I read an article about the credit card reform bill and it said that consumers could expect that rewards programs could be curtailed or cancelled. I have over 50k American Express rewards points so I was going to just quickly redeem them for a gift card. I'm dithering about a straight gift card that would be worth $250 or, I can get a gift card at a several retailers worth $500. Big difference there but I don't really shop at the places listed. They do have Restoration Hardware and Crate and Barrell which I might like. They also have Home Depot and I guess there are lots of things to choose from there like plants, lamps, other home accessories.
What would you do? A cash card or a retail card worth twice as much?