HOW TO PICK A POINTS CARD

BE SELECTIVE “Pick a few programs that you see the potential for real value and then focus your spending against those programs,” says LoyaltyOne’s Bryan Pearson. “You will get more value out of it over time.”

ENGAGE “If you’re going to engage in the program, fully engage in it, which means sharing your email address so that you can receive all the offers and special discounts that may be coming out of the program. You have to be watching for the offers,” Pearson says.

GET IT ON CREDIT “If there’s a credit card associated with your primary program, align the credit card with the program because that forms a triple-dip structure: the base offering, promotional offers that come through the retailers and the program, and the credit card as an augmentation vehicle.”

WATCH OUT “Monitor the accumulation you have and then look for periods when you can get more for the same points,” Pearson says. For example, a retailer could offer to redeem 95 miles for $10 plus 20 or 25 miles back. Shoppers Drug Mart often has specials that allow card holders to double their points if they redeem them on certain days.

GET EXTRA CARDS If you often forget to bring your cards with you — especially a problem if you have multiple cards and they no longer fit in your wallet — request an additional card and put it in your car. There may be a small fee, but it could be worth the convenience.

WRITE IT DOWN Still don’t want to carry all those cards? Write the numbers down on your smartphone or put them into your Apple Pay wallet. Some programs also have a digital app, so the retailer can just scan your smartphone, or key tags.

DOUBLE UP “Look for programs that have the opportunity for you to collect the same currency at multiple retail locations that you may use,” Pearson says. The more you spend, the more you’ll eventually save. Just make sure it’s something you actually want/need.