We all have credit cards with some sort of reward points and frequent flyer accounts where the mileage accrues. The problem is that you might lose all these points and miles if you aren’t careful and keep an eye on them. Most people don’t look at their statements that carefully and can easily miss the warnings and depletion of points. I saw someone lose 80,000 airline miles due to inactivity. The airline had no sympathy. All gone. I recently noticed reward points expiring on someone’s credit card statement. We logged in to redeem them- and got a $1,500 statement credit! That would have been a terrible thing to lose. Here are a few ways to keep a handle on your rewards.

•  If you have a lot of miles and allegiance to one airline, get their credit card and use it. You’ll never have to worry about losing a lot of hard earned miles if you are constantly adding to it with a credit card.
• Make your birthday month the month that you sit down and go through all of your reward programs and frequent flyer accounts. Treat yourself to some reward gift cards, cash back, or statement credits. Make a quick purchase through your airline’s web mall to reset the expiration date if you have had no activity. If you are doing this at least once a year, you’ll know where your points stand and be able to cash them in or keep them safe another year.
• Keep a simple spreadsheet that lists the Airline/Hotel/Car Rental Company, your account numbers for all members of your family, the current mileage or rewards, and expiration date. This will help you see at a glance where you stand. Or if you like apps, try AwardWallet. You’ll have to enter all your account log ins, but then you will see all your balances and expiration dates on one screen.

A little organization and planning can ensure that you never lose a reward or mile again! Use and enjoy the rewards you spent a lot time, effort, and money accumulating.  Happy saving or redeeming =)