How To Include Airline Miles & Other Loyalty Rewards In Your Estate Planning

Most of us are part of at least one loyalty program—whether it’s earning airline miles, hotel points, or discounts at our favorite store. The more we spend, the more perks we collect: free flights, discounted stays, cash back, or even gift cards.

For example, I use a credit card that earns airline miles with every purchase. Over time, those miles have covered flights, hotel stays, and even rental cars. Combine that with the airline’s own loyalty program, and the perks really help me save money.

These rewards can be worth a lot of money. But what happens when you die? Can someone else use them?

Here’s the catch: most companies don’t consider loyalty rewards to be “property,” so you can’t just leave them in your will or trust. In many cases, they expire when you die—unless the company makes an exception. Fortunately, with a little planning, you can make sure your hard-earned points don’t go to waste.

Which Loyalty Rewards Can Usually Be Transferred?

• Airline miles

• Hotel points

• Credit card rewards

• Retail loyalty programs (like grocery or department store rewards)

• Other memberships (Gas stations, ride-share apps, and even online retailers)

For example:

• American Airlines allows transfer of miles if the estate provides a death certificate and other required paperwork.

• Chase Ultimate Rewards can be redeemed by an authorized user or transferred to a surviving spouse if requested.

• Marriott Bonvoy has been known to transfer points to heirs upon request, though it isn’t guaranteed.

Fortunately, with the right planning, these benefits don’t need to expire or be forfeited. By including their details in your list of other important assets to be dealt with, you can ensure they will not be overlooked as part of your estate distribution.

Planning Ahead: Steps to Take

1. Keep a Master List
   Write down all of your loyalty accounts, including usernames, passwords, account numbers, and approximate balances. Store this list securely, whether in your estate planning binder, a password manager, or with your attorney.

2. Choose Someone to Manage Your Digital Assets
   In your will, trust, or power of attorney, name someone to manage your digital accounts. Without this authority, your heirs may have to hire an attorney to gain access, which can be costly and time-consuming.

3. Check Program Rules
   All providers have their own set of rules and policies, so look at the terms of your most valuable accounts. Note whether they allow transfers after death, and what documentation is required.

4. Leave Clear Instructions
   Be specific about what you’d like done with your rewards. For example, make it clear if you want just one person to receive the airline miles, or you prefer they be converted to gift cards and split among your heirs. Writing it down ensures your wishes are followed.

For Heirs: What To Do If a Loved One Dies

If you’re the executor or next of kin, don’t forget to check loyalty programs. Here’s what to do:

• Gather Documentation: You’ll usually need a death certificate and proof of your role (executor or beneficiary).

• Contact Customer Service: Ask about transfer or redemption options.

• Act Quickly: Some programs set deadlines; miles or points may expire soon after death.

• Be Persistent: Even if the rules say “non-transferable,” exceptions are sometimes made if you ask. .

Why It Matters

While loyalty rewards may not be as valuable as a house or retirement account, they can still provide real benefits. A bank of airline miles might cover a flight for family members to attend a funeral. Credit card points could be redeemed for cash or gift cards to help with expenses.

The bottom line: including loyalty programs in your estate planning ensures nothing goes to waste.

Take a few minutes this week to list your loyalty programs and check their rules. A little planning now could mean rewards for your family later.