Originally Posted by
lewende
I am surprised to find out there are so many people still having (redeemable) points balance after 3/28.
Yes, I booked a domestic resort vacation and dropped the account a bit.
I also know that I am unusual. I kept a generous balance for two very specific reasons. First, I visit a specialist 300 miles away for twice a year treatments over three days. I use points, or points+cash for the trip. Second, I am self employed and there are trips I make of a promotional or marketing nature (non-billable time) in which I use points or points+cash. I do the same for airline miles. I can make a cross country marketing trip for less than $300 out of pocket and most of that is rental car and airport parking. When the rate of success on these trips is generally one new job every three trips, it really makes a difference.
I see my points balance as prepaid hotel for stays that would otherwise be paid out of pocket. It is interesting that some of the lower level properties I use for these two reasons have dropped in redemption value.
As for a 2% cash back card, my typical Amex spend is $2K-$3K per month. That's just $60. Most of my points come from actually staying at the property.