Passport and tickets on a laptop

Do Points Expire? Program-by-Program Rules

Not financial advice. Program rules change, so check the official page before you transfer or book. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by Kevin.

Some points last forever. Some vanish after a quiet stretch. Here's how to tell which is which.

Card points vs. program points

Bank points (Chase, Amex, Citi, Capital One) generally stay as long as your card account is open and in good standing, but each bank's terms are different, and closing a card can put points at risk. Airline and hotel programs set their own rules.

Major airline rules

  • United MileagePlus: United says its miles don't expire (United).
  • Delta SkyMiles: Delta says miles don't expire (Delta).
  • American AAdvantage: American's FAQ says miles can expire after 24 months without qualifying activity, with some exceptions (American).
  • Air Canada Aeroplan: points expire after 18 months with no activity, and Aeroplan says it emails you up to 60 days before. Holding certain Aeroplan cards or elite status keeps points from expiring (Aeroplan).
  • Flying Blue: Flying Blue's own FAQ says miles don't expire as long as you have qualifying activity within 20 months (Flying Blue). Check your account for your exact date.

Major hotel rules

All three big chains use the same basic window: 24 months.

  • World of Hyatt: points are forfeited after 24 consecutive months with no activity. Holding a Hyatt co-branded credit card keeps them from expiring, and your account stays open even if the points go (NerdWallet).
  • Marriott Bonvoy: you need qualifying activity at least once every 24 months, such as earning, redeeming, buying, or converting points, or a qualifying stay. Gifting or receiving points from another member doesn't count, and expired points can't be reinstated (Marriott).
  • Hilton Honors: points expire after 24 consecutive months of inactivity. A stay, earning on a Hilton card or with a partner, buying points, or donating points all count (Hilton).

Easy ways to reset activity

Aeroplan lists earning, redeeming, donating, transferring, or converting even one point as activity. Many programs work similarly. Common easy options:

  • A small transfer in from a bank program
  • A shopping-portal purchase
  • A dining-program purchase

What happens if you close a card

Before you close any rewards card, move or use the points. Some programs let you combine points into another card first; others don't.

Track expirations automatically

Put each program's rule and your last activity date into the free Starter Points Tracker, then sort by date. See How to Track All Your Points in One Place for the setup.

Sources

All guides