🎯 What is Points Lifetime?
In Welcome Back, you can define an expiration period for the points your customers earn. This means that after a certain number of days (e.g., 30, 90, or 365), unused points will automatically expire.
This feature helps you encourage faster engagement, reduce long-term financial liability, and launch limited-time campaigns that drive results.
🔄 How Points Expiration Works (FIFO)
Welcome Back uses a First In, First Out (FIFO) system to handle point expirations fairly. This means:
> Points earned first are used first when customers redeem rewards.
Simple Example
Day | Action | Points Earned | Points Used | Balance |
1 | Customer earns | 100 pts | — | 100 |
15 | Customer earns | 50 pts | — | 150 |
20 | Customer redeems | — | 80 pts | 70 |
31 | Day 1 points expire | — | — | 50 |
What happens on Day 31?
With FIFO, the 80-point redemption on Day 20 consumed points from Day 1 first (the oldest). So:
Day 1: 100 earned → 80 used → 20 remaining → expires
Day 15: 50 earned → untouched → 50 remaining
Final balance after expiration: 50 points ✅
The customer keeps the 50 points from Day 15 because those weren't due to expire
yet.
Key Takeaways
✅ Used points never expire — Once redeemed, those points are gone and won't be "expired again"
✅ Oldest points are used first — Redemptions automatically consume the oldest points
✅ Only truly unused points expire — The system calculates exactly what remains unconsumed
✅ Benefits of Setting Points Lifetime
📈 Boosts redemption activity
When customers know their points will expire, they're more likely to use them on time — driving traffic and increasing sales.
💸 Keeps liabilities under control
Points are a future cost. Letting them expire helps reduce the financial burden of unused rewards on your balance sheet.
📅 Enables time-based campaigns
Great for seasonal promotions or limited-time loyalty offers. You can encourage quick action by tying points to deadlines.
🎯 Reinforces repeat behavior
With limited time to redeem, customers are motivated to come back more often and stay engaged with your brand.
⚠️ Things to Consider Before Activating Expiration
🙈 Customers may get frustrated if not informed
If users don't know their points will expire, they might feel disappointed. Be sure to communicate expiration dates clearly through emails, push notifications, and wallet messages.
🤝 Balance urgency with fairness
If the expiration window is too short, it can backfire. Give customers enough time to earn and redeem points comfortably.
📊 FIFO protects your customers
Remember: the system is fair. Customers who actively use their points won't lose value — only truly unused points expire.
🛠️ How to Set Points Lifetime in Welcome Back
Log in to the Welcome Back Dashboard
Go to the Passes page and select a pass whose details you want to edit
Click Edit
Find the "Points Lifetime" or "Cashback Lifetime" option
Set how many days the points will remain valid from the moment they are issued (e.g., 30, 90, or 365 days)
Save your changes — all points issued under that campaign will automatically follow this rule
💡 Best Practices
Recommendation | Why |
Start with at least 90 days | Gives customers a fair chance to earn and redeem |
Communicate clearly | Let customers know about FIFO — they'll appreciate the fairness |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If I redeem points, do they still expire?
> No. Once you use points, they're consumed and removed from your balance. Only unused points can expire.
Q: Which points expire first?
> The oldest unused points expire first. If you earned points on January 1st and January 15th, and only January 1st points have reached their lifetime, only those will be evaluated for expiration.
Q: What if I used some points from an earning?
> Only the remaining unused portion can expire. For example, if you earned 100 points and used 60, only 40 points can expire from that earning.
Q: Does expiration affect my entire balance at once?
> No. Each earning has its own expiration date based on when it was issued. Points expire individually based on their age.
🟠 With Welcome Back, You're in Control
Setting a points lifetime is a smart strategy to keep your loyalty program lean, engaging, and aligned with your business goals.
The FIFO system ensures fairness — your most engaged customers are protected, while inactive points are cleaned up automatically.
👉 Ready to set it up? Not sure what duration is best for your campaign?
Our team is here to help — just reach out!