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Maximize Your Travel Credits: Use Them Before They Expire

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If you have a premium travel credit card (or several), knowing how to maximize your annual travel credits is key to offsetting those hefty annual fees. These credits, which often range from $100 to $400, are a great perk—but there’s a catch. They expire! To make things more complicated, the rules for using these credits can vary depending on the card.

Some credits reset based on the calendar year (January 1st), while others follow your membership year (based on your card’s anniversary date). Also, the charges that qualify for reimbursement can differ widely. Think baggage fees, in-flight purchases, or even travel booked through specific providers.

If you haven’t used your credits yet, now’s the time to double-check the terms of your card to make sure you don’t leave money on the table.

Popular Cards and Their Credit Policies

Here’s a rundown of all the major cards, their credit amounts, and how they work:

American Express Platinum (Personal & Business)

Bank of America Premium Rewards

Citi Prestige

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase Ritz-Carlton Rewards

City National Bank Crystal Visa Infinite

HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard

PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Priority

UBS Visa Infinite

U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve

Final Reminder: Use Your Credits Before They Expire

For most cards (except those tied to a membership year, like the Sapphire Reserve), your credits reset on January 1st. If you haven’t used them, now’s the time to act! Double-check your statement to see how much credit is still available and what expenses qualify.

Remember, credits like those on the Citi Prestige card may expire based on your December statement date—not the actual end of the year. Don’t get caught off guard.

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