Transfer airline miles and credit cards to a beneficiary

You may want to transfer credit card and airline points to a beneficiary/beneficiaries to continue using the miles. Policies governing point transfers vary among different card companies. You may want to reach out directly to your bank and airline for further information.

Here are the policies and processes for the credit cards:

• Chase Ultimate Rewards

  • Official terms and conditions say that the points are forfeited with death. However, in practice, the points will be automatically redeemed for cash as an account statement credit.

  • Call Chase Rewards for more information: 1-800-432-3117

• American Express Rewards

  • The authorized executor may redeem points for a one-time redemption as a gift card or through the Membership Rewards transfer partner program.

  • Contact customer service for further assistance: 1-800-297-3276

• Citi ThankYou Rewards

  • Points can be redeemed for cash rewards if a written request and documents certifying the death and affirming the identity of the executor are submitted within one year of death.

  • Contact ThankYou Service Center at 1-800-THANKYOU (1-800-842-6596).

• Barclays

  • Their official policy states that points are not transferable, but you should contact the bank to see if they can make exceptions.

  • Call 1-877-523-0478

• Bank of America

  • An authorized representative of the estate may request redemption, which must take place within 57 days of account closing. Redemption will be in the name of the deceased primary cardholder.

  • Contact 1-888-689-4466 for further assistance.

Here are the policies and processes for the largest airlines:

Alaska Airlines

• Through the “Memorial Miles” program, you can transfer miles from the decedent to a beneficiary fee-free with a copy of a death certificate.

• Call: 1-800-654-5669

American Airlines

• Call AAdvantage and they will send an email requesting you to submit a copy of the death certificate and an affidavit, including the decedent’s and the beneficiary’s account numbers, without a fee.

• 1-800-433-7300

Delta

• Miles will be forfeited in case of death.

• If you can get into the SkyMiles account, you can transfer the miles.

• Otherwise, they will only transfer miles with a court order.

• 1-800-221-1212

JetBlue

• Points are not transferable upon death.

• If you get into the account, you can transfer the miles.

• You can enroll in a family pooling feature before death.

• 1-800-538-2583

Southwest

• Send a copy of the death certificate, and Rapid Rewards from the deceased’s account can be transferred to a beneficiary free of charge.

• 1 (800) 435-9792

United

• Upon death, United may transfer miles to a beneficiary free of charge with the receipt of necessary documents and potential fees. Contact United for further information.

• 1-800-421-4655