AMEX Optima card. Aint that a biatch!

[Salvador]

I just noticed that I have 4,300 rewards points with my AMEX Optima card. There are some really cool rewards when I hit 5,000 points like a $50 GC for Dell Home. The problem is that I just paid off my AMEX card and no longer use it because of the high interest rates. I primarily signed up for the card to use the BVG "Best Value Guarantee", but now that it's over, there is absolutely no incentive to use the card. Well.. Except to get to 5,000 rewards points now. What especially sucks is that I have no idea what it will take to get to the 5,000 mark. AMEX isn't that clear on what gives you points and how much. What I can tell anyway.

Heh.. I guess I could have bigger problems. I just thought that I'd rant a little.

BTW.. I could continue to use the card, but I'm horrible about paying off balances once I get started.

Sal

 

[daclayman]

AMEX Optima has extended warranty service up to a year past original warranty when the card is used to make that purchase. Also, Optima includes Collision coverage when renting a vehicle with said card. AMEX rules when you don't apy a yearly fee.

edit: Platinum only

 

[AndrewR]

You get points for using it, plain and simple. I have about 4,000 points or somewhere close to that, but I am probably canceling the card unless they lower my interest rate. With the removal of the Best Value thing, there is zero incentive for the card, and I have a Sony Visa which gives me points toward a purchase of a big screen TV (each point is worth about a penny -- I have 15,000).

 

[isekii]

I love amex, their CSR service is absolute best.

 

[Salvador]

You get points for using it, plain and simple. I have about 4,000 points or somewhere close to that, but I am probably canceling the card unless they lower my interest rate. With the removal of the Best Value thing, there is zero incentive for the card, and I have a Sony Visa which gives me points toward a purchase of a big screen TV (each point is worth about a penny -- I have 15,000).

Exactly my point. I just wish that I would've accumulated a few more rewards points and then I would leave my AMEX card with a happier feeling. OTOH.. I did take full advantage of the BVG while it lasted and maxed it out two years in a row.

I like the other incentives like the extended warranty and have products that fall under the extended warranty right now. It's just that the interest rate is so high, that I dare not use the card. It just makes it not worth using the card.

Sal

 

[Cyberian]

Originally posted by: Salvador

I like the other incentives like the extended warranty and have products that fall under the extended warranty right now. It's just that the interest rate is so high, that I dare not use the card. It just makes it not worth using the card.

Sal

Can't you just use the AMEX card long enough to get up to your 5000 points and pay the balance off every month?

 

[notfred]

Spend $700. You will get 700 points.

 

[IEatChildren]

If you were to pay the balance off every month, the interest rates would be irrelevant, wouldn't they? That would make it a worthwhile card to use.

 

[Salvador]

If you were to pay the balance off every month, the interest rates would be irrelevant, wouldn't they? That would make it a worthwhile card to use.

I know.. I can't do that. I tried.

$700 equals 700 points. Thanks! Good to know. I might buy one thing for $700 to get to 5,000 points and then stop using my card.

Sal