Use Up Remaining Credit Card Credits in 2024's Year-End Statement Before It's Too Late
In the final months of the year, Amex cardholders can optimise their statement credits to get the most value before they expire. Here are some strategies to help you make the most of your credits.
1. **Utilise Your Annual Credits Before They Expire**
Many Amex cards, such as the Platinum Card®, offer valuable annual statement credits that reset on January 1st. For instance, the Amex Platinum provides a $200 airline fee credit for incidental charges with a selected U.S. airline, which must be used each calendar year or it is lost[1]. Review all your available credits (airline fees, Uber, Equinox, Saks Fifth Avenue, streaming services, etc.) and plan purchases accordingly to ensure you don’t leave any unused credits on the table[2][3].
2. **Select the Most Beneficial Airline for Your $200 Airline Credit**
If you have the Amex Platinum airline credit, strategically choose an airline you frequently use or plan to travel with, considering their fee structure and hubs near you. Although the airline selection officially updates only once per year in January, some cardholders report success in changing their chosen airline mid-year by contacting Amex if they haven't used the credit yet[1].
3. **Use Credits on Eligible and High-Value Expenses**
Maximise statement credits by applying them to eligible purchases that otherwise would be out of pocket, such as airline baggage fees, seat upgrades, lounge access fees, Uber rides, and select retail purchases. Avoid redeeming points or credits on low-value redemptions like merchandise; travel-related redemptions and statement credits offer the best value[4].
4. **Leverage Timing Around Year-End**
If you get or have a card open in December, you can use remaining credits from the current year plus the new year’s credits starting January 1, effectively getting up to three years’ worth of credits in the first card membership year (e.g., December 2024 credits + 2025 credits + early 2026 credits)[2]. This makes year-end an ideal time to plan larger purchases or travel that will make full use of your credits.
5. **Activate or Enrol in Credits Where Required**
Some statement credits require enrollment or activation through your Amex online account. Check the benefits section regularly to confirm your credits are active and eligible purchases will be reimbursed[3].
6. **Keep Track of Credit Posting Times**
Statement credits typically appear within 2-4 weeks of the eligible purchase. Monitor your statements to ensure credits post, and contact Amex promptly if credits are missing or disputed[1][3].
In addition to the Platinum Card, other Amex cards offer various statement credits. The AAdvantage Aviator Silver card offers a $50 annual Wi-Fi credit per cardmember year and up to $25 in daily statement credits toward inflight food and beverage purchases. American Express Gold Card offers up to $120 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., up to $100 Resy Credit for U.S. Resy restaurant and other eligible Resy purchases, and up to $120 in dining credit for eligible purchases at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys[5]. The Platinum Card from American Express offers up to $300 Equinox Credit for the Equinox+ digital fitness app or eligible Equinox club memberships[6]. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card offers a $75 annual Southwest statement credit per cardmember year that can be used toward flights[7]. The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card offers $325 each year toward eligible travel purchases, takeout, food delivery, and dining purchases[8].
By carefully planning your spending to align with your Amex card’s statement credits, selecting the best airline for incidentals, and timing purchases near year-end, you can maximise the value of your Amex statement credits before they expire.
[1] [Source](https://thepointsguy.com/guide/american-express-platinum-card-guide/) [2] [Source](https://thepointsguy.com/guide/maximizing-american-express-platinum-card-benefits/) [3] [Source](https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-platinum-card) [4] [Source](https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/american-express-platinum-card) [5] [Source](https://thepointsguy.com/guide/american-express-gold-card-guide/) [6] [Source](https://thepointsguy.com/guide/the-platinum-card-from-american-express-guide/) [7] [Source](https://thepointsguy.com/guide/southwest-rapid-rewards-priority-card-guide/) [8] [Source](https://thepointsguy.com/guide/us-bank-altitude-reserve-visa-infinite-card-guide/)
- To optimize your personal-finance, consider using your Amex Gold Card's credits for up to $120 in Uber Cash, $100 Resy Credit, and up to $120 in dining credit at selected restaurants and food delivery services.
- For entertainment enthusiasts, the AAdvantage Aviator Silver card offers a $50 annual Wi-Fi credit and up to $25 in daily statement credits toward inflight food and beverages.
- Stay updated on news about your cards by regularly checking the benefits section of your Amex online account to ensure all your credits are active and eligible purchases will be reimbursed.
- If you have the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card, don't forget to use the $75 annual Southwest statement credit towards your flights. For finance-savvy individuals, the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card offers $325 each year toward eligible travel, takeout, food delivery, and dining purchases.
