That’s right. I scored a $20 LOFT Rewards Card in one day–actually, in about twenty minutes–to the tune of 100% back in rewards. Here’s how it all played out:
As a teacher, I love Ann Taylor LOFT. If any store has mastered the art of stand-for-eight-hours-a-day comfortable chic, it’s LOFT. However, I’ve been trying to cut down on my shopping as of late (thank goodness!). Still, about two months ago, I returned from our mailbox with a bundle of advertisements* and hovered over the recycle bin ready to make my daily sacrifice of junk mail to the blue bin goddess. Then I saw the LOVELOFT logo emblazoned on the corner of a postcard, and I couldn’t resist taking a closer peek.
After quickly scanning the front of the card, I deduced that this was probably a marketing ploy to get me to start using my LOFT Mastercard that was collecting dust in the back of my wallet. It implored me to make three purchases outside of Loft over the next month. At first, thoughts of my closet (okay, closets) filled my mind, and I got ready to ditch it. Then three words jumped out at me: outside of Loft. The LOFT was going to offer me a $20 Rewards Card if I made three transactions this month doing the shopping that I already had to do? Sold.
As I trotted out for an early morning of errands, I had my LOFT Mastercard at the ready. I split my purchase at the Jewel self-checkout into three transactions. My grocery bill for the day totaled about $20.
I waited for the transactions to post to my account. Then, just to be sure that this wasn’t too good to be true, I dialed my friends at LOFT Mastercard and inquired about my account. Sure enough, my Rewards Card would be sent to me in the next 8-10 weeks. So, for those of you who are keeping score, that’s 100% back in rewards compared to the usual 1%-5% offered by most credit card companies.**
Does this mean my shopping hiatus ended and I went hog wild at the store? I’m sure that’s what LOFT would like to hear. But I used the rewards card to purchase an early birthday present for a dear friend who loves LOFT just as much as I do.
The best part about all of this? Just last week I got ANOTHER postcard from LOFT making a similar offer. This time, I was required to make five outside purchases, and I didn’t even hesitate.
*Seriously, remember when there were things other than advertisements and bills in mailboxes? I knew I should have kept in touch with that Austrian pen pal in third grade!
**Of course, this is only a good deal if you pay your credit card in full that month. Carrying a balance and getting hit with redonkulous interest rates for a $20 gift card would be the opposite of purposeful spending.
So Tell Me…What’s your favorite credit card rewards story? Would you have taken LOFT up on this offer?
Definitely put this in the win column! Dusting off that old credit card may result in a slight bump in your credit score as well.
For sure! In spite of my ridiculous consumerism, my credit score is in really good shape (or perhaps it’s as a result of all of it?!). I’ll have to look back to see if it’s up a point or two!
I just like getting rewarded for the shopping I’d normally do anyway! Cash back on groceries?? Yes, please.
Right? It amazes me that credit card companies still offer things like this. At the same time, it saddens me because they wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t profitable, so some people are getting caught in the high-interest traps.
Wow that’s awesome! Loft has some pretty cute stuff! I would have totally taken up that rewards gift card, I have a friend who really really loves Loft and her birthday is coming up so that would have been the perfect way for me to gift her! Love credit card rewards, that’s how we pay for a lot of our vacations too.
Love that you pay for vacations that way. We churned cards a bit to pay for parts of our wedding, and we used the rewards for part of our honeymoon. I’d LOVE to swing a whole vacation that way!
Wow what a score! I’ll have to keep an eye on my junk mail… Wonder if I’m recycling anything like this!
Every once in a while, I don’t hate junk mail 🙂
Great deal you’ve got there. I really need to start taking closer look at my mails again as you never know what you can find. These days I just shred them as soon as I get them to avoid the temptation of going on a shopping spree. I might need to reconsider this strategy to avoid missing opportunites like these.
They’re definitely hoping for a shopping spree. I actually received an email the other day encouraging me to take advantage of the offer. Too bad I couldn’t reply with this link!
How satisfying to be able to get such a great reward so easily! I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for any offers I can take advantage of like this! 🙂
I couldn’t believe I almost recycled it the first time. Now I get so excited whenever I see a Loft mailer (which, I’m sure, is there exact plan). We’ll see if the magic happens a third time.
That’s definitely a terrific deal! I’ve certainly used to credit card rewards before to get places, but never managed to wring a 100% cash back offer from any.
Using credit card rewards to travel is the best! The people who can consistently swing that for free really amaze me. The stars did kind of align for this deal, especially because it required no extra time or effort.