Beware of those Blackouts and Restrictions

“What do you mean there’s a blackout date? You telling me I can’t redeem my points for a ticket?” Actually, that is exactly what they are saying. Your rewards card has a number of restrictions and blackout dates. Yes, this creates a problem in terms of choice.

As much as we would wish the world to be perfect, it is not. Perfection is found nowhere on earth. If you are looking for perfection in travel rewards cards then you will REALLY be disappointed. Of course, all travel rewards cards have benefits. The fact that they offer “free stuff” would certainly be the most obvious one. But, sometimes all that free stuff comes with a string attached. Surely, you have heard horror stories about blackout dates and redemption restrictions. These horror stories are often true. Now, before you get too depressed, here is some good news: the problems associated with these restrictions are often avoidable. You just need to know that they exist in order to deal with them.

While some travel cards place such information in the fine print, the fact remains the information is there. You just need to read the fine print. Actually, as any savvy consumer will tell you, the fine print is the very first place you need to look! Contrary to popular belief, the wording in the fine print is not confusing or misleading. (If it was any contract between applicant and issuer would be invalid) If there is blackout dates and reward restrictions such information will be easy to find. You just need to read the application’s terms and conditions from top to bottom. This doesn’t take as long as some assume, either. A cursory reading will often reveal most major points. So, read the application fully and avoid any surprises. This is just prudent business.