---
title: "What is Points pooling? | Benefit Systems"
description: "Points pooling is the combining of balances from several accounts so that an award can be paid for which no single account holds enough."
source: "aus dem gebauten HTML abgeleitet"
---
# What is Points pooling?

Points pooling is the combining of balances from several accounts so that an award can be paid for which no single account holds enough.

Also called: Family pooling, Sharing points.

## How it works #

Programmes handle this very differently: some run a shared household account, some allow transfers only for a fee, and some forbid both. Where a transfer costs money, that price belongs in the maths, it can exceed the value of the points being moved. Where pooling is free, it also stops small leftover balances from expiring unused.

## Not to be confused with #

Points pooling is not the same as booking for someone else: nearly every programme lets a member issue an award ticket for another traveller without any points changing accounts.

## In German #

The German term is Punktepooling. [German version of this term](/de/glossar/punktepooling)

## Related terms #

- [Mileage expiry](/en/glossary/mileage-expiry): Mileage expiry is the loss of a balance when an account shows no activity for a defined period, or when a fixed deadline runs out.
- [Mile](/en/glossary/mile): A mile is the currency unit of a frequent flyer programme: a credit in an airline account that can be exchanged for flights and other awards.
- [Buying points](/en/glossary/buying-points): Buying points is the direct purchase of miles or points from the programme for cash, usually at a rate above what those points are worth on redemption.

## Articles that use this term #

- [Can you move points to another person?](/en/knowledge/sharing-points)
- [Do miles expire, and how do you stop it?](/en/knowledge/miles-expiry)
- [Can you pool points with your partner or family?](/en/knowledge/pooling-points)