Originally Posted by Alan Mendelson View Post
Dan good point and I did mention earlier that the free play cost is more attractive at 30k per $100. But I do use Shell and there is one low priced Shell near me which also gives the Total Rewards discount. The Shell gas cards can also be used as gifts. I'm not saying the free play is a bad idea but the Shell cards give me more utility. $700 of free play is a one time event and the Shell cards could be utilized for a year.

Let's see what really happens. I might need a new blender by then.
I don't understand. Even with a Shell that you like to visit anyway, cash always has more utility than gift cards, even if you get it in a lump sum up front (unless you can't hold onto money).

While freeplay isn't cash, the 14.3% markup on gift cards makes them very unattractive, unless you find yourself unwilling to gamble a bit on the freeplay. But if you are unwilling to gamble, why are you playing VP at all?