Typically, there are two types of annual perks credit cards offer: those that are based on the calendar year and those that start and end according to the date you opened your account. Many cards have annual benefits such as airline credits and elite status that expire at the end of December. Now is a good time to check your account and take advantage of these benefits if you haven’t done so yet.
Citi Credit Cards
1) Citi Prestige Card
Card members can receive $250 in statement credits each year towards any airline charges including ticket purchases (unlike Chase and American Express which exclude them).
2) American Airlines Platinum MasterCard
Account holders receive 10% American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles back each calendar year. The number of bonus miles earned is based on 10% of the total AAdvantage miles you redeem during the year. Bonus miles are capped at 10,000 per year regardless of how many miles you actually redeem.
Members will be upgraded to HHonors Gold Status after spending $20,000 or more on eligible purchases within a calendar year.
Account holders can also earn an annual loyalty bonus of 10,000 Hilton HHonors Bonus points at the end of each calendar year. To qualify, you must spend $1,000 or more on stays within the Hilton brand portfolio.
Chase Credit Cards
This is actually a quarterly benefit but it’s definitely worth taking advantage of. Cardholders can earn 5X points per dollar spent on up to $1,500 in combined purchases at any of the categories currently offered until the end of 2015. These include Amazon.com, Zappos.com and Diapers.com.
2) Southwest Airlines Rewards Visa
Members can earn 1,500 Tier-Qualifying Points (TQPs) for every $10,000 in purchases made on the card. Qualifying points are capped at 15,000 per calendar year. These points are used solely towards Elite Status qualification.
3) United MileagePlus Explorer Card
Account holders have the opportunity to earn 10,000 bonus miles every calendar year. To qualify, you must make at least $25,000 in net eligible purchases on the card.
Card members who have at least $30,000 in eligible purchases on the card each calendar year will earn a Travel Together Ticket which is good for two years. You can redeem your Avios for one reward seat for yourself and use the Travel Together Ticket for a companion to accompany you in the same cabin. You are responsible for any additional taxes, fees, and carrier charges.
Cardholders receive a $300 Annual Travel Credit which can be used for seat upgrades, Global Entry Fees, baggage fees, and more. To qualify for this benefit, you must contact JPMorgan Priority Services within four billing cycles of the purchase date.
Members enjoy up to three complimentary upgrades to the Ritz-Carlton Club Level at participating hotels per account year (subject to availability).
Card members can maintain Gold Elite Status by making at least $10,000 in purchases on the card each account year.