{"id":3061,"date":"2015-09-14T05:15:57","date_gmt":"2015-09-14T12:15:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lenpenzo.com\/blog\/?p=3061"},"modified":"2015-09-17T09:00:33","modified_gmt":"2015-09-17T16:00:33","slug":"expiring-frequent-flier-miles-and-rewards-points","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lenpenzo.com\/blog\/id3061-expiring-frequent-flier-miles-and-rewards-points.html","title":{"rendered":"How I Was Bitten by the Expiring Reward Points Scam"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Life is full of hassles. Some are really big, like losing a job. Others are more of an annoyance, like changing your place of residence.<\/p>\n

Then there are the really<\/em> irritating ones that make you scratch your head and throw your hands up in complete exasperation, like certain rewards programs that really make you wonder why you even bothered to sign up.<\/p>\n

I’ve already discussed why I think Coke Rewards isn’t worth it<\/a>. Never mind my ensuing addiction to accrue as many points as possible. Before I dropped out of that program, niggling things like the nearly impossible redemption requirements for premium rewards that required me to commit myself to a life as a diabetic, mysteriously disappearing prize offerings, and points inflation (yes, it doesn’t just affect the dollar) nearly drove me to start adding a shot of Jack Daniel’s to every can of Coke I ultimately consumed.<\/p>\n

My Warning Letter From Hilton HHonors <\/strong><\/p>\n

Needless to say, you can probably guess what was going through my mind the day I received this letter from another rewards program I am currently enrolled in: Hilton HHonors.<\/p>\n

Dear Len Penzo,
\nWe’ve missed you! We haven’t noticed any activity on your HHonors account in more than nine months. Remember, to keep your account active, you must earn HHonors points at least once every 12 months. Otherwise, all of your points may be forfeited…<\/em><\/p>\n

You know, this little expiring points policy really gets my goat.<\/p>\n

Yes, I realize Hilton’s terms and conditions clearly state that I can lose my points after 12 months of inactivity. And, yes, I also understand the concept behind the reasoning — it’s meant to turn casual shoppers into repeat customers. But, if you ask me, in the long run it’s a short-sighted strategy for building brand loyalty.<\/p>\n

Of course, if I don’t plan on staying at a Hilton property within their stated 12-month activity period I have a few other options that will keep me from losing all of my points. For example, I can:<\/p>\n