Don’t Let Credit Card Rewards Expire: Best Practices for Redemption

29 December 2025

Let’s face it—we all love getting rewarded for spending money. Whether it’s airline miles, cashback, or points toward your dream vacation, credit card rewards feel like free money (and who doesn’t love that?). But here’s the kicker: those hard-earned rewards don’t last forever. Yep, they can expire. And if you’re not keeping an eye on them, poof—they’re gone.

Sounds unfair? It kind of is. But the good news is, with a few smart strategies, you can make sure you get every last ounce of value out of your rewards before they vanish.

In this article, we're diving deep into how you can keep your credit card rewards from expiring and make the most of every point, mile, or dollar. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

Why Do Credit Card Rewards Expire?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of redemption, let’s answer the obvious: why would rewards expire in the first place?

Well, the sad truth is that it’s part of the game. Credit card companies actually count on people forgetting or not using their rewards. It’s one of many ways they boost their bottom line. Each card issuer has its own rules about expiration, which can depend on:

- Inactivity on your account
- The type of rewards program
- The specific credit card you use

Some rewards expire if you don’t use your card for 12 or 24 months. Others stick around forever—as long as your account remains open and in good standing. That’s why it’s crucial to know the fine print of your rewards program.

Know the Terms of Your Rewards Program

First rule of reward redemption? Read the terms! Sounds boring, I know. But your reward program’s terms and conditions spell out exactly how (and when) rewards expire.

Take a few minutes to:

- Log into your credit card account
- Go to your rewards dashboard
- Look for expiration details or click the full rules/FAQ section

If you can’t find the info, don’t be shy—call customer service. A quick 10-minute conversation can save you hundreds of dollars’ worth of rewards in the long run.

Use It or Lose It: Watch Out for Inactivity

Many rewards programs have an inactivity clause. If you don’t earn or redeem points within a certain time period (usually 12 to 24 months), you could lose them.

Here’s a scenario: Say you earned 30,000 points with your travel credit card a year ago but haven’t used the card since. Your points could be ticking time bombs just waiting to expire.

To avoid this, you have two easy options:

1. Make a Small Purchase – Even buying a $5 coffee each month can reset the activity clock.
2. Redeem Some Points – You don’t have to use them all at once. Even partial redemptions keep your rewards active.

Keep Your Account Open

This one’s huge. If you close your credit card account, you might kiss your rewards goodbye—instantly. Yup, even if your rewards program says points don’t expire, closing the account is often the exception.

Before you close any card:

- Redeem your rewards
- Transfer them (if possible)
- Or even downgrade the card instead of closing it

A downgrade keeps your account open (and your credit score happier) but might eliminate the annual fee or reduce features.

Set Redemption Reminders

If you’re juggling multiple credit cards and reward programs, things can get messy fast. That’s where reminders come in clutch.

Here’s a simple hack: set calendar alerts every 6 months to check your rewards balances and expiration dates. Google Calendar, Apple Reminders, or any to-do list app can help you stay on top of things.

Or better yet, use apps like Mint, AwardWallet, or MaxRewards. These tools sync with your cards and notify you when points are about to expire.

Don’t Hoard Rewards

Let me tell you something from personal experience: hoarding rewards sounds cool—until they expire and you’re left with nothing.

I once saved up over 80,000 miles for a “perfect” trip that never happened (hello, global pandemic). Half of them expired before I could use them. Ouch.

Think of rewards as perishable goods. Like milk or veggies. They’re valuable, but only if you use them in time. Try to:

- Redeem regularly
- Book trips early
- Use cashback options if you're not planning travel

Use Flexible Rewards Cards

Not all credit cards are created equal. Some cards have super rigid reward rules, while others offer a buffet of options.

If you want maximum flexibility and minimal stress, look for cards that offer:

- Points that never expire
- Multiple redemption categories (travel, gift cards, statement credits)
- The ability to transfer points to airline or hotel partners

For example, Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards offer super flexible options—and they don’t expire as long as your account is open.

Transfer Rewards Strategically

When used right, transferring points can stretch their value and keep them alive. Some reward programs let you transfer points to airline or hotel loyalty programs. This can be great for two reasons:

1. You often get better redemption rates
2. It resets the expiration clock in the new program

But be smart about it. Only transfer when you’re ready to book. Some airline programs have faster expiration timelines than your credit card program. That means transferring too early could hurt, not help.

Set Up Auto Redemption

Some programs let you automate the redemption process. For example, if you have a cashback card, you can automatically receive cash back when you hit a $25 threshold. That way, you’re always redeeming and not letting rewards sit untouched.

It’s a “set it and forget it” strategy, and it works wonders for busy folks.

Combine Points From Multiple Cards

Did you know some credit card issuers let you pool points from different cards under the same umbrella?

If you have multiple cards from the same provider, like Chase or Citi, you can typically combine all your points into one main account. This not only simplifies things but can help you hit redemption thresholds faster.

Plus, if one of your cards is about to be closed or downgraded, you can move the points before they’re lost forever.

Redeem Before You Downgrade or Upgrade

Thinking about upgrading your basic card to a premium one? Or maybe switching to a no-fee version?

Hold up.

Redeem your points first. Some card issuers treat an upgrade or downgrade like a new account. That could mean your current points don’t transfer or even expire during the switch.

Pay Attention to Promotions

Here’s a little-known secret: credit card companies often run limited-time promotions that give you more bang for your buck.

You might get:

- 20% more value on gift card redemptions
- Bonus cashback during holiday seasons
- Airline point transfers with a 25% bonus

So keep an eye on your email or your credit card’s reward portal. Taking advantage of these promos can help you use rewards faster—and smarter.

Use Points for Everyday Expenses

Let’s say you're not traveling anytime soon and don’t want to waste your points. Don’t worry—you’ve got options.

Most cards allow you to redeem points for:

- Statement credits
- Gift cards
- Online shopping (like Amazon)
- Charitable donations

Even if you don’t get the highest value per point, it's better than letting them go to waste. A $100 Amazon gift card feels better than $0 in expired points, right?

Track Everything in One Place

If you have more than one rewards credit card (and most of us do), trying to keep track of expiration dates can feel like herding cats. That’s where tracking apps save the day.

Top apps to try:

- AwardWallet – Tracks airline, hotel, and credit card points
- MaxRewards – Shows expiring points and best card to use
- CardPointers – Helps you optimize earning and using rewards

These apps bring everything under one roof and make it super easy to redeem before time runs out.

Final Thoughts: Treat Points Like Digital Money

At the end of the day, credit card rewards are like digital dollars. You earned them. They have real value. And just like real money, if you don’t use them wisely, someone else (aka the credit card company) profits instead.

Be proactive—don’t wait for the perfect redemption. Instead, treat your points like currency that you want to keep flowing. Use them regularly. Watch your calendar. Stay informed.

Because nothing stings more than losing money you didn't know you had.

Quick Tips Recap

- ✅ Read your credit card’s reward rules
- ✅ Watch for inactivity
- ✅ Keep your account open
- ✅ Set reminders to redeem
- ✅ Don’t hoard—redeem consistently
- ✅ Transfer points with purpose
- ✅ Use tools to track and manage rewards
- ✅ Redeem before closing or downgrading cards