The real value is using point sites legitimately within the terms and not losing your saved points and account — how big the reward is is just a bonus on top

Q: Where do I check a point site's rules, and what happens when they are revised?

There are two places to check: (1) the site-wide "terms of use" page, and (2) the notes written on each deal's detail page (eligibility, whether re-application is allowed, exclusions, etc.). The latter is effectively part of the rules too, so read it for every deal. Rules can be revised, and most sites treat "continuing to use the service after a revision as agreement to the new rules." Do not miss revision notice emails and announcements, and make a habit of checking the latest prohibitions before taking on a new deal. For points you are unsure about, asking the operator is the surest. For safety in general, see the safety and risks chapter.

Q: When referring a friend, what is the correct way that does not violate the rules?

The basis of a proper referral is that the person being referred registers "of their own will, in their own name, on their own device or line." Sharing your invite code or link and having them register and use it themselves is normally fine. On the other hand, a "self-staged referral" — registering with a fictitious person or your own separate device so that you receive the reward — is a clear violation. Also, for the sake of referral rewards, "persistently soliciting people who have no intention of using it" or "recommending it with exaggeration, stressing only the upsides" can cause trouble or account suspension. Referring naturally when it is genuinely useful to the other person is the trick to continuing safely for a long time. For points to note on referrals within a family, see the family point-earning chapter.

Poikatsu basics Published：2026-05-30 Updated：2026-06-21 16 min read

What you're really protecting is your legitimately earned points and account — cashback rates are just a bonus on top

The biggest loss in point-earning is not missing a cashback opportunity. It is having points you spent months or years accumulating wiped out in an instant, and your account frozen or forcibly closed. That is the penalty for breaking the terms. So the real value of point-earning is not how high the cashback rate is — it is using point sites legitimately, following the rules, and never losing the points or account you have built up. Cashback is simply an extra on top of that foundation.

Most violations start with "I didn't know" or "I figured I wouldn't get caught." Creating multiple accounts, applying under a family member's name, abusing self-affiliate loopholes, registering with false information, using bots or unauthorized tools — major point sites have automated detection systems, and when violations are caught, points are forfeited in full and accounts are suspended, with potential legal consequences in serious cases. This article covers what counts as a prohibited act, why detection happens, how severe penalties get, how to draw the line on gray areas, and how to keep using point sites safely for the long term. For safety in general, see the safety and risks article; for handling denied points, see what to do when points don't credit.

Five categories of prohibited acts — what's banned and why it gets detected

Prohibited acts on point sites fall broadly into five categories. The exact wording differs between sites, but the types below are almost universally banned. The reasoning "if the rules don't explicitly say it, I'm fine" is dangerous — most sites include a catch-all clause for "acts the company deems inappropriate," giving them discretion to suspend accounts.

Category	What it looks like	Why it gets detected
① Multiple accounts	One person creating or using two or more member IDs	Overlapping device fingerprints, IP addresses, ID documents, and linked bank accounts
② Proxy registration / impersonation	Applying under a family member's or acquaintance's name, or being operated by someone other than the account holder	Mismatch between ID documents and registration data; cross-checking with the offer provider (e.g., card issuer)
③ Self-affiliate abuse	Applying for services with no intention of using them, then immediately canceling just to collect points; self-referral using invitation codes	No usage history, short-cancellation patterns, and repeated use of the same referral path — all machine-detected
④ False registration information	Registering with a fake name, invented address, or someone else's contact details; forging identity documents	Identity verification (eKYC, etc.) and cross-referencing for tax and compliance purposes
⑤ Bots and unauthorized tools	Using automated scripts, macros, or scraping tools to earn large amounts of points	Abnormal access patterns and request frequencies; tracking of CAPTCHA bypass attempts

※ The specific rules vary by site. Always read the terms of service for each site you use. See also multiple-account policies in detail and how families can do point-earning properly.

Another important premise is that rules differ by deal and by site. The same act can be allowed on one site and prohibited on another. Moreover, beyond a site's overall terms of use, the notes on each deal's detail page ("re-applications excluded," "first time only," etc.) are also "part of the rules." Before taking on a new deal or site, read both the terms of use and the deal's notes as a baseline. When something is not written or you are unsure, do not proceed on your own judgment — ask the operator to confirm; that is the safest and ultimately fastest path. For where the line on multiple accounts lies, see multiple-account policies in detail.

How severe penalties get — the cascade from point forfeiture to account closure to legal risk

When a violation is caught, penalties escalate in stages. A minor suspicion might start with a warning or a temporary hold on points — but if the conduct is deemed deliberate or organized, the consequences can be irreversible.

Point forfeiture (partial or total) Not just the points tied to the violation — the entire account balance can be wiped. Because points are awarded only when the operator's conditions are met, forfeiture upon a violation is very difficult to contest legally.
Account freeze and forced closure The progression is typically: new transactions blocked → unable to log in → account forcibly closed. On some services, the email address or device used can then never be re-registered. Any remaining balance at that point simply disappears — it cannot be withdrawn or transferred.
Report to the offer provider (card issuer, carrier, etc.) If a fraudulent application is identified, the point site may share that information with its advertising partners — credit card companies, insurance providers, telecoms, and so on. This can lead to application rejections or contract cancellations with those providers.
Legal risk (fraud, unfair competition) Applying with false information or engaging in organized abuse can expose you to fraud charges, violations of unfair competition prevention law, and related legal risks. Even individual point-earners can face criminal or civil liability if conduct is deemed egregious.

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"The amounts are small — they won't notice" and "just once can't hurt" are not safe assumptions. Major point sites have automated detection systems that can also comb back through historical transaction records. Detection doesn't always happen at the moment of the violation; accounts are sometimes suspended months later out of nowhere. The most rational way to protect legitimately earned points is to follow the rules from the start.

Drawing the line on gray areas — how to judge "not technically banned but risky" behavior

Some behaviors aren't explicitly prohibited but can become a problem depending on circumstances — these are gray areas. The examples below all fall into the category of "not literally against the written rules, but potentially subject to suspension at the operator's discretion."

Referrals and invitation codes within families: If each family member independently registers under their own name and identity and uses an invitation code naturally, that is generally fine. However, patterns such as "unnatural repeated referrals within the same household" or "multiple registrations from the same device, IP, or bank account" are likely to be flagged as multiple accounts or self-referrals. See how families can do point-earning properly.
Registering on multiple different point sites simultaneously: Holding separate accounts at different point sites is perfectly fine — the ban is on multiple accounts at the same site. That said, each site's terms should be checked individually. See multiple-account policies in detail.
Canceling shortly after meeting conditions: For credit card offers, canceling after meeting the minimum usage requirements is often permitted under the terms. But repeatedly doing this across many offers in a short period — with no genuine intention to use the service — risks being flagged as abusive. See how to approach credit card sign-up offers.
Using a VPN or proxy: Some sites don't explicitly ban VPNs used for security purposes, but it may be interpreted as IP address spoofing. Check the terms before using one; if it's unclear, safer to avoid it.
Re-using a long-dormant account: An account that hasn't been logged into for a long time may have had its points expire or may have been deleted. If re-registering treats you as a new user while the old account still technically exists, that could constitute duplicate registration. Check your withdrawal status first. See account withdrawal and closure.

The practical test for gray-area situations: "If the operator asked me to explain, could I clearly state a legitimate reason?" If the answer is no, don't do it.

What is especially dangerous in the gray zone is when acts that are safe on their own stack together. For example, "using a VPN," "a burst of many deals in a short period," and "the same IP as family" can each usually be explained on their own, but when they overlap they look like a "suspicious pattern" to an automated detection system. You may have a legitimate reason for each one, yet bundled together even you find it hard to explain — that is the danger of gray. When several questionable factors look set to overlap, dropping even one to return to an "explainable state" is safe. For gray areas, thinking "do not stack" rather than just "do not do" lowers your risk substantially.

The mindset for healthy, long-term point-earning

People who sustain point-earning over the long haul share one trait: they prioritize "maintaining a system they can keep doing" over "maximizing this particular cashback." Following the rules is not a constraint — in the long run, it is the most rational strategy.

Make "one account, one person" an absolute rule: The extra points you might gain from a second account are dwarfed by what you lose if that account is suspended. Sticking to one account per site eliminates your single biggest risk.
Only apply for things you actually intend to use: Don't sign up for services purely for the points. Choosing offers where you have genuine intent reduces denial risk and means you actually benefit from the service itself. For credit card offers, see how to approach credit card sign-up offers.
Make checking the terms a habit: Point site terms can be updated. Getting in the habit of reviewing the prohibited-acts section before trying a new offer keeps your long-term risk low.
Build a system to use points before they expire: Using your accumulated points before they lapse is a way of protecting what you've earned that has nothing to do with rule violations. See preventing point expiration.
When points are denied, resolve it through proper channels: If you met the conditions but the points didn't credit, don't try to make up for it with any workaround — use the inquiry form and submit your evidence. See what to do when points don't credit.

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The real value of point-earning is maximizing the legitimate cashback you earn from everyday spending and applications — within the rules. Points gained through violations, taken in aggregate, are a fraction of what you can earn legitimately over years of consistent use. Staying safe and being strategic are not in conflict.

One more thing long-term users are thorough about is the habit of keeping records. Saving the date and time you went through, the application details, and a screenshot at the moment you met a condition gives you evidence of your legitimacy — both for a proper claim when points do not credit, and for a re-review if you are ever stopped by a false detection. Small daily records are the foundation that protects the asset you have built (your points and account). Alongside, having a mechanism to use up earned points before they expire lets you "keep your assets from shrinking" on a level separate from violation risk (preventing point expiration).

What to do if your account is stopped without cause — when a legitimate user gets caught in the net

Even when you use a point site entirely by the rules, the automated detection system may occasionally flag your account in error — holding your points or restricting your access. Sharing a household internet connection, moving and getting a new IP address, switching phones and changing your device fingerprint — these ordinary situations can look suspicious to an automated system. If you're stopped for something you didn't do, stay calm and work through proper channels.

Start by comparing the terms against your actual usage: Calmly confirm whether anything you did could technically count as a violation. Think back on whether there were any circumstances that might look ambiguous — such as a family member occasionally using your device or network.
Explain the facts through the inquiry form: Describe specifically when, on which device, and how you used the service, and state that you believe it was a false positive. If they request evidence (referral history, purchase history, identity documents), submit it accurately.
Do not lie or try to get around the suspension by making a new account: Creating a second account or giving a false explanation in response to a suspension — even if you were flagged in error — turns it into a real violation. Always resolve this through the official channel, legitimately.
Separate environments for family use ahead of time: To avoid false positives, each family member should use their own device, network connection, and bank account. Multiple registrations sharing the same environment are a common source of erroneous flags. See how families can do point-earning properly.
Keep records if the issue isn't resolved: Save the record of your communications. Evidence that shows you used the service legitimately will be valuable in a re-review or escalation.

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The best prevention against false positives is to only ever use the service in a way you could clearly explain. One account per site, registered under your own name, using your own device and connection — if you hold to these principles, you'll be able to confidently explain your legitimate use if anything is ever flagged, giving you a strong position in any re-review. If you've been bending the rules, you lose the ability to clearly distinguish — even to yourself — between a false positive and a genuine violation.

Mini glossary — key terms around prohibited acts and point-site rules

Knowing the vocabulary around the terms of service helps you judge what's a violation and what's a gray area — and protect the points and account you've built. Rules vary by site and change over time; always check each site for the current version.

Term	Meaning	Watch out for
Multiple accounts	One person holding two or more IDs at the same site	Banned and actively detected on virtually every site
Self-affiliate abuse	Applying for services with no intention of using them, then immediately canceling — just to collect points	A pattern actively caught by detection systems
Automated detection system	A system that cross-references devices, IPs, bank accounts, etc. to flag potential violations algorithmically	Can look back through historical transaction records
Catch-all clause	A terms-of-service provision that bans "acts the company deems inappropriate"	Gives operators discretion to suspend accounts even without specific written rules
Account freeze / forced closure	Escalating measures: transactions blocked → unable to log in → account closed	Point balance can be forfeited and disappear entirely
Gray area	Conduct that is not a clear violation but may be subject to suspension at the operator's discretion	Avoid any actions you couldn't clearly explain

Specific rule wording varies by site — always check the current terms on each platform. For overall safety, see the safety and risks article; for multiple-account rules, see multiple-account policies in detail; for handling denied points, see what to do when points don't credit.

FAQ

Why do multiple accounts get caught?

Major point sites cross-reference device fingerprints, IP addresses, identity documents, and registered bank accounts using automated detection systems. "I used a different email address, so I'm fine" doesn't hold up. If the device, network, and payment details match, you'll be identified as the same person. When that happens, points across all accounts are at risk of forfeiture. See multiple-account policies in detail.

How should a family use the same point site?

The rule is that each family member registers and operates independently, using their own email address, legal name, bank account, and device. Multiple registrations from the same device, same bank account, or same IP are likely to be flagged as multiple accounts, so each person should log in from their own separate environment. Sharing an invitation code with a family member is fine; self-referral (inviting yourself for the referral bonus) is not. See how families can do point-earning properly.

Can I still get points if I cancel a credit card soon after applying?

Canceling after meeting the offer's required conditions (first-time use, spending a specified amount, etc.) is generally allowed under the terms. However, repeatedly doing this across many offers in a short window — with no real intention of using the card — risks being treated as abuse. Check each offer's conditions and terms, and choose cards you genuinely plan to use. See how to approach credit card sign-up offers.

What happens to my points if my account is suspended?

When an account is frozen or forcibly closed, the point balance in that account is typically forfeited and disappears. Appeals resulting in partial refunds are rare, and in cases where the suspension is due to a rule violation, recovery is almost never possible. This is why following the rules from the beginning is the only real safeguard.

How do I tell gray areas from clear violations?

Rather than asking "does the written rule cover this exactly?", a more practical test is: "If the operator asked me to explain, could I clearly state a legitimate reason?" Clear violations include: creating multiple accounts as the same person, applying under someone else's name, using unauthorized tools, and registering with false information. Gray areas include: family members sharing a device, completing large numbers of offers in a short time, and using a VPN. Even gray behaviors can be ruled a violation if they're repeated or combined — so when in doubt, don't.

What if my points don't credit even though I didn't do anything wrong?

Legitimate applications can fail to credit due to routing errors, unmet conditions, deleted cookies, and similar technical reasons. In those cases, use the inquiry form and include documentation of your referral history and purchase records. Trying to make up for it through workarounds will turn a technical issue into an actual violation. See what to do when points don't credit.

My account was stopped even though I haven't done anything wrong. What should I do?

First, calmly confirm whether anything in your usage could technically count as a violation — including whether any circumstances might look ambiguous, such as a family member using the same device or connection. Then, use the inquiry form to describe specifically when, on which device, and how you used the service, and state that you believe it is a false positive. If they request evidence (referral history, purchase history, identity documents), submit it accurately. The one thing you must never do is create a new account or give a false explanation in response to the suspension — even if it truly was a false positive, that turns it into a real violation. Always resolve this through official channels, and keep a record of all communications. If you've been following the principles of one account per site, registered under your own name, using your own device, you'll be well-positioned to make your case in a re-review.

I use the service legitimately but I'm worried about being flagged by mistake. How do I prevent that?

The best prevention is to only use the service in a way you could clearly explain. Specifically: ① stick to one account per site; ② register and use under your own name and with your own genuine intent; ③ use your own device, internet connection, and bank account. If your family uses the same point site, each person should operate independently with their own device, connection, and account — avoid sharing an environment (same device or same IP is one of the most common triggers for erroneous flags). VPNs and proxies can be interpreted as IP spoofing; when in doubt, don't use them. If you hold to these principles, you'll be able to clearly explain your legitimate use if anything is ever flagged — and unlike someone who has been operating in gray areas, it will be unambiguous to you and to the operator whether it was a false positive or a real violation. See also how families can do point-earning properly.

Where do I check a point site's rules, and what happens when they are revised?

There are two places to check: (1) the site-wide "terms of use" page, and (2) the notes written on each deal's detail page (eligibility, whether re-application is allowed, exclusions, etc.). The latter is effectively part of the rules too, so read it for every deal. Rules can be revised, and most sites treat "continuing to use the service after a revision as agreement to the new rules." Do not miss revision notice emails and announcements, and make a habit of checking the latest prohibitions before taking on a new deal. For points you are unsure about, asking the operator is the surest. For safety in general, see the safety and risks chapter.

When referring a friend, what is the correct way that does not violate the rules?

The basis of a proper referral is that the person being referred registers "of their own will, in their own name, on their own device or line." Sharing your invite code or link and having them register and use it themselves is normally fine. On the other hand, a "self-staged referral" — registering with a fictitious person or your own separate device so that you receive the reward — is a clear violation. Also, for the sake of referral rewards, "persistently soliciting people who have no intention of using it" or "recommending it with exaggeration, stressing only the upsides" can cause trouble or account suspension. Referring naturally when it is genuinely useful to the other person is the trick to continuing safely for a long time. For points to note on referrals within a family, see the family point-earning chapter.

Compare safe, reputable point sites → Read: safety and risks

This article was written from publicly available information on each point site as of 2026-06-21. Cashback rates, campaign terms, and redemption rules can change without notice — always check each site's official page for the latest. This site uses each point site's referral program, but going through a referral link never changes the rate you receive.