|
|||||||||
 |
|||||||||
 |
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
 |
|||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
 How to choose the right rewards program for you The airlines were the first to latch on to the business-building potential of rewards programs. Choose our planes over those of other carriers, they said, and someday you’ll be able to fly with us for free. Not surprisingly, travelers viewed it as a win-win situation. A good idea like that is bound to lead to others, and before long people were cashing in rewards points for rental cars, nights in a hotel, and recreational treats from golf outings to luxury cruises – not to mention all sorts of retail items. Pretty soon, while continuing to amass points by patronizing travel suppliers, they could also accumulate them simply by paying for their purchases with the right charge or credit card. If you have been having a hard time choosing among several card rewards programs, your decision will be easier if you look at your own needs first, and then choose the program that meets them. How often will you use your points? You may be the kind of person who doesn’t object to delayed gratification, as long as you know your points balance is constantly building toward that big vacation or shopping spree. Look for a program that carries your points over from year to year. And, if you spend a lot on your card, make sure it doesn’t limit the number of points you can earn. On the other hand, cashing in your points more frequently may hold more appeal for you. If so, you’ll want to be sure your rewards program offers a good variety of attractive rewards for a modest number of points – things such as cash rebates, videos, CDs or gift certificates. Specialization or variety? Maybe you have decided to spend your points on a particular hobby or interest – sports equipment and training, books, or luxuries for your home. You’ll want to see if the rewards program you’re considering has retailers or travel partners that offer the things you want. If your tastes are eclectic, from travel to gourmet food to shopping sprees, you want to be able to indulge them all at different times. A wide choice of rewards lets you do that, too. Consolidate your spending Knowing how well your needs will be met by a particular rewards program becomes doubly important when you put your spending on just one or two cards. Doing so helps your points accrue and gets you to your rewards faster. Can you conduct business online? You’ll probably prefer a rewards program that allows you to enroll right from your computer – and, if you wish, to transfer points to a frequent flyer or frequent guest account, to purchase additional points to “top off” those you already have, or even to redeem points for a credit to be applied to your card bill. February 15, 2001
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Copyright (c) 2000 American Express Company. All Rights Reserved. Users of this site agree to be bound by the terms of the American Express Web Site Rules and Regulations. View Web Site Rules and Regulations and trademarks and Privacy Statement of American Express. See Corporate Entities and Important Disclosures for additional information about the American Express entities who offer products and services on americanexpress.com. American Express Brokerage is offered by American Express Financial Advisors Inc., Member NASD and SIPC. American Express Company is separate from American Express Financial Advisors Inc. and is not a broker dealer. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
