[Star]Points expiration

[macko420]

Hi,
I hope I am posting this in the right area. I've been searching for an answer on the SPG site but can't find any info. Here's the question........we have enough for a free flight and 'might' be able to use it in the end of May. Today, I got an email saying that my points are about to expire since it's been almost a year since there has been any activity on that account (we changed to a no fee AMEX last august). The last time I used that card for travel was the end of last May. When we switched cards, i was told that the points did not expire. Can someone tell me if they do indeed expire or is this a trick to get us to reopen the AMEX card with a fee?? thanks!

 

[DeniseM]

Some points do expire if there is no activity on the Acct. You can simply transfer the points to the airline of your choice to "save" the points, or some other transaction with your points Acct. to keep it active.

You don't have to purchase a ticket at the same time you transfer the points to an airline - you can transfer them now, and use the FF miles later.

Here is the page on SPG.com with all the info. Click on "transfer now" to transfer the miles to a FF Acct. (You must have an Acct. set up with the airline first and know the Acct. number, to make the transfer.)

You want to - Transfer Starpoints to Miles, NOT Redeem Starpoints for Flights

 

[DanCali]

They also let you transfer points between family members if they live at the same address. You can open an account in the name of your spouse and transfer the points to that account. That should gain you a whole year to get some activity. I don't see why you can't transfer them back to yourself later but you can ask a customer service rep, just to make sure.

You can always apply for a new credit card too.

 

[LisaRex]

I believe any activity will extend the points. In most cases, buying points will extend. In this case, I'd consider buying 100 points or so.

 

[macko420]

Thank you both for the info! Very helpful as always!