Ever wondered how to make the most out of your credit card points? If you have many of them, you can give them to your loved ones as a fabulous gift for any occasion. This article is a complete guide on how to gift your credit card points.
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What are credit card points?
Credit card points are a reward system offered by the issuers. Each purchase you make using the credit card earns a certain number of points, which you can later redeem for various benefits.
These benefits often include travel rewards, cash back, merchandise, or gift cards. Understanding the terms and conditions and the redemption options can help you maximize the value of your accumulated points, turning everyday transactions into valuable rewards.
Before delving into how to gift them, note that Most issuers don’t allow you to transfer your points directly to another person. However, you can convert them to airline miles or hotel points and give the person those.
Additionally, transferring gift points from one card to another can attract transfer fees. But some companies like JetBlue, Hawaiian Airlines, and Spirit don’t charge transfer fees. So before gifting out your points, ensure you understand the terms and policies of gifting out points.
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How to gift credit card points
There are different ways to gift out the points on your credit card. Here are five creative ways to gift them out:
1. Travel Adventures
Use your accumulated miles to fulfill your loved ones’ travel dreams. While transferring miles may involve fees, you can avoid this by organizing their travel arrangements yourself.
Make a gorgeous handcrafted gift card that promises to pay for their flight or hotel stay. Once they’ve chosen a place, utilize your credit card points to book their flight via the redemption page, converting them into a memorable travel experience.
2. Versatile Gift Cards
Use your points to explore the world of gift cards. Many reward cards have various redemption possibilities, such as gift cards for popular retailers.
You can use your points to buy gift cards as gifts or as your preferred payment method throughout the holiday season.
3. Tangible Gifts
By redeeming your points for products, you can turn your points into tangible gifts.
Your incentives, whether a tablet, a necklace, or new baggage, can become thoughtful and personalized gifts. Choose things that correspond to the tastes of your gift receiver, transforming your points into treasured treasures.
4. Financial Flexibility
If you used your credit card for holiday shopping, try taking a different approach and redeeming your rewards for bank deposits or bill credits.
This enables you to compensate yourself for holiday purchases, giving you financial flexibility during the holiday season.
5. Charitable Contributions
Spread joy beyond your immediate circle by donating your credit card rewards to charity in the name of a loved one.
Various credit card companies make this possible, allowing you to help organizations like the American Red Cross, UNICEF USA, and the World Wildlife Fund.
It’s a touching way to give back while also giving a meaningful gift.
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Do Credit Card Points Expire?
Credit card points do not usually expire as long as your account is open and in good standing.
However, some points, particularly those involving airline miles or hotel points transferred to loyalty program accounts, will expire if you do not earn or redeem them at least once every set number of months. Hilton Honors points, for example, expire after 24 months of inactivity.
Check your credit card or loyalty program agreements to ensure you understand the expiration rules.
