Brazil's STJ rules loyalty points can be seized for debt

The Third Panel of the Superior Tribunal de Justiça (STJ) in Brazil has unanimously ruled that loyalty program points and miles can be seized to settle debts, provided they hold economic value. This decision applies even in cases where program regulations state that points are non-transferable to third parties. If the points have an expiration date, the countdown will be suspended during the seizure to preserve the balance.

Separately, STJ Minister Nancy Andrighi was honored by her colleagues during a court session for her academic contributions. Her doctoral thesis, which focuses on digital inheritance—specifically the access and transmission of virtual assets and accounts after death—was named a finalist for the Jabuti Academic Prize in the Law category. Andrighi noted that she completed her doctorate at age 73 while maintaining her judicial duties and expressed her intention to complete a post-doctorate by December.