Do Capital One rewards expire?
As long as your account remains open and in good standing, Capital One credit card rewards don’t expire. From cash back to travel rewards, they’re yours to use for the life of your account.
Here’s a closer look at what you need to know about earning and redeeming Capital One rewards to ensure you’re getting the most from your card.
What you’ll learn:
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Capital One rewards cards let cardholders earn cash back or miles on every purchase.
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The best rewards card for you is one that best aligns with your lifestyle, spending habits and needs.
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Capital One rewards don’t expire, but you could lose any unused rewards if you close your account.
What are Capital One rewards?
With a Capital One rewards card, you can earn back a percentage of every dollar you spend. Rewards can take the form of cash back or miles. Which one and how much you earn depends on the type of card and how you use it.
Plus, you have lots of options for how you redeem those rewards. Keep in mind that you can’t earn rewards for some transactions, including balance transfers and cash advances.
How do I earn and redeem Capital One rewards?
As long as you have an active and eligible Capital One rewards credit card, you can automatically earn rewards on eligible purchases.
After signing in to your account online or to the Capital One Mobile app, it’s easy to see and redeem your rewards.1 You’ve got several options, which might include:
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Redeeming rewards for cash, statement credits and gift cards2
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Booking trips, exclusive culinary events and experiences through Capital One Travel, Capital One Dining or Capital One Entertainment
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Paying for eligible purchases on Amazon.com or with PayPal by linking your Capital One rewards card to your accounts3, 4
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Transferring to any of Capital One’s transfer partners
Can I lose my Capital One rewards?
Capital One rewards don’t expire for the life of your account. But you could lose unredeemed rewards if you close your account or if your account is no longer active or in good standing—for example, if it’s suspended, restricted, delinquent or in default.
Using your credit card responsibly by doing things like consistently making at least your minimum monthly payment can help ensure your account stays in good standing.
Capital One rewards FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Capital One credit card rewards.
Are Capital One rewards worth it?
Rewards can be a great perk, depending on how you plan to use your card and where you’ll find the most redemption value. There’s no one card that’s a universal fit for everyone, but thinking about where you spend the most can help you decide the best rewards card for you.
How do I get the most value from my Capital One rewards?
There are plenty of ways you can redeem your Capital One rewards, including everything from statement credits and gift cards to flights and hotel stays. Understanding those options can help you get the most out of your rewards.
If you travel often, a travel rewards card from Capital One allows you to earn miles for a future flight or travel purchase. If you love grabbing a bite to eat, catching a concert or streaming your favorite show, a dining and entertainment card could be a good fit. If you want the flexibility of earning rewards for making everyday purchases, a basic cash back card might be the answer.
Can I use my Capital One rewards to pay my bill?
You can use your Capital One rewards to cover all or part of a recent purchase or apply them directly to your account balance as a statement credit. Keep in mind that statement credits typically don’t count as a payment toward your bill—you’ll still have to make your minimum credit card payment in order to avoid penalties and keep your account in good standing.
Key takeaways: Do Capital One rewards expire?
Capital One rewards don’t expire for the life of the account. As long as you have an eligible rewards card and keep your account in good standing, you can earn and redeem rewards for the life of your account. And you have a variety of options to redeem your rewards in the way that makes the most sense for your lifestyle. Use them as you earn them or save them up for something big—the choice is yours.
If you don’t have a Capital One rewards credit card yet, you can compare credit cards to see which one is right for you. And before you apply, consider seeing whether you’re pre-approved. It’s quick and won’t affect your credit scores.