4 Last-Minute Rewards Cards that Let You Double Dip This Year and Next

Holly Johnson

December 19, 2017  •  6 Minute Read

Credit Cards

If you want to maximize your travel rewards for the year and think a new card could help you get there, it’s smart to consider cards that offer travel credits based on the calendar year. Why? By signing up now (as in, right now), you could potentially earn a travel credit for this year and see your credit reset on January 1, 2017.

The downside that comes with pursuing travel credit cards that fall into this category is that most, if not all, come with large annual fees. But, if you’re a steady traveler who can benefit from a large signup bonus and all the benefits, cards that let you “double dip” in this way can really pay off.

If you’re on board with earning double travel credits this year and next, here are a few cards to consider signing up for now:

The Platinum Card® from American Express

If you’re looking for a dynamic travel credit card that offers a slew of helpful benefits, it’s hard to beat The Platinum Card® from American Express. This card comes with an array of perks you can’t really get elsewhere, including:

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.

• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.

• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.

• $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.

• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.

• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.

• $695 annual fee.¤

• Terms Apply.

That final $200 airline fee credit is one area where you can double dip. By signing up for the card and using the credit before year’s end, you can use it once now and see your credit reset right after the new year.

Keep in mind, however, that the airline credit is only good with one airline you select ahead of time. Fortunately, it’s easy to select your preferred airline online once you get approved for an account. Also, this card does come with a $695 annual fee that is hard to justify unless you travel often and plan to use the card perks frequently.

Citi Prestige® (EXPIRED OFFER)

The Citi Prestige® (EXPIRED OFFER) offers a ton of important travel benefits that have made it a popular option among travel rewards enthusiasts. For starters, this card offers a 4th night free benefit that makes your fourth night free on select hotel bookings. Other benefits include:

• Priority Pass Select membership

• $100 Global Entry or TSA precheck credit

• 3X points on air travel and hotels, 2x points on travel and dining, and 1x points on all other purchases

• A signup bonus occasionally

• Redeem points for travel through the Citi portal or transfer to Citi ThankYou transfer partners

• $250 air travel credit

The $250 air travel credit is one benefit you can double up on. You can sign up for the card, use it now, then watch it reset right after the new year. The best part is, this credit is easier to use than the Amex Platinum credit since it can be applied to any flight-related expenses charged to your card including airline tickets, baggage fees, upgrades and more. And you don’t have to pick a specific airline ahead of time.

The Citi Prestige® (EXPIRED OFFER) comes with a $450 annual fee.

*This content is not provided by the issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of the CreditSoup alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the issuer

Ritz Carlton Credit Card

While the Ritz Carlton Credit Card from Chase is a hotel credit card, it offers some pretty spectacular benefits for frequent travelers. Those benefits include:

• Two complimentary nights at Category 1-4 Ritz Carlton properties after you use your card for $4,000 in purchases within three months of account opening

• $100 hotel credit at Ritz Carlton properties

• Club level upgrades on paid Ritz Carlton stays of up to 7 nights

• 5x points on Ritz Carlton stays, 2x points on travel and dining, 1x points on all other purchases

• Global entry credit

• Redeem points for stays at Ritz Carlton and Marriott properties

• Gold status with Ritz Carlton and Marriott

• Annual $300 travel credit

The $300 annual travel credit this card offers is easy to use and rather versatile. You can use the credit for qualifying airline purchases such as seat upgrades, checked baggage, or airport lounge membership. All you have to do is call the number on the back of your credit card to get the credit applied. And since it resets at the beginning of the year, you can earn it both this year and next.

The Ritz Carlton credit card does have a $450 annual fee that is not waived the first year.

UBS Visa Infinite Card

The UBS Visa Infinite Card isn’t quite as popular as others on the list, but it still offers some meaningful rewards. Benefits include:

• Priority Pass Select membership

• 12 complimentary Gogo in-flight Wi-Fi passes per year

• $100 Global Entry or TSA Precheck credit

• 3x points on air travel, 2x points for gas and groceries, and 1x points on all other purchases

• Redeem points for travel, gift cards, merchandise, or to cover your annual fee

• $250 credit for qualifying airline expenses

Because the $250 airline credit is based on the calendar year, you can use it this year and again next year. Fortunately, this is one credit that’s fairly easy to use. You can use it for upgrades, in-flight meals, lounges, or airline-related fees.

This card does charge a $495 annual fee. Fortunately, it typically offers a signup bonus worth at least that much.

Final Thoughts

The end of the year is on its way, but you can still double up on your rewards. With last-minute holiday shopping to do, now may be an ideal time to score a big signup bonus anyway.

Before you sign up for any of the cards on this list, however, it makes sense to compare offers and find the best travel or rewards card for your needs. Make sure to conduct due diligence, and you’re bound to wind up with a valuable rewards credit card you’ll be able to leverage all year long.