Rewards Cards - Part 2 - Non-cash Rewards

[berlinsmommy]

Here is a list of non-cash rewards, starting with general rewards, such as points that can be cashed in for a variety of gift cards, then I will move to more specific rewards such as airline miles and discounts at individual retailers.

General Rewards

Discover Platinum 5% Cash Back on "Get More" Purchases, these are random category promos that seem to change quarterly. Past promos have included: gas, groceries, health clubs, home improvement, books, and more. The current promo is a hodge-podge that includes Pier 1, Linen's N Things, and tuition. All other purchases are on a tiered system based on annual spending. The first $1,500 is 0.25% cash back, the second $1,500 is 0.50% cash back, and after that it is 1% cash back. They also offer a 0% Balance Transfer for 12 months. Rather than choosing cash back, you can increase your rewards by choosing from a variety of gift cards. Each $20 in cash back is worth $25 or more in gift cards at any of these merchants.

Discover Platinum Gas 5% Cash Back on gas. All other purchases are on a tiered system based on annual spending. The first $1,500 is 0.25% cash back, the second $1,500 is 0.50% cash back, and after that it is 1% cash back. They also offer a 0% Balance Transfer for 12 months. Rather than choosing cash back, you can increase your rewards by choosing from a variety of gift cards. Each $20 in cash back is worth $25 or more in gift cards at any of these merchants.

Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards Card 5% back on gas, groceries, and drugstore purchases, 1% back on all other purchases. 10,000 points with first purchase (enough to earn $100 gift card). Points are redeemable for gift cards to lots of participating merchants including Target, Home Depot, Pottery Barn, Macy’s, Linens N Things, Best Buy, Gap, and LOTS more. Also 0% on balance transfers and purchases for 12 months. I have this card and it is our primary card. The rewards add up fast and when you order the gift cards, they arrive quicky, usually about a week! I would almost consider it a cash reward card because there are so many choices for gift cards, you will be certain to find something you can use. The 0% on purchases is great if you have a large purchase that you can pay off in the next 12 months. It’s also nice because then you don’t “mess up” your balance transfer rate with purchases.

Citi Upromise Card 11% back on specific products purchased at grocery stores, 1% back on all purchases, 2% back on gas at Exxon and Mobile, more rebates at participating Upromise retailers. See Mrs. P’s thread for more info on Upromise and a list of participating products. This is also almost a cash rebate, Upromise can be cashed out, again, refer to the Upromise thread for details.

This is a work in progress, I will keep adding!!!!!

[cutenirish]

TY Thats awsome- Right now I don't think any of my cards get me anything but I don't use them at all- just paying the off as everyone here knows!

[PollyG]

Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards Card 5% back on gas, groceries, and drugstore purchases, 1% back on all other purchases. 10,000 points with first purchase (enough to earn $100 gift card). Points are redeemable for gift cards to lots of participating merchants including Target, Home Depot, Pottery Barn, Macy’s, Linens N Things, Best Buy, Gap, and LOTS more. Also 0% on balance transfers and purchases for 12 months. I have this card and it is our primary card. The rewards add up fast and when you order the gift cards, they arrive quicky, usually about a week! I would almost consider it a cash reward card because there are so many choices for gift cards, you will be certain to find something you can use. The 0% on purchases is great if you have a large purchase that you can pay off in the next 12 months. It’s also nice because then you don’t “mess up” your balance transfer rate with purchases.

I was looking forward to redeeming 5,000 points for a $50 gift card. The new points from the lastest statement finally posted. Then they raised the points needed for a $50 gift card to 6,000 points!!!!!!!

Stupid "Thank You Network". There was no warning at all. I am fuming right here.

[littlebuffalo]

Where is part 1?

[reezz]

I was looking forward to redeeming 5,000 points for a $50 gift card. The new points from the lastest statement finally posted. Then they raised the points needed for a $50 gift card to 6,000 points!!!!!!!

Stupid "Thank You Network". There was no warning at all. I am fuming right here.

Hmm Im thinking about applying for this one...

[ekoury]

There is a new card from AMEX. AMEX Starwoods Rewards. Starwoods is a brand of hotels. You can get free hotel stays (pretty low amount of points required) and when you transfer 20,000 points to an airline for miles, you will get 5,000 mile bonus. Their gift car option is limited, but the airline mile option is god.