For non-elite members, your IHG One Rewards points expire if you have 12 months of inactivity. However, IHG points do not expire for elite members. Per the IHG FAQs, you need to either earn or redeem points during a 12-month period to keep your points from expiring.

To prevent your IHG One Rewards points from expiring, you must have at least one "earning" or "redeeming" activity every 12 months. IHG has one of the stricter policies compared to Marriott or Hyatt, which offer 24 months. The easiest way to keep your points active is to stay at any IHG property (Holiday Inn, InterContinental, Kimpton, etc.) using a qualifying rate or by booking a "Reward Night" using your existing points. You can also keep points active without traveling by using an IHG One Rewards credit card for any purchase, as earning even a single point resets the clock. Other "non-stay" methods include purchasing points through the IHG website, redeeming points for a small digital download or a gift card, or earning points through partners like Hertz car rentals or the IHG Dining program. Most importantly, if you hold Elite Status (Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond), your points do not expire at all as long as you maintain that status. If your account remains inactive for 12 months and you do not have elite status, your points will be forfeited, and while IHG occasionally allows you to "reinstate" them for a fee, it is far better to perform a small transaction once a year.