Credit card rewards open a world of benefits. Knowing how they work keeps you reaping the rewards. Pay attention to expiration dates to protect your benefits.
The journey to maximize points and miles doesn’t end at earning them. Once you earn them, you have to keep them from expiring, ensuring that your efforts translate into memorable travel experiences.
Do Credit Card Rewards Expire?
Credit card rewards generally remain as long as your account is open. However, if you close your account, you forfeit the remaining points.
Make it a habit to transfer or redeem points before closing any account. Programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards offer varied redemption options to protect your points.
American Express and Capital One extend certain grace periods, but being proactive ensures you don’t lose hard-earned rewards.
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of the most flexible programs out there. You can transfer points to various travel partners for maximum value.
While there are many ways to redeem points, the best option remains transferring them to one of Chase’s 14 travel partners. This maximizes your points’ potential.
In emergency situations, points can cover travel expenses like flights and hotels. Use Chase’s portal to access these options easily.
American Express Membership Rewards
Membership Rewards points stand firm as long as your account does. Yet, missing payments may cost you recent rewards.
Once payments resume, contact customer service to reinstate missing points if you’ve lost any. This costs $35 per billing period.
Be diligent in keeping accounts active. American Express gives you a window to redeem or transfer points even after account closure.
Capital One Rewards
Capital One Miles don’t expire, provided your account stays active. Booking through Capital One Travel maximizes your mileage gain.
You can redeem points with one of 15 travel partners, expanding your travel possibilities across global destinations.
Always prioritize traveling through Capital One affiliates to make the most of your accrued miles and enjoy seamless redemption experiences.
Citi ThankYou Rewards
Check the terms carefully for Citi ThankYou Rewards cards. Some cards enforce expiration dates!
A three- to five-year timeframe is typical, so stay informed. Protect your points by keeping your account alive.
Transfer ThankYou Points to 18 travel partners for broader options. You can also redeem them for statement credits and cash back.
Hotel Points & Expiry Policies
Unlike credit card rewards, hotel points often expire. Exceptions include Best Western where points remain indefinitely.
Most hotel programs require activity within 12–24 months to keep points active.
Using a co-branded hotel credit card guarantees activity. These cards grant more ways to earn points.
Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy points expire after 24 months of inactivity. Ensure account activity to maintain them longer.
Account activities vary; earning or redeeming points count towards keeping your account active.
Transfers to Marriott’s 35 airline partners also count. Retaining elite status helps protect from expiration.
Airline Miles and Their Durability
Airline miles generally expire, though some don’t, depending on the carrier.
Activity like earning and redeeming miles, plus using co-branded cards, extends account longevity.
Programs like United MileagePlus and Delta SkyMiles offer non-expirable miles. Always check individual airline policies.
Keeping Track of Points and Miles
Use tools like AwardWallet to manage points and miles efficiently. This helps avoid missing expiration dates.
Frequent monitoring of loyalty programs allows you to rectify errors, thus avoiding loss of rewards.
Stay proactive by regularly checking account statuses.
Reactivate Expired Points and Miles
Certain programs offer grace periods for expired points, often requiring a reinstatement fee.
Emirates and Frontier Airlines offer options to reinstate expired miles at a cost.
When possible, extend expiration dates preemptively by engaging in qualifying activities.
Maximizing Your Rewards
Maintain account activity to maximize rewards. This means earning, redeeming, or transferring points strategically.
If travel isn’t possible, utilize points for purchases or gift cards.
Reap maximum benefits by planning redemption strategies aligned with account terms.
Managing travel rewards ensures you never miss out on amazing trips. Stay vigilant to protect your points.
Keep your accounts active by using earned rewards, ensuring a steady flow of benefits.
