Your points accounts are a valuable reward currency, and you should protect your hard-earned points.
You’ll want to keep them secure like any other important account.
Hackers know how much those points are worth and are targeting them more than ever.
Many accounts get hacked through weak passwords, fake emails, or by using unsecured Wi-Fi at airports and hotels.
You’ll be surprised how quickly stolen points can disappear before you even notice.
Using a VPN like NordVPN on a public network and turn on Two-Factor Authentication are soem of the best ways to protect your account from hackers.
Here’s how to protect your points accounts from hackers and keep them safe.
How Points Get Stolen
Your loyalty account can be compromised if someone gains access to your login details.
Reusing passwords makes it easier for hackers to break in using information leaked from other sites.
Phishing emails are another risk. They look legitimate, but lead you to fake login pages where hackers capture your credentials.
Using public Wi-Fi at airports or hotels, or shared computers without logging out, can also expose your account.
These attacks are becoming more frequent. Once hackers get in, they can transfer or redeem your hard-earned points before you even notice.
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How to Keep Your Points Accounts Safe
You’ll keep your points accounts safer if you treat them like your online banking.
You should use a strong and unique password for every loyalty program and change them regularly.
It also helps to make sure your browser is always up to date.
Small habits can help protect your hard-earned points from being stolen.
Use a VPN
You’ll probably find yourself checking your points or booking a flight while you’re sitting in an airport lounge or a hotel lobby.
Public Wi-Fi at airports and hotels is a prime target. That’s why I use NordVPN whenever I’m away from home.
It runs in the background and makes sure my info stays private while I’m using the internet.
I never log into my loyalty accounts while I’m travelling without turning it on first. It just gives me peace of mind when I’m on the road.
Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
I always turn on 2FA whenever it’s available.
It adds an extra layer of security and is definitely worth the few extra seconds it takes to log in.
Most major airline and hotel programs, including Aeroplan®, Flying Blue, Hilton Honors, and Marriott Bonvoy®, now offer 2FA.
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Common Signs Your Account’s Been Hacked
You might not notice right away when your points account has been hacked. Small changes often come first, like login issues or emails about login attempts you didn’t make.
You’ll sometimes see account details updated without your knowledge, such as a new email address or phone number. Some loyalty programs even show recent activity from cities or devices you don’t recognize.
If you suddenly stop receiving account notifications or can’t reset your password, it’s a strong sign your account’s been taken over. You’ll want to act fast before more points are stolen.
New to Points? Start Here
From points newbie to booking your first trip
Learn everything you need to know to start using credit cards, points, and travel loyalty programs. Make your first redemption with points for nearly free travel.
New to Points? Start Here
From points newbie to booking your first trip
Learn everything you need to know to start using credit cards, points, and travel loyalty programs. Make your first redemption with points for nearly free travel.
What to Do if Your Points Are Stolen
If you suspect your loyalty account has been compromised and points have been stolen, act fast. The quicker you reach out, the better your chances of getting them back and preventing a bigger impact.
Acting quickly gives you the best chance to recover your hard-earned points and prevent future fraud.
A few weeks ago, my friend logged into her Aeroplan® account and was surprised to see the balance at zero.
After checking the activity, she realized the points from their family account were redeemed for a flight they never booked.
Thankfully, Aeroplan® restored all the points after a short investigation.
It was a hard-learned lesson, but they followed the steps in this guide to keep their accounts secure for the future.
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Get more tips & ideas for travelling with points.
Join the AWP community to get guidance, updates, and practical tips on using points for travel.
Bottom Line
Your points are as valuable as cash, so keeping your accounts secure should be part of how you manage your accounts.
You’ll travel for nearly free when your points stay safe and ready to redeem. Taking a few minutes now to protect them means you won’t have to worry later.
Simple habits like using strong passwords, turning on 2FA, and staying alert to phishing can help keep your hard-earned points safe.
