Jul 23, 2016, 6:26 am
Last edit by: viajero boricua
Additional Info about MyPoints
UA occasionally goes out of stock, but usually returns within a few days.
UA occasionally goes out of stock, but usually returns within a few days.
MyPoints [Master Thread]--NEW
Mar 11, 2014, 2:02 pm
#946
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 138
I don't think they know what they want to do with the programme anymore. Clearly, no one is redeeming for gift cards, which is why they are offering all of these bonuses to purchase gift cards. They've also ratcheted up the price of UA miles by 2000 in a year. Now, with the introduction of "cash back" next to the point price, it seems like a fundamental change is in play. I think it will eventually turn into a cash rebate programme because of the reduced costs. 2014 will be an interesting year for sure.
Bottom line: don't accumulate these points. Spend them as you get them. Especially when you look at the financials of the parent company, it's clear that MyPoints will not be around long.
Mar 11, 2014, 2:40 pm
#947
Join Date: Jul 2012
Programs: Delta Gold, Alaska Gold 75K, LATAM Black
Posts: 3,393
Quote:
Originally Posted by uxb
I don't think they know what they want to do with the programme anymore. Clearly, no one is redeeming for gift cards, which is why they are offering all of these bonuses to purchase gift cards. They've also ratcheted up the price of UA miles by 2000 in a year. Now, with the introduction of "cash back" next to the point price, it seems like a fundamental change is in play. I think it will eventually turn into a cash rebate programme because of the reduced costs. 2014 will be an interesting year for sure.
I've always considered them to be something like a legacy online rewards portal. They used to be the largest and most popular but now the market is so crowded and competitive that people flock to the sites that offer the highest percentage back. The sites that offer the most are the ones with the least overhead. Since MyPoints used to be so big, I assume they have residual high overhead and simply can't compete (which is clearly reflected in their cashback percentages). Probably their only competitive advantage is the few people who are loyal just out of habit and laziness, but those people are probably slowly learning what a bad deal they are and heading other places. So less revenue means point devaluations, which leads to more people leaving.
Bottom line: don't accumulate these points. Spend them as you get them. Especially when you look at the financials of the parent company, it's clear that MyPoints will not be around long.
Originally Posted by uxb
I don't think they know what they want to do with the programme anymore. Clearly, no one is redeeming for gift cards, which is why they are offering all of these bonuses to purchase gift cards. They've also ratcheted up the price of UA miles by 2000 in a year. Now, with the introduction of "cash back" next to the point price, it seems like a fundamental change is in play. I think it will eventually turn into a cash rebate programme because of the reduced costs. 2014 will be an interesting year for sure.
I've always considered them to be something like a legacy online rewards portal. They used to be the largest and most popular but now the market is so crowded and competitive that people flock to the sites that offer the highest percentage back. The sites that offer the most are the ones with the least overhead. Since MyPoints used to be so big, I assume they have residual high overhead and simply can't compete (which is clearly reflected in their cashback percentages). Probably their only competitive advantage is the few people who are loyal just out of habit and laziness, but those people are probably slowly learning what a bad deal they are and heading other places. So less revenue means point devaluations, which leads to more people leaving.
Bottom line: don't accumulate these points. Spend them as you get them. Especially when you look at the financials of the parent company, it's clear that MyPoints will not be around long.
You make valid points though.
Mar 12, 2014, 12:34 pm
#948
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: About 45 miles NW of MCO
Programs: Acapulco - Gold, Panama - Red, Timothy Leary 8 Mile High Club
Posts: 29,247
I just need another 500 points to get the 5,000 UA miles. Then I'm done. I can't recall when I joined, but between 10 and 15 years ago. I've seen some devaluations in that time, yes sir!
Mar 12, 2014, 1:05 pm
#949
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,207
I've always considered them to be something like a legacy online rewards portal. They used to be the largest and most popular but now the market is so crowded and competitive that people flock to the sites that offer the highest percentage back. The sites that offer the most are the ones with the least overhead. Since MyPoints used to be so big, I assume they have residual high overhead and simply can't compete (which is clearly reflected in their cashback percentages). Probably their only competitive advantage is the few people who are loyal just out of habit and laziness, but those people are probably slowly learning what a bad deal they are and heading other places. So less revenue means point devaluations, which leads to more people leaving.
Bottom line: don't accumulate these points. Spend them as you get them. Especially when you look at the financials of the parent company, it's clear that MyPoints will not be around long.
Bottom line: don't accumulate these points. Spend them as you get them. Especially when you look at the financials of the parent company, it's clear that MyPoints will not be around long.
As for using other portals, I've used Ebates since last Aug, and they've paid out over $200,- since. Sometimes, cash is king. However, I claim all of my Starwood stays on MyPoints and get 5000 UA miles in no time at all.
That makes it a total of 20 points for this promo.
Mar 16, 2014, 10:39 am
#956
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 54
Mar 16, 2014, 11:20 am
#957
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Rural TN (but WAS native)
Programs: National Executive Elite, none of the others matter
Posts: 23,823
Mar 17, 2014, 9:12 am
#959
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 54