Knowledge Hub · Glossary
Expiration Policy
An expiration policy is the rule that decides when unused points or miles disappear from an account. Some programs wipe a balance after a stretch of inactivity, while others never expire as long as the account stays open. Knowing the policy is what keeps a balance from vanishing before you use it.
What it means in practice
Many programs reset the expiration clock with any qualifying activity, not just flying or staying. Earning or redeeming even a small amount can push the deadline out. Policies differ widely between airlines, hotels, and bank programs, so the safe move is to check each one rather than assume they all behave the same.
Example
Suppose a program expires miles after 18 months of no activity. A member with 30,000 miles who earns just a few hundred from a small purchase resets the clock and keeps the whole balance alive for another 18 months.
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