Three loyalty scheme mistakes that could see you lose your hard-earned rewards

Retailers reward schemes can point the way to some great freebies and discounts from your favourite brands. But the annoying terms and conditions on memberships sometimes mean you can forfeit your rewards. Retailers’ reward schemes can offer great freebies and discounts, but tricky terms and conditions can sometimes mean you lose out Credit: draganab Did you know Lidl points expire after 24 months? Credit: Getty Here’s how to ensure you’re making the most of them . . . Shelf life: If you are saving up your points for a splurge, check the T&Cs carefully as some brands wipe your balance after a certain amount of time or through inactivity. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! The time frames vary. For example, H&M wipes points at the end of each membership year while Lidl points expire after 24 months. Costa wipes points after 12 months of inactivity, while McDonald’s points expire after six months — with that period beginning on the first day of the month after you acquire them. READ MORE FROM SUN SAVERS These expiry clauses are not always clearly pointed out, so you should check how long you have — particularly if the balance has become valuable. If it is tricky to keep track, it might be safer to use your points more frequently rather than trying to build up a balance. Rewards expiry: It’s not just expiring points that you need to worry about — some schemes void the reward you have earned after a certain period of time. For example, Tesco Clubcard points have no expiry date but when they are converted to vouchers, the reward then has two years from issue to be used. Most read in Money Scheme closures: If a brand suddenly closes or goes out of business, your points can quickly become worthless. Look out for updates on how to redeem your points — and do so sooner rather than later to avoid missing out altogether. If you regularly dine at Beefeater-branded restaurants, for example, be aware that they are all due to close next month, on September 10. However, the Beefeater loyalty schemes will wrap up on August 31. This means you have until the end of the month to convert points to vouchers and use in restaurants. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. DEAL OF DAY Justmylook’s summer beauty box costs £14.99 but includes skincare and toiletries worth £92.50 Credit: Supplied Stock up on skincare products and toiletries with Justmylook’s summer beauty box. It is currently £14.99 but includes essentials worth £92.50. The bundle includes perfume, deodorant and facial sun protection. Save: £77.51 CHEAP TREAT A tub of Sephra sweet and salty popcorn is just £2.50 from Asda Credit: Supplied Make this evening a movie night with a tub of Sephra sweet and salty popcorn – just £2.50 from Asda. WHAT’S NEW Primark’s new homeware range includes this ceramic pumpkin candle, £6 Credit: Supplied Had enough of the heat? Think cooler, autumn thoughts with Primark’s new homeware range, which includes this ceramic pumpkin candle, £6. TOP SWAP Kitten heel sandals, £89, from dunelondon.com Credit: Supplied Add some glam to a jeans and T-shirt combo with the kitten heel sandals, above, £89, from dunelondon.com. Or try on a similar pair from New Look, below, £25.99, to save some cash. Save: £63.01 Or a similar pair from New Look, for £25.99 Credit: Supplied LITTLE HELPER Ikea’s Grillplats plug with remote control can turn any appliance into a smart gadget, £9 Credit: Supplied Turn any appliance, such as an ordinary lamp, into a smart gadget with Ikea’s Grillplats plug with remote control, £9. SHOP & SAVE F&F scarf print shirt down from £22.50 to £11 at Tesco Credit: Supplied Throw on this F&F scarf print shirt for easy summer style – down from £22.50 to £11 at Tesco. Save: £11.50 HOT RIGHT NOW Save 25 per cent when you buy a back to school bundle at Smiggle, including bag, lunch box, bottle and pencil case. PLAY NOW TO WIN £100 Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning! Comment now