You've been collecting points for months, then one day — gone. Point expiry is one of the most frustrating aspects of loyalty programmes. But understanding why it happens helps you avoid the trap.
Why Programmes Expire Points
From a business perspective, unredeemed points are a liability on the balance sheet. Expiry policies limit this liability and encourage active engagement. Points that never get redeemed serve no one — the customer gets no value, and the business carries the accounting burden.
Common Expiry Models
- Hard expiry — all points expire on a fixed date (e.g., 31 December each year)
- Rolling expiry — points expire X months after they're earned
- Activity-based — points expire only if the account is inactive for a period
- No expiry — points never expire as long as the account exists
How to Protect Your Points
Choose programmes with no-expiry or activity-based models. If your current programme has hard expiry, set calendar reminders to redeem before the deadline.
Experience Zeno uses a no-expiry model — your points and bonus credit remain in your wallet until you choose to spend them.