For SPG, you can extend the expiration by dining at one of their hotels as long as you spend more than $10. At the end of the meal, give them your SPG number and ask if they can give you the points.

Make sure you keep the receipt, and follow up with SPG customer service if the points don't post. Based on the SPG forums it's about 50/50 if the points will post automatically, but if you email them with a copy of the receipt customer service will take care of it.