US Credit Card Report editorial image; rules and offers verified August 2026- Year-end is rarely the main threat：For most bank currencies, account closure and eligibility matter more than a calendar date.
- Rules differ：Citi varies by point source, while Bilt has an 18-month inactivity rule.
- Safest sequence：Combine, redeem or transfer for a confirmed trip before changing the account, then save the record.
| Program | While eligible account is open | Main risk | Before closing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex MR | Generally no scheduled expiration with an eligible linked product | Closing the last linked product can forfeit points immediately | Keep another eligible product or redeem/transfer first |
| Chase UR | Points generally do not expire | Unused points may be lost on closure | Combine to another eligible Chase card or redeem |
| Capital One | Rewards generally do not expire in good standing | Unused rewards may be lost when closing | Use or transfer before closure |
| Citi ThankYou | Depends on card and point source | Shared points generally expire after 90 days | Review My Points Summary and exact terms |
| Bilt Rewards | Remain available with qualifying activity | 18 months without qualifying activity | Complete a real qualifying earn or redemption |
Separate bank points from airline and hotel balances
A transferable bank balance and points already moved to a loyalty program follow different rules. Once transferred, the airline or hotel controls expiration and the bank generally cannot reverse the transaction.
Transferring is not automatically the safest preservation strategy. Do it when you have a use, confirmed space and acceptable terms.
Amex Membership Rewards
Points generally have no fixed calendar expiration while an eligible Membership Rewards product remains linked. Current terms warn that voluntarily canceling or unenrolling the last linked eligible product can cause immediate forfeiture.
Other closure scenarios may use different timing, but do not rely on an exception. Settle the balance before a voluntary closure.
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Ultimate Rewards generally remain active while the account is open. Before closing a card, check whether the balance can be combined with another eligible Chase card you own.
Complete the move first. Household-combining eligibility and transfer privileges can change, so use the signed-in rules.
Capital One Miles
Capital One rewards generally do not expire while an eligible account remains open and in good standing, but unused rewards may be lost when the account closes.
Use travel redemptions, eligible purchase coverage, partner transfers or another available option before closure. Do not assume the balance will remain afterward.
Citi ThankYou Points
Citi rules can depend on how points were earned. Card, banking, promotional and other sources may not behave identically, and My Points Summary can identify balances approaching expiration.
Points shared with another member generally expire 90 days after receipt. Treat them as a short-dated balance.
Bilt Rewards
Bilt points may expire after 18 months without qualifying activity. Qualifying activity can include eligible payments, co-brand purchases or redemptions under current terms.
If Bilt is not a primary program, set a reminder well before month 18 and use a genuine qualifying activity rather than a speculative transfer.
Thirty-day pre-closure checklist
- Inventory every bank, airline and hotel balance.
- Confirm whether this is the last eligible product in the ecosystem.
- Check combining options and whether transfer access survives.
- Transfer only after finding a real booking.
- Compare cash, statement credit and other redemptions if no trip is planned.
- Save confirmation numbers and dates before calling to close.
Four common mistakes
- Treating bank points and airline miles as the same balance.
- Closing first and asking about the points later.
- Moving a large balance to an unused loyalty program just to avoid expiration.
- Looking only at a total Citi balance without reviewing point sources.
Frequently asked questions
Do credit card points reset at year-end?
Most transferable bank points do not reset solely because the year ends, but closure, account status and inactivity rules can still matter.
Can a downgrade cost me points?
It depends on whether the new product participates in the same program and retains transfer access. Confirm both before changing products.
Is transferring to an airline always safer?
No. The airline then controls expiration and devaluation, and the transfer is usually irreversible.
Why does Citi need extra attention?
Point source can affect the rules, and shared points generally carry a short deadline.
How should I track Bilt inactivity?
Set a reminder around 12 to 15 months after the last qualifying activity so you have time to act.
Summary
Protecting points is less about memorizing one expiration date and more about knowing which account supports the balance. Handle the points first and the card closure second.