Originally Posted by
PaulMSN
Your method: go online, log into TCB, click on AmEx, log into AmEx, fill out order form, wait to see if the order is accepted, wait for cards to arrive, take them out of the envelope, go to Target, use them to load Redcard.
CC method: go to Target, use CC to load Redcard.
I get 2x on my IHG CC at Target. If I used it online at AmEx through TCB, I'd get 1x and @ .5 cashback after fees. I'd say that part is a wash at worst.
I think you still come out ahead a little bit by ordering online, but maybe I should have stated depending on the card. I'm collecting UR where I get 1 point per $ spent. Even with me getting 1 point and you getting 2x, I still think I come out way ahead on the value gained given IHG is typically valued lower than the UR partners I usually transfer to. TPG values UR at 2.1 where IHG is 0.7 so even though you earn 2x the points, I still earn 50% more in value. Also, I personally like the earning points and cash aspect of it. In the end, we do what works best for us and gets us to the point/mile goals we set. I just don't think it's that much more time consuming or complicated. Me waiting on the cards to be delivered isn't the same as going into stores to purchase GCs. I spend an extra 10 minutes a month ordering GCs.