best way to redeem Amex Ascent point in term of dollar/point?

Lancerx on 20/01/2014 - 04:12
Last edited 21/01/2014 - 08:25 by 1 other user

Hi all,

Not sure this is the right forum to post, but I'm just wondering what in your opinion is the best way to spend Amex ascent points in the reward program? I used to think spending 8000 points should cover my membership fee of $99, turned out it's not true, it only take off $50 off my annual fee according to the Amex rep (which sucks). I find gift cars generally give out the best dollar/point ratio, but unsure of the rest, as I only redeemed 8000 points once last year. So wondering what you guys found otherwise? Thanks

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  jonno82 on 20/01/2014 - 07:59

  I also believe gift cards are the best option, you can use them at supermarkets and use your cash elsewhere. Generally if you compare with RRP, most of the time the point cost of redeeming electronics and other products tend to be quite excessive.

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  Unbranded on 20/01/2014 - 08:38

  Amex is changing the Ascent program after January 31st, so that you will only be able to redeem points directly with retailers or for travel. This major change only warranted a couple of lines on the last statement, so most people probably didn't pick this up. You'd better get in quick if you have points to spend as Amex have not stated what the points conversion will be when the program changes, no doubt retailers will be getting a big cut of your hard earned points. Generally the higher the value the gift card (eg $1000) the better value you get from your points.

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    derpdeder on 20/01/2014 - 09:03

    As I understood, Amex was getting rid of the merchandise options for point redemptions, that is the option to get kettles, iPod, etc.

    These were overpriced and you were generally better off getting gift cards and buying them at your local shop. I can't imagine these type of redemptions were very popular hence Amex logically getting rid of them.

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  derpdeder on 20/01/2014 - 09:00

  I generally transfer the points to Virgin's Velocity program or other frequent flyer programs as I feel this is the most effective use of the points. They transfer 1:1 unless there is a promotion on.

  For example: SYD - BNE Velocity reward seat = 9,500 (9,500 Ascent points). Cost of this trip is $119.

  If you purchased gift cards with 9,500 points, you would get approximately $70 worth of gift card at 6,750 points per $50 gift card.

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    Lancerx on 20/01/2014 - 12:11

    oh ya, the Amex told me about this too, but i seldom travel within Australia though, except for the free complimentary flight every year.Any chance velocity count towards any international flights?

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      derpdeder on 20/01/2014 - 13:36

      Haven't had the need to try it. I have however in the past transferred the Amex reward points to Singapore Airlines' Krisflyer program for SYD to SIN. One way it is 25,000 in economy, 55,000 in business, 75,000 in the suites.

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        Lancerx on 20/01/2014 - 13:59

        so 1 to 1 point over to krisflyer too?

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        derpdeder on 20/01/2014 - 14:37

        Correct, they are 1:1. http://catalogue.membershiprewards.com.au/l2Category.mtw?cat…

        Also consider (in spite of being the opposite of what I have been saying) getting Harvey World travel vouchers. 10,000 points = $100 which is not a bad rate and gives you more flexibility.

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        Lancerx on 20/01/2014 - 15:00

        saw that too, but i probably gonna get charged off by harvey world by more than $100 compared to booking myself online elsewhere..i still not a big believer in TA..haha