Banking Points: Carrying Points Forward
Banking is the process of moving unused points from your current year's allocation into a future period so they are not lost. It is a useful tool when life prevents travel, but banking rules vary significantly between programmes — missing a banking deadline means losing your points.
How banking works
Before a set deadline in your membership year, you can elect to bank some or all of your unused annual points into the next year or a designated banking pool. Banked points are then available for use in the following year, typically alongside your fresh annual credit.
Banking deadlines
Most programmes require you to initiate a banking request before your current year expires — often 30 to 90 days before your anniversary date. Points not banked by the deadline are forfeited. Check your membership agreement for the specific deadline, and set a calendar reminder well in advance.
How long banked points last
Banked points usually have a limited shelf life. Some programmes allow banked points to be used for up to two years from the original credit date; others give only 12 months. Using banked points may also be subject to restrictions on booking windows or resort access.
Combined balances and booking
When you have both banked points and a fresh annual credit, check how the system applies them to a reservation. Some clubs deduct the oldest points first (which is typically better for you); others may have different rules. Confirm with member services if you are unsure.