I have a booking that I am not going to be able to use (due to a flight change situation). I will be getting into town but have to proceed onwards to keep my other plans intact, and don't need to check into the property. This is a cash booking.

Being too late (<24 hrs), I forfeit funds anyway upon cancellation. So, if I just don't show & they charge me, will I get stay credit and points, or is that dependent on actually stying?

If I won't get any credit, I may still be in a position to check in (even physically) as the property is on the way to where I am going eventually. Can I check in and out immediately and get credit thence? My point is that I'm paying them anyway (& they'll probably even resell it, I don't know) - so why shouldn't I get what I would have otherwise?