American Express Loyalty Program
This is American Express's new Plenti card. Plenti, launched Monday, May 4, is America's newest cross-brand loyalty program.
((American Express via AP))
Correction appended.
What is this Plenti thing I've been hearing about?
Well, maybe you haven't heard of it, but Plenti is America's newest cross-brand loyalty program. The new coalition, run by American Express, allows shoppers to earn points with multiple retailers, instead of just one.
Which retailers are participating?
Plenti is working with many retailers, but the most prominent ones are AT&T, Exxon, Macy's, Mobil, Nationwide, Rite Aid, Direct Energy, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Hulu.
How do you earn points?
Like traditional loyalty programs, users earn points with purchases. The dollar-to-point conversion varies depending on the retailer. For instance, AT&T will give users one point for every dollar spent on their monthly bill (if they've gone paperless), and Macy's gives out 2 points for every $10 spent on beauty and fragrances, plus a point for every $10 spent on certain other items (those using Macy's credit cards earn more points). Partners also give users other chances earn extra points with special offers.
There's no limit to the number of points you can rack up with Plenti, and points don't expire for at least two years.
Do I have to use an American Express card to earn points?
Nope. The program works with any form of payment the retailer accepts.
What if I do have an AmEx card? Do I get any extra perks for using Plenti?
Sort of. American Express has added Plenti to its Membership Rewards program, so card holders can transfer reward points over to the new loyalty program. AmEx users can read more here.
OK, let's talk rewards. What can I get with these points?
Users can trade their rewards for savings and coupons when they make purchases. For instance, you could use 1,000 Plenti points to get $10 off. And instead of being restricted to using your Macy's points at Macy's, Plenti will allow users to use points earned buying shoes toward a phone bill, or points earned buying gas toward allergy medicine.
Well that doesn't sound too bad. Any drawbacks?
The only real drawback to Plenti is that you'll probably have to carry a card around to earn points. Though some retailers will allow you to link your store card with your Plenti card, and others will accept the digital version of the card in the Plenti app, some retailers will still need to see that old-fashioned plastic.
As with any loyalty program, there are a few general drawbacks. For instance, the participating brands or rewards offered might not appeal to you. Also, some offers that allow you to earn points with Plenti have expiration dates: Some only last a day or two.
Hmm. Well how do I get started?
Go to plenti.com and sign up, or download the app through the Apple Store or Google Play. After you input some of your basic information like a phone number, address and email address, you'll be able to start earning points and using rewards. Plenti will also send you a loyalty card in the mail.
Can anyone join?
Just about. Any resident of the U.S. or its territories who's 13 and older can sign up. Businesses are not allowed to join as users.
How much does it cost?
It's free to sign up, but if you feel you must rack up 1,000 points a day by earning points with Plenti's partner offers, your wallet will probably take a serious hit.
Still have questions? Head over to Plenti's FAQ page.
-- Anna Marum
amarum@oregonian.com
503-294-5911
@annamarum
Correction: A previous version of this story included incorrect information about American Express's Membership Rewards program.