Year-End Alert: Points on Loyalty Cards Are at Risk!

Consumer associations are warning that as of December 31, a significant portion of the accumulated cash points on many loyalty cards will lose their validity. Consumers are encouraged to be cautious and utilize these points before the end of the year.

İbrahim Güllü, Vice Chairman of the Consumer Confederation (TÜKONFED), emphasized that loyalty cards are a strategy implemented by companies and banks to retain customers, encourage them to shop continuously, and ensure they maintain their service quality. These cards are often associated with short-term campaigns, and over time, many points that expire pose a threat to users by potentially causing losses.

These loyalty programs mean that if loyalty card holders do not make purchases, the cash points earned will lose their validity after a certain period. Güllü advises consumers to use the points accumulated on their cards before they expire at the end of the year. He notes that the opportunities associated with using these points during busy shopping periods can be particularly enticing.

While loyalty cards are often developed in line with companies' ambitions to increase customer loyalty, it is also important for consumers to be more informed about how these systems work. In this context, it provides a significant advantage for cardholders to effectively track how and when their points can be used.

Furthermore, proper information for consumers can help enhance the effectiveness of such programs. Companies implementing these programs should maintain a transparent communication process regarding the usage periods of points, which will also increase customer satisfaction. Various brands warn their users about this situation through informative emails or SMS notifications, thus trying to minimize potential losses for consumers.

In conclusion, as we approach the end of this year, it is crucial for consumers to be cautious about using the accumulated cash points on their loyalty cards. Points that may lose their validity by the end of the year should be viewed as opportunities that should be well evaluated to avoid losses, similar to stocks and investment instruments.