Do my rewards points expire when my credit card does?

By Ava Crawford and Amelia Hetherington
Fact Checked
Advertiser disclosure
Credit-cards-in-wallet

If you’ve built up a decent amount of credit card rewards points, you’ll want to make sure you get to use them. Each credit card offers a different rewards system - with some cards allowing you to automatically earn Qantas Points, while other companies have their own points systems where you can earn points and later convert them into rewards - such as frequent flyer points.

But if your credit card expires, what does that mean for your hard-earned points?

Your credit card’s expiry date tells you when your physical card is about to expire, not your credit account, so as long as your rewards credit card account is open and active with your banking institution, your rewards points should be safe.

Can I lose my rewards points?

With some rewards programs, points do have expiry dates, so even if your card hasn't expired, you should check the policies of your credit provider to be sure that your points are safe long-term.

Some credit card companies also have caps on how many reward points you can earn within a certain time period. Make sure you double-check your card’s policy if you’re concerned that your dollars could be spent unrewarded.

Also, if you do decide to close your credit card account completely, or it gets closed due to inactivity, your points may still live on. Rewards points are sometimes available for a short amount of time after your account is deactivated, so check first before assuming that they are gone for good.

If you are interested in getting a new credit card that earns you rewards points, there are some options for you to check out below.

Rewards Credit Cards - last updated 24 November 2024

Search promoted rewards credit cards below or do a full Mozo database search. Advertiser disclosure
  • Apply By 14 Jan 2025
    American Express Qantas Ultimate Card

    Qantas Frequent Flyer

    $450

    50,000

    1.25 points up to 100,000 points/year, then
    1 point uncapped

    Receive 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online by 14 January 2025, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Qantas American Express Ultimate Card within the first 3 months of your approval date. T&Cs apply. Available for new American Express Card Members only.

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  • Citi Rewards - Rewards Points Offer

    Citi Rewards Program

    $199 $99 in the first year

    100,000

    1 point up to $10,000/month

    100,000 bonus Citi reward Points when you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months from approval. That’s $400 when you Pay with Points! Earn up to 1 Citi reward Point per $1 on eligible transactions. Access up to 3 months complimentary International Travel Insurance and up to 14 days Domestic Travel Insurance with a Citi Rewards Credit Card when meeting eligibility criteria. Apply for a credit limit from $2,000 up to $100,000. This product is provided by National Australia Bank Limited, using certain trademarks temporarily under licence from Citigroup Inc.

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  • Kogan Money Black Card

    Kogan Rewards Points

    $0

    No current offer

    1 point uncapped

    Get 0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for 9 months with a 1% balance transfer fee. Reverts to cash advance rate. $0 annual fee to pay. Earn 2 rewards points per dollar on your eligible purchases at Kogan.com & 1 rewards point per dollar on your everyday purchases, almost anywhere (T&Cs apply). FREE Kogan First membership valued at $129/year. Add up to 4 additional cardholders at no cost.

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  • American Express Explorer® Credit Card

    Membership Rewards

    $395

    50,000

    2 points uncapped

    Receive 50,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $4,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. New Card Members only.*

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^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Rewards Credit Card Awards

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