False Alarm: Chase Confirms No Changes to Ink Plus 5x Office Supply Category
In a rare instance of “happy news” regarding credit card devaluations, Chase has officially confirmed that the legacy Ink Plus® Business Credit Card will not be losing its popular 5x earning rate on office supply stores this October.
Quick Summary
- The News: Chase confirms the 5x category for office supply stores is staying for Ink Plus holders.
- The Mix-up: An error email sent on June 15 suggested the category would be replaced by “shipping.”
- The Bonus: Chase is honoring 5x back on shipping through June 27, 2026, as a “make-good.”
Chaos and Clarification
Recent reports circulated within the points and miles community after Chase sent an email to Ink Plus cardholders stating that, effective October 1, 2026, the 5x bonus category for office supply stores would be replaced with 5x on shipping.
For long-time cardholders who keep this “grandfathered” card specifically for buying gift cards and supplies at stores like Staples and Office Depot, this was seen as a major blow. However, Chase has since clarified that the email was sent in error. The 5x earning rate on office supply stores—up to the first $50,000 in combined annual spend—remains intact.
The “Make-Good” Shipping Bonus
While the 5x office supply category isn’t going anywhere, Chase is allowing cardholders to enjoy a temporary boost. From June 15 through June 27, 2026, Ink Plus cardholders will earn 5x points on eligible shipping purchases. No registration is required for this temporary bonus.
Strategic Comparison: Ink Plus vs. Modern Alternatives
Even though the Ink Plus is no longer available to new applicants, its survival is a win for the community. Here is how it stacks up against the current Ink lineup:
| Card | 5x/5% Categories | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Ink Plus (Legacy) | Office Supply, Phone, Internet, Cable | $95 |
| Ink Business Cash | Office Supply, Phone, Internet, Cable | $0 |
| Ink Business Preferred | 3x on Travel, Shipping, Advertising | $95 |
The primary advantage of the Ink Plus over the modern (no-fee) Ink Business Cash is the ability to transfer points directly to airline and hotel partners (like Hyatt) without needing a secondary “premium” card like the Sapphire Preferred.
PointsGobbler Verdict
If you are one of the lucky few still holding an Ink Plus card, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Your 5x earnings at office supply stores are safe for now. If you have any major shipping expenses coming up, be sure to put them on your card before June 27 to take advantage of the temporary 5x boost.
Verify the latest terms and conditions on your Chase account dashboard for specific category limits.