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TPG reader question: What happens to your points and miles after a cardholder has died?

June 07, 2021
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3 min read
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TPG reader question: What happens to your points and miles after a cardholder has died?
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While we may not want to think about it, the death of a loved one means a host of logistical arrangements. For travelers, that can include what to do with a collection of points and miles that may be left behind.

If someone passes away, what happens to their stash of loyalty currencies? Does it disappear into the abyss without a trace or is there a way to retrieve them? This week, TPG reader Ira Serkes asks us this exact question.

[pullquote source="Ira Serkes, TPG reader"]How do you transfer miles and points after the cardholder has died? I'm thinking ahead and thought it would be something I should at least plan for. [/pullquote]

The main thing you need to know is this: Your points and miles are not your property. You’ll see language saying the loyalty currency doesn’t belong to you in almost every loyalty program's terms and conditions. That's the bad news.

However, the good news is that most (but certainly not all) programs make it fairly easy to transfer points and miles upon death.

For instance, here are United's MileagePlus terms:

“In the event of the death or divorce of a Member, United may, in its sole discretion, credit all or a portion of such Member’s accrued mileage to authorized persons upon receipt of documentation satisfactory to United and payment of applicable fees.”

(Photo by Zach Griff/The Points Guy)

Unfortunately, there is no catch-all process when it comes to points and miles after a cardholder's death. Some programs will allow you to transfer them with a simple phone call and a copy of a death certificate (United MileagePlus and American AAdvantage). Others may require a court order (i.e., Delta SkyMiles).

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When it comes to card programs, Amex says that with Membership Rewards, in the event of death, an executor or personal representative may request to use the points in the program account in a one-time redemption by calling them.

For more specific information about individual programs, read our full guide to points and miles after you die.

However, the easiest tip may be to ensure that your loved ones have your login information so they can continue using your points or miles after you die.

Related: What happens to credit cards after a cardholder dies?

Bottom line

Dealing with the death of a friend or family member can be an incredibly challenging time. Thankfully, most programs make it fairly easy to retain a loved one's points and miles, contrary to what terms and conditions might actually say.

Those loyalty currencies may be worth thousands of dollars in free travel, so it's something you likely wouldn't want to go to waste. A quick call to the loyalty program in question will likely help you figure out the next steps. But in almost all cases, you can also log in and use a loved one's points or miles even after they pass.

Additional reporting by Richard Kerr.

Featured image by Getty Images/EyeEm
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Best for dining at restaurants

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  • Intro Offer

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

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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 $6,000 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 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.