✈ What Happens to Your Points When You Die?, 7 Great Family Beach Vacations & More from TPG ✈

April 28, 2026

Have a plan to share (or use) your stash

by Katie Genter, Lead writer

Death is never a fun topic. But neither is losing all the points and miles you (or a loved one) have diligently collected over the years.

Of course, the ideal situation is that you or your loved one hasn’t hoarded points and miles and had instead redeemed them for many aspirational hotel stays and high-value award flights.

But whether you’re planning for the future or dealing with a loved one’s passing, it’s important to know what happens to your points and miles after you die.

The best course of action varies by program. But there are several things you can do while you or your loved one is alive that will help. For example, sharing loyalty program access and including points and miles in wills can really make a difference.

Also, you may want to get a plan in place before letting the loyalty program know about the death. After all, certain programs will close the account and zero out the rewards once they learn of the account holder’s death.

Luckily, there are ways to continue to maximize points and miles after death. Be sure to check out the following articles to make your plan:

Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products, and this may impact how or where they appear. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

Photo Credit: Pekic.

Today’s top stories

7 great family beach vacations to kick off summer

Life's a beach at these seven great family beach vacation destinations around the world.

Rollout complete: TSA PreCheck Touchless ID now available at 60-plus airports

The TSA has completed an ambitious rollout of its Touchless ID program, which is now available at more than 60 hubs nationwide.

First look: Here’s what new (and what’s coming) at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Florida

This iconic resort in Florida has undergone recent changes. Here's what to expect as it transitions to a new brand within Hilton.

Book now: Air Canada Aeroplan increasing many partner redemption rates from June 1

Aeroplan will increase the cost of many partner redemption rates from June 1. Here's what you need to know now.

The best time to apply for these popular Capital One credit cards based on offer history

We've tracked down the offer history on these popular Capital One cards to help you determine the best time to apply.

The latest

1.	Are cheap fares worth your tax dollars? Budget airlines want help paying for fuel

2.	Wells Fargo Rewards adds Cathay Pacific Asia Miles as a transfer partner

3.	What is a credit card welcome offer? How they work and how to maximize value

4.	Avoid fees: How to change and cancel airline award tickets

5.	You can use Hilton Honors points to book this new wine resort in Napa

6.	How to avoid excise tax offset fees on points transfers from American Express

7.	The history of classic airline meals in 7 courses

8.	Delta and United cards offer cheaper award flights — will other airlines follow?

9.	Why I bought hotel points to save money on a flight

10.	Caviar, lie-flat beds and a cool snack bar: 17 hours in United’s swanky new Polaris suites

You are receiving this email because you opted in at thepointsguy.com.

Where to find us:
The Points Guy 100 5th Ave., 16th Floor New York, NY 10011 USA USA

If this newsletter was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.

Advertiser Disclosure:

The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

THE POINTS GUY © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2026

Card Type

Card Issuer

Cobranded Cards

Learn About Credit Cards

Credit Card Reward Programs

Airline Rewards Programs

Hotel Rewards Program

Learn About Rewards Programs

Airlines

Hotels

Cruises

Resources

TPG points valuation

Award vs. cash calculator

CardMatch

Sign up for the TPG Daily for breaking news, game-changing tips and exclusive deals from TPG partners

You’re onboard! Welcome to the TPG Daily.

Advertiser disclosure

Advertiser disclosure