Earning rewards through airline miles and hotel points is just the beginning. To fully benefit from these rewards, it’s crucial to understand how to keep them from expiring. According to Deloitte’s 2025 Consumer Loyalty Program Survey, 40% of people occasionally forget to redeem their rewards.
While some loyalty programs like Delta SkyMiles and Southwest Rapid Rewards allow points to accumulate indefinitely, many others impose expiration policies that can vary from 12 months to 36 months of inactivity. Knowing the rules of your loyalty programs is essential, as some like Japan Airlines JAL Mileage Bank miles have a strict 36-month expiration with no options for extensions. Fortunately, there are effective strategies to maintain the longevity of your hard-earned rewards.
Strategies to Keep Your Rewards Active
- Boost your earnings
- Utilize credit card rewards transfers
- Achieve elite status
- Make timely redemptions
Boost Your Earnings
One of the simplest ways to reset the expiration of your rewards is by earning more. You don’t have to solely rely on travel expenses; purchases from partner brands, shopping portals, or even buying miles can count as qualifying activity. However, using a co-branded credit card linked to an airline or hotel can effectively help extend expiration dates. For instance, Hilton points expire after 24 months of inactivity, but making just one purchase with a Hilton Honors credit card can reset this clock.
Utilize Credit Card Rewards Transfers
If co-branded cards aren't your preference, consider using a general travel card that allows you to transfer points. Transferring your points into a loyalty account can often refresh the expiration timeline. Just remember to review the program terms, as not all transfers guarantee an extension. Programs like Wells Fargo Rewards feature a low transfer minimum, which avoids leaving you with useless orphaned points.
Achieve Elite Status
Maintaining elite status with certain loyalty programs can be an effective way to prevent your points from expiring. Airline and hotel programs like Air Canada Aeroplan and IHG One Rewards often waive expiration when you reach a certain elite tier. The right credit card can accelerate your path to elite status, with some cards providing automatic status just for being a cardholder, such as the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card.
Make Timely Redemptions
Redemption is a critical part of the lifecycle of your rewards. Utilizing your points and miles not only helps you enjoy the benefits but often resets your expiration date. Nonetheless, keep an eye on program-specific rules; some programs do not consider redemptions as qualifying activities which means redemptions might not extend the validity of your miles. Always check the fine print to make sure your efforts are effective.
Being proactive in managing your rewards can ensure you don’t lose out on hard-earned benefits. By using these strategies, you can keep your loyalty points thriving and ready for your next adventure. For more personalized advice on maximizing your credit card benefits and travel rewards, feel free to reach out with your questions.
Tag: Points & Miles