When the app Pepper Rewards launched earlier this year (or, technically, launched its rebrand), I was an instant fan. Not only was the app easy to use but it also had plenty of solid brands, all offering 5% back on gift card purchases. However, since then, the offering has continued to evolve — and not always for the better. Now, another change has arrived, bringing bad news for those who like to hoard their points.
Recently, Pepper announced a new expiration policy. Starting November 15th, earned points will expire after 60 days without any purchase activity on your account. For those who have already made a purchase on the platform, a grace period will be enacted so that the new policy won’t impact users until February 1st, 2025.
On the one hand, making a gift card purchase every 60 days to keep your account active isn’t too difficult. Moreover, since the app allows you to redeem as little as $5 worth of points, you can hopefully cash out before it’s too late. That said, it’s disappointing that you could lose all of your points two months after a purchase. Instead, I’d prefer if inactivity triggered a slow expiration so that users have more time to redeem. Also, while the $5 threshold for redemptions isn’t that high, it can be frustrating to have points you can’t cash out but will now expire if you don’t use them (unless you buy something else to keep your account current).
Of course, this is just the latest in a string of changes that have come to Pepper. The most notable adjustment has been that the app no longer earns 5% back across the board. Instead, the base rate can vary (and it’s a bit confusing trying to figure out how much you’re getting even if Pepper also updated its point system in an attempt to simplify it). The good news here is that the app does run several promotions per week that can do even better than 5%, but these flash deals do tend to sell out fairly quickly in some cases.
Having said all of that, I’m still a fan of Pepper overall. In fact, I was thrilled to recently receive an Amex offer for $15 back when I spent at least $50 in the app. Naturally, I used this offer right away, buying a $60 Sam’s Club gift card and earning my $15 statement credit on Amex.
Ultimately, while it may not be as simple and straightforward as it once was, Pepper Rewards is still an app I’d recommend checking out and using. Just be sure to redeem your earned points ASAP and/or make new purchases every two months as this new policy takes effect.