'Physical Items' Are Now Part Of The (3) Monthly Redemptions - FYI

[KellytheBelly]

Please, do not redeem these physical items if you plan on redeeming any points only gift card(s), before the end of the month. [REF: Gray Weekend Duffle ]

The 'Physical Item' in the Rewards catalog is somewhat new. I think the first ever 'Physical Item' was introduced to the Rewards catalog in September of 2022, and it was stemless wine glasses, if I recall correctly. If you redeemed them, you would know that you were able to redeem (3) physical items and/or magazines, other miscellaneous redemptions, alongside the 3 monthly points only gift cards. That has all changed, at least with the physical items. I have no idea if this applies to magazines subscriptions, e-books, etc...

After some trial and error this month, some (including myself) have discovered these physical item redemptions are, in fact, now included as part of the 3 monthly redemptions (effective June 2023). This, alongside the 'gift code' fiasco, has created a wasted month of wasted redemptions. Were we doing anything wrong in the first place? I don't think so. Turns out it was obviously just a short-lived fluke, in our favor? 

Quite honestly, since these physical items are valued at $0 why are they being counted as part of the 3 redemptions? They're literally giveaways. If you'll notice, any previous physical item had a value, and were usually 'Members Only,' prior to the change of including it as part of the 3 monthly redemptions. Makes no sense. 'I must say' - Ed Grimley.

May the force be with us all. Happy weekend. What could go wrong? *wink*

It's the Hard-Knock Life 😉

[Karyn8]

I think as  people  posted about the physical redemptions not counting towards the 3 monthly redemptions it brought that glitch to their attention and they fixed it. 

[KellytheBelly]

Maybe they'll give us that 4th redemption, now? 

[REF: https://community.aarp.org/t5/Redemption/AARP-Consider-Giving-Paying-Members-4-Redemptions/m-p/24978...]

[Karyn8]

Four redemptions for members and 3 for non members would be a good way to reward members. They already give preference to members in earning 7500 points vs non members 5,000.  With gift cards mostly $5 would an allotment of 2 per person be so hard? $5 doesn't cover the tax on a meal out anymore. 

     The flip side of my own argument is FREE is still free and it's a voluntary membership BUT it is a paid membership unlike other rewards programs like the grocery store whose membership is free.   

[JoLo49]

I agree, it would be nice for members to receive 4 redemptions, however, I don't foresee that happening.  Since the requirement to join the Rewards program is no longer only for seniors, there have been more "take aways" than bonuses.  When the Rewards for Good program was changed to  AARP Rewards in  Sept. 2019 , we were promised more exciting rewards.  There were $25 gift cards offered,  and it was nice that multiples of the same gift card were allowed to be redeemed for points, but now we're seeing mostly $5 GC's with a limit of one.  I also remember being able to purchase grocery gift cards at 50% discount at the start of the new program, but now the discount is reduced 8% to 10%. The magazine subscriptions and other physical redemptions were an added bonus that are now part of our 3 redemptions.  Because anyone over 18 years can become a participant in the rewards program for "free",  AARP is eliminating the perks  members enjoyed in the past.  Unfortunately, this program is no longer a rewards program for only 50+ years and older, but a program for the masses.

It's a free and voluntary rewards program, and there are still some benefits to being a member.  I enjoy watching the videos and quizzes for added knowledge, so the points earned is still a small added bonus. 

[BillD916633]

No way, No how, Not a chance

Anyone other than HelloWorld,, Maybe

” So long as we get the milk, who cares whose cow it is “

[KellytheBelly]

A(greed)! No way they'll do a 4th! lol Yet, what are we going to do with all of these points accumulated, huh? At least with the 'glitch' in physical items, I had something to use my freakin' points on. Now, they have taken that away, and now, they want us to scour their rewards catalog to find something to redeem, like a scavenger hunt for children. Nice, real nice. The 21st Century seriously lacks customer appreciation. Take, take, take, give nothing of substance back. I know, I know, everyone has heard this song before. The cow is obviously dead. ☠️

[cmulinix]

Thanks for the information.  I guess that I'm done with points redemption this month.  I did see the yoga bag had a redemption value, so I thought maybe it counted for the limit.

I had a hard time getting the bottom half of your message to stay open on my phone.  Tapped on the show more and it expanded and then unexpanded.  

[KellytheBelly]

You're welcome. Yes, today I've noticed when clicking to 'read more,' it retracts to 'show less.' It's the weekend, so it's to be expected. 🙂