MyPoints: Which Offers Worked for You?

lrjohnson · #1 (**permalink**) 06-03-2006, 02:18 PM

I've been a MyPoints member for years. I read the emails and get those points, that's it. It's not a lot of points, but it's easy.

I'm looking to possibly boost my participation, as it seems like many of you are getting some great deals though trial offers, etc.

Which MyPoints offers have worked for you? I know if I get trial offers, I'll need to track and cancel, etc. Which offers have been more trouble than they were worth?

TBH · #2 (**permalink**) 06-04-2006, 08:30 AM

I don't know about the free trials. Like you, I've always been worried about the time the tracking would take, and since MyPoints doesn't pay in cash it's not too attractive to me. Gift cards tend to just make me spend the money.

I did do a VistPrint offer--several hundred business cards for the cost of shipping. I was very happy with the cards when they came but I'm still trying to get MyPoints to give me the promised points.

I'll be watching this thread to see what others say.

jodi · #3 (**permalink**) 06-04-2006, 10:47 AM

I've been doing mypoints for about a month - I have enough points to cash in for a $10 gift card (points are earned, but not credited yet), then I plan to cancel it. It's just too much hassle to keep track of everything and to keep cleaning out my inbox.
However, I do like the gift cards I get through the trial offers - a few $20 gas cards, $20 at Circuit City which I used toward printer cartridges, $20 bed Bath & Beyond card that I gave away as a gift...but then again, I can get these offers even if I am not enrolled in Mypoints. Anyway, if you can be disciplined enough to cancel the trials, and firm enough to say NO about ten times when you call to cancel, these are great. I tape a piece of paper with the trial information to my computer monitor so that I can remember to cancel it within the 30 days. Since I am on the computer everyday, I never forget. Everyday Values, Home Values were a few that sent the gift cards out promptly. AutoVantage was okay, but you had to submit a gas receipt and then wait for reimbursement ($10) - probably would not do that one again.

poundwise · #4 (**permalink**) 06-04-2006, 12:48 PM

I never liked MyPoints. For one thing, early on in their history, many people, myself included, built up a lot of points that went *poof* when they decided their business model, at that time, wasn't workable. I don't know if the same entity owns/runs MyPoints now, so it may be perfectly fine, but I won't participate.

I also much prefer to get paid cash instead of points. All of the points setups are real gimmicky. (MyPoints, Greenpoints, pretty much all the groups at Points.com). I'm sure someone makes it work; and we get Greenpoints at a local grocer which we have used for money off of purchases and a gift card once, but all-in-all, I don't like points. There are a lot of sites that pay a cash amount to do the same things MyPoints (and others) want you to do for points.

lrjohnson · #5 (**permalink**) 06-04-2006, 01:10 PM

Pound-it's not usally my thing either. I am not a couponer or rebater (don't use many convenience or brand name foods), a rewards card person, etc. I like staying pretty simple. I have however been able to use MyPoints points over the years for gift cards that I have used to buy gifts or treats. I figured if I've redeemed 21025 since I've had the account, mostly by reading e-mails, it's kinda harmless. I also figured that the people on this board are likely to have good input.

poundwise · #6 (**permalink**) 06-04-2006, 01:27 PM

Absolutely. My statements were just my opinion and my preference.

If you like it and benefit from it, more power to ya! I'm sure some folks on here will be able to give some good advice on success with MyPoints.

Just so you know, there are pay-to-read/pay-to-click programs out there that pay in $ as opposed to pts. Again, my preferred way to 'earn' through a program like this. PM me if you want some info on which programs I use and which ones pay the best, etc.

poundwise · #7 (**permalink**) 06-04-2006, 01:30 PM

Absolutely. My statements were just my opinion and my preference.

If you like it and benefit from it, more power to ya! I'm sure some folks on here will be able to give some good advice on success with MyPoints.

Just so you know, there are pay-to-read/pay-to-click programs out there that pay in $ as opposed to pts. Again, my preferred way to 'earn' through a program like this. PM me if you want some info on which programs I use and which ones pay the best, etc.

DivaJen · #8 (**permalink**) 06-04-2006, 04:03 PM

I think all of the trials and such that I have signed up for through MyPoints have come through. I have, however, had four charges on my credit card that I have had to have reversed - charges made after I'd cancelled already. So there is that to watch out for and has definitely made me less likely to sign up for any new ones any time soon. That, of course, isn't the fault of MyPoints buth rather the companies runninthe trial memberships.

jodi · #9 (**permalink**) 06-04-2006, 07:41 PM

I'm actually (pleasantly) surprised that I have not been charged by any of the trial offers. I figured one of them would try to sneak a charge in. Just be sure to get a cancellation confirmation number when you do cancel to head off any problems later.
However, I did get a $25 charge to my debit card from an unrelated company...I wonder if somehow the cc info gets shared??? Anyway, this charge really got me worried...checking out my credit report tonight to look for any other discrepancies. Always have to be alert to these things.

neilistic · #10 (**permalink**) 06-05-2006, 02:53 PM

I'm playing the dads and grads game daily just like the other games they run like the mothers day one and will never win. has anyone here ever won?

boomeyers · #11 (**permalink**) 06-05-2006, 10:07 PM

I love Mypoints. They have never failed me. I use it to purchase things online. I have several girl scout troops and I am a party room mom, so I offer to purchase stuff from Oriental trading company and then I get reimbursed. Works out great! I also use it when I purchase from Ebay. During Christmas, I really rack them up and then use the points for gift giving.
Sadly, no, I have never won any of those stupid scratch off games!

flash · #12 (**permalink**) 06-10-2006, 01:01 PM

I've done pretty well, trial offers for $1 that gave $20 in gift cards and eventually enough points to earn around $150 Home Depot gift cards. No additional charges on my credit cards. I did just cancel insiders club, think I've done all I'm going to do there, but I did get a rebate for every charge I requested.

As to the gift cards, I spent $98.47 on $100 g/c. I would rather lose the $1.50 than to spend unnecessarily.

story3girl · #13 (**permalink**) 06-10-2006, 06:46 PM

If you are worried about being charged by trial offers, use virtual credit card numbers! Many credit card compainies will let you sign up for this service on their site. Basically, it generates a one time use number which charges to your regular credit card. That way, the company cannot initiate any further charges without your authorization.

mbhunter · #14 (**permalink**) 06-11-2006, 11:11 PM

I usually do the magazine offers. The automated phone system for cancelling the subscriptions is a little slow, but not horrendous. Also just click on most of the rest of the ads to build up my points for gift certificates.

lrjohnson · #15 (**permalink**) 06-12-2006, 06:12 PM

I'm appreciating all the feedback, and will be taking a plunge or two this weekend, and will keep you posted.

nanamom · #16 (**permalink**) 06-12-2006, 08:37 PM

I've been doing mypoints for awhile now but have only been really active about 3 months. I do all the read this for 5 points stuff. I occasionally answer a trial offer and then cancel it the next week. I hav enever had them charge my credit card. I was going through to do my ebay stuff but couldn't tell if it was working so go direct now. I have only gotton one card for points and I think I am eligable for another one now. I did get 20 dollars in gas for a trial though. I don't do alot so it seems worth it to me. I only do one trial at a time so I never forget to cancel or mix up dates.

Crystallas · #17 (**permalink**) 06-13-2006, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by story3girl

If you are worried about being charged by trial offers, use virtual credit card numbers! Many credit card compainies will let you sign up for this service on their site. Basically, it generates a one time use number which charges to your regular credit card. That way, the company cannot initiate any further charges without your authorization.

wow, nice tip.
I honestly have never thought about that.

neguy11 · #18 (**permalink**) 06-20-2006, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poundwise

I never liked MyPoints. For one thing, early on in their history, many people, myself included, built up a lot of points that went *poof* when they decided their business model, at that time, wasn't workable. I don't know if the same entity owns/runs MyPoints now, so it may be perfectly fine, but I won't participate.

Hmm...I've been a member since late 90's, even before I was 18 (lied about my age). I don't remember it going poof...it did go through a transition when it was bought by United Airlines.

I recently got 20 points/$ r at both Overstock and Target through their Dads and Grads Instant Win Game (the double points were there even if you didn't win.) I was able to rack up a ton of points that way.

I only do do merchants that give at least 5 points per dollar or more. Any others I just stick with cashback. Overstock and Target are the main shopping merchants I go through with MyPoints.

I don't do the trials. I did them in the past but the companies are terrible -- they try to do hard sells and many times they use sneaky tactics. I've been charged a few times and it is hell trying to get it reversed. Not worth the 200 points IMO.

I recently signed up for Earthlink Hi-Speed and got 5000 points. Of course A WEEK LATER there was a bonus mail for 15,000 POINTS! I was kicking myself, but 5000 is better than none.

I love MyPoints, but like I said I only use it for select merchants and stay away from the trials "clubs."