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-   American Express | Membership Rewards (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-express-membership-rewards-410/)
-   -   Points Usage (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-express-membership-rewards/1067361-points-usage.html)

carrera0000 Mar 25, 2010 10:41 pm
Points Usage
 
I want to buy surround sound with my points but the ratio is 17 pts for 1 dollar based on the pricing of the system on amazon. I can get gift cards for 10 to 1. Since none of the major electronic brands have gift cards, am I stuck with a crappy ratio?

It is the Sony bravia 5.1 surround sound that I am looking at buying.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

JFKLAX321 Mar 25, 2010 11:25 pm
MR gift cards are seldom worth it. The ratios are almost always a cent or worse per point.

carrera0000 Mar 26, 2010 7:13 am
i am noob-ish. please enlighten me.

mia Mar 26, 2010 7:28 am
Welcome to Flyertalk.

As you have discovered, redeeming Membership Rewards point for merchandise is typically poor value.

I can get gift cards for 10 to 1
I think you mean 100:1. A $10 merchant giftcard requires 1,000 points.

In general, Membership Rewards points are worth:
  • $0.005 (200:1) if redeemed for American Express giftcards, travelers' cheques, or statement credit.
  • $0.01 (100:1) if redeemed for merchant giftcards.
  • $0.02+ ( 50:1) if transferred to airline frequent flyer program -and- subsequently
    redeemed for high value tickets (business or first class).

Is this the item you are considering? Amazon is offering it for $321.26 / 56,500 points = $0.0057 per point.

http://www.membershiprewards.com/cat...tail&aid=82436

carrera0000 Mar 26, 2010 1:56 pm
Originally Posted by mia (Post 13652444)
Welcome to Flyertalk.

As you have discovered, redeeming Membership Rewards point for merchandise is typically poor value.



I think you mean 100:1. A $10 merchant giftcard requires 1,000 points.

In general, Membership Rewards points are worth:
  • $0.005 (200:1) if redeemed for American Express giftcards, travelers' cheques, or statement credit.
  • $0.01 (100:1) if redeemed for merchant giftcards.
  • $0.02+ ( 50:1) if transferred to airline frequent flyer program -and- subsequently
    redeemed for high value tickets (business or first class).

Is this the item you are considering? Amazon is offering it for $321.26 / 56,500 points = $0.0057 per point.

http://www.membershiprewards.com/cat...tail&aid=82436
yeah, i completely ....ed my math but thanks for the snapshot on the points redemption. i am not a fan of using points for travel right now and usually get merchant gift cards.

mia Mar 26, 2010 2:03 pm
Originally Posted by carrera0000 (Post 13654989)
...usually get merchant gift cards.
Dollars are fungible. Even though you cannot redeem points for a giftcard and use that same giftcard to buy the equipment that you need, you may be able to redeem for merchant giftcards that your family or friends would purchase from you for face value.


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