Help Me Hank: Travel mile troubles

More than 30 years of happy memories surround him. But, Kevin's house is quieter these days. His wife Cynthia lost her battle with cancer in June. During her life the two shared everything, and traveled as often as possible.

Kevin Good, credit card holder
"We went to Hawaii twice for a timeshare for our 25th wedding anniversary."

That's why these avid travelers chose a credit card that gave points for every dollar spent on airplane flights.

Kevin Good, credit card holder
"Everybody likes to get something for nothing."

He and his wife each carried a card, but the card was in Cynthia's name, she got the bills. When Kevin had to take over household accounting, he wanted the bill in his name.

Kevin Good, credit card holder
"It didn't seem like that big a deal."

He called the company but customer service told him to cut up your card. He as told he could no longer keep the account because his wife had opened it. Kevin was surprised.

Kevin Good, credit card holder
"I just assumed we were both card holders."

What's more, they also told him the couple would lose the 37-thousand travel points they had accumulated. Golfer Kevin had planned to use them for a solitary vacation in South Carolina. Now, his flight to the links was getting yanked.

Kevin Good, credit card holder
"I think it's unbelievable."

Kevin could always get another credit card of course, but he thought those hard-earned miles should be his! Shouldn't they?

Kevin Good, credit card holder
"I clicked on Help me Hank and sent an e-mail."

Here's the scoop. We knew it depended on how Kevin was listed on the card.

The credit card company told us he was an authorized user. That means he's allowed to use the card, but it's based on his wife's credit record.  As a result, when the primary account holder died, the company had to close the account.

But wait, the company admitted someone had gotten it wrong. Those travel points should not disappear! They said an authorized user, Kevin, could cash in the unused miles. That's a deal, Kevin said.

Shortly thereafter this check arrived. And Kevin packed up his clubs and booked his ticket.

Kevin Good, credit card holder
"I was happy with that."

So you see the point here. If you use a credit card with someone else, make sure you know your status. You see what can happen if you don't.

(Copyright 2007 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)