American Express Membership Rewards: Our Top Luxury Picks

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed)
Apr 4th 2011 at 2:01PM

When it comes to credit card rewards programs what's most valuable? Travel? Cash back? Free luxury goods and services?

The American Express Membership Rewards program offers up options in all those categories via an online store where you can shop with your bank of earned points and buy whatever you want. Rewards points can be redeemed for everything from airline tickets to American Express cash cards to flat screen TVs and even designer handbags. And like any store they have regular specials and sales, with deals of the week announced on the AmEx Facebook page (right now you can get a Nikon digital camera for 50 percent off). If you use a lot of credit the program is a great way to indulge in some of your favorite high-end treats without spending an extra dime.

I browsed through the American Express Membership Rewards store and rounded up my favorite luxury picks. See my selections after the jump and then share in the comments, do you use credit card rewards for luxurious indulgences or practical necessities? What would you choose?

25,000 points
Dean & Deluca Spice Rack 25,000pts
Dean & Deluca won the Luxist Editor's Choice Award for Best in Food last fall.

Montblanc Meisterstück SLG Wallet 25,600pts
Handcrafted of full-grain leather.

Shun Classic Ken Onion 8" Chefs Knife 28,900pts
Perfectly balanced, ergonomically designed, and featuring a Pakkawood® handle.

Wine Enthusiast Complete Wine Taste and Aroma Kit 25,000pts
A comprehensive kit (just add wine!) with everything you need to become a true wine connoisseur.

Capresso EC100 Pump Espresso & Cappucino Machine 27,700pts
Delivers 15 bars of pressure for maximum extraction and perfect milk frothing.

50,000 points
Antwerp Diamond 14kt Royal Stud Earrings 51,000pts
14kt gold diamond stud earrings totaling .25 carats.

Riedel Amadeo Crystal Decanter 51,600pts
Originally launched in 2006 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Riedel.

Tower King at Wynn Las Vegas 50,000pts
One night stay in a Tower Suite at Wynn Las Vegas.

Apple iPhone 4 with Bose ME2 Mobile Headset 53,800pts
Gift card redeems for $199 towards any iPhone (ready for an iPhone 5 anyone?).

Riedel Vinum XL Cabernet Sauvignon Glasses, Set of 12 54,500pts
Vinum XL is being touted as the new generation of Riedel wine glasses.

75,000 points
Two for Dinner 75,000pts
Dinner for two prepared by your own personal chef, plus a floral centerpiece and wine.

Atlantis Paradise Island -- The Cove Certificate 75,000pts
One night stay at The Cove Atlantis in the Bahamas.

Steiner Stadium Seat Pair 75,500pts
A pair of authentic, adjoining seats shipped directly from historic Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas.

Burberry Shimmer Sling Handbag 77,100pts
A timeless sling bag in a subtle and shimmering Burberry checks pattern.

Trek Pure Sport Comfort Bike 77,400pts
Comfortable as well as extra fun to ride and loaded with gears and features.

And just for fun...

10,000,000pts
Kwiat Diamond Earrings in 18k White Gold from The Kwiat Legacy Collection 10,407,500pts
The single most expensive item in the rewards store these earrings feature a pair of 2 carat (each) pear shaped diamonds suspended in a sculptural white gold frame.

Tags: american express, American Express Membership Rewards, credit cards, rewards program