Do Rewards Points Expire? What to Do About It

Rewards points, whether earned through credit cards, airline programs, hotel stays, or retail loyalty schemes, offer valuable benefits to consumers. These points represent a form of currency redeemable for travel, merchandise, gift cards, or statement credits. Many consumers are unaware that these points typically come with specific terms regarding their validity. Understanding point expiration policies is important to avoid unexpected loss of value. These policies are not universal and vary significantly from one program to another.

Common Reasons for Point Expiration

Rewards points can expire for several common reasons, often depending on the program’s rules. A frequent cause is account inactivity, where points may be forfeited if there has been no earning or redeeming activity within a specified timeframe. This period commonly ranges from 12 to 24 months. Activity generally includes making a qualifying purchase, redeeming points, or transferring points.

Another reason for expiration involves a fixed time limit, meaning points expire after a set period from their earning date, regardless of account activity. Some programs state points earned in a particular month expire 36 months later, even if the account remains active. This type of policy is less common than inactivity-based expiration but still exists within certain loyalty programs.

Points are also forfeited if the associated account is closed, whether by the account holder or the issuer. If a credit card account linked to a rewards program is closed, any unredeemed points are usually lost immediately. Closing a loyalty program membership directly can result in the loss of accumulated points.

Points can also be impacted by significant program changes or termination. If a rewards program undergoes substantial revisions or is discontinued, there may be specific deadlines or conditions for redeeming existing points. Such instances usually involve advance notice from the provider, allowing members a window to use their points.

Finding Your Specific Program’s Expiration Rules

Discovering the expiration policy for your rewards programs requires reviewing the program’s official documentation. The terms and conditions document is the primary source, often available on the program’s website or in welcome packets. Look for sections titled “point expiration,” “point validity,” or “account inactivity” within these documents.

Logging into your online account is another effective way to find expiration details. Many programs display upcoming expiration dates prominently on the account dashboard or provide warnings if points are nearing forfeiture. Some online portals also offer a detailed history of point activity.

Reviewing periodic account statements, whether physical or digital, can also provide relevant information. Some credit card or loyalty programs include a summary of your points balance and may note any points set to expire in the near future. These statements serve as a regular reminder to check your point status.

If you cannot locate expiration rules through these methods, contacting customer service directly is a viable option. Representatives can provide clarity on specific policies, explain what actions count as activity, and confirm any upcoming expiration dates for your account.

Strategies to Prevent Point Expiration

Preventing rewards points from expiring often revolves around maintaining account activity. For programs with inactivity-based expiration, making a small qualifying transaction can reset the expiration clock. This could involve using your associated credit card for a minimal purchase, such as a coffee or a small online order, to register activity.

Another effective strategy is to redeem even a small amount of points. Many programs consider any redemption, regardless of size, as account activity that extends the life of your point balance. You might redeem points for a low-value item, a small gift card, or apply a small amount as a statement credit.

Transferring points to a partner program, if allowed, can also serve as qualifying activity. Some credit card rewards programs enable transfers to airline or hotel loyalty programs. This transfer often counts as an outbound activity that resets the expiration period for the original points.

Linking accounts or engaging through associated services can also help keep points active. Some loyalty programs partner with dining rewards networks or online shopping portals, and earning points through these linked services might count as sufficient activity to prevent expiration. Regularly using the associated credit card for everyday spending ensures continuous earning activity, which inherently prevents inactivity-based expiration. Setting personal reminders on a calendar or using a reminder application to track your last activity date or potential expiration dates for various programs can also be a proactive measure.

What to Do If Points Expire

If your rewards points have already expired, recovery options are generally limited. The immediate step is to contact the program’s customer service department. While reinstatement is not guaranteed, some programs may offer a one-time grace period or reinstate points as a goodwill gesture, particularly for long-standing or high-value customers.

The success of a reinstatement request often depends on the program’s policies and the reason for inactivity. For example, if inactivity was due to a documented hardship, such as a medical emergency, some programs might show flexibility. Most rewards programs have strict policies stating that once points officially expire, they are permanently forfeited.

While an appeal to customer service is worth attempting, it should not be relied upon as a guaranteed solution. The experience of losing points can serve as a valuable lesson to be more diligent about tracking expiration dates and engaging in timely activity.