Chase Ink Plus Card Is Losing Its 5x Office Supply Category — What You Need to Know
If you're one of the many longtime holders of the Chase Ink Plus business credit card, you've likely come to rely on its generous 5x earning rate at office supply stores. That perk, however, is on its way out. Chase has notified cardholders that the 5x earning rate on office supply store purchases will be removed starting October 1, 2026, and replaced by 5x earning on shipping purchases instead. While the card is no longer available to new applicants, a significant number of existing cardholders still carry it — and this change has real implications for how they earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
Here's a complete breakdown of what's happening, what was communicated to cardholders, and how you can make the most of your Chase Ink Plus going forward.
What Is the Chase Ink Plus Card?
The Chase Ink Plus was once one of the most coveted small business credit cards on the market. It earned Chase Ultimate Rewards points — one of the most flexible and valuable point currencies available — and offered elevated bonus categories tailored to business spending. The card earned 5x points per dollar at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services, making it an exceptional tool for business owners who spent heavily in those categories.
Although Chase discontinued the Ink Plus for new applicants some time ago, many existing cardholders have held onto the card precisely because of its strong earning rates. The upcoming category change is therefore a notable shift for a loyal cardholder base that has built spending strategies around the office supply bonus.
What Is Actually Changing on October 1, 2026?
According to emails sent to Chase Ink Plus cardholders, the card will drop office supply stores as a 5x bonus category effective October 1, 2026. In its place, cardholders will earn 5x points on shipping purchases. This means that spending at retailers like Staples and Office Depot — a popular strategy for earning outsized rewards on everyday business expenses — will no longer earn the elevated rate after that date.
The change was first reported by Frequent Miler, which noted the October 1 end date, though the exact source of that specific date remains somewhat unclear. Regardless, the direction is evident: Chase is pivoting the Ink Plus rewards structure away from office supplies and toward the shipping category, which may better reflect how modern businesses actually allocate their spending.
The Confusing Shipping Update: What Happened in June 2026
Adding to the story is a brief but notable development in June 2026. Chase sent out an email to cardholders stating that eligible shipping purchases would temporarily earn 5x points from June 15, 2026 through June 27, 2026. This appeared to be an early preview or bridge offer ahead of the broader category change.
However, Chase subsequently clarified that the email was sent in error. According to reporting by View From The Wing, Chase confirmed that no changes were actually occurring as a result of that specific communication — meaning the temporary 5x shipping promotion was not intentional and should not be relied upon as an indication of the final reward structure. The original category changes outlined for October 2026, however, still appear to be on track.
Why Is Chase Making This Change?
Chase has not issued a detailed public explanation for why the Ink Plus is losing its office supply bonus category. However, the shift makes sense when you consider broader trends in business spending. Shipping costs have surged in importance for small and medium-sized businesses, particularly those operating in e-commerce or managing supply chains. By pivoting the 5x bonus to shipping, Chase may be trying to align the card's rewards structure with how modern business owners actually spend money day to day.
It's also worth noting that Chase's active business card lineup — including the Ink Business Cash and Ink Business Preferred — already covers a range of bonus categories. The Ink Plus, as a legacy product, may be undergoing updates to differentiate it from those newer offerings rather than simply mirroring them.
How Should Ink Plus Cardholders Respond?
If you currently hold the Chase Ink Plus and have been using it primarily for office supply purchases, it's time to reassess your rewards strategy. Here are a few things to consider as October 1, 2026 approaches:
- Maximize office supply spending before October 1. You still have time to earn 5x points at office supply stores before the category officially ends. If you have planned business purchases at Staples, Office Depot, or similar retailers, consider front-loading those expenses before the deadline.
- Evaluate whether 5x on shipping fits your spending habits. If your business ships products regularly — whether via UPS, FedEx, USPS, or a similar carrier — the new 5x shipping category could actually be more lucrative than the office supply bonus was for you. Run the numbers based on your typical monthly spend.
- Compare with other Chase Ink business cards. Cards like the Chase Ink Business Cash already offer bonus categories that may overlap with your needs. If the revamped Ink Plus no longer aligns with how you spend, it may be worth considering whether another card in the Ink family better suits your business.
- Keep the card open for credit history and account age. Even if the rewards structure no longer appeals to you, closing the card could impact your credit utilization and account age. Many financial experts recommend keeping older accounts open even if they're not your primary spending card.
The Bottom Line
The Chase Ink Plus card is undergoing its most significant rewards change in years. Losing 5x on office supply stores is a meaningful blow to cardholders who have strategically used that category to earn large quantities of Chase Ultimate Rewards points. The replacement 5x category — shipping — offers genuine value for businesses with substantial shipping expenses, but it's a very different type of spend.
The confusing June 2026 email and subsequent correction from Chase add a layer of uncertainty to the story, though the underlying October 2026 change still appears to be in effect. As always, staying informed and adapting your spending strategy ahead of the change is the best way to ensure you continue earning rewards at the highest possible rate.
Keep an eye on further communications from Chase as October 1 approaches, and consider reaching out to Chase directly if you have questions about how the category change will affect your specific account. The more proactive you are now, the better positioned you'll be to get the most out of your Ink Plus card going forward.