Which hotel loyalty program has the best points expiration policy?
Summary: Hotel chains offer 12 to 24 month points expiration policies if no points activity occurs during that period. Only Best Western points have no expiration.
| Loyalty Program | 12 months | 18 months | 24 months | No Expiration | Terms and Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accor Live Limitless | ✓ | Accor | |||
| Best Western Rewards | ✓ | Best Western | |||
| Choice Privileges | ✓ | Choice | |||
| Hilton Honors | ✓ | Hilton | |||
| IHG One Rewards | ✓ | IHG | |||
| Marriott Bonvoy | ✓ | Marriott | |||
| Radisson Rewards | ✓ | Radisson | |||
| World of Hyatt | ✓ | Hyatt | |||
| Wyndham Rewards | ✓ | Wyndham |
My thoughts and recommendations
Keep in mind this post is intended for non-US residents - in Asia specifically - that like to see the world.
Do not bother with a loyalty program when the points expire in <24 months without any qualifying activity. Qualifying activity may be a stay or other points earning activity, such as via a co-branded credit card, or redemption. While it's not hard to generate an activity, it may only take one event in your life to not hit the 12 or 18 month period. Perhaps you cancel a trip due to an emergency or you find a much better credit card.
This rules out Accor, Choice, IHG and Wyndham.
Stick with Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt if you're a global traveler. Radisson is also 24 months, so why not Radisson you wonder? As it turns out Choice Hotels has bought Radisson Americas. This means if you're a Radisson member outside of the US, you will not earn points staying in a Radisson in the US as they're separate programs.
In a future post I'll discuss Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt for individuals residing in Asia in greater detail, but I'll generally recommend Marriott, Hyatt and Hilton in that order.
Best Western with no points expiration is refreshing, but poor hotel coverage in Asia compared with Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt. The loyalty program is for people that care about free nights only, not breakfast or lounge access. A separate full review of their rewards program in a separate post.
I can tell you it's a wonderful surprise to find out I have enough points for a free night although I last stayed at a Best Western 16 years ago.