When Do IHG Points Expire and How to Keep Them Active

Q: 2. How can I check my account activity?

Log in to your IHG One Rewards account online or via the app to view your points history and recent transactions.

When Do IHG Points Expire and How to Keep Them Active

Avoid IHG Points Expiration

Joining a loyalty program like IHG One Rewards is exciting—you earn points for free hotel stays. However, like many hotel programs, IHG points can expire. If you're not careful, you could lose your hard-earned points, wiping out your progress. Knowing when your points expire and how to prevent it can protect thousands of points and keep valuable redemption options open.

In this guide, we'll break down the expiration policies, explain how to keep your points active, ensuring your balance remains safe for future use.

Do IHG One Rewards Points Expire?

Yes, IHG One Rewards points can expire, but the rules differ based on your membership status:

For non-elite members (Club members): Points expire if there is no account activity for 12 consecutive months. Activity is defined as earning or redeeming points.
For elite members (Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond): Points do not expire as long as you maintain your elite status.

These rules are outlined in IHG's terms and conditions:

Club level membership Points (see Member Benefits, including levels of membership, here) will expire if your membership account point balance becomes inactive, meaning there was no “earn” or “redeem” transactions, for any period of twelve (12) months or longer, which means your Points will be removed from your account and will no longer be available for redemption.

This distinction is important. If you're a Club member, you must ensure regular activity to prevent your points from vanishing. Elite members, on the other hand, enjoy the peace of mind that their points remain safe as long as they retain their status.

How to Check When Your IHG Points Expire?

Your IHG One Rewards account displays your points balance but not their expiration date. To estimate it, log into your account on IHG's website or app and navigate to “Account Activity.” Find the most recent transaction that added or subtracted points, then add 12 months to that date. This is when your points would expire without further activity.

For a precise expiration date, contact IHG's customer service by phone or submit a form through their website. This ensures accuracy, especially if your account has complex activity.

What Counts as Activity to Prevent Expiration?

To keep your points from expiring, you need to have at least one “earn” or “redeem” transaction every 12 months. Here's what qualifies:

Earning points: This includes staying at an IHG property, purchasing points, or earning through promotions or partners.
Redeeming points: Booking a reward night, transferring points to another member, or using points for shopping or gift cards.

However, redeeming an annual free night certificate from an IHG credit card does not count as a “redeem” activity. Canceling a points redemption also does not reset the 12-month activity clock. So, if you book a reward night and later cancel it, this won't protect your points from expiring.

For elite members, simply maintaining your status ensures your points won't expire, regardless of activity. This is a significant perk, especially for those who hold an IHG credit card that grants automatic elite status.

How to Keep Your IHG Points Active

Whether you're a frequent traveler or an occasional guest, there are several ways to ensure your points remain active. Below, we outline strategies for both earning and redeeming points to keep your account in good standing.

Earning Points to Prevent Expiration

Stay at an IHG Property: The most straightforward way to earn points is by booking a stay. Even a single night can reset your 12-month clock.
Purchase Points: If you're nearing the 12-month mark without activity, consider buying a small number of points. IHG allows you to purchase as few as 1,000 points, which will instantly reset your expiration date. Explore IHG's points purchase options here to extend your balance.
Earn Through Partners: IHG partners with various companies, including car rental agencies and dining programs, where you can earn points without staying at a hotel. Check IHG's partner page for opportunities.
Use IHG Credit Card: Earn points on everyday purchases with an IHG credit card. This keeps your account active effortlessly.
Transfer Points from Another Member: Receive points from another IHG member ($5 per 1,000 points) to keep your account active.

Redeeming Points to Prevent Expiration

If earning points isn't feasible, redeeming a small number can also keep your account active. Here are some options:

Book a Reward Night: Book a free night or Points & Cash stay at any IHG property. Even if it's for a future stay, the redemption will count as activity.
Transfer Points to Another Member: You can transfer points to another IHG member for a fee of $5 per 1,000 points. This is a quick way to generate activity if you're short on time.
Transfer to Airline Miles: Transfer points to airline partners, typically at 10,000 IHG points for 2,000 miles.
Shop or Buy Gift Cards: IHG's shopping portal allows you to redeem points for electronics, Apparel, or gift cards. While not always the best value, it's a simple way to keep your points alive.
Digital rewards: Use your points for magazine subscriptions, eBooks, games, music, movies, and more.
IHG Experiences: Bid points on unique experiences like concerts or sporting events via IHG's auction platform.
Donate Points: If you're feeling charitable, you can donate points to the IHG Foundation. This not only keeps your account active but also supports a good cause.

Remember, the key is to have at least one qualifying transaction every 12 months. Even a small action can protect your entire points balance.

Common Questions About IHG Points Expiration

To further clarify the rules, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

1. When exactly do my points expire?

For Club members, points expire if there's no earning or redeeming activity for 12 consecutive months. Elite members' points do not expire as long as they maintain their status.

2. How can I check my account activity?

3. What if I'm close to the 12-month mark?

Take immediate action by purchasing a small number of points or making a minor redemption. Even transferring 1,000 points to another member can reset the clock.

4. Do points expire if I have elite status but no activity?

No, as long as you maintain your elite status, your points are safe, even without activity.

5. Can I Recover Expired IHG Points?

Expired points are generally not recoverable. While some members previously managed to reinstate points by contacting customer service, this is now very unlikely.

Conclusion

Understanding IHG One Rewards' points expiration rules is essential for both casual and frequent travelers. For Club members, ensuring at least one earning or redeeming transaction every 12 months is crucial to prevent points from expiring. Elite members enjoy the benefit of no expiration, making status a valuable asset.

To stay on top of your points and avoid any surprises, consider these final tips:

Set a calendar reminder every 11 months to check your account activity.
If you're nearing the 12-month mark, take a small action—like purchasing 1,000 points—to protect your balance.

By staying proactive, you can ensure your IHG points remain ready for your next adventure. Whether you're planning a budget-friendly getaway or a luxurious escape, your points are a valuable resource—don't let them go to waste.