Understanding when your loyalty points expire is crucial for maximizing their value. Losing points is like throwing money away! This guide outlines the expiration policies for popular credit card rewards and airline frequent flyer programs.
Credit Card Points Expiration
Generally, flexible credit card points (like Amex MR or Chase UR) don't expire as long as you keep at least one card associated with that program open and in good standing. However, closing your only card in a program can lead to forfeiture of points.
| Program | Do Points Expire? | Expiration Period / Conditions | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Membership Rewards | No | As long as one MR-earning card remains open. | Details |
| Chase Ultimate Rewards | No | As long as one UR-earning card remains open. | Details |
| Citi ThankYou Points | No | As long as one TYP-earning card remains open. | Details |
| Capital One Miles | No | As long as the account remains open. | Details |
| Bilt Rewards | Yes | After 18 months of account inactivity. | Details |
Inactivity usually means no earning or redeeming points.
Airline Points Expiration
Airline mile expiration policies vary significantly. Some never expire, while others require account activity within a specific timeframe, and some have hard expiration dates regardless of activity.
| Airline Program | Do Points Expire? | Expiration Period / Conditions | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aer Lingus AerClub | Yes | After 36 months of inactivity. | Details |
| Air Canada Aeroplan | Yes | After 18 months of inactivity. | Details |
| Air France/KLM Flying Blue | Yes | After 24 months of inactivity (specific activity types required to extend all miles). | Details |
| Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan | Yes | After 24 months of inactivity. | Details |
| American Airlines AAdvantage | Yes | After 24 months of inactivity. | Details |
| ANA Mileage Club | Yes | 36 months after the miles were earned (hard expiry). | Details |
| Asiana Club | Yes | 10-12 years after earned (depends on status, hard expiry). | Details |
| Avianca LifeMiles | Yes | After 12 months of inactivity. | Details |
| British Airways Avios | Yes | After 36 months of inactivity. | Details |
| Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | Yes | After 18 months of inactivity. | Details |
| Delta SkyMiles | No | N/A | Details |
| Emirates Skywards | Yes | 3 years after the miles were earned (hard expiry). | Details |
| Etihad Guest | Yes | After 18 months of inactivity. | Details |
| Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles | No | N/A | Details |
| Iberia Plus | Yes | After 36 months of inactivity. | Details |
| JetBlue TrueBlue | No | N/A | Details |
| Korean Air SKYPASS | Yes | 10 years after earned (hard expiry). | Details |
| LATAM Pass | Yes | After 24 months of inactivity. | Details |
| Qantas Frequent Flyer | Yes | After 18 months of inactivity. | Details |
| Qatar Airways Privilege Club | Yes | 36 months after last activity (effectively hard expiry). | Details |
| Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer | Yes | 36 months after the miles were earned (hard expiry). | Details |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards | No | N/A | Details |
| Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles | Yes | 36 months after the miles were earned (hard expiry). | Details |
| United MileagePlus | No | N/A | Details |
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | No | N/A | Details |
Inactivity usually means no earning or redeeming miles within the specified period. Check the details for specific program rules.
*Disclaimer: Always use credit responsibly. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.