Do credit card points expire?

Credit card points can offer valuable rewards, from travel perks to cash back. But can these rewards expire? Often, yes, but it depends on the card or rewards provider and program terms.

Understanding a credit card's specific policy is crucial to maximizing potential rewards and avoid losing points.

Expiration policies

Expiration policies of rewards credit card points may vary significantly among issuers. Some points never expire, so long as the individual’s account remains open. Others may expire within a specific timeframe, often after several months or years of inactivity from the date the points were earned. Some issuers may allow individuals to reinstate their rewards, often for a fee.

It’s important for people to regularly review the terms and conditions of credit card rewards programs. Otherwise, they potentially risk losing points that could have been redeemed for cash back, statement credits, or other rewards.

Issuer-specific terms

In addition to a credit card’s expiration policy, understanding other factors and issuer-specific terms that could lead to the loss of points can help maximize the benefits of a rewards credit card.

Here are some common examples that could lead to a loss of points:

• Closing an account: Closing an account without redeeming accrued rewards may result in lost points.
• Late payments: Missing credit card payments can result in penalties, potentially impacting a person’s rewards.
• Returns and refunds: Refunding purchases may lead to the deduction of corresponding rewards.
• Falling out of good standing: Consistent late payments or exceeding credit limits may lead to the suspension or cancellation of rewards.
• Limited-time promotions: Points earned through promotional offers may have expiration dates or specific terms that limit their utility if not used within a certain timeframe.

Redemption options and restrictions

Expiration policies often shape how rewards programs work. For example, these terms may affect what rewards are available, how flexible redemption is, and whether points can be combined with other accounts.

Here are some factors to keep in mind when examining a credit card’s rewards policy:

• Time-sensitive rewards: When points expire after a certain period, companies often offer rewards that need to be claimed within a specific timeframe. These can include perks like travel vouchers or discounts on products.
• Flexible redemption: If points have a long shelf life or don’t expire, individuals may have more freedom in how they're redeemed. For instance, points could potentially be saved up for larger rewards.
• Redemption restrictions: Expiration policies may come with certain limitations on redemption. For example, customers may need to accumulate a minimum number of points before they can redeem them, or certain rewards may only be available during specific promotional periods.
• Combining points: Points with expiration dates may have restrictions on transferring or combining them with points from other accounts. This can limit the flexibility of redemption options and make it more challenging to maximize the value of points.

Learn more about paying with rewards.