Points & Miles Expiration Policy Guide | awardtrail

Points & Miles Expiration Guide

Don't let your hard-earned rewards disappear. Here's how to keep them active.

The Golden Rule

Most programs just require some account "activity" to extend your points. This can be as simple as making a small purchase through their online shopping portal, donating a few miles, or using their co-branded credit card.

Airline Program Policies

Program	Expiration Policy	How to Keep Miles Active
Air Canada Aeroplan	18 months of inactivity	Earn or redeem at least 1 point.
Air France/KLM Flying Blue	24 months of inactivity	Take a qualifying flight with Air France, KLM, or SkyTeam partners, or make a purchase with a co-branded credit card.
American AAdvantage	24 months of inactivity	Earn or redeem any number of miles. Using an AAdvantage shopping portal or credit card counts.
ANA Mileage Club	36 months after earning (Hard Expiration)	Cannot be extended. Miles expire at the end of the 36th month after they are earned, regardless of activity.
Avianca LifeMiles	12 months of inactivity	Earn miles. Note that redemptions do NOT extend validity.
British Airways Avios	36 months of inactivity	Earn, redeem, purchase, or share at least 1 Avios. Very easy to keep active.
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles	18 months of inactivity	Earn or redeem miles to extend for another 18 months.
Delta SkyMiles	Never expire	N/A
Etihad Guest	18 months of inactivity	Earn or redeem at least one mile. Platinum members' miles don't expire.
JetBlue TrueBlue	Never expire	N/A
Singapore KrisFlyer	36 months after earning (Hard Expiration)	Can be extended once for 6 months for a fee. Elite members may get a 12-month extension.
Southwest Rapid Rewards	Never expire	N/A
United MileagePlus	Never expire	N/A
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club	36 months of inactivity	Earn or redeem points to reset the clock.

Beware of Hard Expiration!

Programs like ANA and Singapore Airlines have a "hard expiration" policy. This means your miles expire after a set time (e.g., 36 months) no matter what activity you have. Use them before you lose them!

Hotel Program Policies

Program	Expiration Policy	How to Keep Points Active
Best Western Rewards	Never expire	N/A
Choice Privileges	18 months of inactivity	Any qualifying point activity (earning or redeeming) will reset the clock.
Hilton Honors	24 months of inactivity	Any qualifying point activity will keep your account active.
IHG One Rewards	12 months of inactivity (for Club members)	Earn or redeem points. Platinum and Diamond Elite members' points do not expire.
Marriott Bonvoy	24 months of inactivity	Any qualifying point activity resets the 24-month clock.
Radisson Rewards	24 months of inactivity	Any earning or redemption activity keeps points from expiring.
Sonesta Travel Pass	24 months of inactivity	Any qualifying activity resets the clock.
World of Hyatt	24 months of inactivity	Any qualifying point activity, including earning via credit card, resets the clock.
Wyndham Rewards	18 months of inactivity OR 4 years hard expiration	Qualifying activity resets the 18-month clock, but points expire 4 years after they are earned, regardless of activity.

Policies can change. Always verify current rules directly with the loyalty program.

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