Christmas Gift Successes Using American Express Credits

Christmas Gift Successes Using American Express Credits

My wife and I used American Express credits for multiple Christmas gift ideas this year. The credits brought our out-of-pocket costs down considerably, helped us use credits we weren’t otherwise using, and could be a good source of ideas for you next year.

For My Wife – Sennheiser HD 450BT – Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones

I got these headphones for my wife. Ironically, I used her own card for the credit, since she always forgets about this perk. It had gone unused thus far, and Christmas was a good opportunity.

• Cash price: $212.95 after tax
• Perk used: Up to $200 in semi-annual statement credits at Dell with the Business Platinum Card from American Express. You need to enroll before making the purchase, and then you receive a statement credit from Amex on eligible purchases.
• Double dip: My wife’s card also had an Amex Offer for 10% back at Dell. Considering that you pay the full amount and then get a reimbursement with the above-mentioned Dell credit, that means we also got this 10% on the full amount—not just our out-of-pocket portion.
• Out-of-pocket cost: profit of $8.35

My wife was super excited with these headphones and has already used them on some flights with crying babies. She said they were helpful, in case you’ve got your eyes on something similar.

For My Mom – Clinique “More Than Moisture 4-Piece Set”

Between my wife and I, we had three credits to use with Saks Fifth Avenue. For my mom, we got this Clinique moisturizing set, since she loves Clinique.

• Cash price: $52.72 after tax
• Perk used: Up to $50 in semi-annual statement credit at Saks from the Platinum Card from American Express. You need to enroll before making the purchase, and then you receive a statement credit from Amex on eligible purchases.
• Out-of-pocket cost: $2.72

For My Dad – Picnic Time Travel Cooler

Next up on the Saks credits was a gift for my Dad. He cares more about “the cold food is going bad in the trunk of my car in Florida!” than anyone I’ve ever seen. This gift can calm his nerves as he rushes home from the supermarket.

• Cash price: $52.67 after tax
• Perk used: Up to $50 in semi-annual statement credit at Saks from the Platinum Card from American Express. You need to enroll before making the purchase, and then you receive a statement credit from Amex on eligible purchases.
• Out-of-pocket cost: $2.67

For My Brother-in-Law – Picnic Time 3-Piece BBQ Tote & Grill Set

The last Saks credit went to my brother-in-law. He loves grilling, and he was super happy with this gift.

• Cash price: $37.33 after tax
• Perk used: Up to $50 in semi-annual statement credit at Saks from the Platinum Card from American Express. You need to enroll before making the purchase, and then you receive a statement credit from Amex on eligible purchases.
• Out-of-pocket cost: $0

Final Thoughts

Using American Express credits for gifts at Christmas or other holidays is a great way to maximize these perks. My wife and I don’t generally shop at Saks, and the fact so many people let these credits go to waste prompted Benjy to write about products you can get with your Saks credits. Between our cards and the offers available, we were able to give some really nice gifts to family members without spending much of our own money.

Did you use any of these credits to give gifts during the holidays? What were they?

Disclosure: Miles to Memories has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Miles to Memories and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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