Universal Points: Alternative loyalty program Universal Points launches

The Universal Points program works by giving guests 5 percent of what they spend at a Universal Points hotel back as a reward through PayPal or Virtual Visa after their stay - as long as they book direct with the hotel and not through an online travel agency. Participating hotels do not pay Universal Points for existing loyal guests who sign up within the first three months, and early adopter hotels only pay 2-3 percent for guests who sign up after the first three months or guests who are signed up by Universal Points along with the 5 percent reward.