AARP Rewards Points Expiration Explained
Many members wonder, 'Do AARP reward points expire?' The simple answer is yes; they do expire. AARP Rewards points are subject to a rolling expiration date, meaning points expire 12 months after the month in which they were earned. For example, any points earned in October 2024 will expire on November 1, 2025. This rolling expiration policy means you should regularly monitor your account to ensure you use your oldest points first. AARP points are also non-transferable and are linked to a single individual's account.
How to Check Your AARP Rewards Expiration
Fortunately, AARP provides a simple way to track your points and their upcoming expiration dates. You can check your account online to see a clear breakdown of your earned, redeemed, and soon-to-expire points.
To view your expiring points, follow these steps:
- Log in to your AARP Rewards account on the official AARP website.
- Navigate to your dashboard, which shows your point balance and other rewards information.
- Click on "Transaction History" located within your dashboard.
- Use the filter or drop-down menu to select "Points Expiration" to see a detailed monthly breakdown of points that are about to expire.
It is good practice to check this section monthly to stay on top of your point balance and avoid losing any rewards.
Earning and Redeeming AARP Rewards Points
AARP Rewards is a loyalty program that rewards members and non-members for a wide range of activities. AARP members earn 50% more points on qualifying activities. The program is free to join and provides numerous opportunities to earn points, including interactive activities like quizzes and games, and syncing a fitness tracker.
Points can be redeemed for various rewards, from sweepstakes entries and discounted gift cards to local deals and charitable donations. AARP offers special members-only access to exclusive rewards and better deals on gift cards.
AARP Rewards vs. Credit Card Rewards
It is important to distinguish between the standard AARP Rewards loyalty program and the AARP credit card rewards program, as their expiration policies differ significantly. The AARP credit card, issued by Barclays, operates on a cash-back system rather than a points system.
| Feature | AARP Rewards (Loyalty Program) | AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard (Barclays) |
|---|---|---|
| Reward Type | Points | Cash Back |
| Expiration Policy | Points expire 12 months from the end of the month they were earned (rolling basis). | Rewards do not expire as long as the account remains open and in good standing. |
| Redemption Options | Sweepstakes, discounted gift cards, local deals, merchandise, charitable donations. | Cash back, statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, AARP memberships. |
| Earning Method | Completing activities like quizzes, playing games, syncing fitness trackers. | Making purchases with the credit card. |
| Membership Requirement | Free to join, but AARP members get more benefits and earn more points. | Requires an open, active Barclays-issued credit card account. |
Ways to Earn and Maximize Your Points
To keep your points from expiring and maximize your AARP Rewards, consider the following strategies:
- Stay Active with the AARP Now App: The AARP Now app is a hub for earning points, offering numerous daily quizzes, videos, and articles that reward you for engagement.
- Connect Your Fitness Tracker: Earn points daily by syncing a fitness tracker (like Fitbit) to the AARP Rewards program and meeting your activity goals.
- Participate in Challenges and Games: AARP regularly features new challenges, quizzes, and games on its website, providing easy ways to accumulate points.
- Set Monthly Reminders: Since points expire on a rolling, 12-month basis, set a monthly reminder to check your rewards dashboard and redeem any points that are close to expiring.
- Focus on Instant Gratification: Use your points for daily deals or instant-win games to ensure they are used quickly rather than accumulating a large balance that's hard to track.
Conclusion
To prevent your valuable rewards from being lost, it is essential to remember that AARP Rewards points do expire on a rolling 12-month basis. A simple strategy of regular account checks and timely redemption can help you make the most of your benefits. By utilizing the official AARP Rewards website, you can easily track your point balance and expiration dates. This allows you to plan your redemptions and enjoy the full range of sweepstakes, gift cards, and deals that AARP offers. For those with the AARP-branded credit card, remember that its cash-back rewards have a different, non-expiring policy as long as your account remains in good standing.
What to do with expiring AARP points
If you find points about to expire, here are some options:
- Redeem for gift cards: The rewards catalog offers discounted gift cards for many popular retailers, restaurants, and gas stations.
- Enter sweepstakes: You can use points to enter various sweepstakes with the chance to win prizes like gift cards or trips.
- Donate to charity: AARP allows you to donate points to the AARP Foundation, contributing to a good cause.
- Claim local deals: Use points to unlock deals and coupons from businesses in your local area.
With proper planning and attention to the expiration schedule, you can ensure none of your hard-earned AARP Rewards points go to waste.
