Capital One rewards points do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing
Your Capital One rewards points will not vanish because of time passing. They stay in your account indefinitely — there is no expiration date tied to how long you hold them. The catch is that your account itself has to stay active and current on payments. If you close the card or let the account fall into default, Capital One can remove the points.
This is different from some other rewards programs that force you to use points within a set window. Capital One gives you the flexibility to accumulate points over months or years and redeem them whenever you choose, as long as the account remains open.
Key Takeaways
- Capital One rewards points have no time limit and do not expire as long as your account stays open and in good standing.
- Closing your Capital One card will result in the loss of any unredeemed points you have accumulated.
- Points can be redeemed for cash back, travel, gift cards, or other rewards through the Capital One website or mobile app.
- If your account goes into default or is charged off, Capital One may remove your points along with closing the account.
What happens to your points if you close the card
Once you close a Capital One credit card, any points you have not yet redeemed are forfeited. Capital One does not transfer points to another card or let you keep them after closure. This is true whether you close the card yourself or Capital One closes it due to inactivity or non-payment.
If you are thinking about closing a card, redeem your points first. You can do this through your Capital One online account or the mobile app in just a few minutes. Once the points are converted to a reward (cash back deposited to your account, a gift card issued, or a travel credit applied), they are yours to keep even if the card closes later.
How to check your current points balance
You can see your rewards balance anytime by logging into your Capital One account online or opening the Capital One mobile app. Your points total appears on your account dashboard, usually near the top of the page. The app shows the same information and updates in real time.
If you have not redeemed points in a while, checking your balance is a good reminder of what you have available. You can also see the redemption options available to you — cash back amounts, specific gift cards in stock, or travel bookings — right from the same screen.
Redeeming points before closing your account
Redeeming is straightforward and takes only a few minutes. Log into your Capital One account, navigate to the rewards section, and choose what you want to do with your points. You can convert them to cash back (which Capital One deposits into your checking account or credits to your card balance), purchase a gift card from their catalog, or book travel through their travel portal.
Cash back is the simplest option — you choose the amount, and it lands in your account within a few business days. Gift cards are issued when ready as digital codes or physical cards mailed to you. Travel redemptions work through Capital One's travel booking site, where your points act as a credit toward flights, hotels, or rental cars.
What happens if your account goes into default
If you stop making payments and your account goes into default or is charged off, Capital One will close the account. When this happens, any unredeemed rewards points are typically removed. The points are considered a benefit of maintaining an active account in good standing, so they disappear along with the account closure.
This is another reason to redeem points before your account status changes. If you are facing financial hardship, redeeming what you have now — even for a small cash back amount — is better than losing them entirely if the account later closes.
Points and account inactivity
Capital One does not close accounts or remove points straightforward because you are not using the card. You can hold a Capital One card without making purchases, and your points will remain. However, Capital One may eventually close an account that shows no activity for an extended period (the exact timeframe varies, but is typically one to three years of no charges).
If you want to keep your account and your points, use the card occasionally — even a small purchase every few months is enough to keep the account active. This also helps maintain your credit history, since an open account in good standing is a positive factor on your credit report.
Transferring points between Capital One cards
If you have multiple Capital One credit cards, you cannot transfer points from one card to another. Each card has its own separate rewards account. Points earned on one Capital One card stay on that card and cannot be moved to a different Capital One card you own.
This means if you are closing one Capital One card and opening another, you need to redeem the points on the old card before closing it. You cannot save them by moving them to your new card. Plan your redemption accordingly if you are switching between Capital One products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my points after I close the card?
No. Once the card is closed, any unredeemed points are lost. You must redeem your points while the account is still open. Redeeming takes just a few minutes through your online account or the mobile app, so do this before you close the card.
What if I have not used my card in two years — will my points disappear?
Capital One does not remove points due to inactivity alone. However, the account itself may be closed if there is no activity for an extended period, which would result in losing the points. Using the card occasionally — even for a small purchase — keeps the account active and your points safe.
Do Capital One points expire if I do not redeem them?
No, points do not have an expiration date. They remain in your account as long as the account stays open and in good standing. You can hold them for as long as you want and redeem them whenever you choose.
What is the best way to redeem my points before closing my account?
Cash back is the fastest option — log into your account, select cash back, choose your amount, and it deposits within a few business days. Gift cards are issued when ready as digital codes. Redeem whichever option works best for you, but do it before you close the card.
If my account is charged off, can I still redeem my points?
No. Once an account is charged off or goes into default, Capital One closes it and removes the unredeemed points. Redeem your points while the account is in good standing to avoid losing them.