Watch for Stingier Rewards Cards
What to do when your points lose value.

Robert Cymbalski was recently (unpleasantly) surprised when redeeming points he’d earned with the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature card. The points required to get a $250 prepaid debit card had jumped to 29,500, from 25,000 a few months earlier. And the maximum number of points cardholders can earn on certain purchases was slated to drop at the start of 2014. Cymbalski now says that he may remove the card (once his first choice) from his wallet.
PenFed isn’t alone in diluting rewards points. Starting March 31, the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards program will require 70 points per dollar (up from 60) to book Wanna Get Away travel tickets.
Last year, some hotel chains -- including Hilton, Marriott and Starwood -- made unfavorable changes to their rewards programs. Customers of PerkStreet Financial lost their unclaimed rewards balances when the banking service shut down in September.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
To get the most from your points, redeem them regularly rather than stockpiling them. You’ll have less to lose if values fall or the program terminates. Check out programs, including those for some Chase and American Express cards, that let you transfer points to partner programs. If your rewards lose value, complain to the issuer. It may waive your card’s annual fee or toss in another perk to keep your business, says Brian Kelly, founder of ThePointsGuy.com.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Lisa has been the editor of Kiplinger Personal Finance since June 2023. Previously, she spent more than a decade reporting and writing for the magazine on a variety of topics, including credit, banking and retirement. She has shared her expertise as a guest on the Today Show, CNN, Fox, NPR, Cheddar and many other media outlets around the nation. Lisa graduated from Ball State University and received the school’s “Graduate of the Last Decade” award in 2014. A military spouse, she has moved around the U.S. and currently lives in the Philadelphia area with her husband and two sons.
-
8 Rules for Choosing the Right Financial Adviser
Not all advisers are created equal. Here's how to find one qualified to manage your wealth and protect your legacy. From verifying credentials to trusting your gut, follow these rules to find a financial adviser.
-
A Hated TSA Rule Was Finally Phased Out
After nearly 20 years, the TSA is ending its shoes-off policy. Travelers will still need a Real ID, and advanced screening remains in place. Here’s what to expect on your next flight.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online Bargains
Feature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025
Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnb
real estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation
Travel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
-
When Is Amazon Prime Day? Everything We Know, Plus the Best Deals on Apple, Samsung and More
Amazon Prime Amazon Prime Day is four days this year. Here are the key details you need to know, plus some of our favorite deals to shop during the sale.
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Steps
insurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
-
Five Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage Rate
Becoming a Homeowner Mortgage rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan with these tips.