From cashback to travel perks, earning credit card rewards can be a great way to maximise your spending. But here’s the catch — not all rewards are made to last. 

Understanding how long your rewards stay valid is key to getting the most value. In Singapore, different rules apply to bank-issued credit card points versus airline or hotel loyalty programmes. Here's what you need to know to avoid losing rewards you’ve already earned.

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When it comes to general credit card rewards from banks, expiry terms can vary significantly depending on the card issuer and the product itself. Some credit cards offer rewards that never expire — as long as your account remains active and in good standing. Others might come with a fixed expiry period or a requirement for account activity within a set timeframe.

Here are some credit card rewards programmes in Singapore that are generally known for non-expiring points (subject to terms and conditions):

• American Express Membership Rewards: Points do not expire if your account is active and in good standing.

• Citi Prestige Card: Citi ThankYou^℠ Points earned through this card typically do not expire as long as your card account remains open.

Check your credit card’s terms and conditions regularly, and set up reminders to redeem your points before they lapse — especially if your card has inactivity-based expiry rules.

When you earn air miles through a credit card, they’re typically transferred to the airline’s frequent flyer programme — and this is where the expiry policies come into play. Unlike general credit card rewards, miles are governed by the rules of the airline, not the bank. That means the lifespan of your miles depends on the specific loyalty programme your card is linked to.

Some airline programmes impose an expiration date on miles, especially if there’s no activity in your account for a certain period. However, you can usually keep your miles from expiring through regular qualifying activity — such as redeeming miles, earning through card spend, or even booking a flight using your frequent flyer number.

Here’s a quick look at common airline credit cards available in Singapore and their associated mileage expiry policies:

Much like air miles, hotel reward points earned from credit card spending are usually credited directly into your hotel loyalty programme account. The expiry rules are then governed by the terms of the hotel group — not the card issuer.

Some hotel programmes set a fixed expiration date, while others only expire points if your account remains inactive for a certain period (often 12–24 months). Fortunately, many travel credit cards in Singapore allow you to transfer reward points to popular hotel loyalty schemes like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, or IHG One Rewards, giving you flexibility in how and when to redeem.

Below is a summary of hotel-linked credit cards and their point expiry policies:

Credit card rewards, interest rates, annual fees, and expiry terms can differ significantly between banks and card types in Singapore. Always check the official website or product page of your card issuer for the latest details, including terms and conditions. This ensures you're making decisions based on accurate and up-to-date information tailored to your specific card.