How to Maximize Reward Points Across Multiple Loyalty Programs

Are You Leaving Free Money on the Table?

If you’re signed up for multiple rewards programs — from grocery chains to airline miles — you might not realize how much unclaimed value you have sitting in your accounts. According to a 2024 report by Bond Brand Loyalty, Americans leave over $17 billion in unused loyalty rewards unredeemed each year. That’s money — or at least value — that could be working for you.

As someone who’s managed and negotiated national loyalty campaigns, I’ve seen firsthand how the most successful savers use strategy, not luck. The secret isn’t signing up for more programs — it’s learning how to layer and coordinate the ones you already have. Let’s talk about how to make every purchase count.

1. Know What Kind of Reward Points You’re Earning

Not all reward points are created equal. Loyalty programs fall into a few major categories:

• Cashback or points-based programs: Examples include Kroger Plus, CVS ExtraCare, and Target Circle — all of which offer immediate value at checkout.
• Tiered rewards programs: Retailers like Sephora Beauty Insider or Marriott Bonvoy reward long-term loyalty through cumulative points that unlock higher tiers.
• Partner-based programs: Credit card and airline systems, such as Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Airlines AAdvantage, let you transfer or pool points across multiple partners.

Each system has its own rules for earning, redeeming, and expiring points — and that’s where most people lose value. The best approach is to prioritize programs that overlap (like credit cards that earn bonus points on grocery or gas purchases).

👉 For more, check out Bond Brand Loyalty’s 2024 Loyalty Report for insights into how consumers engage with reward systems.

2. Stack Programs Strategically for Maximum Value

One of the biggest “aha” moments I’ve seen among shoppers is realizing you can earn rewards in multiple programs for a single transaction.

Here’s how it works in practice:

• Pay for your groceries using a cashback credit card (like the Chase Freedom Flex offering 5% on grocery store purchases).
• Scan your store loyalty card (e.g., Kroger Plus or Safeway Club).
• Upload your receipt to a cashback app such as Ibotta or Fetch Rewards.

That’s three layers of rewards from one purchase. In my years managing retail partnerships, this stacking strategy was something brands expected savvy consumers to do — it drives engagement across multiple platforms.

For example, according to NerdWallet, using stacking strategies can yield 15%–25% more value than single-program participation when done consistently.

👉 See NerdWallet’s data-backed guide on how to stack rewards.

3. Track and Manage Multiple Programs Easily

Keeping tabs on 5–10 programs can get confusing, and that’s where most people give up. But now there are tools designed to help you track everything in one place:

• AwardWallet – Tracks points, miles, and reward expirations across 600+ programs.
• MaxRewards – Helps you optimize which credit card to use for specific categories.
• WalletFlo – Automates your rewards strategy by syncing program data.

When I worked in promotions, I was amazed by how few people actively managed their rewards. The result? Roughly 30% of consumers lose points to expiration every year, according to a 2023 Bankrate analysis.

👉 Read the full Bankrate report on lost loyalty points.

A simple once-a-month login check can help you avoid this waste.

4. Convert and Combine Points for Greater Flexibility

The real magic happens when you learn to transfer or pool points between programs. For example:

• American Express Membership Rewards points can transfer to over 20 airline partners.
• Hilton Honors allows point transfers between family members (up to 500,000 per year).
• Chase Ultimate Rewards points can move between travel partners like Southwest Airlines and United.

I’ve worked with brands that designed their programs to encourage this behavior because users who consolidate points tend to stay loyal longer. If you travel, shop, or dine regularly, combining points across categories can unlock massive value.

👉 For details, see The Points Guy’s updated guide on reward point transfer options.

5. Avoid Common Mistakes That Devalue Your Points

Even experienced savers make these costly errors:

• Letting points expire (always read expiration rules).
• Redeeming points for low-value rewards, such as gift cards that return less than 1 cent per point.
• Over-prioritizing one brand and missing out on better return rates elsewhere.

From my experience, the most efficient loyalty users redeem points regularly instead of hoarding them. The longer you hold them, the higher the risk of program devaluation.

Conclusion: Be the CEO of Your Own Loyalty Strategy

You don’t need more memberships — you need a smarter system. By tracking your programs, stacking strategically, and transferring where possible, you can turn everyday purchases into consistent savings.