Most hotel loyalty programs do have a points-expiration policy — it just doesn’t always feel like one because it’s usually tied to account inactivity (not the age of the points).
Translation: if you go too long without a qualifying “earn” or “redeem” transaction, the program can wipe out your balance. And while some programs may reinstate points as a one-time courtesy, it’s often difficult and never guaranteed.
Last updated: January 2026
Quick cheat sheet
- 12 months: IHG (unless you keep Elite status)
- 18 months: Wyndham, Choice (with an Elite exception)
- 24 months: Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, Radisson (international)
- No expiration: Best Western
- Special rule: Wyndham points also expire 4 years after they post (even if your account stays active)
Below are the current expiration policies for the major hotel programs, along with a few notes on what typically counts as “activity.”
Marriott Bonvoy
Normal point expiration: 24 months of inactivity
“If a Member Account is inactive for twenty-four (24) consecutive months, that Member Account will forfeit all accumulated Points.”
- What keeps your account active: earning points from a stay, redeeming points, purchasing points, credit card earning, certain partner activity, and other qualifying transactions.
- Important caveat: not every “points-related” transaction counts as a qualifying activity. If you’re cutting it close, use something the program clearly treats as an earn/redeem activity (or check the terms page above).
IHG One Rewards
Normal point expiration: 12 months of inactivity (Club level)
Points expire if there are no “earn” or “redeem” transactions for twelve (12) months or longer.
- What keeps your account active: any qualifying “earn” or “redeem” activity posted at least once every 12 months.
- Credit card free night note: the annual free night certificate from IHG credit cards does not count as an “earn” or “redeem” transaction for point-expiration purposes.
- Elite exception: IHG states that points do not expire for Elite members as long as Elite status is maintained.
World of Hyatt
Normal point expiration: 24 months of inactivity
If a member’s account is inactive for twenty-four (24) consecutive months, points in the account will be forfeited.
- What keeps your account active: a qualifying earn or redeem transaction posted at least once every 24 months.
- Good to know: the account typically stays open even if points are forfeited, so you can earn again afterward.
Hilton Honors
Normal point expiration: 24 months of inactivity
If your account is inactive for 24 consecutive months, your total point balance will expire.
- What keeps your account active: a stay, credit card earnings, partner earnings/redeeming activity, buying/donating points, or registering for a Hilton promotion (among other options).
Wyndham Rewards
Normal point expiration: 18 months of inactivity
Points may be cancelled or forfeited if there is no Account Activity for approximately, but never less than, eighteen (18) consecutive months.
Hard expiration rule: points expire 4 years after posting
Wyndham Rewards points expire four (4) years after the date on which the applicable points are posted to the Member’s account.
- What keeps your account active: qualifying earning activity, or redemption/transfer activity that changes your points balance.
- Big gotcha: even if you stay “active,” the Four Year Rule can still wipe out older points. Use them before they age out.
Choice Privileges
Normal point expiration: 18 months without qualifying activity (for non-elite members)
You must complete at least one qualifying activity every 18 months to maintain an active account and retain your points.
- What keeps your account active: at least one qualifying activity posted every 18 months.
- Elite exception: Choice states that points do not expire while you hold current elite status (Gold, Platinum, Diamond, or Titanium). If you lose elite status, your expiration clock is set based on that date.
Radisson Rewards (International)
Radisson Rewards in the U.S. has merged with Choice Hotels. However, Radisson still operates a program for Radisson hotels outside of the U.S.
Normal point expiration: 24 months without points activity
If there is no points activity in your account for any 24-month period, Radisson may void and cancel any or all of your points.
- What keeps your account active: booking/staying, or using points (including buy/gift/transfer) to extend validity.
Best Western Rewards
Point expiration: Best Western points do not expire (as long as your account remains open and in good standing).
Final Thought
If you’re sitting on a stash of hotel points you haven’t touched in a while, take five minutes and do a quick “keep-alive” transaction — especially with programs that expire after 12 or 18 months. It’s a lot easier to prevent expiration than it is to try to argue your way into getting points reinstated later.
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
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