At the moment we’re seeing a new promotion that could be more useful than some might assume on the surface.
There’s a targeted Amex Offer for 2,5000 bonus Membership Rewards points when you spend $100+ at Staples by December 31, 2019. You can earn the bonus points based on one or multiple transactions, and the purchase can be made either in-store or at staples.com.
Personally, I value Membership Rewards points at ~1.7 cents each, so to me the 2,500 points are worth $42.50, which means $100 worth of stuff is really only “costing” you $57.50.
There’s also a version out there offering a $25 statement credit when spending $100, though given that I value Membership Rewards points at more than a penny each, I’d prefer the version offering bonus points.
Like most Amex Offers, this one is targeted, so not all accounts are going to be eligible for this offer. If you’re eligible you’ll want to register ASAP, and then you’ll have until the deadline to complete the offer.
Check out my Complete Guide to Amex Offers for tips, tricks, and how to maximize these deals!
What makes this deal so awesome is that Staples sells all kinds of gift cards, both in-store and online. For example, Staples sells gift cards for Uber, iTunes, Southwest Airlines, etc. In looking at the terms, there are no exclusions for gift card purchases (other than purchases “in bulk,” which this wouldn’t qualify as). These are the listed exclusions:
ELIGIBLE PURCHASES: Offer valid in-store, via the Staples mobile app and online at Staples.com. Valid at participating locations in US. Not valid on purchases shipped outside of the US. Excludes Quill, Smilemaker, Staples Business Advantage, Staples 4 Government, Staples Toner Services, Staples Technology Solutions, Staples Promotional Products, Staples Print Solutions, Copy and Printing Services, Staples Contract and Commercial, Staples App Center, Staples Industrial, Staples Book Rental, Staples Simplexity, Staples Share Fund, Coastwide Labs, Catalog and Staples Fundraising. Not valid for gift cards in bulk purchases.
Were you targeted for this offer, and if so, do you plan on taking advantage of it?
Mine is pretty basic - one additional MR point per dollar through the end of the year
Love these offers. I buy Delta GCs. These then help trigger airline credits when I buy a cheap ticket and apply GC first. One more hoop than the good old days, but we evolve...
While signing up for this Amex offer I also noticed I have one for ANA, spend $1,000 get 20k Amex points.