Applying for a Credit Card in December: A Smart Strategy
- Points By J
- Dec 2, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: 32 minutes ago
Why is December is the smartest month to apply for certain credit cards?
Credit cards that offer benefits and credits are usually based on either the calendar year or the cardmember year (begins on the account open date).
Applying for a credit card in December is a smart move for any card that offers calendar year benefits or credits. That way, you can use the benefits for the current year in December. Then, within a month, the benefits will be refreshed with the start of the new calendar year.
If you already have one of these cards, then use this as your end of year check list to confirm you've maximized your benefits!
If you're considering opening a card with calendar year-based annual benefits, this post outlines all the available credits.
Cards that are available for application in December 2024 that offer annual credit benefits:
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Statement Credits
Up to $200 for airline fees*
Up to a $200 statement credit for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express travel (note: The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay)*
Up to $199 for a Clear Plus membership*
Plus, there are other monthly and bi-annually-available credits, see below.
Annual fee for this card: $695 (see rates and fees)
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Statement credits
Up to $200 for airline fees*
Up to $209 for a Clear Plus membership*
Up to $150 for Dell Technologies*
Up to $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more with Adobe per calendar year*
Plus, there are other monthly and bi-annually-available credits, see below.
Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees)
The Hotel Collection Credit
Up to a $100 credit towards eligible charges** with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com.
Plus, there are other monthly-available credits, see below.
Annual fee: $325 (rates and fees)
$100 annual hotel credit excluding taxes and fees, through thankyou.com, once per calendar year
Annual fee: $95
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card
Up to $100 statement credit for airline incidental fees
Annual fee: $95
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card
Up to $300 statement credit for airline incidental fees
Up to $150 in statement credits for "lifestyle" charges (e.g., ride sharing, streaming services, fitness memberships)
Annual fee: $550
Bi-annual, quarterly, and monthly credit card benefits (based on calendar year)
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Up to $50 in Saks Fifth Avenue statement credits, available twice each year (one $50 credit for purchases between January and June; a second $50 credit available between July and December)*
$15 monthly Uber Cash credit, and a special $35 Uber Cash credit in December - remember this can be used on U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats!*
Monthly statement credit for Walmart+ (which includes Paramount + subscription!)*
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Statement credits
Up to $50 per quarter for Hilton purchases*
Up to $90 per quarter for Indeed purchases*
Up to $10 per month in wireless credits*
Statement credits
Get up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually after you pay with the Amex Gold to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants*
Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the Amex Gold at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.*
$10 monthly Uber Credit: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Point caps and terms apply.
Up to $10 monthly dining credit for Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys
Up to $50 in statement credits each quarter for eligible purchases made directly with Hilton on your Hilton Amex Surpass
Annual fee: $150 (rates and fees)
Up to $60 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with Hilton on your Hilton Amex Business
Annual fee: $195 (rates and fees)
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Up to $25 statement credit per month for dining*
Up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card*
Annual fee: $650 (rates and fees)
Cards with annual calendar benefits that are no longer available to new applicants:
Citi Prestige® Card
Up to $250 in statement credits for travel purchases annually
No longer accepting new applicants
*Each Benefit requires enrollment via their website, terms apply to American Express Benefits and offers. visit americanexpress.com to learn more. **Eligible charges vary by property.
Opinions expressed here are author's 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. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.
