Do IHG One Rewards Points Expire? 2026 Rules and How to Keep Them
IHG One Rewards points expire after just 12 months of inactivity — the shortest window of the major hotel programs. Here is how to keep your points active and why the IHG credit card is the easiest safeguard.
- Short answer:
- 12 consecutive months of inactivity
Short answer: IHG One Rewards points expire after 12 consecutive months of inactivity — the shortest window among major hotel programs. Any earn or redeem activity resets the clock, and IHG elite members (including IHG Premier and Business cardholders, who get Platinum status) are exempt entirely.
Do IHG One Rewards points expire?
Yes, and faster than most people expect. IHG uses a 12-month inactivity rule — half the 24 months that Marriott, Hyatt, and Hilton give you. If no earn or redeem transaction posts to your account within any 12-month period, your entire points balance is forfeited. This short window is the single biggest reason people lose IHG points.
How do I keep my IHG points from expiring?
You need one qualifying earn or redeem transaction every 12 months. The easiest remote options are buying a small IHG points package, earning through a linked IHG dining program, or redeeming points. Any of these resets the 12-month clock across your whole balance.
Does the IHG credit card keep points from expiring?
Yes — this is the cleanest fix. The IHG One Rewards Premier Card and the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Card both grant complimentary Platinum Elite status, and IHG elite members (Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond) are exempt from the 12-month expiration rule. So holding either card means your points never expire from inactivity. Note that everyday card spend also counts as earning activity on its own.
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Does redeeming my annual free night keep points active?
No — and this trips people up. IHG specifically says using the annual free-night certificate that comes with the credit card does not count as an earn or redeem activity for expiration purposes. You still need a separate qualifying transaction (or elite-status exemption) to keep points alive.
Can you reinstate expired IHG points?
Generally no — once forfeited for inactivity, IHG points are gone. With the shortest inactivity window in the industry, IHG is the program where a calendar reminder (or simply holding the Premier card) pays off most.
Stay ahead of IHG's 12-month clock
Because the window is so short, keeping IHG balances visible matters. Add your IHG account to your Pointify wallet to track it alongside every other program, value a redemption with the points calculator, and search IHG award nights with cash and points side by side. See our sweet spots for where IHG points deliver the most value per point.
Related: Do Marriott Bonvoy points expire? · Do World of Hyatt points expire? · Do Hilton Honors points expire?
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The Pointify team analyzes loyalty programs, fare data, and booking strategies across 300+ airlines and major award programs. Our goal: help you get maximum value from every point and mile.
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