How to get the most points?

[Bell21]

Just to be clear, in order to get the points, you do need to pay the annual fee right? So with the amex you are basically paying $375 for 100,000 points?

YEP - that's a good deal in terms of points value (0.75 cents / $), esp. on a flexible points program like AMEX. I'm fine paying annual fees, as long as I'm getting the points value or perks value that I want out of the card.

 

[Bell21]

Yes, and there’s often a higher surcharge for payment with Amex on flights and other large purchases. I can understand the allure of these cards with major points bonuses but I have to keep reminding myself that they’re probably not financially worth it. I have one that allows cash back. It doesn’t give me any FF points, but the cash I get back exceeds annual fee (so I win out) - I prefer cash to points, but many don’t. My advice is to be cautious and not get carried way with chasing points at all costs.

YMMV - they can be financially worth it, BUT it depends what you value and how you approach the game. I never see myself as obtaining 'free points' (well, rarely), and so if I'm paying annual premiums / surcharges, etc, it's a pure commercial transaction for me --- am I getting better value (minimum double value) for the points I'm earning through any costs I'm incurring. I haven't looked closely into cash backs for a while, so I could be mistaken, but I think the point values is well in excess of cash back value - however, if you don't travel much, your employer funds your travel, or don't feel the need for pointy end travel, it could change that equation. But yes, one has to be careful in the quest for points! (especially given pretty well regular devaluations of some type)

 

[clipped_wings]

Just to be clear, in order to get the points, you do need to pay the annual fee right? So with the amex you are basically paying $375 for 100,000 points?

Not exactly. Don't forget the $3-4k you have to spend in the first few months to qualify. No credit card issuer will gift you 100k points for the annual fee alone.

If you break it down, you are almost spending $4k for enough points to fly one way SYD-LAX business class. It only makes sense if you are going to spend big dollars on something that otherwise, would have been purchased anyway. Plus the caveat of eligible purchases is complex - no business expenditure is allowed. That can take the lustre off the deal.

However, we thought it was a great opportunity and it worked a treat for 3 of our family members when we paid for flights with our newly minted Amex cards - then enjoyed a whopping collective 360,000 points haul..........