefit valued at up to 2.05¢ per point. If confirmed, this change could mark one of the most significant devaluations in the card's history, impacting small business owners and manufactured spenders alike.
Our Take
Bad news for power users and small business owners. The 5x office supply store bonus has been a crown jewel of the Chase Ink Plus for years, enabling outsized points earning. If this is more than a glitch, it's a major blow to anyone who maximized this perk for gift cards, reselling, or everyday business expenses.
What Changed
- Email sent to some Chase Ink Plus holders suggesting 5x earning at office supply stores may be removed
- No official update yet on Chase's website or terms
- Unclear if this is a confirmed change or a communication error
- 5x earning at office supply stores has historically been capped at $50,000/year
Who Benefits Most
- Low spenders who rarely use office supply stores: If you never maxed out the 5x category, your rewards routine won't change much.
- Chase Ink Business Preferred holders: This card earns 3x on select categories, and its current 100,000-point bonus is worth ~$2,050 (all-time high), offering strong value for new applicants.
- Chase Ink Business Cash holders: Still earns 5x at office supply stores (up to $25,000/year), so switching could preserve your strategy—$25,000 x 5x = 125,000 UR points, worth ~$2,563 at our 2.05¢/point valuation.
- Those who diversify: If you already split spend across multiple cards, this change has less impact.
Who Should Be Cautious
- Heavy manufactured spenders: If you routinely bought gift cards at office supply stores to rack up 5x points, you could lose out on thousands of dollars in value annually (e.g., $50,000 x 5x = 250,000 UR points, worth ~$5,125).
- Small business owners with high supply needs: Losing 5x on legitimate business purchases means less return on your spend.
- Ink Plus loyalists: If you kept the card open solely for this perk, it may no longer justify its place in your wallet.
What To Do Right Now
- Check your email: Look for any official communication from Chase about your Ink Plus card.
- Monitor your statements: Watch for changes in points accrual at office supply stores over the next month.
- Consider alternatives: If you rely on 5x earning, look at the Chase Ink Business Cash for similar benefits (up to $25,000/year).
- Hold off on big purchases: Until the change is confirmed or denied, avoid large office supply store transactions if you're counting on 5x points.
- Stay tuned: We'll update as soon as Chase issues an official statement.
