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How bank points and airline miles expire — activity rules, hard expiry and no-expiry programmes compared. Verify live; policies change.
Key takeaways
- US bank currencies (Amex MR, Chase UR, Capital One, Citi ThankYou, Bilt) typically do not expire while your account stays open and in good standing — but closing…
- Major US transferable currencies generally keep points while the earning account remains open.
- Airline programmes often expire miles after fixed periods without earning or redeeming activity.
- Set annual calendar reminders, make small qualifying activity before hard deadlines, transfer bank points to a partner with a near-term booking rather than letting…
- Verdict: bank points are usually "use or keep the card open"; airline miles are "use or lose activity." Verify live on every programme you hold — this table…
Do bank points and airline miles expire?
US bank currencies (Amex MR, Chase UR, Capital One, Citi ThankYou, Bilt) typically do not expire while your account stays open and in good standing — but closing a card can forfeit balances. Airline and hotel miles often expire after 12–36 months without qualifying activity. Rules vary by programme and country — verify live.
This comparison is desk research checked August 2026 — not legal advice.
UK and EU programmes may differ from US rules on the same brand name.
Beginners: points and miles for beginners.
How do major bank currencies handle expiry?
Major US transferable currencies generally keep points while the earning account remains open. Product changes, account closure and long inactivity can trigger forfeiture — read issuer terms before cancelling a card with a six-figure balance.
Closing your last UR-earning card is the classic Chase forfeiture trap — move or spend first.
Issuer terms beat this table — open the PDF before any product change.
| Currency | Typical expiry (Aug 2026) | Main risk |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Ultimate Rewards | No expiry while account open | Losing last UR card |
| Amex Membership Rewards | No expiry while account open | MR account closure |
| Capital One miles | No expiry while account open | Account closure |
| Citi ThankYou Points | No expiry while account open | Card product changes |
| Bilt Rewards | Verify live — activity rules | Rent routing changes |
How do airline and hotel programmes compare on expiry?
Airline programmes often expire miles after fixed periods without earning or redeeming activity. Hotel programmes vary — some points expire after inactivity, others roll indefinitely with account activity. Marriott, Hilton, IHG and Hyatt policies differ — check your account country.
A small partner earn or redemption usually resets the clock — verify qualifying activity rules live.
Hotel programme rules differ by country — US account terms may not match UK accounts.
| Programme type | Typical pattern (Aug 2026) | Reset activity |
|---|---|---|
| US legacy airlines (AA, Delta, United) | Often 18–24 months inactivity | Earn, redeem or co-brand spend |
| British Airways Avios | Verify live — inactivity rules | Collect or spend Avios |
| Flying Blue | Verify live — rolling expiry possible | Qualifying activity |
| World of Hyatt | Points usually expire after 24 months inactivity | Earn or redeem |
| Marriott Bonvoy | Verify live — inactivity expiry | Stay or co-brand activity |
| IHG / Hilton | Verify live — programme-specific | Account activity |
How do you prevent surprise expiry?
Set annual calendar reminders, make small qualifying activity before hard deadlines, transfer bank points to a partner with a near-term booking rather than letting airline miles die, and never assume "no expiry" means "no risk" when closing cards.
Arithmetic on forced redemptions: are points worth it if they might expire.
Bad forced redemptions beat zero — but search for real value first.
Screenshot programme terms when you make large transfers.
Points expiry rules — verdict
Verdict: bank points are usually "use or keep the card open"; airline miles are "use or lose activity." Verify live on every programme you hold — this table is a map, not a contract.
Framework checked August 2026 — devaluations and policy edits happen without fanfare.
Not for: ignoring inbox warnings from programmes you stopped using three years ago.
Evidence note
How we checked this guide
Research basis
Structured desk research with 1 relevant primary or independent source linked below.
Experience standard
No first-hand test or trip is implied unless the article explicitly states who tested it, when and under what conditions.
Review date
Editorially reviewed on 8 August 2026. Time-sensitive prices, rules and eligibility must be checked again before purchase or travel.
Commercial independence
This guide currently carries no configured commissioned partner link. Editorial conclusions are not sold.
See the editorial policy, method notes, or report a correction.