> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.perkville.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.perkville.com/features/settings/advanced/join-restriction.md).

# Join restriction

This setting can be updated by visiting "Settings" from the Dashboard and then clicking on "Advanced" in the left hand navigation. Please make sure to click "Save" at the bottom of the page for your changes to take effect. 

The "Prohibit users from earning or redeeming before joining" settings allow you to prevent users from earning or redeeming points before officially joining the program and to expire points for inactive users.

{% hint style="info" %}
Users with a pending, imported, or inactive status have not joined the program. See the "[Program Status](/features/customers/program-status.md)" article for more context.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/42pqLZpborbMSkqi8hDV" alt=""><figcaption><p>Check off these settings to prohibit earning and redeeming prior to a program registration along with expiring previously earned points for non-registered users</p></figcaption></figure>

The function of each setting is described below.

{% hint style="info" %}
Turning on these settings help limit point liability while further  incentivizing customer engagement with the program.
{% endhint %}

## Do not let users earn or redeem points before they join the rewards program

With this setting enabled:

* Users must join the rewards program before they can earn or redeem points.
  * Users still receive [activities](/features/earning-rules/activities.md) regardless of if they have joined or not.
* If a new user completes an activity that would normally earn points (e.g., a purchase or check-in), they do not receive points.
  * [Referrals are still completed](/features/referrals/completing-a-referral.md#the-join-restriction-and-referrals), however.
* They will still receive an invitation email encouraging them to join the program. (A maximum of one invitation per week, up to 10 total invitations can be sent.)

## Expire all points of users who have not joined the rewards program

This setting allows you to automatically expire all points for users who have not joined the rewards program by a specific date. When enabling these settings after the program has begun, this gives unregistered users a grace period to join before their points go away.

{% hint style="success" %}
Advertise the change in program rules to drive program registrations and participation.
{% endhint %}


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