American Express Wishlist [1] is back! It’s sort of like the Black Friday [2] after party! It’s especially useful if you are busy shopping online [3] and you want to take a break for something fun.
American Express Wishlist
Dates. The dates for this year’s wish list are December 1-18.
American Express Card. You have to have an American Express card (even for the free wish certificates) since it’s only for card members. If you don’t have an American Express card, apply now and you could probably get it before the promotion is over.
Discounted Products
Three times per day (12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m. ET) they offer the chance to purchase items like trips, cars, jewelry, electronics, etc. at ridiculous discounts. However, the items are limited so you have to be quick, and lucky. It’s essentially a sweepstakes of sorts. I’ve never gotten one, but mainly because I’m in it for the wish certificates…
Wish Certificates
My favorite part of the wish list is getting the wish certificates. They are released three times per day (11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 6 p.m. ET). There are limited quantities… but many more than the products, so you can actually win them. You only get four, so use them wisely! Usually the wish certificates are good for up to 25% off at the given retailer.
My favorite certificates in prior years were Amazon [4] and Toys R Us, although both of those were discontinued last year. I’ll be anxious to see what this year holds!
In addition, you can usually stack the wish certificates with other online deals [3] to make your money go even further.
What Happened to Amazon?
Amazon discontinued their participation last year. However, they have their own promotion called Customers Vote [5]. The concept is similar, you vote, then find out if you get picked to participate in the race to buy. Voting is going on now, and the first buying day is November 28.
Update! American Express brought Amazon back. If you win one, you get 25% off. This is the one that I’ll be trying for!