Points Aren’t Just for Free Travel

Travel is a major passion that so many of us have had to put on hold for the last 18 months. Now, we are all so excited to put our hard earned miles to good use. But don’t forget: our cards aren’t just for free travel. Did you know that you can redeem points for many other exciting products and experiences? In fact, some of our cards even come with free credits at merchants several times a year. Many of us forget these extras and only think of travel when we think of using our credit cards to earn points.

For example, while expensive and invitation-only, the American Express Centurion Card offers benefits like some listed below — but many members forget to use them:

1. Equinox All Access Gym Membership – worth $3,120 per year – which is amazing if you live or travel near one of Equinox’s 300 locations and value a gym membership.
2. Credit for Saks Fifth Avenue of $1,000 per year. The credits are awarded as $250 per quarter but can’t be rolled over so if you forget to buy something valued at $250 or more each quarter you lose this free merchandise.
3. CLEAR membership for the cardholder and family: $179 + $50 per family member.

Another benefit of the American Express Centurion Card is that members receive 1.5x Membership Rewards points per dollar on purchases over $5,000 (up to 1 million additional points per calendar year) which means I use my Centurion card on all large purchases. Points earned on transactions over $5,000 are worth an effective three cents verse the traditional one cent when redeemed in this manner. To take it a step further, when I am spending over $5000 it’s usually merchandise and another fabulous benefit they provide is extended warranty on all purchases.

— Teri