Estate planning as a Best Western Rewards account holder
Best Western International reviews transfer requests for points individually upon receipt of documentation
OverviewWhen someone dies
(General customer service)
Verified Apr 2026
Best Western Rewards is the loyalty program for Best Western Hotels & Resorts, covering over 4,700 hotels across 18 brands including Best Western, Best Western Plus, Best Western Premier, SureStay, Aiden, and WorldHotels. Best Western has a relatively estate-friendly policy: the terms allow a one-time, full point balance transfer to a designated beneficiary at BWI's discretion upon receipt of required documentation.
When a Best Western Rewards account holder dies, their points may be transferred to a designated person at Best Western International's sole discretion. A transfer is not guaranteed, and satisfactory documentation is required before processing any request.
Members can transfer points to other Best Western Rewards participants while their account is active. Fees generally apply, but this is the most direct way to move points to family members.
What happens at death
Per the Best Western Rewards Terms and Conditions: "In the event of a Member's death, and at BWI's discretion, we will allow a one-time, full point balance to be transferred to the designated beneficiary upon receipt of the required documentation." The transfer is the full balance in a single transaction at BWI's discretion. The recipient must be an active Best Western Rewards member. The TOS also provides for incapacitation: "in the event of a Member's incapacitation, and at BWI's discretion, Best Western will allow a one-time full point balance to be transferred to the designated Member with the required documentation or for the name on an Account to be changed." Elite status may transfer upon death or incapacitation, but VIP Membership Status benefits do not transfer.
How to protect your Best Western Rewards points
Because Best Western International reviews transfer requests on a case-by-case basis, there is no guarantee that points will be transferred after death. Lifetime planning reduces dependence on that outcome.
Best Western Rewards supports member-to-member transfer of points during the account holder's lifetime. Fees may be charged, but the transfer is immediate and does not depend on any post-death process.
Here are 5 steps to protect and manage your Best Western Rewards points while the account is active:
1
Transfer points to family members during your lifetime. Best Western allows transfers in 1,000-point increments (up to 150,000 per calendar year).
2
Redeem points before they expire:
- •Book free nights for yourself or family members
- •Use points for gift cards or merchandise
3
Keep your account active. Points expire after 24 consecutive months of inactivity.
4
Ensure your intended beneficiary has an active Best Western Rewards account, as the estate transfer requires an existing account.
5
Inform your executor about the one-time full balance transfer process and the documentation requirements (legal document with seal of affirmation).
Family sharing
Best Western Rewards allows point transfers between members in 1,000-point increments. The transferring member's account must be at least 30 days old. Transfers over 70,000 points are subject to further review. Maximum of 150,000 points may be transferred per rolling calendar year at BWI's discretion.
When someone dies
Handling Best Western Rewards points after a death
Transfer is handled on a case-by-case basis, 5-step process, and 4 required documents.
View details →Best Western Rewards does not support beneficiary designations. Unlike bank accounts or investment accounts, there is no way to formally name a beneficiary on this type of account.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Points can be transferred between members in 1,000-point increments. The transferring account must be at least 30 days old. Transfers over 70,000 points require additional review. The annual limit is 150,000 points per rolling calendar year.
Yes. Points expire after 24 consecutive months of no qualifying activity (earning or redeeming). Any qualifying activity resets the inactivity clock.
Sources
Data sourced from Best Western International primary sources (5 pages reviewed). How we research.
(General customer service)
Verified Apr 2026