PokerStars has arguably the best VIP Store of any online poker room in the world. From bonuses to electronics to even a car, PokerStars has just about anything you might want to spend your Frequent Player Points on. The store is divided into many categories including books, bonuses, clothing, electronics, special items, tournament tickets, and many more. Depending on your VIP Level you may or may not be eligible to purchase certain items.
The initial VIP Level, BronzeStar, presents limited options in the VIP Store. The only viable options for these players are going to be poker accessories, books, clothing, and DVDs. I would not recommend using your FPPs to purchase anything while you are a BronzeStar, as their exchange rate can be much more in your favor at a higher level. If you just have to buy something, the “Theory of Poker” and “The Poker Mind Set” are two great books which can be a help to anyone starting out in poker.
After earning 1,200 VPPs in a given month you will become a SilverStar and open up more options in the VIP Store. The most appealing option might be the $50 VIP Reward Bonus; however, do not be so quick to purchase the bonus. First of all this is not an instant cash bonus, it must be cleared by earning more FPPs. Also, if you are willing to be patient you can get a much bigger/better bonus at the GoldStar Level. SilverStar is also the level where many of the smaller electronics, including iPods and DVD players, are unlocked for purchase.
Earning 3,000 VPPs in a month will take you from SilverStar to GoldStar, giving you even more options in the VIP Store. The $285 GoldStar bonus can be a decent value, giving you under 20% rakeback. However, waiting to use your FPPs on the PlatinumStar bonus will give you an even greater rakeback rate. My biggest recommendation here would be to go to the Security tab and purchase the “Security Token”. This RSA Key will give you great piece of mind, leaving your account protected at all times. It is easy to use and makes sure that no one but you is granted access to your account.
Once you have earned 7,500VPPs and earned PlatinumStar status the bonuses become a much better option. The $650 PlatinumStar bonus (50,000 FPPs) is roughly a 20% rakeback equivalent and only takes 4,550 VPPs to clear. This option is great for those that will never reach 100,000 VPPs for Supernova. Some of the higher level electronics can also be purchased here, including 27” LCD’s which retails for much less than $650. If you want to get electronics or other gadgets at this level your best option is to purchase the $1,000 OneCall.com gift certificate for only 62,500 FPPs. The works out to a better rate than the $650 bonus and you don’t have to clear any VPPs to receive your gift card. For those not looking to build their bankroll the GC’s are definitely your best option.
For the true grinders reaching Supernova or Supernova Elite the bonuses and cash milestones prizes are clearly a great value. The $1500 or $4000 Supernova Bonus is roughly 25% rakeback which is very reasonable. Players earning 100,000 VPPs or more are eligible for the VPP Milestone Cash Credits, which start at $800 and go up to $10,000 for those becoming Supernova Elite. Each credit costs 50,000 FPPs which is just a formality for those earning 100,000+ VPPs. Some of the 40” LCD TV’s might be a good value here but cannot compare to the rate you get for these bonuses.
One of the specialty items which can be purchased at this level is “Concierge Service”. No, this does not mean you are waited on hand and foot, it merely means you can go out and purchase anything you like and send PokerStars the receipt. Stars will then convert your FPPs to cash and credit your account. Make sure your receipts are not more than 30 days old and the total must be over $500. Finally, PokerStars allows players to purchase tickets to tournaments using FPPs. Those with enough FPPs could even buy their way into the next World Series of Poker Main Event or many of the WCOOP Tournaments.
All in all the
PokerStars VIP Store is an incredible value and a great addition to an already wonderful site. Try not to spend your FPPs quickly, as they go up in value with your VIP Level. If you can, wait until you reach PlatinumStar and either purchase the $650 bonus or Gift Cards. If you are unable to reach those levels try improving your poker game with educational books from the store. In the end it is up to you, pick the item that you want and what works best for you.
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