Chase Ultimate Rewards is a highly valued flexible points currency, known for its excellent airline and hotel transfer partners. Understanding how and when these points might expire is key to maximizing their value.
Chase Ultimate Rewards Expiration Policy
Similar to American Express, Chase Ultimate Rewards points do not expire as long as you keep at least one Ultimate Rewards-earning card open and in good standing.
- Eligible cards include popular options like the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card.
- Even points earned on no-annual-fee cards like the Chase Freedom Flex℠ or Chase Freedom Unlimited® do not expire while the card account is open.
This policy allows cardmembers to accumulate points without the pressure of an expiration deadline based solely on time or inactivity.
Account Closure and Point Forfeiture
The most critical factor regarding Ultimate Rewards points is account closure:
- Closing Your Only Ultimate Rewards Card: If you close the credit card account associated with your Ultimate Rewards points, and it's your only Ultimate Rewards-earning card, you will forfeit any points associated with that card immediately upon closure.
- Combining Points: Before closing an Ultimate Rewards card, you can often combine points with another eligible Chase card (either yours or a household member's) to preserve them.
- Product Changes: Downgrading or changing your card to a non-Ultimate Rewards-earning Chase card (e.g., a co-branded airline card) will also result in the forfeiture of points associated with the original card if they aren't moved first.
Always ensure you have a plan for your points – either redeeming them or transferring them to another eligible card – before closing your last Ultimate Rewards-earning account.
Official Policy
For detailed rules and specific scenarios, consult the official Chase Ultimate Rewards program agreement:
- Chase Article: Do Credit Card Points Expire? (Explains Chase's policy on points expiration).
By keeping an eligible Chase card open, you can confidently collect Ultimate Rewards points without worrying about them expiring.
Disclaimer: Program terms are subject to change. Always refer to the official Chase documentation for the most accurate information. This guide is for informational purposes only.