What happens to Best Western Rewards points when the owner dies
Best Western International has a formal process for transferring points after an account holder dies
Best Western Rewards Customer Service
Best Western Rewards Customer Service (deceased-member transfer)
At BWI's discretion; no specific processing timeline published
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 request a transfer
Follow these steps to initiate a transfer of Best Western Rewards points after the account holder's death:
- •First and last page of the legal document (will, trust, or letters testamentary) showing the designated beneficiary or executor
- •The legal document must include a legal seal of affirmation
Required Documents
- First and last page of the legal document (will, trust, or letters testamentary)
- Legal document must include a legal seal of affirmation
- Deceased member's Best Western Rewards account number
- Beneficiary's active Best Western Rewards account number
Timeline
At BWI's discretion; no specific processing timeline published
Frequently asked questions
At BWI's discretion, the full point balance can be transferred in a one-time transaction to a designated beneficiary who has an active Best Western Rewards account. Required documentation includes the first and last page of a legal document (will, trust, or letters testamentary) showing that person as executor or beneficiary, with a legal seal of affirmation. The transfer is discretionary, so Best Western decides whether to make it.
With limitations. The terms provide for a one-time full balance transfer to a designated beneficiary at BWI's discretion, so the transfer is explicitly contemplated by the program but is not guaranteed. The points are credited to the beneficiary's own active Best Western Rewards account rather than paid to the estate. Elite status may also transfer, but VIP Membership Status benefits do not.
Elite status may transfer upon death or incapacitation per program rules. However, VIP Membership Status benefits do not transfer to the recipient of the points, for any type of transfer. This is an unusual provision among hotel loyalty programs.
Per the Best Western Rewards Terms and Conditions, the executor submits the first and last page of a legal document (will, trust, or letters testamentary) showing the surviving or designated Best Western Rewards member as the executor or beneficiary of the estate, and that document must include a legal seal of affirmation. The recipient must have an active Best Western Rewards account to receive the points. Start by calling Best Western Rewards Customer Service at 1-800-237-8483, which directs where to send the request and documents.
The recipient can use transferred points under the program's normal terms. Keeping the deceased account holder's account number and contact details on file simplifies this process for the executor or surviving family.
Sources
Data sourced from Best Western International primary sources (5 pages reviewed). How we research.
Best Western Rewards Customer Service
Best Western Rewards Customer Service (deceased-member transfer)
At BWI's discretion; no specific processing timeline published
