FAQ

5.     Is there a cost to be a member of Tar Heel Rewards?
No, there is never a charge to be a member. (Return to top)

6.     Is Tar Heel Rewards a Credit Card?
No – unlike most rewards programs where you need to use a specific credit card to earn points, Tar Heel Rewards lets you earn Tar Heel Points with ANY credit or debit card with a Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AMEX logo.  If you use Assistant, you can enter up to 5 different cards to use with your account! (Return to top)

7.     What happens if I already collect miles/points on my credit card?
Then you’re in the fortunate position of earning TWICE for the same purchase!  In most circumstances, you can earn Tar Heel Rewards when you purchase with a miles/points awarding credit/debit card in addition to whatever you earn on the card. (Return to top)

8.     How does the Tar Heel Widget work?
The Tar Heel Widget is part of an exciting new group of small, handy desktop devices called Widgets that are making a huge impact on everyday computer users.  To get started, you’ll need to download the Yahoo! Widget Engine which operates the vast majority of desktop widgets.  Then choose your appropriate Tar Heel Widget download (Windows or Mac).  (Return to top)

Once you launch the Widget, check out all the great options available!  You can view great UNC photos, check out the latest UNC links and Sporting news, and log into your Tar Heel Rewards account by clicking the Login button. By entering your username and password, you’ll be able to see your updated points balance, view/redeem rewards, and have one-click access to Shop and Earn Points at the Tar Heel Rewards shopping mall.  Make sure you are logged into your account before going to the shopping mall to insure Points are properly credited to your account when you make a purchase. (Return to top)  

9.     How does the Tar Heel Rewards Assistant work?
As you search and shop as you normally do on the Internet, your Tar Heel Rewards Assistant sits quietly on your PC looking through an envelope of information it received from the main Assistant server. When it identifies an offer that matches what you’re looking for, it politely announces it has something you might like. If you click on its friendly alert panel, you’re taken right to your Assistant Notebook.  This allows you to stay organized while keeping track of great offers. When you’re ready to buy, simply click on an item and receive an ePostcard from which you’re taken directly to the vendor’s Website. If you choose to purchase through that offer, you will be awarded Rewards points automatically. 
If you already know which merchant you want to buy from, you can go directly to their web site from the “Shopping Partner” page to get awarded Rewards points. (Return to top)

10.    What if I do not like Assistant?
Don’t worry – you can still easily use your Tar Heel Rewards account and earn points every time you shop online by logging into your account at www.tarheelrewards.com/shopping.html before you buy. 
You also have the option to uninstall Assistant easily through the standard Windows Control Panel Add/Remove facility. Remember that you control when and how your Tar Heel Rewards Assistant operates. If you only want it to be active at certain times, you can uncheck “Start with Windows” on the Login Options panel and manually start your Assistant when you want to use it.  Even when it’s operational, you still have the option to temporarily halt its alerts for up to 24 hours through the ”Snooze” button within your Assistant Notebook.
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Shopper Questions

1.     How do I earn Tar Heel Rewards Points?
Tar Heel Rewards allows users to earn Rewards Points through:  

Making a purchase: You’ll earn points whenever you make a purchase through a participating merchant’s website.  You must enter directly from one of the shopping links within the TarHeelRewards.com shopping mall or from an ePostcard  or shopping link in the Tar Heel Assistant.  This allows us to credit Points directly to your account.  Earn anywhere from one point per dollar spent to 25 points per dollar spent, depending on the merchant’s offer!
Bonus points: Tar Heel Rewards will periodically offer Bonus Points to users through a variety of methods including contests, Fan Challenges, etc.  Sometimes you get Tar Heel Points just for entering a contest or filling out a simple survey! An advertiser may offer bonus Rewards Points that will be identified in the ePostcard.   (Return to top)

3.    Where can I find my points balance?
Your Assistant notebook has a counter next to the Tar Heel Rewards logo that displays the number of points that you have earned with Assistant.  You can get a full statement of your account within the Rewards tab in your Assistant Notebook. 
Alternatively, when you log into the Tar Heel Widget, your Points balance is displayed. (Return to top)

4.    I made a qualifying purchase, but I don’t see my Points.  Why not?
Don’t worry!  Depending on the merchant you make a qualifying purchase from, it may take anywhere from a few days to a week or more for your Points to be logged and deposited to your account. We apologize for any delays you might encounter.  If you feel as though you were not credited fairly or in a timely fashion for your purchase, send us an email at support@collegesportsrewards.com and we’ll be happy to investigate your request in a timely and thorough fashion. (Return to top)

5.     How do I redeem my Tar Heel Rewards points?
Go to the Tar Heel Rewards redemption page.  There you will see the full array of rewards available and an easy-to-follow shopping cart check out process to claim whichever rewards you have selected.  You can view the Rewards opportunities currently available right now by selecting the View Rewards button on the navigation bar of this site. (Return to top)