Point Expiration Policies
Don't let your hard-earned rewards disappear: master the activity rules and hard expiration dates of every major program.
The Golden Rule
The Shopping Portal Trick
Most programs just require a single point of activity to extend your balance. The easiest way? Spend $2 at a major retailer through the airline's shopping portal. It counts as 'activity' and resets the clock for years.
Different programs have different standards for what counts as 'activity'. Generally, earning points via a credit card, transferring points from a bank, or redeeming points for a flight will reset your expiration date.
Airline Program Policies
| Program | Policy | Extension Method |
|---|---|---|
| Air Canada Aeroplan | 18 months of inactivity | Earn or redeem 1 point. |
| Air France/KLM Flying Blue | 24 months of inactivity | Fly SkyTeam or use co-brand CC. |
| American AAdvantage | 24 months of inactivity | Any earn/redeem (Shopping/CC). |
| ANA Mileage Club | 36 months (Hard Expiration) | Cannot be extended. |
| Avianca LifeMiles | 12 months of inactivity | Earn miles ONLY (Redeem doesn't count). |
| British Airways Avios | 36 months of inactivity | Earn, redeem, or share 1 Avios. |
| Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | 18 months of inactivity | Earn or redeem miles. |
| Delta SkyMiles | Never expire | No action required. |
| Etihad Guest | 18 months of inactivity | Earn or redeem 1 mile. |
| JetBlue TrueBlue | Never expire | No action required. |
| Singapore KrisFlyer | 36 months (Hard Expiration) | Can pay fee to extend 6mo once. |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards | Never expire | No action required. |
| United MileagePlus | Never expire | No action required. |
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | 36 months of inactivity | Earn or redeem points. |
Hotel Program Policies
| Program | Policy | Extension Method |
|---|---|---|
| Best Western Rewards | Never expire | No action required. |
| Choice Privileges | 18 months of inactivity | Any qualifying point activity. |
| Hilton Honors | 24 months of inactivity | Any point activity resets clock. |
| IHG One Rewards | 12 months of inactivity (Club) | Platinum/Diamond don't expire. |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 24 months of inactivity | Any earning/redeeming resets clock. |
| Radisson Rewards | 24 months of inactivity | Any point activity extends validity. |
| Sonesta Travel Pass | 24 months of inactivity | Any qualifying activity resets clock. |
| World of Hyatt | 24 months of inactivity | Any activity (including CC spend). |
| Wyndham Rewards | 18mo inactivity / 4yr Hard | Activity resets 18mo clock. |
Hard Expiration Warning
A 'Hard Expiration' means your miles will disappear exactly X months after you earned them, regardless of how much you fly or spend. This is most common in Asian programs.
- ANA & Singapore: These miles disappear 3 years after earning. No exceptions for activity.
- Wyndham: Points expire 4 years after earning, even if you stay at their hotels every month.
- Plan Ahead: Because these miles *will* disappear, never transfer large amounts of bank points to these programs unless you have a specific flight ready to book.