If you have worked hard to build up your reward points the last thing you want to do is watch them go down the drain because of a few mistakes you wish you knew to avoid. Knowing the best way to use your reward points will help you know which one will offer you the best value for your points. We have also put together a list of things that you can avoid so that you don’t waste your points.
1. Spending your points on gift cards or products
Reward cards have made it possible for card holders to go beyond just using their points to redeem for flights, but you could also use your points for a gift car or purchasing products at a reward store. They might have various offers that may be tempting, but when you measure the items against big ticket items such as upgrading your seat on a flight or getting a free ticket to your favourite holiday destination, you will realise that you will not be getting the full value of your points.
2. Flying with the wrong airline
Frequent flyer programs have evolved to offering ideal routes that are cost effective with partnered airlines. If you plan your routes in advance you will be able to find when to book your flight for less using your points and which airline is best for the airline you are travelling to without being slapped with a possible penalty for using your points for an airline that is not partnered with your frequent flyer program.
3. Not family pooling your points
Most frequent flyer programs offer credit card holders to share their points with other family members. However, failing to snatch up the opportunity to open an account to family pool your points to, which basically means transferring your points, you could be missing out on a big opportunity. Family pooling points can help you and your family quickly gather points that can be used for your next family vacation to help reduce the costs. This can also be a great way to prevent your points from expiring. Remember to add your family members to the program so that they can start using it.
4. Failing to sign up for deals
Searching the web for hours on end for a good deal that is available can be tiring, but by simply signing up to your rewards program newsletter or your airlines notifications you will be able to know when the best deals are on the market, which in turn can help you book your flight in advance. The plus side to this is that it can help you save money while earning more points.
5. Not booking business class for your next trip
There are ways that you can build up the current points you have without reducing them. One mistake that some people tend to make is spend the points they have because they are low. However, you can build your points up significantly by upgrading to business class for your next flight, which can also help you maximise the value of your points.