Perks over points?

[FutureBillionaire]

I booked a rental car on National today because I wanted to take advantage of being in the Emerald club.  I probably could have booked through priceline, expedia, orbitz etc. and received more points through a rewards mall.  Are there certain purchases where you are willing to earn less rewards points in order to enjoy a perk?  Or do you always go for the cheapest option/most rewards?

[Anonymous]

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@FutureBillionaire wrote:

I booked a rental car on National today because I wanted to take advantage of being in the Emerald club.  I probably could have booked through priceline, expedia, orbitz etc. and received more points through a rewards mall.  Are there certain purchases where you are willing to earn less rewards points in order to enjoy a perk?  Or do you always go for the cheapest option/most rewards?

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I like points no doubt but the average person can't really spend enough money to fly on first class transatlantic on points multiple times a year.  But there are times where the perks make me feel like i'm living above my lifestyle, those are worth more to me than points are.

[CreditScholar]

Perks are almost always more important to me than points, unless the point gain is so high that I'll be willing to suffer the loss of certain benefits.

Typically any kind of travel-related expense falls into this category. Flights and anything airport-related are at the top of the list because it's painful enough as it is. Business or First class is non-negotiable for flights of more than 3 hours, as is lounge access. Hotels fall second, with club lounge access and late checkout being indispensible. Rental cars are a distant third and I'm not as fussed with what I'm driving as long as it's something decent.