I choose for points only redemptions for retailers that I usually patronize. My preferences are Amazon, Walmart, and Petsmart, Then Panera Bread which has some nice bread, Walgreens and Barnes & Noble. When AARP Rewards had Target redemptions, they used to be my first choice.

Along the years I have found out that almost anything else will be a waste of points for me and will remain unused.

M

MariaK113398

Contributor ⭐⭐⭐

I like Home Depot, Walmart, Amazon, Home Goods, CVS, Best Buy and Kohls for points only. I try to buy the Daily Deal gift cards for CVS, Home Depot and Best Buy, but I'm not always quick enough!

I wish they would bring back Target gift cards!

Kateaz

Contributor ⭐⭐⭐

I no longer try to earn rewards except for the few games I play that have rewards. There have been too many glitches in the AARP system and no one ever responds. I play the game I like now, and IF I get rewards for them (this does not ALWAYS happen), I use the points to redeem for instant wins and sweepstakes. I wasted far too much time watching the same videos over and over and doing the same quizzed every month.

SereneSeagull

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

@Kateaz , I think you’ve put that perfectly. 👍

K

k878905c

Contributor ⭐

Rewards. I think about travel and what will benefit my 2 grandchildren

B

BertyBGone

Contributor ⭐⭐

I find that many of the gift cards are for stores I've never heard of, or for restaurants that have no locations anywhere near me. I prefer using points for big name online sites like Amazon, Walmart, etc. I'm also nervous about having a gift card for a restaurant that might unexpectedly close its doors, so I'll try for a $5 Burger King gift card for an occasional treat. And then there's the Kroger or Albertsons gift cards, which are always my 1st choice using points, but they rarely show up. I don't like to use points for sweepstakes ~ those points seem to just disappear into a big black hole! lol I prefer the instant gratification of Instant Wins or outright buying a gift card with points.

tarstarkas27

Contributor ⭐

Have to agree with you. I have 98450 points, and they are practically useless. If you want to redeem points, only a vast majority of options are useless, such as pages of E-Greeting cards and sweepstakes that are a total crapshoot. Anything worthwhile is sold out immediately and is never restocked. I redeem points with many different programs, and Amazon gift cards are always available. For an organization that caters to older people you must think we are con tent with $5 off on a $50 purchase where if you are the lucky the $5 will cover the shipping costs. Offer something of value for my 98,450 points and not sentimental crap!

SereneSeagull

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

@tarstarkas27 Hi,🙂

I just used three $5 gift cards at a restaurant and got $15 taken off of my bill. If you were given $15 as a gift would you decline that? It adds up, those as you say, “practically useless” cards. While I agree not much variety and quantities seem limited…it’s free money.

If you don’t have anything near you that is offered when you go to redeem, I get that. Maybe they can work on getting a better choice of cards. I agree with you on that, since some of these places are regionally located. The Walmart ones almost always get listed at the end of the month. There seems to be patterns on card listings if you watch. I hope you have better luck, and get some that are near you that you’re interested in.👍🙂

R

robynt73

Contributor ⭐

I redeem rewards in sweepstakes for stores I shop frequently. If there aren't many of those in a given month I select sweepstakes for stores I would be a "treat" for me.