Can You Include Flyer Miles and Credit Card Points in a Divorce Settlement?

Asset division during a divorce includes assessing major items like the family home, bank accounts, cars, and retirement funds. But in today’s digital and rewards-driven world, couples often have other assets that hold real value, such as airline miles, hotel rewards, and credit card points. These may not seem significant at first glance, but when accumulated over years of marriage, they can be worth thousands of dollars.

If you’re going through a divorce in and are wondering if these reward assets will be divided, the answer could be yes. Share the specifics of your situation with a Bucks County family attorney to pave a path forward.

Rewards and Points Are Marital Property

Under Pennsylvania law, marital property includes most assets acquired during the marriage, regardless of whose name is on the account. That means if your frequent flyer miles, credit card rewards, or loyalty points were earned while you were married, they may be subject to equitable distribution.

The key word here is equitable, not equal. Courts in Bucks County and throughout Pennsylvania aim for fairness, which may mean dividing assets in a way that reflects both parties’ financial situations and contributions.

For example, if one spouse frequently traveled for business and earned a large amount of airline miles, the court may consider how those miles were accumulated and determine whether they should be shared. Similarly, points earned on a joint credit card could be treated as a shared marital asset.

Determining the Value of Rewards

Assigning a value to rewards programs can be tricky. Many airlines and credit card companies limit the ability to transfer miles or points between individuals, and their value can vary depending on how they’re redeemed. In some cases, rewards can be converted into gift cards or cash equivalents. In others, they may be used to offset travel costs for one spouse as part of a larger settlement.

A family lawyer can help you assess the potential value of these rewards and determine whether they should be split, exchanged for another asset, or otherwise incorporated into your divorce agreement.

Because rewards points and flyer miles are often tied to personal accounts, cooperation between spouses is necessary. Some couples agree to divide the total value equally, while others may negotiate an exchange. So, one spouse may keep the airline miles while the other retains the equivalent value of another asset.

An experienced Bucks County family attorney can guide you through this process, ensuring that all assets (even those easy to overlook) are accounted for. They can also review the specific terms of your loyalty programs to identify transfer restrictions and determine the best way to include them in your settlement.

Do you want to review the nontraditional assets you and your spouse have accumulated? Every point, mile, or perk you earned during your marriage has value, and it’s important to make sure it’s not forgotten. Partner with the attorneys at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. to ensure all marital property is properly evaluated and fairly divided. Call 215-515-2604 for a confidential consultation.