Best way to use Amex MR Points?

[LionLaw]

So, I've accumulated over 20,000 Membership Rewards points since opening my Zync last summer (and now that I have a PRG, they are all full Membership Rewards points, not MRE points).  I think I'm getting close to the point where I should be able to get some free travel out of these points.  So, what is the best way to use them?  On the Membership Rewards site, the only major domestic airlines I see for transfers are Delta and Jet Blue; the transfer rate for Delta skymiles is 1:1, while the transfer for Jet Blue points is less than 1:1.  I see Virgin America on there too, but I've never flown with them.

I'm guessing this means that transferring to Delta is the best use of MR points, unless I'm missing something.  Any insights?

[ryanbush]

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@LionLaw wrote:

So, I've accumulated over 20,000 Membership Rewards points since opening my Zync last summer (and now that I have a PRG, they are all full Membership Rewards points, not MRE points).  I think I'm getting close to the point where I should be able to get some free travel out of these points.  So, what is the best way to use them?  On the Membership Rewards site, the only major domestic airlines I see for transfers are Delta and Jet Blue; the transfer rate for Delta skymiles is 1:1, while the transfer for Jet Blue points is less than 1:1.  I see Virgin America on there too, but I've never flown with them.

I'm guessing this means that transferring to Delta is the best use of MR points, unless I'm missing something.  Any insights?

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With Delta you're going to need close to 40K MR points to go anywhere domestic, sometimes you can find reward availability during non peak times for 25k round trip.  That is few and far between though.

You can always go to Delta's website and use the Award Calendar to look at destinations and times you would like to fly and see the amount of miles required.

[FutureBillionaire]

This thread strengthens the point that folks have been making regarding the lack of punch behind Amex cards. 

[GoldenloveNY]

This thread proves that higher tier charged cards, especially the PRG, are meant for those who could push $30,000+ and travel a lot to take the triple points of the PRG. Honestly, I would close my Zync if was not that I like a few of the gift cards options, and the Zync has a low annual fee.

[FutureBillionaire]

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@GoldenloveNY wrote:

This thread proves that higher tier charged cards, especially the PRG, are meant for those who could push $30,000+ and travel a lot to take the triple points of the PRG. Honestly, I would close my Zync if was not that I like a few of the gift cards options, and the Zync has a low annual fee.

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This is why it's time to downgrade or cancel in July.

[ryanbush]

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@FutureBillionaire wrote:

This thread strengthens the point that folks have been making regarding the lack of punch behind Amex cards. 

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not sure where you're going here, just becasue you can't cash out your rewards every couple of months doesn't mean the cards are no good.  with any kind of airline/points/miles card you have to spend quite a bit to get rewards often.  If you don't spend as much you have to wait a while before you cash out you're rewards.

I have never used MR points or skymiles for less than 2c each, so my green card and my Delta amex are esentially 2% back or more cards.

[Anonymous]

Agree, if you can't push 30k through the PRG not worth the AF unless you travel some.

[flowfaster]

Honestly you should sell them on one those deal sites and get $200+ cash.  MR points suck big time.

[ryanbush]

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@flowfaster wrote:

Honestly you should sell them on one those deal sites and get $200+ cash.  MR points suck big time.

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MR points only "suck" if you don't know how to use them, While I will agree that they aren't worth as much on average as UR points there are many instances where people have gotten 3-4c per out of MR points.  this makes them suck signifiantly less if you know how to use them.

[GoldenloveNY]

In a sense, MR points doesn't suck. Now that Amex Charge are easy to get, a lot of people of applying for them without realizing that these charged cards are targeted for a specific group of people. I get that they are perhaps a "get in the door" with Amex type of cards. In fact, the MR Express Points doesn't suck if one or more of the partner gifts are geared towards your lifestyle. I have cashed in my 5,000 MRE for a $100 barnesandnoble giftcard, and I bought a whole bunch of books with that (I am a bookworm...lol).

Regular MR points are really valued if transferring to frequent flyer programs, but the key here is the timing. I have heard that Amex offers bonus deals throughout the year that greatly boost MR points value. Many have transfers their points at 2-4 cents per point, which is a great value. Charge cards are really great for high spenders. If not, you're going to take years accumulate enough points to go on a vacation.