As the year winds down and the holiday season ramps up, there's a unique opportunity for consumers to capitalize on premium credit card offers. From generous sign-up bonuses to lucrative rewards on holiday spending, the final months of the year are often considered the best time to apply for a premium credit card. Whether you’re eyeing a card that offers travel perks, cashback, or luxury benefits, now is the time to consider taking the plunge.
But the real reason why now is the best time to apply has to do with annual credits that reset with the calendar year. These credits offer consumers a chance to maximize benefits before they expire, making year-end applications especially rewarding.
Here’s why now is the ideal moment to sign up for that premium credit card you've been eyeing.
Annual Credits Reset with the New Year
One of the most valuable aspects of many premium credit cards is the annual credits they offer. These credits can cover everything from travel-related expenses (like Global Entry fees or airline incidentals) to streaming subscriptions or even dining.
Maximize Your Annual Credits: Many premium cards provide statement credits for specific categories that reset on January 1st. If you sign up now, you can immediately use these credits, getting a head start on the next year’s benefits. See below for some of our favorite cards that offer credits that reset with the calendar year. Note: The credits listed below are not exhaustive; they only include those that renew on January 1st. These cards also offer additional credits and benefits not mentioned here. For more details, please refer to our full write-up on the cards.
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Annual Fee: $695. See rates & fees.
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Intro Bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months.
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Annual Credits:
- Up to $200 Hotel Credit
- Up to $50 Saks Fifth Avenue semi-annual credit
- Up to $15 monthly Uber Cash, plus a bonus $20 in December when an Amex card is selected as the payment method
- Up to $200 Airline Fee Credit
- Up to $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit
- Up to $120 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Read our full write up here
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Annual Fee: $695. See rates & fees.
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Intro Bonus: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months.
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Annual Credits:
- Up to $200 semi-annual Dell Technologies credit
- Up to $90 quarterly Indeed credit
- Up to $150 Adobe credit
- Up to $120 wireless credit
- Up to $200 Airline Fee Credit
- Up to $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit
- Read our full write up here
- Annual Fee: $650. See Rates and Fees.
- Intro Bonus: Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after spending $5,000 in the first 6 months.
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Annual Credits:
- Up to $200 Delta Stays Credit
- Up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Read our full write up here
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Annual Fee: $650. See Rates & Fees.
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Intro Offer: Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after spending $10,000 in the first 6 months.
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Annual Credits:
- Up to $250 Delta Stays Credit
- Up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Read our full write up here
- Annual Fee: $550
- Intro Bonus: 60,000 points, translating to $900 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠, after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.
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Annual Credits:
- Up to $300 Annual Travel Credit
- Up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Read our full write up here
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Annual Fee: $395
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Intro Bonus: 75,000 bonus miles after $4,000 spent within the first 3 months
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Annual Credits:
- Up to $300 Annual Travel Credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
- Up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Read our full write up here
- Annual Fee: $350. See Rates & Fees.
- Intro Bonus: Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months.
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Annual Credits:
- Up to $150 Delta Stays Credit
- Up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Read our full write up here
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Annual Fee: $350. See Rates & Fees.
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Intro Offer: Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
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Annual Credits:
- Up to $200 Delta Stays Credit
- Up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Read our full write up here
- Annual Fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $150. See Rates & Fees
- Intro Bonus: Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months.
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Annual Credits:
- Up to $100 Delta Stays Credit
- Up to $200 Delta Flight Credit after $10,000 spent in calendar year
- Read our full write up here
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Annual Fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $150. See Rates & Fees.
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Intro Offer: Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first 6 months.
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Annual Credits:
- Up to $150 Delta Stays Credit
- Up to $200 Delta Flight Credit after $10,000 spent in calendar year
- Read our write up here
Use It or Lose It: If you have a premium card that offers these annual credits, applying before the end of the year ensures you don't lose out on the chance to use them before they reset. If you wait too long, you could miss out on redeeming credits for the current year, potentially leaving money on the table.
Final Thoughts
With an array of enhanced sign-up bonuses, holiday-specific promotions, and valuable perks like travel rewards, purchase protections, and extended warranties, the end of the year is undoubtedly the best time to sign up for a premium credit card. But perhaps the most important reason is that many cards offer annual credits that reset with the new year, making now the ideal time to get the full benefit of these valuable perks.
If you or your business typically incur significant expenses at the end or beginning of the year—such as for travel, holiday parties or gifts, inventory purchases, or other costs—this is an excellent opportunity to meet spending requirements and earn valuable bonuses offered by these cards.
Another important point to note is that all the American Express personal cards listed above allow you to apply without impacting your credit score until you accept the card.
Just be sure to choose a card that aligns with your spending habits and financial goals, and remember that premium cards are often most beneficial for those who can make use of their perks regularly.
So why wait? The best time to upgrade your wallet is now!
Disclaimer: 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.
Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
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