Small business owners who hold a Barclays business credit card can check their in-boxes for notifications. Barclays has launched a new round of targeted cash back rewards for their credit cardholders, where they get an incentive for spending on specific categories in exchange for statement credits.

These rewards are not publicly advertised, and they are only available to customers who receive the offer either by email or by seeing it listed on their Barclays business accounts page if they are qualified to receive it. If you are a qualified customer, then the reward could potentially give you a high return on your business spend, particularly if you already needed to make the purchase.

This guide helps to explain how the offer works, who can qualify for the offer, how to find it, and if it is a financially sound decision for your business.

What are Barclays Targeted Spending Offers?

Barclays also rewards cardholders with personalized offers to spend. While these rewards may be given to existing cardholders, they are considered unique and are unlike the welcome offers that sit applicants receive.

The following are usually found in targeted spending offers:

• A required spending threshold
• A limited promotional time frame
• A fixed reward, usually in the form of a statement credit

As these are targeted offers, not all cardholders are presented with the same offer despite using the same credit card.

The latest offer is limited to selected Barclays credit card holders of small business credit cards, as well as co-branded airline credit cards.

Specifics of the Current Barclays Business Credit Card Offered

According to cardmembers, Barclays is providing a $100 statement credit to eligible cardholders who meet a qualifying spend within a designated promotion period.

Key Highlights of the Deal

• Bonus: $100 statement credit
• Required Spend: $750
• Return on Spend: About 13.3%
• Eligible Cards: Select Barclays Business credit Cards
• Offer Type: Targeted (not publicly available)

In regard to the reward structure, the fact that it is yielding over 13% with respect to spend is very generous, especially within the context of an incentive set up for the short term with such a low spend level.

Promotional Timeline and Credit Posting

In order to be eligible for a bonus, cardholders must accomplish the needed spend within a promotional period, which usually lasts about a month.

Once the spending requirement is satisfied:

• The statement credit is not applied immediately
• Barclays has indicated that the credit can appear within 6 to 8 weeks after the promotion has finished
  

Nevertheless, cardholders have reported noticing these credits much sooner, in some instances within a few weeks.

One thing that needs to be noted is that the disbursements have to be done before the deadline, not pending or authorized.

How to Check If You’re Eligible

As it is targeted advertising, the only way to actually see if it is something that you can participate in is to contact Barclays.

To find spending offers with Barclays, you can follow

• Barclays US - http
• Log into your business credit card account
• Try to locate an “Offers” or “Promotions” section, which should be around the top of the dashboard
• Check any active spending rewards tied to your card

There are also users who receive an email notification from Barclays informing them of a particular offer. It is noted that all people who are eligible for a particular credit card may not receive an email notification. It is advisable that you check on your account manually.

Key Limitations To Be Noted

However, before outlining your money management plan, you must be aware of the limitations associated with these offers.

• Non-transferable: The offer is specifically associated with your account and cannot be transferred.
• One-time bonus: Credit award for a statement credit requires only once-per-promo award.
• Targeted eligibility: Even identical cards can have different offers – or no offer.

If you do not see it, it is generally not possible for customer service to add it manually.

Is It Worth It To Spend $750 When You Get $100 In Return?

From the mathematical perspective, this is extremely attractive. Getting back $100 rewards for every $750 spent is an improvement of 13.3%, which is much higher than normal cash-back returns that come attached to credit cards used by businesses.

However, the true worth depends on what you plan to spend it on.

When the Offer Makes Sense

• You have upcoming business expenses you would pay anyway
• The spending does not involve changes in vendors and/or methods of payment.
• You are not giving up a significantly higher reward somewhere else

When You Should Think Twice

• You'd have to make unnecessary purchases just in order to meet the minimum.
• Another card provides a high reward or category multiplier for the same amount spent
• The cash flow position is tight. It would be difficult to repay the amount outstanding.

Generally speaking, spending exactly what is needed to avoid fees while seizing the reward and nothing more is usually the best strategy.

Comparison of this Offer with Other Rewards in Business Cards

Several rewards credit cards for small business owners include:

• 1–2% 1–2% cash-back
• Bonus points on advertising, shipping, or travel
• Annual spend bonuses

Although these benefits can be lucrative in the long run, it appears they are not as practical in the long term as rewards aimed at the immediate transaction, as in this case, with only a small level of required spending.

For entrepreneurs who are always rotating their rewards cards in order to maximize rewards, adding a Barclays bonus category on to regular expenses may be an optimum strategy.

Smart Ways to Hit the Spending Requirement

So, if you qualify and can use the bonus without going overboard, you can purchase it.

Examples of business expenses that qualify are:

• Office Supplies & Equipment
• Software licenses
• MARKETING OR ADVERTISING COSTS
• Inventory purchases
• Shipping and logistics costs

Try to avoid transactions that come along with fees using the card, unless the reward associated with that card is higher compared to the fees involved.

Why Barclays Uses Targeted Promotions Targeted

Celio et al. point out that, as far as Barclays is concerned, targeted offers

• Encourage increased card usage
• Enhancing customer retention
• Reward active cardholders without running an advertising campaign

Consumers can be sure that the best rates and terms will be reserved and rewarded to customers who already hold an active account with the company a further incentive to review and monitor your options from time to time.

The Final Takeaway: Check Your Account Before the Deadline

The recent marketing promotion for Barclays’ targeted business credit card opportunity provides a great chance for eligible cardmembers to receive $100 back, requiring little effort on their part. Though not everyone may qualify for this offer, this is one of the best short-term cash rewards available on a business credit card. 

If you happen to be a Barclays business card holder, you might consider taking a minute or two to log in and check out what offers you have available. If the deal is active on your account, you’ll be able to earn some nice interest on your usual business spending.