Loyalty programs promise to give something back for your spending, but sometimes those perks disappear before you even get a chance to use them. From coffee points to airline miles, expiration policies can be confusing, and many companies count on customers forgetting to redeem in time. A recent survey found that the average American leaves over $300 worth of unused rewards on the table each year. The fine print is often what turns “free perks” into missed opportunities. If you’re not paying attention, your loyalty might just be making the company richer instead of rewarding you.
1. Starbucks Rewards Points
Starbucks has one of the most popular loyalty programs in America, but its rewards expire faster than many realize. Stars vanish six months after they’re earned unless you make consistent purchases. That means if you stop visiting for a while, your accumulated points can quietly disappear. The app doesn’t always make expiration dates obvious, so users often lose rewards without realizing it. To make your points last, try redeeming them regularly instead of hoarding for one big splurge.
2. Delta SkyMiles (With a Catch)
Delta’s SkyMiles program advertises “no expiration,” but there’s a catch… Unused miles can become worthless if Delta changes redemption rates. Frequent flyers report that fluctuating “dynamic pricing” often doubles the miles needed for the same flight over time. In essence, your rewards may not expire on paper but lose value in practice. If you wait too long to redeem, you might find your points don’t stretch nearly as far. The key is to use them early for flights or upgrades before devaluation strikes.
3. Sephora Beauty Insider Points
Beauty enthusiasts love Sephora’s reward system, but their points aren’t as permanent as they seem. While points don’t technically expire, your account will reset if you go inactive for 18 months. That’s easy to forget for casual shoppers who only visit during holidays or birthdays. Worse, Sephora’s best rewards often sell out before many can use their points. Regular engagement or redeeming smaller rewards can help ensure your loyalty doesn’t go to waste.
4. Panera Bread MyPanera Rewards
Panera Bread’s loyalty system is notorious for limited-time rewards that vanish fast. Free coffee, bagels, or discounts usually expire within 30 to 60 days of issue. Since the company releases personalized offers based on visits, missing a redemption can reset your streak. Many customers assume rewards accumulate, only to find their last freebie expired over the weekend. The lesson? Check your app notifications and use Panera perks promptly before they disappear.
5. Airlines with “Activity-Based” Expiration
Many airlines, like American Airlines and United, still enforce “activity-based” expiration, where your miles vanish after 18 to 24 months without account activity. That means if you don’t fly or earn new points within that window, your balance is wiped clean. It’s especially painful for infrequent travelers who spend years collecting miles for a dream trip. Thankfully, small actions, like using a co-branded credit card or shopping through the airline’s partner store, can reset the clock. Still, these policies make airline rewards some of the easiest to lose.
6. Dunkin’ Rewards Points
Dunkin’ revamped its rewards program, and not everyone was happy about it. Points expire 12 months after they are earned, regardless of activity. According to the Dunkin’ website, “Points will expire, regardless of activity, 12 months from the last day of the month they were earned. For example, if you earn points on December 7, 2025, those points won’t expire until December 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Points cannot be reinstated after they have been removed.” Many fans miss the old “free drink after X visits” model, which felt simpler and more predictable. The new expiration system encourages frequent visits, but that also means casual customers lose out fast. If you’re a Dunkin’ regular, set a reminder to use your points before they vanish with your next coffee run.
7. Hotels With Hidden Expiration Terms
Hotel chains like Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and IHG Rewards all have expiration clauses buried in their fine print. Typically, points expire after 12 to 24 months of inactivity, but inactivity includes not just stays, but also earning or redeeming points in any form. A missed booking cycle can erase thousands of hard-earned points overnight. It’s a frustrating system that rewards frequent travelers while punishing occasional guests. Booking even a one-night stay or using a small redemption can keep your account active.
8. Grocery and Gas Rewards Programs
Supermarket and fuel programs like Kroger Fuel Points or Safeway Rewards often expire within 30 days of earning. That’s barely enough time for many shoppers to reach the redemption threshold. Since these rewards are tied to monthly spending cycles, unused points simply vanish at the start of a new month. It’s a clever way for companies to limit liability while advertising “big savings.” To make the most of them, plan your grocery trips and gas fill-ups strategically within the same reward period.
Loyalty Shouldn’t Mean Losing Out
Loyalty programs can be great money-savers, but only if you understand how they really work. Many are designed to create the illusion of generosity while quietly setting expiration traps that reclaim unused rewards. Reading the fine print, tracking your balances, and setting reminders are the best defenses. Remember, these programs exist to drive repeat business, not necessarily to benefit the customer. The smartest shoppers treat rewards as bonuses, not guarantees.
Have you ever lost points or perks because they expired too soon? Share your story and tell us which loyalty programs frustrate you most in the comments below.
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