Undecided on what I should use AMEX MR points for...

[ibmrad7]

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@Open123 wrote:

Ideally, MR points should ONLY be redeemed via direct transfer into an FF rewards program; and, even then, unless you have imminent plans for a ticket purchase, wait for one of the periodic bonus transfer offers.

Now, if you prefer cash or decide you will never fly on any MR airline partner, you can redeem retail GCs at 1:1.  To cash out, just redeem one which sells for the higher value at Cardpool, by going through topcashback for 4% bonus, which should offer you about .9 cpp on your MR points.  If you prefer amazon, Cardpool offers an additional 5% value for amazon redemptions for retail GCs.

Good luck!

*Edited*  PS - Last time I checked, Tiffany GCs offer the highest retail selling value via Cardpool.

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As I only recently got into this whole cc rewards programs I'm only familiar with the recent bonus program for BA.  In your experience is this something that they'll repeat with BA and what other airlines have they had bonus programs for?

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BA transfer offers are very common, so is the bonus offer for Virgin.

[Open123]

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@Open123 wrote:

Ideally, MR points should ONLY be redeemed via direct transfer into an FF rewards program; and, even then, unless you have imminent plans for a ticket purchase, wait for one of the periodic bonus transfer offers.

Now, if you prefer cash or decide you will never fly on any MR airline partner, you can redeem retail GCs at 1:1.  To cash out, just redeem one which sells for the higher value at Cardpool, by going through topcashback for 4% bonus, which should offer you about .9 cpp on your MR points.  If you prefer amazon, Cardpool offers an additional 5% value for amazon redemptions for retail GCs.

Good luck!

*Edited*  PS - Last time I checked, Tiffany GCs offer the highest retail selling value via Cardpool.

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As I only recently got into this whole cc rewards programs I'm only familiar with the recent bonus program for BA.  In your experience is this something that they'll repeat with BA and what other airlines have they had bonus programs for?

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Over the years, I've seen bonuses to BA, Delta, Virgin America and several others.  There were times when bonus on transfers were as high as 100%, but usually only offered a 30% - 50% recently.

In my view, given the potential trend for devaluation in the industry, I think they will most assuredly continue offering transfer bonuses, especially in the above mentioned Airlines.  

[Anonymous]

Thanks to both of you for your responses.  I think I've decided that BA will be the ultimate designation for both my UR and MR points.  I'm really interested in using them for Qantas down the road so hopefully they'll bring back BA bonus program before too long.

[Open123]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Thanks to both of you for your responses.  I think I've decided that BA will be the ultimate designation for both my UR and MR points.  I'm really interested in using them for Qantas down the road so hopefully they'll bring back BA bonus program before too long.

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Then, definitely wait for an opportune time.  I can recall several times in the past few years when there were 100% bonus on transfers to BA through various times.

[Anonymous]

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@Open123 wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

Thanks to both of you for your responses.  I think I've decided that BA will be the ultimate designation for both my UR and MR points.  I'm really interested in using them for Qantas down the road so hopefully they'll bring back BA bonus program before too long.

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Then, definitely wait for an opportune time.  I can recall several times in the past few years when there were 100% bonus on transfers to BA through various times.

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That would be fantastic.  Thanks.

[Anonymous]

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@Open123 wrote:

Ideally, MR points should ONLY be redeemed via direct transfer into an FF rewards program; and, even then, unless you have imminent plans for a ticket purchase, wait for one of the periodic bonus transfer offers.

Now, if you prefer cash or decide you will never fly on any MR airline partner, you can redeem retail GCs at 1:1.  To cash out, just redeem one which sells for the higher value at Cardpool, by going through topcashback for 4% bonus, which should offer you about .9 cpp on your MR points.  If you prefer amazon, Cardpool offers an additional 5% value for amazon redemptions for retail GCs.

Good luck!

*Edited*  PS - Last time I checked, Tiffany GCs offer the highest retail selling value via Cardpool.

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Just be aware there is a $1000 lifetime limit across Cardpool and all simiilar sites.  Once this is reached, topcashback will stop giving credit.

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[IcEWoLF]

The reason was that I cannot make a trip to FL this year and not sure when I can make that trip.

After much thought I decided to use the points to book a flight for my parents to NYC later this summer since they are planning to travel there.

With that said, is it best to book the flight directly through the AMEX site?

[jsucool76]

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@IcEWoLF wrote:

The reason was that I cannot make a trip to FL this year and not sure when I can make that trip.

After much thought I decided to use the points to book a flight for my parents to NYC later this summer since they are planning to travel there.

With that said, is it best to book the flight directly through the AMEX site?

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Check the costs of flights (in points) with some of the partners and see how many points each flight would be. 

Where are they flying from? British Airways is distance based, so flights that stay on the east coast can be quite cheap (in points) 

If you book THROUGH amex and then use your points for the cost, you'll be getting a horrible value compared to some programs. 

[IcEWoLF]

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@jsucool76 wrote:

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@IcEWoLF wrote:

The reason was that I cannot make a trip to FL this year and not sure when I can make that trip.

After much thought I decided to use the points to book a flight for my parents to NYC later this summer since they are planning to travel there.

With that said, is it best to book the flight directly through the AMEX site?

---

Check the costs of flights (in points) with some of the partners and see how many points each flight would be. 

Where are they flying from? British Airways is distance based, so flights that stay on the east coast can be quite cheap (in points) 

If you book THROUGH amex and then use your points for the cost, you'll be getting a horrible value compared to some programs. 

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Reno, nevada

[takeshi74]

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@IcEWoLF wrote:

It kinda sucks such a prestigious card

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Prestige does not come from a card.  Don't select cards based on "prestige".

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@IcEWoLF wrote:

With that said, is it best to book the flight directly through the AMEX site?

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Shop both ways and see.  Generally transfer is a better value but generally and always are not the same thing.