Do Credit Card Rewards Expire?

Credit card rewards can include cash back, points or miles, but the rules for keeping those rewards vary by program. Some rewards may remain available as long as your account stays open and in good standing, while others may expire or be forfeited under certain circumstances. Understanding your card’s expiration rules can help you avoid losing rewards you have already earned.

Quick Answer: Credit card rewards may expire depending on the card issuer and rewards program. Some cash-back rewards, points, and miles remain available while your account is open and in good standing, while others can expire after inactivity or be forfeited when you close the account. Check your card’s rewards terms before canceling a card or leaving rewards unused.

When Do Credit Card Rewards Expire?

Expiration policies depend on the credit card and rewards program. Some rewards do not expire while the account remains open and in good standing, while other programs may require account activity within a certain period. Because the rules vary, check your card’s current rewards terms for any expiration requirements.

Can You Lose Rewards If You Close Your Credit Card?

Closing a credit card can affect unused rewards. Depending on the program, you may need to redeem your rewards before closing the account or within a limited period afterward. In some programs, rewards may be forfeited when the account closes. Check the card’s terms and your rewards balance before closing an account.

What Happens to Rewards If the Issuer Closes Your Account?

If a card issuer closes your account, what happens to unused rewards depends on the reason for the closure and the program’s terms. You may have an opportunity to redeem rewards in some situations, while rewards may be forfeited in others. Review the rewards agreement and any notice from the issuer to understand what options are available.

Can You Lose Rewards Because of Inactivity?

Some rewards programs may have rules related to account or rewards activity. If a program has an inactivity policy, going too long without earning or redeeming rewards could affect your balance. Check the program terms for any activity requirements and consider redeeming rewards rather than allowing a large balance to sit unused indefinitely.

What Happens to Rewards If You Miss a Payment?

A missed payment can affect rewards differently depending on the card issuer and program. In some cases, you may temporarily lose the ability to earn or redeem rewards, and certain rewards could potentially be forfeited. A late payment may also result in fees or interest charges, so review your card’s terms and bring the account current as soon as possible.

Do Cash-Back Rewards Expire Differently From Points or Miles?

Cash back, points and miles can each have different expiration rules depending on the rewards program. The type of reward alone does not determine whether it expires. What matters is the specific program’s terms, including rules for account closure, inactivity and account status.

Should You Redeem Rewards Before They Expire?

f your rewards have an expiration date, redeeming them before that deadline can prevent you from losing their value. Even when rewards do not expire, keeping a very large unused balance may not provide an additional benefit. Rewards programs and redemption values can change, so consider how and when you realistically plan to use what you have earned.

How Can You Keep Track of Your Credit Card Rewards?

Your credit card account or rewards portal will typically show your current rewards balance and available redemption options. Periodically review your balance along with any expiration or activity requirements. If you have multiple rewards cards, keeping track of each program can help prevent rewards from being forgotten or lost.

Where Can You Find Your Rewards Expiration Rules?

Should You Save Rewards or Use Them Regularly?

Saving rewards can make sense if you are working toward a specific redemption, but there is also value in using rewards you have already earned. Unlike money in a savings account, unused credit card rewards generally do not earn interest, and rewards programs or redemption values can change. Consider your goals and the program rules when deciding whether to save or redeem your rewards.

The Bottom Line

Credit card rewards do not all follow the same expiration rules. Whether you earn cash back, points or miles, check your specific program for rules involving expiration, inactivity, missed payments and account closure. Keeping track of your rewards and understanding the terms can help you avoid losing value you have already earned.

Related reading: Learn whether you can lose credit card rewards and what situations may cause them to disappear.