Most credit card points don't expire as long as your account stays open
The short answer: points on most travel cards don't expire, but the rules depend on your specific card and issuer. The real risk isn't expiration — it's account closure. If you stop using a card or let it sit dormant for a long time, the issuer can close the account, and when that happens, your points usually disappear with it.
Some issuers, like American Express and Chase, explicitly state that points don't expire as long as your account remains active. Others, like Citi and Bank of America, have similar policies but with fine print about what "active" means. A few older or regional cards do have expiration dates built in, but these are increasingly rare among major travel rewards programs.
The key is understanding your card's specific terms and what keeps your account from being closed. That's where most people lose points without realizing it.
Key Takeaways
- Points on most major travel cards don't expire as long as your account stays open and in good standing.
- Account closure is the real threat to your points — when an issuer closes an inactive account, the points are usually forfeited.
- You can keep an account active by making at least one small purchase every 12 months, even if you don't use the card regularly.
- Check your card's terms document or call the issuer directly to confirm the expiration policy for your specific card.
- Some cards do have expiration dates on points themselves, so verify this before assuming your points are safe indefinitely.
How issuers define "active" to prevent account closure
Most issuers close accounts that show no activity for 12 to 24 months. "Activity" usually means any transaction — a purchase, balance transfer, or even a small charge. You don't need to carry a balance or pay interest. A single $1 purchase counts.
The safest approach is to use the card at least once every 12 months. This can be something as small as a coffee, a subscription renewal, or a gas station fill-up. Set a calendar reminder if you have multiple cards, or put a small recurring charge on the card you're least likely to use otherwise.
Some issuers are more lenient than others. American Express, for example, has been known to keep accounts open longer before closure, but don't rely on that. Check your cardholder agreement or call the issuer's customer service line to ask their specific inactivity policy.
Cards with points that actually do expire
A small number of cards still have expiration dates on the points themselves, separate from account closure. These are usually older cards, regional bank cards, or cards with lower annual fees. Discover, for instance, has some cards where points expire after three years of inactivity on the account.
Before you open a travel card or start earning points, search for the issuer's name plus "points expiration policy" and read the terms document. Look for language like "points expire" or "forfeited after" followed by a time period. If you already have a card and aren't sure, call the number on the back and ask directly.
The issuer's website usually has a link to the full terms and conditions, often labeled "Rewards Terms" or "Program Rules." That document will state whether points expire and under what conditions.
What happens to your points if your account closes
When an issuer closes your account due to inactivity, your points are almost always forfeited. There is no grace period to redeem them, and the issuer is not required to notify you before closure. You straightforward lose the balance.
This is why the "use it or lose it" rule matters more than expiration dates. A card with no expiration date on points is worthless if the account gets closed and takes the points with it. Conversely, a card with a three-year expiration is fine if you use it at least once a year.
If your account has already been closed, contact the issuer when ready. Some will reinstate a closed account if you ask within a short window, and occasionally they'll restore your points if you can show the closure was recent. But don't count on this — prevention is far easier than recovery.
How to track your points and stay on top of expiration
The simplest way to protect your points is to log into your account online or through the issuer's app every few months. Most issuers show your current points balance in the rewards section. Write down the balance or take a screenshot if you're worried about losing track.
If you have multiple travel cards, create a straightforward spreadsheet with the card name, points balance, last purchase date, and the issuer's inactivity policy. Update it every three months. This takes 10 minutes and gives you a clear view of which cards need a small charge to stay active.
Set phone reminders for cards you rarely use. A reminder every 10 months to "use the Citi card" is enough to keep the account alive. Pair it with a small, recurring charge if possible — a subscription or a monthly coffee purchase on that specific card.
Redeeming points before they're at risk
If you're unsure whether your points will expire, redeem them rather than hold them. Most travel cards let you redeem points for statement credits, gift cards, or transfers to airline and hotel partners. A statement credit is the simplest option and usually available when ready.
You don't have to redeem all your points at once. Many issuers let you redeem in small increments — sometimes as little as 1,000 points. If you're worried about expiration, redeem what you can now and keep the rest active by using the card occasionally.
Check the redemption options on your issuer's website or app. Most travel cards offer multiple ways to use points, so you're not locked into one path. If you're not sure how to redeem, call the issuer's rewards line and they'll walk you through it.
Transferring points to partners if your card is closing
Some travel cards let you transfer points to airline and hotel partners. If you know your account is about to close or your points are about to expire, transferring them to a partner program is often a better option than letting them disappear.
Partner programs usually have their own expiration rules, which vary widely. Some airline programs expire miles after three years of inactivity, while others don't expire miles at all. Before you transfer, check the partner program's policy to make sure you're not just moving the problem.
Transfer options are listed in your rewards account or in the card's terms. Not all cards offer transfers, so verify this is available before you count on it as a backup plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my points back if my account was closed and I didn't know?
Contact the issuer when ready and explain the situation. Some will reopen a recently closed account and restore points if you ask within 30 to 60 days. After that window, recovery is unlikely. The issuer is not required to restore points, but it's worth asking.
Do points expire if I pay off my balance but don't use the card?
No. Paying your balance has nothing to do with expiration or account closure. The only thing that matters is whether you make at least one transaction every 12 to 24 months. You can carry a zero balance and keep your account active.
What if I transfer my points to an airline — do they expire there?
Yes, but under the airline's rules, not your card issuer's. Most airline programs expire miles after three years of inactivity on the airline account. Check the airline's policy before you transfer, because moving points doesn't reset the clock.
Can I use a balance transfer to keep my account active?
A balance transfer counts as activity on most cards, so yes, it will keep your account open. However, balance transfers often come with fees and interest, so a small purchase is a much cheaper way to stay active.
Do I lose points if I downgrade to a different card from the same issuer?
Usually no — most issuers let you keep your points when you downgrade. The points stay in your account as long as you keep at least one card open with that issuer. Confirm this with the issuer before you downgrade, because policies vary.