It depends on the programme: some incentive programmes set an expiry date for points and others don't. On Vouchley, points stay redeemable while the programme runs unless the programme's own rules set an expiry, and participants get at least 30 days' notice before any points lapse.
Why programmes set an expiry, or don't
An expiry date nudges people to redeem, and it keeps the programme's outstanding points from building up indefinitely. Common versions are "use within 12 months of earning" and "use it or lose it" at the end of a period.
No expiry is simpler for participants and feels fairer to them, because a point earned is a point kept. The trade-off is a growing balance of points that haven't been redeemed yet.
Whichever you choose, write it into the programme rules and tell participants up front.
How it works on Vouchley
- Your rules decide. Expiry is part of the programme rules your organisation sets.
- Notice first. Participants are told at least 30 days before any points expire, with a chance to redeem.
- If a programme ends, participants can keep redeeming for a set window after it closes. By default that is 12 months, and they are reminded before the window ends.
Points and budget are different things
Points are what participants earn and redeem. Your monthly budget is the target you set for what the programme spends. Budget that isn't used in a month follows your rollover setting: it doesn't carry forward, it's added to next month's target, or it's held against the programme's running total for later.
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