08.11.2026 17:11
TÜKONFED Deputy Chairman İbrahim Güllü stated that cash points accumulated on credit cards, bank cards, and the loyalty cards of markets, stores, shopping malls, fuel companies, and various brands can be deleted at the end of the year. Güllü advised consumers to check the expiration date of their points and to use their points without waiting for the end of the year.
Consumer associations, drawing attention to the fact that points accumulated on loyalty cards may expire at the end of the year, advise consumers to use their existing points before they expire.
In his statement, İbrahim Güllü, Acting President of the Consumer Confederation (TÜKONFED), said that consumers should check their loyalty cards before the end of the year.
"CASH POINTS MAY BE DELETED BY THE END OF THE YEAR"
Recalling that consumers earn points from their purchases throughout the year, the credit cards they use, and the expenditures they make, Güllü stated that cash points accumulated on credit cards, debit cards, and loyalty cards of supermarkets, stores, shopping malls, fuel companies, and various brands can be deleted at the end of the year.
Noting that as the end of the year approaches, some companies inform consumers via SMS and emails that points not used by a certain date will be deleted, Güllü stated the following:
"If consumers do not use them, they face the danger of losing the points they have accumulated. Moreover, many consumers do not know how many points are on their cards, the expiration date of these points, or whether they will be carried over to the new year. The main issue that needs to be questioned and emphasized here is: 'Can the points that consumers have earned by shopping be deleted by the unilateral decision of businesses?', 'If such a period was not specified at the start of the campaign, can a consumer's acquired right be eliminated by an SMS sent at the end of the year?'"
Drawing attention to the fact that, within the framework of the approach aimed at protecting consumers' economic rights and right to information, loyalty cards should also be considered practices that affect consumers' shopping preferences and spending behavior, Güllü said that consumers need to know what conditions they are subject to when earning points.
"REVIEW THE CAMPAIGN TERMS AND THE VALIDITY PERIOD OF THE POINTS"
As the end of the year approaches, İbrahim Güllü listed the measures consumers should take to avoid suffering as follows:
"Check all the credit cards and debit cards you use. Do not forget loyalty cards belonging to supermarkets, clothing stores, fuel stations, and other stores. Find out the amount of cash points, miles, and reward points accumulated on your cards. Ask your bank's mobile application or customer service about the expiration date of the points and whether they will be carried over to the new year. Review the campaign terms and the validity period of the points.
If it has been clearly announced in advance that your points will be deleted and the conditions are lawful, use them in line with your needs without waiting for the end of the year so that you do not lose your rights. Take a screenshot of your points balance. Keep your SMS messages, emails, campaign announcements, and shopping receipts. Businesses must inform consumers in advance and within a reasonable time, provide them with the opportunity to use their points, and protect consumers' rights."
Güllü, who said that if consumers lose their points without being able to use them, they should question the legal basis of the deletion and object, used the following statements: "If you think your points have been deleted unlawfully, first make a written application to the bank or the relevant business. If the business does not meet your request, you can apply to the Consumer Arbitration Committee depending on the nature of the dispute."
Noting that the purpose of such cards is to increase customer loyalty, encourage shopping, and establish a relationship of trust between consumers and businesses, Güllü drew attention to the fact that this system should not turn into a loss of rights against consumers.
Underlining that companies should offer consumers systems through which they can easily check their points balances, Güllü made the assessment: "Before the points consumers have earned are deleted, the obligation to inform must be fulfilled and acquired rights must be protected."