Expiring hilton points: a time bomb for travelers

When embarking on a journey of accumulating hotel loyalty points, it’s crucial to understand the intricacies of their expiration policies. Among the leading hotel chains, Hilton stands out with its Hilton Honors program. But the question lingers: do Hilton hotel points expire, casting a shadow over your hard-earned rewards? This blog post will delve into the depths of Hilton’s expiration policy, providing clarity and reassurance for your future travels.

Expiration Policy

The Hilton Honors program follows a straightforward expiration policy:

• Base Points: Hilton Honors base points expire after 12 months of inactivity. Inactivity refers to the absence of any qualifying activity, such as earning or redeeming points.
• Bonus Points: Bonus points earned through promotions, partnerships, or other non-qualifying activities expire according to the terms and conditions of the specific offer.

Qualifying Activity

Qualifying activity resets the expiration clock for your Hilton Honors points. The following actions qualify as activity:

• Staying at Hilton-affiliated hotels
• Using the Hilton Honors credit card
• Redeeming Hilton Honors points
• Purchasing Hilton Honors points
• Transferring Hilton Honors points to or from a partner program

Ways to Prevent Expiration

To keep your Hilton Honors points from expiring, it’s essential to maintain some level of activity within the program. Here are some strategies:

• Regular Stays: Book stays at Hilton-affiliated hotels as often as possible.
• Hilton Honors Credit Card: Use the Hilton Honors credit card for everyday purchases to earn points and reset the expiration clock.
• Point Redemptions: Redeem your points for hotel stays, dining, or other rewards to prevent expiration.
• Point Purchases: Purchase additional Hilton Honors points to top up your account and reset the expiration date.
• Point Transfers: Transfer Hilton Honors points to or from partner programs to reset the expiration clock.

Exceptions to the Expiration Policy

There are a few exceptions to the Hilton Honors expiration policy:

• Lifetime Diamond Status: Hilton Honors members who achieve Lifetime Diamond status have their points protected from expiration.
• Promotional Offers: Hilton may occasionally offer promotions that extend the expiration date of points.
• Special Circumstances: In rare cases, Hilton may grant an extension to the expiration date of points due to extenuating circumstances.

How to Check Point Expiration Dates

To view the expiration dates of your Hilton Honors points, follow these steps:

1. Log into your Hilton Honors account.
2. Click on “My Points” in the top menu bar.
3. Scroll down to the “Points Expiration” section.

Final Thoughts: Safeguarding Your Hilton Honors Points

Understanding Hilton’s expiration policy is essential for maximizing the value of your Hilton Honors points. By maintaining regular activity or utilizing the strategies outlined above, you can effectively prevent your points from expiring and enjoy the full benefits of your loyalty membership.

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. When do Hilton Honors base points expire?
Answer: Hilton Honors base points expire after 12 months of inactivity.

2. How can I prevent my Hilton Honors points from expiring?
Answer: You can prevent your points from expiring by engaging in qualifying activities such as staying at Hilton-affiliated hotels, using the Hilton Honors credit card, or redeeming points.

3. Do Hilton Honors points ever expire for Lifetime Diamond members?
Answer: No, Lifetime Diamond members have their points protected from expiration.

4. Can I extend the expiration date of my Hilton Honors points?
Answer: Yes, you may be able to extend the expiration date of your points if you contact Hilton Honors customer service and demonstrate special circumstances.

5. How do I check the expiration dates of my Hilton Honors points?
Answer: You can check the expiration dates of your Hilton Honors points by logging into your account and navigating to the “My Points” section.