Turn American Express/AMEX Reward Cards into Cash

Several rebate processors are now in bed with AMEX in giving out reward cards which are a pain to use and can not simply be deposited at your local bank. The rebate terms said I could bring it to a bank to deposit but that was not even true! If you don't use the cards for 6 months they start charging you $2 a month and you have to know the exact amount every time you use it. These things are designed to discourage their use.

If you want the cash you have to go through an extra step. When you get the card(s) call the phone number on the back (1-800-297-7327). You have to input the card number and security code. From the options, select 5 (more options) and then 0 to speak with someone.

You must say the magic phrase "I got this card from doing a rebate, I would like to request a check be sent to me". If you mention the word cash anywhere you will likely be denied unless the CSR is already familiar with this process. If they say they can't do it, then you need to convince them otherwise because they can. Tell them it said you could do this when you filled out the rebate form.

If you have multiple cards they can all be combined into one check. They will give you a confirmation number you should write down in case the check never arrives. The check will arrive within 20 business days.

Why does everyone have a problem with these cards? What's wrong with using them to pay for stuff? I usually buy gas with them. I might miss out on some cash back I would get if I used a credit card but at least I didn't have to talk to any customer service agents.

Quote from Shellac : Why does everyone have a problem with these cards? What's wrong with using them to pay for stuff? I usually buy gas with them. I might miss out on some cash back I would get if I used a credit card but at least I didn't have to talk to any customer service agents.

I agree, why waste so much time on the phone with CSR ?

I for one appreciate the OP. After Christmas, I have a stack of rebate cards worth several hundred dollars still needing to be used (just got a rebate card for $100 today). I usually use these for gas, but they still keep stacking up. Checks are wonderful and allow me to get back to earning rewards from my real credit cards. Thanks to the OP, I just spent less than 10 minutes on a phone to get a check for over $200. That is a handful of cards now that I don't have to worry about. I guess for some a few minutes on the phone is too much work for someone.

Note: I just asked if I could turn a rebate card into a check and the person had no problem doing it. He didn't even ask why. It was a hassle free conversation.

Quote from pinaugust : I agree, why waste so much time on the phone with CSR ?

Managing a dozen of these cards is a lot more time consuming in my opinion than a 5 minute phone call.

Thank you OP, this saved me a good deal of frustration. I hate managing these cards and letting AMEX take what pennies I don't use.

Spending the 10 mins on Google Voice was well worth it and is nothing when you hae a comfortable headset (G930) that is playing music in the background while you are doing mindless paperwork and reading emails.


+Rep all the way.

I always pay my cable bill with them, its an easy way to use them up and i can make many small payments towards my bill on the cable website.

Quote from Bondgamer : Managing a dozen of these cards is a lot more time consuming in my opinion than a 5 minute phone call.

Not really, put them all towards your cell phone bill, or buy gas cards, walmart gift cards, amazon GC, etc... with them. Jeez why is this always such a big deal for people?

Quote from Microtubule : Not really, put them all towards your cell phone bill, or buy gas cards, walmart gift cards, amazon GC, etc... with them. Jeez why is this always such a big deal for people?

Problem is that some of us don't pay for gas, groceries, or other misc bills. Being able to put this into my checking account is extremely convenient since I'm saving up for some nice things at IKEA that was just recently built in my state.

Oh, and I was able to get a CSR to turn my $75 + $20 cards into a $95 check just now. Didn't ask me any suspicious questions or anything.

Quote from ScifiMike12 : Problem is that some of us don't pay for gas, groceries, or other misc bills. Being able to put this into my checking account is extremely convenient since I'm saving up for some nice things at IKEA that was just recently built in my state. Oh, and I was able to get a CSR to turn my $75 + $25 cards into a $95 check just now. Didn't ask me any suspicious questions or anything.

So, you gave them $5 why? You do realize that at many stores (including Ikea) if you are buying something that they can take separate payments (they could take the $75, the $25 and then the balance in cash).

Thanks a lot OP! Expecting a few rebate cards from when I built my computer in June, so this will come in very handy!

Quote from mwa423 : So, you gave them $5 why? You do realize that at many stores (including Ikea) if you are buying something that they can take separate payments (they could take the $75, the $25 and then the balance in cash).

Oops, I meant $20, not $25.

As for using multiple payments, I knew that already. I prefer having the money in my account first since I'm not sure when I may be using it. Always good to have some extra cash/money on hand in case of an emergency.

thank you OP, although there are always people asking "why" in this type of threads in every single forum....
you've got a douzen; i have about 3 dozens...
repped for sure