Qantas
•4 min read•UpdatedDo Qantas Points Expire? (And How to Stop It)
Short answer: yes — after 18 months of inactivity. Here's exactly what "inactivity" means, and the easiest ways to keep the clock reset.
Qantas Points don't have a fixed expiry date. Instead, they expire when your account goes 18 months without any qualifying earn or redeem activity. That means points can sit in your account for years — as long as something moves in or out of the balance often enough to keep the clock reset.
This guide walks through the rule in plain English, what counts as activity, the cheapest ways to stay active, and what actually happens if points do expire.
The rule, in one sentence
Any earn or redeem activity on your Qantas Frequent Flyer account resets the 18-month inactivity clock.
No activity for 18 straight months → points expire. Any qualifying activity → the clock starts again from that date.
What counts as activity
Activity generally falls into two buckets: earning points or redeeming them. Anything in either bucket typically resets the clock.
Everyday earn
Using a Qantas-linked credit card, shopping through Qantas Mall, or spending with an earning partner. For most people with an active card, this happens automatically each month.
Any redemption
Flights, gift cards, Qantas Store items, wine — any redemption counts. If you haven't earned in a while, a small redemption is a quick way to reset the clock and put points to use.
Partner activity
Points earned through partners like credit cards, insurance, or bill-payment services usually count. Check the specific partner terms — status credits alone aren't the same thing.
Cheapest ways to stay active
If you rarely earn Qantas Points and don't have a linked card, here are the low-friction ways to keep the account alive:
- Make a small redemption. Even a low-value gift card redemption resets the 18-month clock and puts points to use — better than losing the balance entirely. See our Qantas Points to gift cards guide for how that works.
- Shop through the Qantas Mall. One transaction through the Mall (even a small one) generates earn activity on your account.
- Use a Qantas-linked service you already pay for. Utilities, insurance, or bill-payment services that earn Qantas Points can keep activity ticking without any extra spend.
- Set a calendar reminder for 15 months. Before the 18-month deadline, pick an activity and do it. Simple, and it forces a check on your balance.
Common mistakes
- Assuming status credits count. Status credits and Qantas Points are different things. Earning status credits alone doesn't automatically count as points activity for the inactivity rule.
- Hoarding for a "big" redemption that never comes. Sitting on a large balance for years is exactly when expiry becomes a real risk. If you don't have a specific redemption in mind, it's worth thinking about what you'd actually use them for — see our guide to what Qantas Points are worth.
- Ignoring dormant accounts. Old accounts you haven't logged into in years may already be at risk. Check the balance and the last-activity date before doing anything else.
Frequently asked questions
Do Qantas Points expire?
Yes — Qantas Points expire after 18 months of inactivity on your Qantas Frequent Flyer account. 'Inactivity' means you haven't earned or redeemed any points in that window. Any qualifying earn or redeem activity resets the 18-month clock. Always check Qantas's own terms for the current rules.
What counts as activity that resets the clock?
Earning or redeeming any Qantas Points typically resets the 18-month inactivity clock — the exact activity requirements are set by Qantas. That can include earning from partner spend, credit-card points transfers, shopping through the Qantas Mall, or making a redemption. Even small activity is usually enough. Check Qantas's own terms for what currently qualifies.
What happens if my Qantas Points do expire?
Expired Qantas Points are removed from your balance. Qantas may allow reinstatement in some circumstances, sometimes for a fee, but this isn't guaranteed. The safer approach is to avoid expiry in the first place by keeping the account active.
Do family members' points combine to prevent expiry?
Activity on your account keeps your account active. If you're on Qantas Points Family Transfer or similar features, check the specific program terms — activity on one linked account doesn't automatically count as activity on another.
What's the easiest way to keep my Qantas account active?
The easiest activity is small, routine earn — using a linked credit card for everyday spend, shopping through the Qantas Mall, or making a small redemption. If you rarely earn, a low-cost redemption (like a small gift card) resets the clock and puts points to use at the same time.
Put idle points to use before they expire
Mavitra lets Australians convert loyalty points into gift cards for everyday brands — a practical way to keep accounts active and get real value out of points you'd otherwise lose.
Join the waitlist →