The Ultimate Guide to Reward Points Expiry in Singapore

Introduction

Reward points have become a large part of consumer loyalty programs in Singapore, offering cardholders and frequent shoppers opportunities to redeem air miles, hotel stays, vouchers and cashback.

However, a large portion of consumers lose value from expired points or miss their chance to maximise their rewards. Understanding the expiry policies for each reward point type is critical in a market where banks and loyalty programs enforce varied timelines, making it confusing for an average user to keep track. Don’t worry! That’s exactly what this article is about.

Why Do Rewards Points Expire?

Expiry policies are set for businesses to manage their liabilities and encourage you to use your rewards. For example, UOB’s UNI$ expire two years after earning, incentivizing card holders to redeem frequently.

Types of Reward Points and Their Expiry Rules

• UOB (UNI$): 2 years
• DBS (DBS Points): 1 year
  (Exceptions: Altitude, Insignia, and Treasure – No expiry)
• OCBC (OCBC$): 2 years
• OCBC (VOYAGE Miles): No expiry
• OCBC (Travel$): No expiry
• Standard Chartered (360 Rewards Points): 3 years
  (Exception: VI/X Cards – No expiry)
• Citi (Citi Miles): No expiry
• Citi (ThankYou Points): 5 years
  (Exception: Prestige cards – No expiry)
• HSBC (HSBC Rewards Points): 37 months
• Maybank (TREATS): 1 year
  (Exception: Rewards Infinite members – No expiry)
• American Express (Membership Rewards): No expiry
• Bank of China (BOC Points): 12 to 24 months

Air Miles Expiry

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer

• Expiry: Miles expire three years after earning, with no extensions for non-elite members
• Example: Miles earned in July 2024 expire on 31 July 2027.
• Elite Status: PPS Club and Solitaire PPS Club members enjoy no expiry

Other Airlines

Marriott Bonvoy

• Points expire after 24 months of inactivity.

Hilton Honors

• Extended to 24 months post-COVID

Hotel Loyalty Programs

Here is a non-exhaustive list of the most common Hotel Loyalty Programs and Their Expiry Rules:

Marriott Bonvoy

• Points expire after 24 months of inactivity.

Hilton Honors

• Points expire after 24 months of inactivity.

IHG One Rewards

• Points expire after 12 months of inactivity for non-elite members.

Shangri-La Circle

• Points expire after 36 months.

Tips to Prevent Losing Points

Earn Max Miles!

When you use HeyMax to earn Max Miles, you get the unique advantage of accumulating miles that never expire, unlike most traditional airline or credit card rewards. Shopping through HeyMax allows you to miles on top of your regular credit card rewards, so you’re effectively “double dipping”-maximizing your miles from both your card and HeyMax in a single transaction. Since Max Miles never expire, you have the flexibility to save up for your dream redemption at your own pace, without worrying about losing value over time.

Set Calendar Reminders

Mark expiry dates 1–2 months in advance. For example, DBS Points earned in Q1 2024 expire on 31 March 2025-set a reminder for February 2025!

What Happens If Points Expire?

• Non-Recoverable: Most banks and programs, including DBS and KrisFlyer, do not reinstate expired points.
• Exceptions: Standard Chartered occasionally allows reinstatement for a fee (e.g., $50 per 10,000 points).

Would you like a downloadable summary table of expiry rules, or tips on maximizing your points?

‍

‍