Points pros share common mistakes in managing rewards programs

Managing editor Jordan Waller discussed his initial hesitation in using points-earning credit cards and his eventual shift from Avios loyalty currency to American Express Membership Rewards for better flexibility. "I have never looked back and wish I'd seen the light much sooner," Waller stated.

Clint Henderson, another managing editor at TPG, shared how he missed out on a 60,000-mile sign-up bonus due to spending just under the required amount with his Citi/AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard. He emphasized ensuring that one spends the full minimum amount required for bonuses.

Colin Hogan experienced disappointment when he failed to confirm a bonus point offer before signing a contract with Hyatt Regency Rochester for his wedding reception. "The onus was on me to make sure that was part of the deal before signing anything," Hogan admitted.

Senior director Summer Hull lost 218,013 Avios after failing to track their expiration during the pandemic when travel plans were canceled. Her attempts to reinstate them through Iberia were unsuccessful.

Rachel Craft faced challenges while booking flights for her honeymoon due to incorrect search criteria on United Airlines' award space tool. They eventually found a workaround but it cost extra points and resulted in separate cabin seating on one leg of their trip.

Erica Silverstein felt she did not maximize her Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card sign-up bonus effectively after canceling a planned trip post-terror attack events in Israel led only towards statement credits rather than travel rewards value as initially intended.

An anonymous staffer recounted miscalculating transferred points from American Express Membership Rewards leading them short by 2k SkyMiles needed purchasing business-class tickets Paris however received help via Delta's elite membership policy intervention saving day nonetheless remains memorable lesson learned instance ensuring correct calculations future transactions onward