The Silent Killer of Reward Points: Expiry
Nothing is more frustrating than watching hard-earned points vanish into thin air. Points expiry is one of the most common complaints among loyalty program members — and yet it's almost entirely preventable with a bit of organisation. Here are seven practical tips to keep your accounts active and your points safe.
1. Know Every Program's Expiry Rules
This sounds obvious, but the majority of people who lose points to expiry simply didn't know the rules. Programs vary widely:
- Some expire points after 12 months of account inactivity
- Others set a fixed calendar expiry (e.g., all points earned in Q1 expire June 30)
- Some programs never expire points as long as the account is open
Log in to each program you hold and locate the terms section. Write down the expiry rule and set a calendar reminder well before the deadline.
2. Set Up Email and App Notifications
Most loyalty programs will send you an expiry warning if you have notifications enabled. Make sure you've opted in to program emails and enabled push notifications on any associated app. These alerts are your safety net against forgetting.
3. Make a Small Activity Transaction Regularly
For programs that expire after a period of inactivity, a single qualifying transaction — however small — typically resets the clock. Buy a single item using your loyalty card every 6–12 months to maintain active status. It doesn't need to be a large shop.
4. Use a Points Tracker or Spreadsheet
If you hold multiple loyalty cards (most active shoppers do), keeping track mentally is impossible. Create a simple spreadsheet with columns for:
- Program name
- Current point balance
- Expiry rule
- Date of last activity
- Next action required
Review it monthly, and you'll never be caught off guard by a surprise expiry.
5. Consolidate Where Possible
If a program allows you to transfer or pool points from multiple cards (e.g., adding a household member's card to your account), do it. Fewer accounts mean fewer expiry dates to track and a larger balance in each program — getting you to meaningful redemptions faster.
6. Redeem Before You Travel or Take Extended Breaks
Planning a long holiday or a period where you won't be shopping at a particular store? Redeem your points or make an activity transaction before you go. Don't assume you'll remember to log in while you're away.
7. Check for Reinstatement Policies
If points do expire, don't give up immediately. Some programs offer a points reinstatement window — usually 30 to 90 days after expiry — where you can have points restored, sometimes for a small fee. Contact customer support as soon as you notice the expiry and ask about your options.
A Quick Checklist
| Action | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Check expiry rules for each program | Once (then when rules change) |
| Enable email/app notifications | Once per program |
| Review points tracker spreadsheet | Monthly |
| Make an activity transaction | Every 6–12 months |
| Redeem before long absences | Before travel |
A small investment of time in organisation pays dividends in points saved. Start with the programs where you hold the most points, and work your way through the rest. Your future self will thank you at the checkout.