The Official Expiration Policy
The expiration of AARP Rewards points is not a one-time annual event but rather a rolling monthly process. This means that your points expire in monthly batches, depending on when they were earned. The key rule to remember is that any unused points expire 12 months after they are earned, specifically on the first day of the following month. For instance, if you earned points on various activities throughout January 2025, those specific points would expire on February 1, 2026. This system requires consistent monitoring to ensure you don’t lose points unknowingly.
A Concrete Example
To illustrate the rolling expiration, consider a scenario where a member earns points in two different months:
- Points earned in March 2025: These points will expire on April 1, 2026.
- Points earned in May 2025: These points will expire on June 1, 2026.
This monthly rolling schedule prevents a large, annual lump-sum expiration and emphasizes the importance of staying engaged with your account throughout the year. It's a system designed to encourage regular participation, not just a yearly check-in.
How to Track Your AARP Rewards
The best way to stay on top of your AARP Rewards expiration dates is to regularly check your online account. AARP provides a dedicated section for this purpose, making it easy for members to see exactly what's expiring soon. The process is straightforward:
- Log in to your AARP Rewards account on the official website or via the AARP Now app.
- Navigate to your account dashboard and find the 'Transaction History' section.
- Click on 'Points Expiration' to view a detailed breakdown of points that have recently expired or are about to expire.
In addition to the online portal, AARP also sends monthly rewards statement emails. These statements often include reminders about upcoming point expirations. It is highly recommended to open and review these emails to ensure you don't miss any critical deadlines.
What Happens to Expired Points?
Once AARP Rewards points have expired, they are gone for good. The program's terms and conditions state that expired points cannot be reinstated. This zero-tolerance policy highlights the importance of proactive management. A member on the AARP Online Community confirmed this, noting that expired points cannot be recovered. Therefore, planning your redemptions and utilizing your points regularly is the only way to prevent their loss.
Strategies to Maximize Your Rewards
Redeem Points Regularly
The most effective strategy is to redeem your points on a consistent basis. Instead of hoarding a large number of points for one major redemption, consider using smaller point amounts throughout the year for lower-cost rewards. This minimizes the risk of a large portion of your points expiring at once.
Use Email Notifications
Make sure your AARP account is set up to receive email notifications. These monthly statements are your primary warning system for expiring points. Don’t ignore them; instead, use them as a prompt to check your account and make any necessary redemptions.
Plan for Higher-Value Rewards
If you are saving up for a high-value item, such as a premium gift card or a special offer, track the expiration dates of the points you are accumulating. By focusing on using the oldest points first, you can save your newest ones for future redemptions without the fear of losing them.
Comparison of Member and Non-Member Benefits
| Feature | AARP Member | Non-Member |
|---|---|---|
| Points Earning Rate | Earn 50% more points on activities | Standard points earning rate |
| Daily Point Cap | Up to 7,500 points per day | Up to 5,000 points per day |
| Exclusive Rewards | Access to members-only rewards and deals | Limited access to rewards catalog |
| Discounts | Exclusive member discounts on products and services | Some discounts available, but less extensive |
Redeeming Your Points Before They Expire
Redeeming your AARP Rewards points is simple and offers a variety of options. The rewards catalog includes everything from sweepstakes entries and charitable donations to gift cards from popular brands. There are, however, some redemption limits to be aware of. For example, there is a monthly limit on the number of gift cards you can purchase and a limit on points-only items.
To redeem your points:
- Log in to your AARP Rewards account.
- Browse the rewards catalog.
- Select the reward you want to redeem.
- Confirm the redemption and follow the instructions provided.
Always check the terms and conditions of each specific reward before redeeming, as some offers have unique rules. The variety of choices ensures that you can find a way to use your points before they expire, even if you are not saving for a single large purchase.
For more detailed information on all of the perks available through the program, you can review the full terms and conditions on the official AARP Rewards page here.
Final Thoughts on AARP Rewards Expiration
To recap, the answer to does AARP rewards expire is a definitive yes, on a rolling, 12-month schedule. Managing your points is an ongoing task that can be easily handled with a little planning. By checking your account's transaction history regularly and paying attention to your monthly statements, you can ensure that you make the most of your accumulated rewards. Don't let your hard work go to waste—stay informed and start redeeming your points today.
