It’s late and I watch how many loyalty points out of 200 I earned from swiping a card for six months. Only enough for coffee? Must be in database only. “You can rub your rewards!” they say. The page is very sticky.

I recall airline points for a ticket that took ages at 5 AM on Tuesday with three halts. Those 50,000 points were no more worth than pocket change! Are all games rigged?

This time, I want cash from 200 points but the “Convert to Cash” button is hard to spot. It hides among offers for pointless scuba courses in Nebraska. Finally spot the tiny link!

So many options! Gift cards, direct deposit, PayPal transfers, and credit. Each has own conversion rates, charges, and processing speeds. Gift cards can at times give good value but harder to get cash. 200 points could only yield $1.75 or $1.80 after deducting processing fees! I have just paid leave for a garage I prefer not to be in.

The ceiling light is blue from my screen glow at night. Why is it so complex? Simply divide points earned for cash value by their rate in the program. Each one has different base value. The points on card A could be 0.5 cent while B’s ones are 1 cent but cash withdrawal is slim. They are hard for gaming pulse so I purchased themes having less face value.

PayPal appears straightforward. I connected my account and linked my points. There was no question in my mind that they were valuable. However, there is a threshold of at least 500 points! That made my 200 points seem pointless as well as long transfers which last for many days of five to seven days.

I feel that it can’t be so tough or is it really worth transferring for? Instant transfer service is available in the year 2024. The setup seems purposely meddlesome there too.

It is disheartening to realize that instead of “Hey, free cash!” thrill, they only represent numbers on an application program. However, in order to be used not everything is straightforward and clear. The present value can also be unreliable; one time you see that for a present card are only ten thousand points while at other times twelve thousand without any prior notice given which creates accumulation problems or hoarding.

Sometimes my two hundred points could translate into a mere buck seventy-five cents. Though better let’s save them. Spending on undesired stuff is so disheartening! Points must be easy money but are not there is Bologna university (degree in Economics).

A countless number of people use these points as commodity on earth today (billions or trillions) which have no intrinsic value turning them into cash from such digital representations. It’s crazy! We hunt after these things but claiming seems too troublesome. Maybe tomorrow will come where I give my two hundred-points away as donations? As I am really tired now. The reminders of past frustrations linger on–hopes for an easy over time cash transaction next time round will do.

【FAQ】

Q: Why is cashing out my points so difficult?

A: Programs make it hard to cash out points. They want to keep their profits. Programs like direct transfers or gift cards that don’t cost fliers. So, they put in fees and minimums and slow processing.

Q: What method gives me the best off my points – PayPal, statement credit or gift cards?

A: Rates depend on the program. Statement credit or direct transfer usually give 1 point = 1 cent rate. PayPal transfer may have fees. Gift cards can show high point value but are store limited. So check program charts and do the math.

Q: Point expiration warnings, how careful should I be?

A: Be fairly alarmed about expiration dates of programs. Some points live on forever. Others expire within 12-24 months. Certain programs have fixed expiry date. Check your balance now. Set reminders in a month.

Q: Why does the cash value seem to change? 1000 points was worth $10 last month, now it’s only $9.

A: Programs lower point values without telling people. This costs them less money without them noticing. Travel redemptions feel biggest pinch while cash values happen too. Check rates often on loyalty programs.

Q: Is there any way to get better value than the crappy cash conversion rate?

A: There are point transfers that can yield better returns than cash. Points transfer to airlines and hotels gives good value for money. Availability is tough and flexibility is key though. With cash back is too low value for most.
Promos usually don’t help much either. Simpler the scheme, lower the value.