Yes the rewards are a blessing.Where else can we pay such a low yearly fee $12 - $16 and get so many benefits.The membership gives discounts at many places and I see the rewards as an added benefit that they don't even have to offer us at all.I pay twice the fee at Consumer Reports and they don't give me free gift cards for instance.
I love the streaming services and while I did subscribe to them with out the cards its been really nice to get them for free in recent months.A lot of the gift cards don't apply to my area but I am sure someone can use them.An example,if they added Kroger I could use those but many people would not be able to since Kroger is regional.Its the same with most the cards.I feel like if I only get a reward once or twice a year it more than pays my yearly membership fee.I also like the Omaha Steaks cards.Their foods are a bit expensive but with a card or two or three it makes the prices comparable with the local grocery.I see that as a treat I would not normally purchase.
Maybe I don't expect much for an under $20 yearly membership fee but the rewards are just an extra benefit and I am more than satisfied to be able to redeem for a card once in awhile.I don't expect 3 or 4 cards per month.If I can get them,great...if not still great.
The site without rewards is more than worth the membership fee in my opinion.So much info to be found,the exercise videos,money management,food and recipes,and AARP stands up for Seniors and offer so many benefits.I appreciate it all regardless of how many gift cards I get even if its none.
