Cardpointer has stopped issuing new cards and closed existing accounts
Cardpointer, a rewards card program that operated through partnerships with various issuers, is no longer active. If you held a Cardpointer card, your account has been closed and the card itself is no longer valid for purchases. This happened as the company wound down operations — it was not a suspension you could appeal or reverse.
If you still have a physical Cardpointer card in your wallet, you cannot use it at merchants or ATMs. Any remaining rewards points or balances on the card are gone. The company did not transfer accounts to another issuer or allow cardholders to migrate their rewards to a different program.
The closure affects anyone who held a Cardpointer card at any point. There is no distinction between active users and inactive users — all accounts were terminated together when the program ended.
Key Takeaways
- Cardpointer cards are no longer valid for any transactions, and the program no longer exists.
- Any rewards points or account balance on a Cardpointer card cannot be recovered or transferred.
- If you received a notice about your account closure, keep it for your records in case you need to dispute a charge that posted after the closure date.
- You should remove the card from any recurring payment subscriptions or automatic bill payments before attempting to use it again.
- If you were relying on Cardpointer for rewards or cashback, you will need to open a different rewards card with another issuer.
What to do if you still have a Cardpointer card
If you have a physical Cardpointer card, you should destroy it. Cut it up or shred it so it cannot be used, even though it will be declined at any merchant. This prevents the card number from being used if it is lost or stolen.
Check your credit card statements from the past few months to see if any charges posted after the closure date. Cardpointer should have stopped processing transactions on the date the program ended, but occasionally a charge from before the closure date appears later. If you see a charge you do not recognize, contact the merchant directly first — they may have charged you in error. If the merchant confirms they processed the charge after the closure date, you can dispute it with your bank or credit card issuer.
If you had set up automatic payments using your Cardpointer card — for utilities, subscriptions, insurance, or other recurring bills — those payments will fail the next time they are scheduled. Contact each company and update your payment method to a different card or bank account. Failing to do this can result in late fees or service interruptions.
Recovering rewards points or account balance
Cardpointer did not allow cardholders to redeem or transfer remaining rewards points or account balances after the program closed. Any value on the card at the time of closure was lost.
If you believe you had a significant balance or rewards balance on the card at the time of closure, you can attempt to contact the card issuer that partnered with Cardpointer. However, most issuers will not recover or refund balances after a program has ended, as the terms of service typically state that rewards are forfeited upon account closure.
Keep any closure notice or email you received from Cardpointer. This documents the date the program ended and can help if you need to dispute a charge or explain to another creditor why the card is no longer active.
Finding a replacement rewards card
If you were using Cardpointer for cashback or rewards, you will need to open a card with a different issuer. Common alternatives include cards from major banks like Chase, Capital One, American Express, and Discover, as well as cards from credit unions if you are a member.
When choosing a replacement card, consider what you used Cardpointer for. If you primarily used it for everyday purchases, look for a flat-rate cashback card. If you used it for specific categories like groceries or gas, look for a card that rewards those categories at a higher rate. If you traveled frequently, a travel rewards card may be a better fit.
You can compare cards by looking at the rewards rate, annual fee, and any sign-up bonuses. Many issuers offer introductory bonuses for new cardholders, though these usually require you to spend a certain amount within the first few months.
How Cardpointer closure affects your credit
When Cardpointer closed all accounts, it may have affected your credit score. The closure itself is typically reported to the credit bureaus as an account closure initiated by the creditor (not by you), which can lower your score slightly in the short term.
The impact depends on how long you held the card and how much of your available credit it represented. If Cardpointer was one of several cards you held, the impact is usually small. If it was your oldest card or represented a large portion of your total available credit, the impact may be more noticeable.
Your credit report should show the account as closed. You can check your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official site run by the three major credit bureaus. Look for the Cardpointer account and verify that the closure date and reason are accurate.
Checking your credit report for errors
After Cardpointer closed, you should review your credit report to make sure the account was reported correctly. Errors on your credit report can lower your score or cause problems when you explore for new credit.
Look for the following: the account should be listed as closed, the closure date should match when Cardpointer ended the program, and your payment history should be accurate. If you always paid on time, the report should show no late payments. If you had missed payments before the closure, those should still be listed but will age over time.
If you find an error — for example, if the account is listed as closed by you when it was actually closed by the issuer, or if the closure date is wrong — you can file a dispute with the credit bureau. You can do this online through the bureau's website or by mail. The bureau has 30 days to investigate and respond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my Cardpointer card if I have a balance on it?
No. Cardpointer cards are no longer valid for any transactions, regardless of whether you have a balance. The card will be declined at any merchant. If you owe a balance, you should contact the card issuer to arrange payment by check, bank transfer, or a different payment method.
Will Cardpointer send me a refund for unused rewards?
No. Cardpointer did not refund or transfer unused rewards points or balances when the program closed. Any remaining value on the card was forfeited. This is standard practice when a credit card program ends.
How long does the Cardpointer closure stay on my credit report?
The closed account will remain on your credit report for up to seven years from the closure date. However, its impact on your credit score decreases over time. After a few years, the closure will have minimal effect on your ability to get new credit.
What should I do if a charge posts after Cardpointer closed?
Contact the merchant that charged you and ask them to cancel the charge or issue a refund. If they refuse, you can dispute the charge with your bank or credit card issuer (the bank that issued the Cardpointer card). Provide the issuer with the closure date and any notice you received from Cardpointer as proof that the card was no longer active.
Do I need to do anything if Cardpointer was linked to my bank account?
If you set up any automatic transfers or payments from your bank account to Cardpointer, those should have stopped when the program closed. However, you should log into your bank account and verify that no recurring transfers are still scheduled. If you see any pending transfers, cancel them when ready.