> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.dollarlabs.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.dollarlabs.io/dollarback-store-credit/spending-store-credit-and-rewards/credit-expiry-and-reminders.md).

# Credit expiry & reminders

{% embed url="<https://dollarlabs.neetorecord.com/watch/1c962b8a62331096dca3>" %}

Expiring credit gives customers a reason to come back, but only if they know the deadline. This page covers where expiry windows are set, how to schedule reminder emails before credit lapses, and what customers see along the way.

## Where expiry windows are set

Expiry is attached to credit when it's issued, so you set it wherever credit is created:

| Credit source         | Where the expiry lives                                                                                  |
| --------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Cashback programs     | Each cashback configuration has its own expires-after value in days; `0` means the credit never expires |
| Bulk CSV imports      | The import's expiry-days option, applied to every credited row (credits only; debits have no expiry)    |
| Shopify Flow deposits | The deposit action's expiry setting                                                                     |

Because expiry is stamped per credit entry, changing a config's window later only affects credit issued from then on; existing balances keep the expiry they were issued with. A 90-day window is a common starting point: long enough to feel fair, short enough to drive a return visit.

## Set reminder thresholds

Reminders are configured once, in **DollarBack admin → Notifications**, under **Expiry Notification Schedule**:

1. Add the intervals at which you want customers warned, each measured in days before expiry. You can schedule up to 5 notifications; the defaults are 7, 3, and 1 days.
2. A two-touch schedule like 14 days and 3 days works well: an early heads-up with time to shop, and a last call that creates urgency.
3. Save.

Each threshold sends the reminder email to every customer whose credit reaches that many days from expiring.

## The expiry reminder email

The **Store Credit Expiry Reminder** template is sent when store credit is about to expire. Its default subject is:

> {firstName}, Your Store Credit is About to Expire

The template supports the `{expiresAt}` and `{remainingDays}` variables alongside the universal ones (`{firstName}`, `{formattedAmount}`, and so on), so the email can say exactly how much credit expires and when. You can restyle it, change the subject, or disable it entirely; see [Customize email templates](/dollarback-store-credit/notifications/customize-email-templates.md).

## Trigger your own automations

When a reminder threshold is reached, DollarBack also emits a **Store Credit Expiring** event to your connected integrations. It's available as a Shopify Flow trigger and syncs to Klaviyo and Omnisend, carrying `amount`, `formattedAmount`, `expiresAt`, `remainingDays`, and `transactionId`. Use it to run your own win-back flow, send an SMS, or tag the customer. A **Store Credit Expired** event syncs to Klaviyo and Omnisend when credit actually lapses. See [Shopify Flow: triggers & actions](/dollarback-store-credit/integrations/shopify-flow-triggers-and-actions.md).

## What customers see

* The floating widget and account balance history show the credit with its expiry note.
* The thank-you page mentions the expiry alongside the credit just earned.
* The reminder emails arrive at each threshold you configured.
* When credit expires, it disappears from the spendable balance; there's no grace period.

## Verify it works

1. Credit a test customer with a short window, for example a bulk import row with 5-day expiry.
2. Sign in as that customer and confirm the widget shows the credit with its expiry note.
3. Set a reminder threshold inside the window (say, 3 days) and confirm the reminder email arrives on schedule.

## Common issues

* Reminder emails aren't arriving: confirm the template is enabled and see [Emails aren't arriving](/dollarback-store-credit/troubleshooting-and-faq/emails-arent-arriving.md).
* Credit never expires: the issuing config's expiry is probably `0` (never); expiry only applies to credit issued after you set a window.
* A customer says credit vanished: check the credit log for an expiry entry; see [Credit logs & scheduled rewards](/dollarback-store-credit/analytics-data-and-account/credit-logs-and-scheduled-rewards.md).

## Related articles

* [When credit is issued](/dollarback-store-credit/earning-cashback-programs/when-credit-is-issued.md)
* [Customize email templates](/dollarback-store-credit/notifications/customize-email-templates.md)
* [Shopify Flow: triggers & actions](/dollarback-store-credit/integrations/shopify-flow-triggers-and-actions.md)
* [Bulk import credit (CSV)](/dollarback-store-credit/analytics-data-and-account/bulk-import-credit-csv.md)