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Your Essential 2024 Year-End Credit Card Checklist: Don't Let These Benefits Expire
With December drawing to a close, now is the critical time to review your credit card benefits before they reset in January. According to recent data, the average cardholder leaves $300 worth of credit card credits and benefits unused every year. Let's ensure you don't leave any money on the table with this comprehensive guide to maximizing your card benefits.
Automated Solution: Never Miss a Perk Again
Before diving into specific deadlines, there's good news for cardholders struggling to track their benefits. Kudos recently launched an upgraded version of our Hidden Perks feature that automatically:
- Analyzes your credit cards to identify available benefits
- Tracks credit and benefit usage over time
- Provides real-time notifications for usable perks
- Alerts you before benefits expire
This free tool can help ensure you never miss important deadlines like the ones below!
Key Year-End Deadlines to Remember
American Express Platinum Benefits
These more than offset the $695 annual fee of the Platinum Card® from American Express but you have to use them or you’ll lose them!
- Up to $200 annual airline incidental credit (must be used by December 31, 2024)
- Up to $200 hotel credit for prepaid Fine Hotels & Resorts bookings when you pay with your Platinum Card from American Exp
- Up to $35 Uber credit for December (increased from regular $15)
- Up to $50 Saks Fifth Avenue credit (July-December period, resets for January-June 2025))
- Up to $300 Equinox Credit & SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit
- Up to $199 CLEAR® Plus credit
- Up to $240 in annual digital entertainment credits
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Chase Card Benefits
- The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card cardholders: $300 airline incidental credit expires December 31, 2024
- The Southwest Companion Pass qualification period ends on December 31, 2024
- The World of Hyatt Credit Card spending thresholds for additional free nights and elite status
- Quarterly category bonuses finish on December 31, 2024
- New bonuses for Q1 2025 are here for Chase Freedom, Discover it, and Citi Dividend cards - make sure to activate!
Other Important Issuer Deadlines
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card: $100 airline incidental credit
- Citi Prestige: $250 travel credit resets January 1, 2025
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: $300 travel credit (check your card anniversary) (see rates & fees)
- CNB Crystal Visa Infinite Credit Card: $350 airline incidental credit expires December 31, 2024
Strategic Actions to Take Now
- Set Up Benefit Tracking
- Connect your cards to an automated tracking solution like Hidden Perks
- Review current benefit usage across all cards
- Enable notifications for upcoming deadlines
- Use Kudos to remind you of expiring benefits
- Review Your Statement Credits
- Check all cards for unused airline credits
- Book qualifying hotel stays to use remaining credits
- Stack credits with current issuer offers for maximum value
- Remember that charges must typically be posted before December 31
- Maximize Spending Thresholds
- Track progress toward elite status qualification
- Calculate the remaining spend needed for bonus rewards
- Plan large purchases strategically between December/January
- Consider year-end business expenses to meet thresholds
- Plan Your 2025 Strategy
- Evaluate current card portfolio value
- Consider new card applications for “triple-dip” opportunities
- Review upcoming travel needs and matching benefits
- Plan qualification strategy for elite status and companion passes
Expert Tips for Specific Cards
American Express Strategy
Don't forget these key end-of-year actions:
- Designate your airline for incidental credits before making purchases
- Use increased December Uber credit ($35) for rides or food delivery
- Stack Saks Fifth Avenue credit with current Amex Offers
- Book prepaid hotel stays through the Amex Travel Portal
Chase Ultimate Rewards Maximization
- Complete Q4 category spending now - we’ll remind you inside Kudos
- Plan Southwest Companion Pass qualification for early 2025
- Review IHG and Hyatt spending thresholds
- Check progress toward Chase Sapphire Reserve travel credit
Bottom Line
While keeping track of multiple credit card benefits can be overwhelming, tools like Hidden Perks can help automate the process. Combined with strategic planning, you can ensure no benefits go to waste while positioning yourself for success in 2025. Remember these key takeaways:
- Most credits require charges to be posted by December 31
- Allow 3-5 business days for charges to clear
- Consider both current benefits and 2025 strategy
- Use automated tracking to stay on top of deadlines
- Stack credits with current issuer offers when possible
Don't wait until the last minute - start reviewing your benefits now and create an action plan to use the remaining credits. With proper tracking and planning, you can maximize the value of every card in your wallet.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
