Best option for redeeming 81k points

[iamhks]

So It's been 1 and a half year of using Amex Gold and MRCC, I have a total of 81k points as of now.

Although I can convert to marriott, but I feel reedming for 24k/18k gold collection is a better deal even though reward rate goes down.

I understand the dynamic pricing and we can get more value per point but 30k in myntra/tata cliq voucher seems so much better deal than 40k at a 5star that too for 2days maybe. Just doesn't feel right, I travel even now and at okay hotel which I am totally comfortable with. I got into the hype of free 5stars and then got into amex.

What do you guys think? Should I atleast have 1 experience of a Marriott and then decide or vouchers for solid 30k is a better deal?
This also makes me think, if my reward rate had to be 4.9% only overall for all my spends in the card, what was the point of all this hard work of gyftr and monthly 1k 1.5k milestones when SBI Cashback would be so stress free. Would love to hear comments from people here.

Thanks!

 

[helloworld]

This also makes me think, if my reward rate had to be 4.9% only overall for all my spends in the card, what was the point of all this hard work of gyftr and monthly 1k 1.5k milestones when SBI Cashback would be so stress free. Would love to hear comments from people here.

Finally you realized the truth.. this is all I can say.. (for online shopping spends)

1. https://www.technofino.in/community...-amex-plat-travel-vs-amex-plat-reserve.30606/
2. https://www.technofino.in/community...mex-retention-offers-are-they-worth-it.14690/
3.

Post in thread 'American Express MRCC. A detailed explanation on why it is a MUST HAVE and important Tips.'

Dec 14, 2024

I think SBI CB card which I currently use is better for me.
I buy 20k AZ vouchers per month, that is 2,40,000 per year and I get 12000 Rupees (5%) CB.
Where as if you do the math for AMEX MRCC, you will get (1000*12)+(1000*6)+((20000/50)*2*12)=27600 MR pints = Rs. 9190.

Is this math correct? Am I missing something here?

Yes, all good. In this case SbI CB is better. AMex is for excluded categories like fuel, insurance etc. which are excluded in most other cards but people still using it for amzn vouchers only.

Also, amex provide purchase protection somewhat stronger than other...

• helloworld

• 

 

[jk51]

So It's been 1 and a half year of using Amex Gold and MRCC, I have a total of 81k points as of now.

Although I can convert to marriott, but I feel reedming for 24k/18k gold collection is a better deal even though reward rate goes down.

I understand the dynamic pricing and we can get more value per point but 30k in myntra/tata cliq voucher seems so much better deal than 40k at a 5star that too for 2days maybe. Just doesn't feel right, I travel even now and at okay hotel which I am totally comfortable with. I got into the hype of free 5stars and then got into amex.

What do you guys think? Should I atleast have 1 experience of a Marriott and then decide or vouchers for solid 30k is a better deal?
This also makes me think, if my reward rate had to be 4.9% only overall for all my spends in the card, what was the point of all this hard work of gyftr and monthly 1k 1.5k milestones when SBI Cashback would be so stress free. Would love to hear comments from people here.

Thanks!

I have faced similar dilemma like yours during my initial years within Amex ecosystem. What I have come to realize is any redemption be it even the most basic 0.25p per MR point is worth it if it serves your use case. Though Amex rewards travel redemptions the best, if that’s not your primary use case then do the math for worst possible redemption and see if it’s worth it to you or not. The point of rewards optimisation should be a balance between reward vis a vis effort taken to optimize for the same. If you feel it’s taking a toll then definitely one should step back and revaluate other options. Have mentioned my take across various posts mentioning some of them here along with potential areas where you can spend across platforms/avenues.

Post in thread 'Amex Taj voucher at Rs 0.5 per MR point ?'
https://www.technofino.in/community...cher-at-rs-0-5-per-mr-point.37049/post-916790

Post in thread 'Best possible redemption options for Amex card rewards'
https://www.technofino.in/community...tions-for-amex-card-rewards.38882/post-971901

Post in thread 'How are you making the best use of your existing credit cards?'
https://www.technofino.in/community...your-existing-credit-cards.41052/post-1025113

Post in thread 'Amex Platinum Travel Redemption Choices'
https://www.technofino.in/community...m-travel-redemption-choices.16349/post-423526

Post in thread 'Amex Taj voucher at Rs 0.5 per MR point ?'
https://www.technofino.in/community...cher-at-rs-0-5-per-mr-point.37049/post-916790

Post in thread 'Would Platinum Travel be an upgrade on Neu Infinity for my use case?'
https://www.technofino.in/community...eu-infinity-for-my-use-case.36378/post-902207


Post in thread 'AMEX PLATINUM TRAVEL CARD BEST WAYS TO SPEND'
https://www.technofino.in/community...vel-card-best-ways-to-spend.10632/post-408480

 

[sinha.rachit]

IMHO the 5star experience can’t be compared with a 3 or 4 star comfortable stay!

But then again , i did use the Amex points for Marriott reservations in Singapore. The experience was good, the rooms were also good. However, the down side was there was NO COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST. Apparently the new members of Marriott can use the point only for room reservations & there is NO option to select a room with breakfast. Even if u want to pay for the food and include it in the package, no such options exist.
U can have a Room ONLY reservation.

But then the benefit of Domestic Business Class Lounge access is one of the better thing to have!
So in all amex plat travel card is a good option.

 

[Maven]

Marriot sux bro lol go with the 24k redemptions it's just practically better.
I know a bunch of folks will get offended and will be like I did a vacation like never before but marriot points are practically unusable and the per point value is crap irl. Just go look up hotels you might want to stay at and see if you feel great about the conversion, I'm stuck with my 205k marriot points since 2 years now , can't find a good redemption value anywhere.
Isse accha toh biwi ko jewellery dila deta.

 

[subham23]

If you want to continue with both Gold & MRCC, i suggest you can accumulate rewards points for luxury future trips. There is no expiry of AMEX points and even if you close one card (out of gold/mrcc), it will not impact your existing RPs. i know many people maintain 3L-5L amex points.

 

[helloworld]

If you want to continue with both Gold & MRCC, i suggest you can accumulate rewards points for luxury future trips. There is no expiry of AMEX points and even if you close one card (out of gold/mrcc), it will not impact your existing RPs. i know many people maintain 3L-5L amex points.

but last 2 years, even amex also putting so many restrictions in reward redemption. so accumulating all points and when time comes if its like SC rewards, then whole thing will be wasted.

Reward cards ideally should redeem at max in 2 years otherwise after 1 year its more risk towards devaluation in each quarter. IMO.