Regular This Fits readers may find this post a little out of left field, so an explanation is due.

Over the past few years, I’ve developed an interest in optimizing my credit card spending, joining online communities where people discuss strategies for applying for cards and maximizing their benefits. It’s been quite a ride for my family, enabling travel and other experiences without significantly changing our spending habits or going into debt.

I should say right now: if you are in credit card debt, or if you pay interest on your credit cards because you don’t pay off the balance in full every month, then this is not the hobby for you. Most benefits gained from credit card rewards are negated by credit card interest. I recommend a practical, no-nonsense, easy-to-implement personal finance book instead.

One popular card in those circles is the American Express Platinum Card. I won’t go into the details as to why it’s a great card for some people, because that’s not what this blog is about. I won’t even unconditionally recommend it: suffice it to say, before applying for a card with a $550 annual fee, please do your research. It’s definitely not for everyone.

What I will do is geek out at the opportunity to write a post at the intersection of two of my weird interests: optimal credit card use and menswear.

One of the key benefits offered by the Platinum Card is a biannual $50 statement credit toward purchases from Saks Fifth Avenue. Set in January and July, the credits are available for six months. Since they’re “use ‘em or lose ‘em”, come December and June I often see people asking for ideas on how to spend $50 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

This post is my answer to that question.

Under $50

Purchasing multiple items in this price range is a great way to use up the credit.

Saks Fifth Avenue COLLECTION “Made in USA” Elite Cedar Shoe Trees

$35. Shoe trees are critical for ensuring quality leather shoes maintain their shape over time. Not sure what makes these particular trees “elite”, but the brass knobs are a nice upgrade over entry-level versions. Getting two pairs for $20 after the $50 credit sounds fantastic to me.





Luxury Socks

Starting at $16. It’s a running joke in credit card circles that people end up using the $50 credit on fancy socks, but it’s actually a pretty good use. Saks Fifth Avenue carries socks from luxury brands like Pantherella, Falke, and Marcoliani. Individual pairs can run up to $75, but most are in the $20-$40 range. Box sets make a nice gift at $80. Like a number of high-end department stores, Saks Fifth Avenue also carries house label “Made in Italy” socks that retail for less than their name brand competitors.





Kiehl’s Men’s Grooming Products

Starting at $7. Saks carries a wide assortment of men’s grooming products from Kiehl’s, such as scrub soap, body wash, shave cream, beard oil, and pomade. I picked up Kiehl’s skincare products with my Saks credit this month, using The Essential Man’s simple 3-step skincare routine for men as a guide:





Jason Markk Shoe Cleaning Products

Starting at $8. Jason Markk has built a reputation among sneakerheads for their cleaning products. Along with the signature Jason Markk Premium Shoe Cleaner ($18) Saks carries everything from a synthetic bristle brush ($8) to the travel shoe cleaning kit ($25) pictured above.





Between $50 and $150

“Top Ten” Male Designer Fragrances for Beginners



Most bottles start at $95. Claire Vukcevic’s list of male fragrances for beginners comes recommended by Put This On. The intent of the list is to find fragrances to sample and develop a personal preference over time, so you probably shouldn’t be picking up a $95 bottle without trying it first. If you do know what you like, though, many of the fragrances are available at Saks:

Outside of Vukcevic’s list, also consider Fahrenheit by Dior, Vetiver by Guerlain, and Tom Ford’s Grey Vetiver.





Apparel and Accessories from “Mid-Tier” Brands



Pictured above: Sunspel terry polo, $31 after applying Saks credit, from $135 retail.

Here I’m trying to describe “mid-tier” in the context of brands carried by Saks Fifth Avenue—the kind that has polos retailing for around $150 instead of $600 (!). “Low-end luxury” may be another way to describe them, but that reads like an oxymoron.

Polo Ralph Lauren comes to mind, of course. Other suggestions:

Over $150

The sky’s the limit here, obviously (hello, $13,500 Cartier chronograph). Personally, I’d cap my budget at around $250 to ensure the $50 credit is effectively 20% off or more.

In that range, you’ll find





I’m posting this on December 27, four days out from the New Year. My credit for a December 22 purchase posted this morning, but back-dated to December 26. So if you’re looking to use your July-December before January 1, hopefully these picks are helpful. Look for a followup post in June.

Do you have other suggestions for using the Amex Platinum $50 Saks Fifth Avenue credit? Share them in the comments!

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