Loyalty Points Can Add Up to More Holiday Cheer

Hunting for hidden assets? Consider cashing in your hotel reward points from customer loyalty programs.

A weakened dollar and approaching holiday season means more consumers are looking to loyalty programs as a resource, and using the perks to offset family travel and gift costs. Around 130 million Americans are expected to rely on loyalty programs this season, according to a poll by Ipsos Public Affairs/SoundBite Communications.

Already InterContinental Hotels (IHG Quote) has seen a spike in transactions as members cash in loyalty reward points for perks, that's normal for the season. But here's the twist, people are using more points more quickly, and for less exotic purchases.

"When the economy turned we started to see more people use their points at a faster pace for things they would typically not spend their points [on]," says Don Berg, Vice President of Loyalty Programs for IHG. So, instead a European vacation, many are cashing in their points for a trip to grandmother's house, says Berg.

A popular item for reward card holders is the Apple (AAPL Quote)'s iPod offered through IHG. Although points are generally redeemed for electronics and sporting goods, around this time of year more people redeem points for jewelry and kitchenware.

It's not just trinkets that come with points.

What can you expect from loyalty programs? There are numerous hotel chains that offer loyalty programs including Choice Privileges and Marriott(MAR Quote) Rewards. Depending on the program, loyal customers -or repeat travelers--are offered free nights at hotels, high definition televisions, airline miles and gift cards.