MA'ASER ON POINTS???

[Lamdan]

well have to wait for @ergel but I would read it as applying to the entire world

just thought about it again, and i think youre right. well i guess i made another mistake, it's humbling

[HelpMe]

Since I am not Jewish that qualifies me to speak for the “general public” and WE say that Ergel is correct. 

[Red]

When I asked my Rav about giving maaser on points he referred me to a Beis Din in Yerushalayim that deals with choshen mishpat, (you can send them your shailos at beisdin@neto.net.il). I sent them them the question regarding a bonus for opening a bank account which it seems to be viewed as either interest or a gift, and cc points which it seems the IRS views as a rebate. The answer also deals with whether points are considered a gift or money.
Here is their reply:

The analysis presented in the question assumes that the IRS as a reliable indicator of whether the gift is considered “income,” or “rebate” on money spent.

For income, there is an obligation (whether a full obligation or a custom) to give maaser. For a rebate, maaser has already been taken from the money, which is not considered a new income, and therefore there is no obligation to give maaser again.

However, halachic authorities dispute whether maaser must be taken from gifts other than money. The Chazon Ish (quoted in Derech Emunah, Matnos Ani’im 7:27) ruled that there is no obligation of separating maaser.

The reason for this is that maaser is only a quantification of the mitzvah of giving charity, and there is no obligation to sell one’s possessions in order to give charity (Orchos Rabbeinu, vol. 1, p. 396). In the light of this explanation, somebody who sells the gifts he was given would be obligated to separate maaser from the income he receives, but there is no obligation to give maaser from the gifts themselves.

Although most authorities follow the ruling of the Chazon Ish, it is noteworthy that Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach disputed this, and ruled that even non-monetary gifts are obligated in separating maaser.

However, the Chut Hashani (Yom Tov and Chol Hamoed, p. 351) rules that if one receives supermarket vouchers, which can be used for buying many different products, one is obligated to separate maaser. Due to the purchasing power of these vouchers, they are considered (in this opinion) as money, which is obligated in maaser. The same will apply to credit card points, which enable purchasing power, just as money.

Therefore, in the first instance, there is an obligation to pay maaser. In the second, providing the IRS definition is accurate, and the intention is truly a rebate, there will not be an obligation to pay maaser.

[Ergel]

well have to wait for @ergel but I would read it as applying to the entire world

+1

[Lamdan]

+1

oops.

[AsherO]

10% expected

But according to many authorities, it can be used to pay tuition at religious schools, to pay entrance fees to charitable events, to buy religious books etc. Perhaps even for bar mitzvah gifts in some instances...

[ae123]

And if you get a $250,000 RTW F flight for free?
#RunningInCircles

I guess I'd ask my Rav...

[SamKey]

very thorough and informative
maaser on points!

[CountValentine]

very thorough and informative
maaser on points!

Now I know who wrote our tax laws.

[Shreknit]

I'm confused do you have to give maaser for cc points or not?

[sky121]

I'm confused do you have to give maaser for cc points or not?

From points earned? Or points sold?