When most people write a will, they think of houses, savings, and jewellery. Yet many of us hold hidden value in the form of loyalty points, airline miles, supermarket rewards, hotel credits, and credit‑card cashback. These assets can be worth hundreds—sometimes thousands—of pounds, but they rarely make it into a will. The result? Families leave value unclaimed, or points expire quietly while probate grinds on.
This comprehensive guide explains exactly how UK estates should deal with loyalty schemes when someone dies. You’ll learn:
- 1. Loyalty Points: Are They ‘Property’ You Can Leave in a Will?
- 2. Why Executors Shouldn’t Ignore Loyalty Accounts
- 3. Step‑by‑Step: How Executors Claim or Transfer Points
- 4. Including Loyalty Points in Your Will
- 5. Real‑World Story: £1,200 in Unclaimed Rewards Saved
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions
- 7. Action Checklist for Readers
- 8. Protect Every Part of Your Legacy
Need bespoke advice? Our Will‑Writing team can help incorporate loyalty assets into a robust estate plan.
1. Loyalty Points: Are They ‘Property’ You Can Leave in a Will?
Under English law, intangible personal property can be gifted by will—but loyalty schemes are governed by private contracts. Most terms and conditions say points are non‑transferable. Yet many schemes offer compassionate or discretionary transfers on death.
In practice, executors can usually
- claim remaining value,
- transfer to a spouse or heir, or
- donate to charity
– if they act quickly and provide the right paperwork.
The key is documentation and deadlines. Below is a quick‑reference table for popular programmes (accurate at publication; always confirm current policies).
Major UK Loyalty Schemes & Their Death Policies
| Scheme | Transfer on Death? | Required Documents | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avios / British Airways Executive Club | ✅ Yes | Death certificate + executor letter | 12 months |
| Nectar | ✅ Yes | Death certificate + points transfer form | 24 months |
| Tesco Clubcard | ❌ No direct transfer* (vouchers may be used) | Clubcard, death cert | 6 months |
| Hilton Honors | ✅ Yes | Executor request + ID | No set limit |
| Marriott Bonvoy | ✅ Yes | Death cert + executor proof | 12 months |
| American Express Membership Rewards | Case‑by‑case | Executor call + paperwork | As set by Amex |
*Clubcard points technically lapse, but Tesco may reissue vouchers or allow spending within grace periods.
2. Why Executors Shouldn’t Ignore Loyalty Accounts
- Hidden cash value — 100,000 Avios can be worth £500+ in flights or upgrades.
- Sentimental value — Hotel free‑night certificates could fund a memorial trip.
- Account security — Fraudsters target dormant reward accounts.
Executors have a duty to maximise estate value. Missing loyalty points could breach that duty. For probate help, visit our Probate Services page.
3. Step‑by‑Step: How Executors Claim or Transfer Points
- Locate Statements & Logins Check emails, mobile apps, and password managers. A digital asset inventory in the will makes this easier.
- Review Terms & Conditions Each programme differs. Some allow spouse transfers; others convert points to vouchers.
- Contact Customer Support Ask for their “bereavement team” or “estate support” unit. Supply death certificate, executor ID, and any requested forms.
- Choose an Outcome
- Transfer to a beneficiary’s account
- Redeem for gift cards or flights (then split value)
- Donate leftover points to a charity
- Document Everything Keep copies of emails, chats, and forms for probate records.
Tip: Set calendar reminders as some points expire within months of notification.
4. Including Loyalty Points in Your Will
4.1 Specific Gift Clause
“I give any Avios points held in my British Airways Executive Club account (number 123456) to my spouse, Jane Doe, and request my executors to facilitate transfer or redemption on her behalf.”
4.2 Residuary Gift
If you don’t mind who gets them, let the points form part of the residuary estate. The executor decides how best to redeem them.
4.3 Letter of Wishes
Use a Letter of Wishes to detail schemes, logins, and suggested uses (e.g., “Take the grandchildren to Disneyland using my Avios”). See our Letter of Wishes Guide.
5. Real‑World Story: £1,200 in Unclaimed Rewards Saved
Case Study (names changed) Margaret passed away with no obvious luxury assets—but her executor son discovered:
- 52,000 Avios
- £80 in Nectar points
- Four free Hilton nights
Total redemption value: £1,200. The executor completed simple forms and transferred benefits to her daughter, who used the Hilton nights for a memorial holiday.
Had the family waited beyond expiry deadlines, those benefits would have vanished.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Are loyalty points part of the estate’s taxable value?
Points typically hold no direct cash value for tax purposes, but executors should still record any redemption.
Can I leave my airline status to someone?
Most airlines don’t let you transfer status tiers. Only points or miles may move, subject to scheme rules.
What if I can’t find login details?
Contact the scheme’s estate team with proof of death and ID. Many can locate the account via name, address, or membership number on statements.
Do points expire while probate is pending?
Yes, unless claimed or extensions requested. Executors should act quickly or request a bereavement hold on the account.
Can I donate points to charity instead?
Some programmes allow donation of miles or points to partner charities—often a fitting tribute.
7. Action Checklist for Readers
- Create a list of all loyalty and reward accounts.
- Add login info to a secure password manager.
- Include a specific gift clause or Letter of Wishes in your will.
- Review expiry rules annually.
- Book a free will review with Town & Country Law.
8. Protect Every Part of Your Legacy
Your estate is more than bricks, mortar and bank accounts; it’s also the hidden value tucked away in loyalty schemes. Make sure those rewards benefit the people you love—not the companies that issue them.
Ready to safeguard every asset? 📞 Contact Town & Country Law for a free consultation, or explore our in‑depth Will‑Writing Services to update your estate plan today.