My 2009 MacBook Pro has slowed to the point of near death. In people years, it's probably approaching 100. It moves at a snail's pace. Forgets or ignores things I command it to do. And never acts 100% alert.
After much debate between another laptop or a desktop, I fall in love with the gorgeous 21.5 inch retina-display iMac. It's a much better value, and since I don't travel much and do have an iPad, this is the better choice for me.
I decide to use my Amex points that have been accumulating since my last computer purchase. Amex has sent an email telling me that through the end of the year I can get 20% off; that's 160 points for every dollar spent vs. the normal 200 points per dollar. This compels me to buy the computer now.
I opt to buy directly through Apple, since they will match the Best Buy price of $1,399 (vs. the $1,499 on the Amex rewards site). I order the computer. It comes two days later, and after a painful migration and a few problems that eventually get solved, my new computer is up and running. I call Amex to apply the points to my account.
That's when I learn that in order to qualify for the 20% discount, I would have had to have purchased the computer through the Amex Membership Awards site. If I am just applying points to my Amex bill, the 20% discount doesn't apply.
The unhelpful supervisor at Amex, Genei from North Carolina, won't budge.
But then I learn that the points used directly against my card, and not through a specific purchase on the Rewards site, are always valued at 166 points to the dollar — that's 17% less than the Rewards site where it's normally 200 points to the dollar.
So I ask, "Why would anyone then purchase directly on your site?" "For the convenience," Genei answers.
But I'm thinking, it's not for the convenience. It's because no one knows.
So that's why I'm writing this. DON'T EVER BUY AN ITEM on the Amex site using points. Just have the points applied to your account after purchasing somewhere else.
Now you know.
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