Name: American Express® Gold Card
Brand: American Express

If you’re an avid collector of travel rewards, you can bet that most of the currencies you’ve amassed have an expiration date. Unlike many credit card statement credits that reset at the end of the year, most points, miles and travel credits expire based on when you earned them.

This may seem alarming at first — or, at the very least, inconvenient to monitor — but it’s really not that bad. In just about every case, you can push the expiration date by simply earning or redeeming a single point. If you’re a frequent traveler, you shouldn’t have much to worry about.

Even better, some points and miles will never expire as long as you have a credit card that earns those rewards.

By understanding each program's rules, you can stay ahead of deadlines and avoid losing out on flight credits, hotel certificates and other perks you have worked hard to earn.

Here's what to know about expiration rules across major airline and hotel loyalty programs.

When do points and miles expire?

A number of loyalty programs offer points that never expire, but many impose expiration dates — often one to three years after your last account activity. If your balance is nearing expiration, some programs provide straightforward ways to extend it, while others offer fewer options.

Airline points and miles expiration

Airline program	Expiration term
Aeromexico Rewards	No expiration (as long as your account remains active and in good standing).
Air Canada Aeroplan	18 months from last activity; can be extended with activity (earning, redeeming, donating, transferring or converting points). Note: Aeroplan has paused the expiry of points until Nov. 30, 2026.
Air France-KLM Flying Blue	24 months from last activity; can be extended with activity. Elite and Elite Plus members are exempt from mileage expiration.
Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines Atmos Rewards	No expiration (as long as your account remains active and in good standing).
American Airlines AAdvantage	24 months from last activity; can be extended with activity (earning mileage credit from any AAdvantage participant or redeeming miles for any AAdvantage award). Miles do not expire for members under 21 and primary AAdvantage credit card holders.
ANA Mileage Club	36 months from earning (can vary depending on the mileage account group). Mileage does not expire while you have ANA Diamond Service member status.
Avianca LifeMiles	12 months from last activity; can be extended with activity (including any miles accrual transaction or spending on a cobranded credit card). 24 months if you hold elite status.
British Airways Club	36 months from last activity; can be extended with activity (collecting, spending, buying or sharing Avios).
Cathay Pacific Cathay	18 months from last activity; can be extended with activity (earning or redeeming miles).
Delta SkyMiles	No expiration (as long as your account remains active and in good standing).
Emirates Skywards	Three years from earning; can be extended for an additional 12 months (if set to expire in 90 days) for a charge of $20 per 1,000 miles. Miles do not expire while you hold Platinum status.
Etihad Guest	18 months from earning; can be extended 18 additional months by flying with Etihad Airways or any partner airline. Platinum and Diamond members are exempt from mileage expiration.
EVA Air Infinity MileageLands	36 months from earning; can be extended with activity.
Frontier Miles	12 months from last activity; can be extended with activity.
Iberia Club	36 months from last activity; can be extended with activity.
JAL Mileage Bank	36 months from earning.
JetBlue TrueBlue	No expiration (as long as your account remains active and in good standing).
Korean Air SkyPass	10 years from earning; no way to extend.
Miles & More	36 months from earning; no way to extend. Expiration is waived for Frequent Traveller, Senator or HON Circle members (for the duration of their status). Some cardholders of a Miles & More credit card may be able to prevent miles from expiring (varies by country).
Qantas Frequent Flyer	18 months from last activity; can be extended with activity.
Qatar Airways Privilege Club	36 months from earning. Avios do not expire while you are a Platinum member.
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer	36 months from earning. Basic members can extend validity for six months, and Elite Silver and Gold members can extend for 12 months for a fee. Miles do not expire for PPS Club and Solitaire PPS Club members.
Southwest Rapid Rewards	No expiration (as long as your account remains open and in good standing).
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles	Three calendar years after they are earned, but can be extended for a fee.

As you can see, these policies vary greatly. Some programs count any activity as eligible to extend the expiration date, while others don’t allow extensions or charge a fee.

Hotel points expiration

Hotel program	Expiration term
Accor Live Limitless	12 months from last activity; can be extended with activity (earning or transferring points).
Best Western Rewards	No expiration (as long as your account remains active and in good standing).
Choice Privileges	18 months from last activity; can be extended with activity.
Hilton Honors	24 months from last activity; can be extended with activity.
IHG One Rewards	12 months from last activity; can be extended with activity (earning or redeeming points). No expiration for elite members.
I Prefer Hotel Rewards	24 months from last activity; can be extended with activity.
Marriott Bonvoy	24 months from last activity; can be extended with activity (earning points or miles and redeeming or purchasing points). Points never expire for members with Lifetime elite status.
Radisson Rewards	24 months from last activity; can be extended with activity.
World of Hyatt	24 months from last activity; can be extended with activity.
Wyndham Rewards	Four years after the checkout date of the stay for which they were earned, or 18 months with no account activity; can be extended with activity.

As with airlines, there’s a wide range of expiration policies. While most hotel points (with the exception of Best Western Rewards points) do expire, most programs allow you to extend the validity of your points with activity.

Rental car points expiration

Rental car program	Expiration term
Avis Preferred	60 months (five years) from earning. If you are a resident of Ontario, your points do not expire but may be canceled due to inactivity.
Dollar Express Rewards	24 months from last rental activity; can be extended by earning or redeeming points.
Enterprise Plus	36 months from the last qualifying rental or points-earning event.
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards	Five years from earning (does not apply to residents of Canada). Additionally, all points in your account will expire after 12 months of no rental activity. "Activity" means earning or redeeming points on a rental; transferring points does not qualify.
National Emerald Club	Rental credits never expire as long as you remain a member. Free Days expire Dec. 31 of the year following the year in which they were earned.
Sixt One	24 months from the end of the quarter in which they were earned.

These rental car loyalty programs let you hold on to your points for one to five years after you earn them or your last qualifying activity. Some allow you to reset the clock with activity, but others don't, so be sure to check your program's policy to avoid forfeiting valuable rewards.

When do flight credits expire?

Airline credits often expire — but not always. Each airline publishes unique terms, so you’ll need to read the fine print. Here’s a quick rundown of the rules for the most popular airline credits.

A JetBlue airplane lands at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). EVA MARIE UZCATEGUI/BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES

Alaska Airlines

If you cancel your nonrefundable Alaska Airlines flight or change it to a flight that costs less than your original ticket, you’ll get a credit certificate for the remaining value of your ticket. This expires either 12 months from the issue date of your original ticket or 30 days from the date of exchange or cancellation (whichever is greater). Credit certificates must be used to purchase a new ticket before the expiration date passes, but the new flight can take place up to 11 months later.

American Airlines

Travelers with unused tickets will receive a flight credit for future travel with American Airlines. To use them, you must book your new flight and travel within one year of the original ticket date.

You may also receive a trip credit for a number of reasons, including a cancellation, a refund, as compensation or when you don’t fully use a flight credit. Trip credits are valid until 11:59 p.m. Central time on the date listed on the credit.

Finally, if you receive a paper travel voucher, you'll have one year from the date it's issued to use it.

Delta Air Lines

As a result of an unused ticket or a paid service that was only partially used (such as a flight, seat upgrade or travel voucher), you may receive a Delta eCredit. These expire one year from the date of issue.

Delta planes on the runway in New York — ROBERT ALEXANDER/GETTY IMAGES

Frontier Airlines

Frontier issues flight credits and vouchers (or electronic travel certificates) with a 12-month shelf life. However, you can book travel beyond that window.

Southwest Airlines

When you cancel a Southwest flight or switch to a cheaper fare, you’ll receive a flight credit to use toward future Southwest flights. Flight credits created on or before May 27, 2025, do not expire. Flight credits from reservations booked and/or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, will have a specified expiration date based on the fare and form of payment. Note that basic fares expire six months from the date the fare was booked.

Southwest LUV Vouchers, on the other hand, are doled out as compensation for things like flight delays. These expire one year after the issue date, and they must be redeemed and all travel completed by the expiration date.

United Airlines

If you cancel your United Airlines flight or change it to a less expensive option, you’ll receive a future flight credit. To use it, your future trip must begin before the expiration date, which is typically one year from the date of issue. The exact expiration date will be listed on the credit itself.

You may also receive a travel certificate, which is a gesture of goodwill from United for doing things like giving up your seat on a full flight. This also expires after one year, but your trip doesn’t have to begin by that date. Instead, you need only book the trip before it expires; travel can occur well beyond the expiration date.

When do companion pass certificates expire?

Airline	Companion certificate/pass	Expiration/use rules
Alaska Airlines	Companion Fare	Must be redeemed within 12 months of issue; travel can be booked up to 12 months beyond the issue date.
American Airlines	Companion certificate	Typically expires 12 months after issue. Both booking and travel must be completed by the expiration date.
Delta Air Lines	Companion certificate	Typically expires 12 months after issue. Both booking and travel must be completed by the expiration date.
Southwest Airlines	Companion Pass	Valid for the remainder of the year earned and the following calendar year.
United Airlines	N/A (United offers other flight credits rather than companion certificates)	N/A
JetBlue	N/A (JetBlue offers other flight credits rather than companion certificates)	N/A
Frontier Airlines	Companion certificate	Typically expires 12 months after issue. Both booking and travel must be completed by the expiration date.

Keeping track of companion certificates and passes is key, as expiration rules vary by airline. Planning ahead ensures you get the full value of these perks.

When do hotel free night certificates expire?

Hotel credits may also have varying expiration rules, but you’ll largely find that certificates will expire a year after they are issued. Let’s look at the terms published by the most popular hotel chains.

Secrets Mirabel Cancun - Aerial - rendering_Hyatt — HYATT

Choice Hotels

Unlike many hotel loyalty programs, Choice doesn’t offer annual free night certificates.

Hilton

Hilton free night certificates are valid at nearly any Hilton hotel on the planet (with a few exceptions). If you can find a standard room for up to 150,000 Hilton Honors points, you can likely use your free night certificate there.

These certificates normally expire within one year of the issue date.

Hyatt

Free night certificates earned from the Hyatt credit card and through the Brand Explorer perk are valid for one year from the date of issue. Free night certificates earned as a Milestone Reward are valid for 180 days (6 months) from the date of issue. When using one of these, you must check out prior to the expiration date.

IHG Hotels & Resorts

InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa, an IHG Hotel — MIGUEL NUNEZ/INTERCONTINENTAL PRESIDENTE COZUMEL RESORT SPA/FACEBOOK

Select IHG cardholders will receive a free night certificate worth up to 40,000 points after each account anniversary. You’ll have 12 months to complete your stay from the issue date. Additionally, InterContinental Ambassador members receive an annual free night certificate that expires 12 months from the issue date.

Marriott

Marriott free night certificates are valid for one year from the date of issue. You must check in for your stay on or before the expiration date.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

You can’t earn a free night certificate with Wyndham Rewards — the only way to stay for free is by using points.

Bottom line

Travel rewards come with a wide range of expiration rules, and keeping track of them is the best way to make sure you don’t lose value. While some points and miles never expire as long as your account remains active, most flight credits and hotel certificates have firm deadlines based on when they were issued.

The best way to avoid losing value is to regularly review your balances, check each program’s policies and set reminders for rewards approaching their expiration date. With a little planning, you can ensure the points, miles and credits you’ve earned actually get used — and deliver the maximum value they’re designed for.

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

TPG editor's rating

at American Express's secure site.
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.

Rewards rate

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Intro offer

As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

Annual fee

$325

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Recommended credit

Excellent to Good

Pros + cons

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

More details

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

Even better, some points and miles will never expire as long as you have a credit card that earns those rewards.

By understanding each program's rules, you can stay ahead of deadlines and avoid losing out on flight credits, hotel certificates and other perks you have worked hard to earn.

Here's what to know about expiration rules across major airline and hotel loyalty programs.