This “Deal” Is for Suckers!
Signing up for credit cards through partner links earns us a commission. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Here’s our full advertising policy: How we make money.
One of the least discussed ways to use miles & points is to redeem them for merchandise. Well, there’s a reason most of us in the miles & points community don’t talk about it – it’s almost always a terrible deal!
Million Miles Secret Agent Simon commented on Facebook:
Have you done an article on the Amazon and Hilton arrangement to use Hilton points for Amazon purchases? Looks like a bad deal to me. Thoughts?
Simon is right! It’s NOT a good deal to use your Hilton points for Amazon purchases.
Bad Deal: Non-Travel Point Redemptions
I’ve written about how to shop on Amazon with Chase Ultimate Rewards points and AMEX Membership Rewards points. And how to use United Airlines miles to buy merchandise.
If you use Hilton points for Amazon purchases you’ll only get ~0.2 cents per point. But you can easily get 2X to 4X as much value per point when you use your Hilton points for free nights!
So I do NOT recommend using Hilton points for Amazon purchases. Because there are many more valuable uses for your points.
Is It Ever a Good Deal?
Occasionally there are great deals, like the targeted offer to save $30 off a $60 Amazon purchase by paying with a single AMEX Membership Rewards point. Or your points might expire before you can redeem them for travel.
In those situations, I say go for it! Because at the end of the day you should do what brings you the most satisfaction. And that might not always be travel.
Bottom Line
One of the ways you can use your miles & points is to purchase merchandise. But this is almost always a bad deal, because you won’t get nearly as much value for your points.
So unless there is a special offer, or your points & miles are about to expire, I would NOT recommend using your points in this way.
But as always, you should do what brings you the most happiness.
If you have any questions, feel free to send us a message on Facebook. And while you’re at it, follow us to learn more about Big Travel with Small Money! 🙂
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups are excluded.
American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. There are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
$200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
Breeze through security with CLEAR® lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. Learn more.
$695 annual fee.
Terms Apply.
Intro APR on purchases
N/A
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Annual Fee
$695
Balance Transfer Fee
N/A
Rates & Fees
Other
MORE INFO
Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)
Join the Discussion!