Comments on: Are point cards worth it?

By: F

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:16:53 +0000

Do you know what technology they use for these point cards, or rather the type of cards? I’d like to read more about it!

By: Pointer

Pointer — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 03:06:59 +0000

The author wrote, “The most obvious example of point systems with no time limit and portability is airline miles. . .” I believe this statement is in error because I have mileage cards with three airlines (one Japaanese and two non-Japanese airlines) and they all have time limits.

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:34:12 +0000

I think points are somehow indexed to common interest rates in your bank. Hence a mere 1% to 2% discount. Apart from this system are Bic Camera points (and similar shops) who raises prices and then apply 10% or 15% points in order to get you to stay shopping at the same place. But you can find the same items cheaper on Internet nowadays, even with the 10 or 15% reduction.
What I do is:
- never use points cards: worthless
- buy online for consumer goods: TV, hifi, even shoes if you know the brand
- convert all you can in miles, which really worth it, with airlines company credit cards.

By: Huw Lockwood

Huw Lockwood — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:26:26 +0000

Agreed. Some cards are great but those are limited to places like petrol stations. Nothing else is really worth having. My local bookshop has a one year expiration period but 1000 yen spent gets only 1 point, 100 points brings a 500 yen discount. So you have to spend 100 000 yen in a one year period to get a .5% discount? Also, the money you spend is rounded down to the nearest 1000 yen so you really have to spend 150 000 – a .33% discount. What a joke.