Bummer: Big restriction on new rewards program at Office Max/Depot

Office Max / Office Depot launched their new 2% back on “everything” rewards program yesterday. This had been planned for quite some time and some customers had been targeted as part of a pilot program. While many speculated this would mean that beginning July 1st one could earn 2% back on Visa and Mastercard gift cards, the final program terms have come with one huge restriction (bold type for emphasis):

• Members earn 2% back in rewards on everything. The following limits will apply:   Members will receive 2% back in rewards on up to $200 dollars spent per quarter on 3^rd party gift cards, on up to $50 spent per quarter on Office Depot® OfficeMax® gift cards and up to $75 dollars spent on U.S. postage stamps per quarter.

Unfortunately, the best you can do will be 2% rewards on one $200 gift card per quarter.

The rewards program will still be simple and easy to use overall — 2% back on almost everything and VIP members (status earned with $500 in spend over a rolling 365-day period) will earn 5% back on ink, toner, paper and print/copy/ship services while also enjoying free shipping with no minimum purchase.

Overall, this will still be a useful rewards program for those who shop at Office Depot / Office Max and use a card that earns a nice return (5% / 5X) at office supply stores. Office Depot / Office Max Rewards will be paid out quarterly in the form of a rewards certificate. Rewards certificates will be valid until the final day of the quarter following the quarter in which they were earned and there is no maximum to the amount of awards earned according to the terms of the program. See full program terms here.

H/T: Doctor of Credit commenter Peter

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