I’ve been an Amex devotee for over a decade now: they’re the very first credit card I ever got, and I’ve stuck with them since. Partially because of the Membership Rewards, but mostly because of their truly stellar Purchase Protection program, which covers your purchases from accidental damage or theft for up to 90 days. I once had my card stolen in a club (during my bachelorette party, actually), and $250 in purchases had been racked up (at the bar, no less) by the time I realized that it was gone.
I called Amex, and presto: the charges were removed. Which made me love them.
But Membership Rewards (which come with American Express’ signature Charge Cards – Green, Gold, Platinum, and even Blue) are quite wonderful, as well. You earn points for your everyday spending, and can save them up for flights and travel, but can also use them for things like back-to-school musts (some of my favorite back-to-school musts that can be purchased using Membership Rewards are pictured above).
Orrr, if you’re feeling responsible, you can always hop on Amazon and use points or a combination of points and cash to pay for textbooks.
You can also redeem Membership Rewards points for increments as low as 2,500 to get gift cards at stores including GAP, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Old Navy, or for merchandise like iPads, Kindles, and Tumi luggage (really; check out the Fall Catalog here).
Today and tomorrow American Express is launching a series of daily Twitter Sweeps to kick off their “Membership Rewards Back To School Sweepstakes” program. To enter the Sweeps for a chance to win prize packs from designated retailers, go to this page. Tweet a photo to Amex of your “must-have” back to school look from Gap and Old Navy. Each day, a winner will be chosen at random by Amex.
