Just a reminder that Amex is offering a 50% transfer bonus from Membership Rewards to Plenti. The deal started in July and is slated to end on 12/31/16.
Available Redemption Options
Plenti points can be used at four partners: Exxon/Mobil, Macy’s, AT&T, Chili’s Bar and Grill and Rite Aid.
Exxon/Mobil
The most obvious use for many people is to redeem for gas at Exxon – if their price is good in your area. If it’s not a good price, you’ll have to do the math and decide if it’s worthwhile.
Max $25 can be used in one transaction at Exxon/Mobil.
- Exxon is more expensive in my area. In other areas I’ve visited they are competitive.
- Not always useful for me since I often have gas points to use at Shell. And there are sometimes Amex Offers at gas stations or discounted gift card deals.
- My biggest gripe is that it doesn’t always work properly for me at the pump; I’ve had many successes but some failures. Others haven’t had any problems redeeming at Exxon.
- I’ve always wanted to try using Plenti on an Exxon gift card at the Exxon convenience store, but reportedly it doesn’t work. It works on other items inside the convenience store, though reportedly not on tobacco.
AT&T
For AT&T users, this could be a good option. Unfortunately, it can only be done at an AT&T store.
Some people have had success buying an iPhone or other large purchase at AT&T using Plenti points. At one point, the AT&T system limited how much could be used in a transaction, but that was fixed and you can now do many hundreds of dollars of Plenti in a transaction. (See also this post).
- Personally, I’m paid out on my AT&T bill way into the future due to this Amex Offer.
- Since Plenti can only be used in-store and only on the amount actually due on the account (from what I’ve read), this isn’t scalable.
- Could be a good deal for buying a new phone.
- I wonder if it’s possible to buy AT&T gift cards or prepaid cards in-store with Plenti points.
Rite Aid
Does not work on any gift cards. Should work on prescriptions or anything else.
- Very easy to use at Rite Aid.
- I’ve used occasionally for small purchases. I find Rite Aid to be expensive so I don’t shop there often.
Macy’s
This is the only option which works online.
One person bought a $1950 Macbook Pro at a 33% discount using Plenti at the Apple shop in Macy’s in NYC. Wow! If I needed a Mac and was in NYC, I’d totally do this.
- The online system does not allow Plenti points to buy gift cards. Not sure about in-store.
Final Thoughts
This deal is certainly not worthwhile for everyone – it depends on what other redemption options are available for you and whether you spend money at Plenti partners.
For some, this Plenti deal is a straightforward way of cashing out MR at 1.5 cents per point which isn’t bad. I find MR easy to earn due to frequent signup bonus offers, yet redeeming them doesn’t come as easy.
If you are considering taking advantage of this bonus, it’s worth testing the waters to see if the redemptions work for you before locking up lots of MR points in Plenti. Some people are transferring out thousands of dollars worth to Plenti to use on gas for the next couple years. There are still a few weeks left to decide!
