I’m Really Lovin’ American Express


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Over this past year, I’ve actually made money just by having an American Express credit card – well four of them! American Express has run some amazing promotions where in total I’ve received $822.50 back in statement credits and gift cards. This has paid for the yearly fee of all four cards, while also putting additional cash in my pocket! Just another great perk of these credit cards!

Clearly American Express does not just give away money, so these promotions did take some time and effort, but it was totally worth it. Let’s take a look at this past year and see how this was done.

The four promotions that I have taken part in include:

  • Link, Like, Love Promotion: $40 statement credit for a Starwood stay (there are many other participating merchants as well)
  • Small Business Saturday: $25 statement credit for spending $25 at a participating merchant
  • Gift Chain Promotion: Varying gifts including gift cards, statement credits, Membership Reward points just for purchasing $25+ items at an online participating merchant (which could include the a merchant gift card)
  • Mix-n-Match Promotion: $50 statement credit for spending $200+ at two or more participating NYC merchants

Here are the 4 cards the have made me very happy so far and the extra money earned:

  • Card 1: Starwood American Express (Mrs. Deals)
    • Link, Like, Love Promotion: $40 statement credit (would have had this purchase anyways)
    • Small Business Saturday: $25 statement credit (would have had this purchase anyways)
    • Gift Chain Promotion: $29.50 statement credit, $180 worth of American Express gift cards, $8 in Dunkin Donuts gift cards, and $20 in Starbucks gift cards = $296.50 (all for purchasing $225 worth of Pottery Barn gift cards which will be used anyways)
    • Mix-n-Match Promotion: $50 statement credit (would have had this purchase anyways)
    • TOTAL MADE: $411.50
  • Card 2: Starwood American Express (Mr. Deals)
    • Link, Like, Love Promotion: $40 statement credit (would have had this purchase anyways)
    • Small Business Saturday: $25 statement credit (would have had this purchase anyways)
    • Gift Chain Promotion: $60 statement credit, $16 in Dunkin Donuts gift cards, and $20 in Starbucks gift cards = $96.00 (all for purchasing $250 worth of Pottery Barn gift cards which will be used anyways)
    • Mix-n-Match Promotion: $50 statement credit (would have had this purchase anyways)
    • TOTAL MADE: $211.00
  • Card 3: The NEW Business Gold Rewards Card(R) from American Express OPEN
    • Link, Like, Love Promotion: none (did not have the card at this time)
    • Small Business Saturday: $25 statement credit (would have had this purchase anyways)
    • Gift Chain Promotion: $25 statement credit, $8 in Dunkin Donuts gift cards, and $40 worth of American Express gift cards = $73.00 (all for purchasing $200 worth of REI gift cards which will be used anyways)
    • Mix-n-Match Promotion: $50 statement credit (would have had this purchase anyways)
    • TOTAL MADE: $125
  • Card 4: American Express Hilton HHonors
    • Link, Like, Love Promotion: none (did not have a need)
    • Small Business Saturday: $25 statement credit (would have had this purchase anyways)
    • Gift Chain Promotion: none (did not have a need for additional gift cards)
    • Mix-n-Match Promotion: $50 statement credit (would have had this purchase anyways)
    • TOTAL MADE: $75

UPDATE: I recently realized that my Macy’s and Bloomingdale cards are also Amex so was able to get an additional $100 statement credit with the Mix-n-Match promotion!

Since all these cards were opened this year, we spent nothing on the annual fees, but ultimately will be spending $305/year in annual fees for these four cards (assuming we keep them all). However, in just about 8 months, I’ve made a total of $822.50 with these four credit cards ($922.50 once you add in the Macys and Bloomies)! Pretty good ROI in my opinion! Now, on top of this money made (and yes, I do consider it money made as I received it back in statement credits, Amex gift cards, and Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts gift cards which I go to anyways), I also earned a ton of points as

bonuses. And on top of that, I earned a slew of points just for making these purchases.

While I originally was planning on closing the American Express Gold Business card when the year is up (due to the pretty high fee), I actually might consider keeping it I can make the yearly fee back in these various promotions. I like this card as it gives 3x points on all airfare, so do not want to get rid of it too quickly.

Overall, these promotions that American Express has had (and I believe they will continue to have) are definitely something to take into consideration when applying for a new credit card and weighing out the pros/cons. Most people just look at the welcome offer, the program itself, and some other perks (waived baggage fees, car insurance, etc.), but these additional statement credit promotions should not be overlooked. As you can tell, I am a HUGE fan!

I’ve highlighted the benefits and bonuses of these cards on this page here.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

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tassojunior
tassojunior
12 years ago

Most people don’t know but it does not have to be AmEx-issued AmEx cards to take advantage of these promos.

The AmEx’s from Bank of America and Citi also can be used.

dealswelike
dealswelike
12 years ago
Reply to  tassojunior

@tassojunior – Thanks for pointing that out!

Parag
12 years ago

I have a Macy’s AMEX and it works for that card too. No annual fee either!

dealswelike
dealswelike
12 years ago
Reply to  Parag

@Parag – I just realized that my Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s cards are Amex. Glad they made that change a year or two ago! Two more Costco purchases on my way!

lsquared
lsquared
12 years ago

Love it and can’t wait to earn all of mine. Question? How do you lin up for Link,Like,Love?

dealswelike
dealswelike
12 years ago
Reply to  lsquared

@Isquared – The Link, Like, Love promotion is tied to Facebook. There are actually MANY promotions to take part in and register for. For example, currently there is a promotion where you’ll get a $50 statement credit for a $250+ stay at an InterContinental hotel. There are also non-travel related promotions, i.e., $10 statement credit when you spend $50 or more at The Cheesecake Factory.

You can view the promotion here: https://apps.facebook.com/amexlinklikelove/?ref=ts

IPBrian
12 years ago

I have a similar story…thought I think you did better than I did last year. I love the promotions Amex has been doing, I just hope they keep it up!

dealswelike
dealswelike
12 years ago
Reply to  IPBrian

@IPBrian – I couldn’t agree more!

Abby Williams
Abby Williams
12 years ago

How do you regularly hear about the mentioned promotions? Are they emailed to you? Thanks

dealswelike
dealswelike
12 years ago
Reply to  Abby Williams

@Abby – there are many ways I find out about promotions, which include: constantly reading blogs, searching on flyertalk and milepoint, and signing up to receive email from many many merchants!

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Derek
12 years ago

AMEX has had some great promotions.. just can’t wait til Amex Delta offer a bonus transfer. Its been a long wait!

dealswelike
dealswelike
12 years ago
Reply to  Derek

@Derek – I agree! I actually have a decent number if Amex points and am hoping for delta bonus as well.

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