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The year is almost over, and while your holiday celebrations might be in full swing, there are still a few things to keep in mind in the points and miles world before the ball drops on New Year's Eve.
In the current points and miles era, there are monthly, quarterly, and yearly credits to make sure you use before they expire, and of course, there's hotel elite status to earn (yes, you achieve it even at the last minute), but this post will focus on some other important aspects of award travel.
Let's dig into everything you might've forgotten in 2025 — before it's too late!
Page Contents
Transfer Hotel Points Between Accounts or Pool Points With Friends and Family
Some hotel programs allow you to transfer points between family and friends' accounts. And most have an annual cap on the number of points you can transfer. Here's an overview of the programs you might want to transfer into (or out of) before the end of the year.
Transfer IHG points between family and friends
IHG One Rewards unveiled the ability to transfer IHG points between accounts in late 2023. You'll need Diamond Elite status with IHG or be an IHG Business Rewards program member with qualifying activity to make a transfer without paying a fee. After a recent change, qualifying members can now only transfer 100,000 points per year at no cost.
Other members who wish to transfer points will need to pay a $5 fee per 1,000 points transferred. Considering that AwardWallet users typically redeem IHG points at a rate of 0.68¢ per point, you will likely only want to transfer points if you can do so for free. Otherwise, the fee you pay almost completely devalues your points. Rather than paying this fee, it's likely a better idea to buy IHG points for your family or friends.
If you have a hefty balance you're considering transferring soon, now is the time!
Pool or transfer Hilton points
Hilton Honors offers a similar option for its members. You can transfer up to 500,000 points each calendar year and receive up to 2,000,000 points via transfers or Hilton family pooling.
Related: Which Rewards Programs Let You Pool Points and Miles With Others for Free?
Transfer or gift Marriott points
Marriott has some confusing stipulations on point transfers between Bonvoy accounts, in my opinion, aimed at reducing fraud. There are several thresholds that, if met in a calendar year, lock you out from transferring until the next calendar year:
- Maximum monthly transactions: Two transfer transactions (giving or receiving) per month.
- Maximum transactions per year: Six transfer transactions (giving or receiving) per calendar year.
- Maximum transfer amounts: Transfer up to a maximum of 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points per calendar year
- Maximum received transfer: Receive up to a maximum of 500,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per calendar year transferred from other members.
Transfer Hyatt points
Note that World of Hyatt does not have a calendar-year restriction on transfers — only a “once-per-30-day restriction,” which differs from a “once-per-calendar-month” restriction. Still, now might be a good time to consolidate balances with family members.
Strategically Buy Points and Miles
While we don't generally advocate purchasing points, it can make sense in certain instances — especially when there's an ongoing bonus or discount, or when you need a few points to make a redemption. And we bring this up because several airlines and hotels impose caps on the number of points you can buy in a calendar year.
If you have trouble generating enough points and miles organically, you might want to purchase points now before the annual cap resets.
Related: Current Promotions for Buying Airline Miles and Hotel Points
Airline programs with calendar year restrictions for buying miles and points
- Air Canada Aeroplan: Up to 1,000,000 per calendar year
- Air France/KLM Flying Blue: Non-elite “Explorer” members are limited to buying 100,000 miles a year
- Alaska Atmos Rewards: Members without elite status have a limit of 150,000 miles each year
- American Airlines AAdvantage®: Up to 200,000 miles each calendar year
- Avianca LifeMiles: Up to 500,000 miles per calendar year
- The British Airways Club: Up to 200,000 miles each calendar year
- Copa ConnectMiles: 2,000,000 per calendar year
- Delta SkyMiles: Up to 60,000 miles each calendar year
- Emirates Skywards: Blue and Silver members can buy up to 100,000 miles a year; Gold and Platinum can buy up to 200,000 per calendar year
- EVA Infinity MileageLands: Up to 150,000 miles per calendar year
- Finnair Plus: Up to 200,000 Avios each calendar year
- Iberia Club: Up to 200,000 Avios each calendar year
- JetBlue TrueBlue: Up to 300,000 points per calendar year
- Lufthansa Miles&More: Up to 250,000 miles through Bundle & Go each year
- Qatar Privilege Club: Up to 250,000 Avios each calendar year
- United MileagePlus: Up to 200,000 miles, including bonus miles from any promotion
- Virgin Australia Velocity: 250,000 points per calendar year
Hotel programs with calendar year restrictions for buying miles and points
- Choice Privileges: Up to 180,000 points per calendar year
- Hilton Honors: Up to 160,000 points each year
- IHG One Rewards: Up to 200,000 points per calendar year
- LHW Leaders Club: Up to 50,000 points per year
- Marriott Bonvoy: Up to 150,000 points each year, plus another 100,000 points when booking a hotel stay
- World of Hyatt: Up to 55,000 points per calendar year
- Wyndham Rewards: Up to 100,000 points per calendar year
Related: Which Credit Card Should You Use To Buy Points and Miles?
Meet Annual Spending Thresholds To Unlock Cardholder Benefits
Several credit cards have spending thresholds that you must meet in a calendar year to unlock specific perks in the year ahead. Here are some notable spending thresholds you should keep in mind:
American Express Centurion Lounge guest access
Each calendar year, the American Express Platinum Card® and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offer Card Members the chance to spend $75,000 per year on their respective Cards to earn complimentary Centurion Lounge® guest access for up to two guests and any kids under two for the following year.
Unlimited Delta Sky Club access
Each calendar year, cardholders of the American Express Platinum Card®, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card can spend $75,000 on their card to earn unlimited Delta Sky Club access for the following year.
Before earning unlimited access, Delta Reserve and Business Delta Reserve cardholders are limited to 15 Sky Club visits per year, while Platinum Card® holders are limited to 10 visits per year.
(Terms apply)
- 3X miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta
- 1X miles on every eligible dollar spent on purchases.
- 3X miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta
- 1.5X miles per dollar on eligible transit, U.S. shipping, and U.S. office supply store purchases, plus all eligible purchases after spending $150K per calendar year
- 1 mile on every dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® bonus benefits
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Rates & Fees) received a major update in 2025, offering new earning rates and benefits in exchange for a higher annual fee. Now, cardholders can spend $75,000 in a calendar year to receive the following benefits that remain valid through the end of the following calendar year:
- IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite Status
- $250 Credit for The Shops at Chase
- $500 Southwest Airlines Chase Travel credit
- Southwest Airlines A-list status
- Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music - all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 - a value of $250 annually
- Member FDIC
- 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠
- 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
- 3x points on dining worldwide
- 1x points on all other purchases
If you have the Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (Rates & Fees), you can spend $120,000 in a calendar year to receive the same IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status, Southwest A-List status, and $500 Southwest Airlines Chase Travel credit. However, instead of the $250 credit for The Shops at Chase, you earn a $500 statement credit.
Beginning in 2026, cardholders will be able to earn World of Hyatt Explorist status by meeting the same spending requirements as above ($75,000 for the Sapphire Reserve and $120,000 for the Sapphire Reserve Business). That might not help your end-of-2025 planning, but it's something to be aware of for next year.
- Earn 200,000 bonus points after you spend $30,000 on purchases in your first 6 months from account opening.
- $6,500+ in value your first year. 200K points, valued at $4,000 for select flights and hotels through Chase Travel℠, plus $2,500+ in annual value through travel and business benefits.
- Earn 8x points on Chase Travel℠ for airline tickets, hotels, including The Edit℠, car rentals, cruises, activities and tours.
- Earn 5x total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
- Earn 4x points on flights & hotels booked direct.
- Earn 3x points on social media & search engine advertising.
- Get the most flexible travel credit compared to any other card, with up to $300 in statement credits each anniversary year on travel purchases.
- Enjoy complimentary access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club network and Priority Pass™ Select membership. Two guests may accompany the Primary Cardmember to the lounges free of charge.
- Member FDIC
- 8X points on all Chase Travel℠ purchases
- 5X total points on eligible Lyft rides through 9/30/2027
- 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
- 3x points on advertising purchases made with social media platforms and search engines
- 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases
Related: Hyatt and Chase Expand Partnership: New Hyatt Card, Status Shortcut Opportunities Coming in 2026
Check your spending on your hotel credit cards for potential free night awards
American Express issues two Hilton-branded cards that offer spending-based thresholds to unlock free night awards. The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card provides a Hilton free night award after $15,000 in spending in a calendar year.
The premium Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers a free night award just for keeping it in your wallet and paying the annual fee. It also provides an additional free night award after you spend $30,000 and $60,000 in a calendar year.
- Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/14/2026.
- Card Members can earn 14X Points on purchases made directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
- Card Members can earn 7X Points on purchases of Flights booked directly with airlines or flights booked through American Express Travel, Car rentals purchased directly from select car rental companies, and purchases at U.S. Restaurants.
- Card Members can earn 3X Points on all other eligible purchases.
- Enhance your hotel stay with complimentary Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status and enjoy a world of hotel privileges and benefits. Get exclusive perks at any of Hilton's 24 hotel brands, like a 100% Bonus on Base Points earned on every stay, Premium Wi-Fi and space-available room upgrades at select properties, and more.
- Enjoy an Annual Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors in your first year of Card Membership and every year upon Card renewal.
- $400 Hilton Resort Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually for eligible purchases made directly with participating Hilton Resorts on your Hilton Honors Aspire Card. That's up to $400 back annually.
- $200 Flight Credit: Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter, for a total of up to $200 back each year, on flight purchases made directly with an airline or through amextravel.com using your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.
- Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you can earn an additional Free Night Reward from Hilton after you spend an additional $30,000 (for a total of $60,000) in purchases on your Card in the same calendar year.
- $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: You can receive up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you sign up and pay for a CLEAR Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your eligible Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.
- $100 Property Credit: How it Works: To receive up to $100 in credits for qualifying hotel charges, book a 2-night minimum stay at participating Waldorf Astoria® Hotels & Resorts and Conrad® Hotels & Resorts with your Card through hiltonhonorsaspirecard.com and select the Aspire Card Benefit rate option on the booking page or call Hilton Honors at (855) 292-5757 with the proper booking reference. See Terms & Conditions for further details.
- Hilton Honors Aspire Card Members can enjoy complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status, including perks like Executive Area Access (for full-size reservations and above) in the USA and Canada. Card Members must enroll in the National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status through their American Express online account using their Card. Terms apply.
- $550 annual fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- 14X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio
- 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly through select rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants
- 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card
The World of Hyatt Credit Card offers a Category 1-4 free night award after you spend $15,000 in a calendar year, in addition to the free night you automatically receive as a cardholder.
- Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
- Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
- Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
- Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
- Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
- Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
- Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays - 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
- Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
- Member FDIC
- Up to 9X points total per $1 spent at Hyatt - 4X points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels & 5X points per $1 you can earn as a World of Hyatt member
- 2X points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airlines tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
- 1X point per $1 everywhere else
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card offers a free night award, good for awards up to 50,000 points, after spending $15,000 in purchases in a calendar year. The Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card offers the same perk, but also includes an automatic free night award as long as you are a cardholder.
Additionally, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers an automatic 85,000-point free night award to cardholders. After $60,000, you can choose an Annual Earned Choice award, which includes an option for another free night award.
- Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
- Earn 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.
- Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
- Earn up to 21X Marriott Bonvoy® points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Earn 6X points with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Earn up to 10X points from Marriott Bonvoy for being a Marriott Bonvoy member. Earn up to 5X points from Marriott Bonvoy with the 50% Bonus Points on Stays, a benefit available with your complimentary Platinum Elite status.
- $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
- A Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite member will earn 50% more points on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy for each U.S. dollar or the currency equivalent that is incurred and paid for by the member.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®, such as Le Metropolitan, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Paris. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Brilliant Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
- $100 Marriott Bonvoy® Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive 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.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
- With your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you can enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, with an unlimited number of visits to over 1,200 airport lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
- Trip Cancelled or Interrupted? If you purchase a round-trip entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason cancels or interrupts your trip, we may be able to help. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- 6X points on purchases at Marriott Properties
- 3X points at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery
- 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines
- 2X points on all other eligible purchases
Although it's not technically a free night award, you can earn a $100 IHG statement credit and 10,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 as a cardholder of the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card. That's a solid perk that you shouldn't miss out on.
- Earn 140,000 Bonus Points
- Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
- Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
- IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
- Member FDIC
- Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
- 5X points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants
- 3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases
The earning for spending at IHG hotels breaks down as follows:
- Earn 10X points for being a IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card member
- Earn up to 6X points from IHG® with Platinum Elite Status, a benefit of having this card
- Earn up to 10X points from IHG® for being an IHG® One Rewards member (Being a cardholder is not required to earn this bonus for participating in the IHG® loyalty program)
Related: Earn a Hotel Free Night Award With These Credit Cards
Earn airline companion certificates with credit cards
Earning a companion certificate can be an amazing perk for holding the right credit card (and meeting spending thresholds).
The British Airways Visa Signature® Card offers a “Travel Together Ticket” after you spend $30,000 on the card in a calendar year. The Travel Together Ticket is one of the most unique companion certificates out there. Not only does it allow you to bring a friend on the same flight and in the same cabin when you book an award ticket on a flight operated by British Airways, Iberia, or Aer Lingus, but you can also choose to pay 50% of the Avios required if you're traveling alone.
- Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
- Earn 3 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL.
- Earn 2 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel.
- 10% off British Airways flights starting in the US when you book through the website provided in your welcome materials.
- Every calendar year you make $30,000 in purchases on your British Airways Visa card, you'll earn a Travel Together Ticket good for two years.
- Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad.
- Simply tap to pay with your contactless British Airways Visa Signature Card. Just look for the contactless symbol at checkout. It's fast, easy and secure!
- Member FDIC
- 3X Avios per $1 spent on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL
- 2X Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations
- 1X Avios for every $1 spent on all other purchases
The Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card also offers a companion certificate after spending $30,000 in a year, but it is valid for paid economy flights — not award tickets.
As a cardholder of the Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® card, you can earn a $99 Companion Fare, plus taxes and fees starting at $23, each account anniversary after you spend $6,000. It's such a low spending requirement that it would be a shame not to meet it this year. Note that it's based on your account anniversary year, not calendar year.
- Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases
- Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging stations, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases
- Earn unlimited 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
Similarly, the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Card offers an automatic Global 25K Companion Award that's worth 25,000 points off an award ticket each year. After spending $60,000 on the card during your card membership year, you'll receive a Global 100K Companion Award worth up to 100,000 points off an award ticket. Again, this is based on your account anniversary year, but it's never too early to start earning these benefits.
Although it's not a companion pass, you can earn a $100 Frontier flight voucher on your account anniversary after spending $2,500 on your FRONTIER Airlines World Mastercard® in the previous account anniversary year. Similarly, you can earn a $100 companion voucher on your account anniversary after spending $5,000 on your Free Spirit® Travel More MasterCard® in the previous anniversary year.
Finally, the coveted Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most lucrative deals in travel. Using our strategy, you can score a Southwest Companion Pass through 2027. You'll apply for a personal Southwest card, like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card (Rates & Fees) or the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card (Rates & Fees), before the end of the year.
However, you'll wait until the beginning of 2026 to meet the minimum spending requirement for the welcome bonus. If the welcome bonus posts to your account in January, those bonus points will qualify for a 2026 Companion Pass.
Do the same with the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card (Rates & Fees), and you might exceed the 135,000 points you need to earn a Companion Pass. Then, you'll enjoy the benefits of the pass through December 31, 2027.
Level up your elite status with select credit cards
Several hotel credit cards offer a path to elite status, or a higher tier of elite status, by meeting a minimum spending requirement on a co-branded credit card.
For example, the Hilton Honors American Express Card comes with automatic Hilton Silver status, but you can earn Hilton Gold status by spending $20,000 on the card in a calendar year. Similarly, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card both come with automatic Hilton Gold status, but provide a pathway to Hilton Diamond status by spending $40,000 on your card in a calendar year.
(Terms apply)
- Earn 7X Points per dollar on eligible purchases charged directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Honors portfolio of brands
- Earn 5X Points per dollar on eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations
- Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
(Terms Apply)
- 12X bonus points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio
- 6X bonus points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your card at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations
- 4X bonus points on U.S online retail purchases
- 3X bonus points for all other eligible purchases on your card
(Terms apply)
- 12X Hilton Honors points on eligible purchases made directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
- 5X Hilton Honors points on the first $100,000 spent per calendar year on other eligible purchases; 3X thereafter
Several Marriott credit cards offer automatic elite status, but only one provides a pathway to a higher tier. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card offers automatic Marriott Silver Elite and a path to Marriott Gold Elite by spending $35,000 in a calendar year.
- Earn 6X Bonvoy points per $1 spent participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining, and 2X points per $1 on all other purchases
- Earn 3 Marriott Bonvoy® points for every $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on gas stations, grocery stores, and dining
- Earn 2X Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on all other purchases
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (Rates & Fees) and IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card (Rates & Fees) both offer automatic IHG Platinum Elite with an opportunity to move up to IHG Diamond Elite after spending $40,000 on the card in a calendar year.
- Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
- 5X points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants
- 3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases
The earning for spending at IHG hotels breaks down as follows:
- Earn 10X points for being a IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card member
- Earn up to 6X points from IHG® with Platinum Elite Status, a benefit of having this card
- Earn up to 10X points from IHG® for being an IHG® One Rewards member (Being a cardholder is not required to earn this bonus for participating in the IHG® loyalty program)
- Earn up to 26X total points per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
- 5X points per $1 spent on travel, dining, social media search engine advertising, and at office supply stores and gas stations
- 3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases
The earning for spending at IHG hotels breaks down as follows:
- Earn 10X points for charging your stay to your IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
- Earn up to 6X bonus points for having IHG®Platinum Elite Status, a benefit of having this card
- Earn up to 10X base points for being an IHG® One Rewards Member (Being a cardholder is not required to earn this bonus for participating in the IHG® loyalty program)
Maximize Point Redemption Rebates on Select Cards
Some credit cards offer rebates when you redeem points; maximizing this benefit before year-end is key!
Business Platinum Card 35% Pay with Points rebate
The Business Platinum Card Card offers a 35% rebate on eligible flights with your selected airline booked through Amex Travel, up to 1,000,000 points rebated annually. This perk has a few restrictions you'll need to navigate, but there are plenty of situations where redeeming points for flights through Amex's travel portal makes sense.
- Elevated Welcome Offer: Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card company on the market as of 07/2025.
- See how you can unlock over $3,500 in business and travel value annually after meeting qualifying spend thresholds on the Business Platinum Card. Terms apply.
- Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using the Business Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- No Preset Spending Limit: The spending limit on the Business Platinum Card is flexible, so unlike a traditional credit card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment and credit history.
- Make the Business Platinum Card® work even harder for you. Hilton For Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Benefit enrollment required.
- Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
- Use the Business Platinum Card and get up to $209 back per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal).
- Maximize your time away with Fine Hotels + Resorts through Amex Travel™.
- Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits on U.S purchases directly with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card and an additional $1,000 statement credit after you spend $5,000 or more on that same Card per calendar year.
- Enroll and get a $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe per calendar year on the Business Platinum Card.
- Get up to $90 in statement credits quarterly for purchases with Indeed on the Business Platinum Card. That's up to $360 back per year. Enrollment required.
- Get up to $10 in statement credits per month for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. That's up to $120 back per year. Enrollment required.
- 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
- 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
- 1X points on other eligible purchases
- $895 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- Earn 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X points on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more.
- Earn 2X points on each eligible purchase with U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers.
- Earn 2X points on each eligible purchase with U.S. electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers.
- Earn 2X points on each eligible purchase with U.S. shipping providers.
- 2X earning rates are subject to a cap of $2 million in purchases per calendar year.
Max Out on Cash Back or Point Earnings
Some credit cards limit your cashback each calendar year. If you want to maximize these benefits, you'll need to act within the next few days.
Citi Dividend cash back limits
The Citi® Dividend Card (no longer open to new applicants) offers some excellent quarterly cashback bonus categories, but unfortunately, the card limits you to $300 cash back each year. So, if you want to max out your return by holding this card, make those final purchases before January 1, 2026.
Amex Cards with reward caps
Amex offers several cards with reward caps on certain categories or spending levels. Here's a quick overview:
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%); 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; 3% cash back on eligible purchases at U.S. gas stations and on transit, including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more; and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- American Express® Gold Card: 4X points at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 per year, then 1X), 4X at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year, then 1X), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com, and 2X points on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- American Express Platinum Card®: 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year) and 5X points on prepaid hotels (including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection) booked through American Express Travel®.
- American Express® Business Gold Card: 4X Membership Rewards points on the 2 eligible categories where your business spent the most each month, 1X on other purchases. 4X points apply to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories each calendar year.
- The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express: Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.
- The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card: 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% (issued as a statement credit).
(Terms apply)
- 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%)
- 3% Cash Back on eligible transit purchases including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more
- 3% Cash Back on eligible purchases at U.S. gas stations
- 1% Cash Back on other eligible purchases
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
(Terms apply)
- 4X Membership Rewards® Points at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. (on up to $50,000 per year in purchases, then 1X)
- 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X)
- 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
- 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels and other eligible travel booked on amextravel.com
- 1X on other eligible purchases
(Terms Apply)
- Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.
Final Thoughts
The end of the year can be a fun time for all, but make sure you're not missing out on all the fun rewards and perks from airlines, hotels, and credit cards. We hope this guide helps you implement a last-minute points and miles strategy, as 2026 will be here in just a couple of days.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (Rates & Fees), Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card (Rates & Fees), Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Rates & Fees), Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (Rates & Fees), Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card (Rates & Fees), The World of Hyatt Credit Card (Rates & Fees), Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (Rates & Fees), IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (Rates & Fees), British Airways Visa Signature® Card (Rates & Fees), Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card (Rates & Fees), Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card (Rates & Fees), Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card (Rates & Fees), Hilton Honors American Express Card (Rates & Fees), Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card (Rates & Fees), The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card (Rates & Fees), IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card (Rates & Fees), The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (Rates & Fees), Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (Rates & Fees), American Express® Gold Card (Rates & Fees), and The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express (Rates & Fees)
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