They're going farther. They're planning ahead. And they're taking bigger risks.
08.12.2023 - 17:57 / thepointsguy.com
One important aspect of maximizing the credit cards you carry is taking full advantage of the travel credits and other statement credits they may offer. It's not uncommon to think "I'll use that credit later," thus delaying the use of your credits.
However, if you have The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you have less than a month to make qualifying purchases before your statement credits reset on Jan. 1 and you lose out on hundreds of dollars worth of credits that can help to offset your card's annual fee.
It's important to note that these credits are use-it-or-lose-it benefits.
Here's how these credits work and how to use them before they expire for this year.
Along with many other benefits, the Amex Platinum Card — with its $695 annual fee (see rates and fees) — offers up to $100 in statement credits for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com each year.
Enrollment is required in advance to use this benefit and the credits are available as up to $50 from Jan. 1 to June 30 each year and then up to $50 in credits again from July 1 to Dec. 31.
We're nearing the final days to use these credits; if you haven't made any qualifying purchases yet, you should do so now.
The first step is to register for the statement credits — or ensure that you are already registered — using this direct registration link. Do this before making your purchase. Then make your purchase using your Amex Platinum.
Related: 10 gifts you can buy using your Amex Platinum $50 Saks Fifth Avenue credit
Another good use of your credits — especially if you have no use for them yourself — is to use them to purchase a gift for someone else since Christmas is right around the corner.
The Amex Business Platinum Card doesn't have credits for Saks purchases; instead, it offers up to $400 per year in statement credits for Dell purchases. Business Platinum cardholders can get up to $200 from January to June and up to $200 in additional credits from July to December. Again, enrollment is required in advance.
The Business Platinum Card comes with up to $200 in statement credits between January and June and up to another up to $200 in statement credits between July and December for U.S. purchases with Dell on your card. Since we're approaching the end of the year, be sure to take advantage before the credits reset.
Related: 10 items you can get for free with the Amex Business Platinum's Dell statement credit
As with the Saks statement credit for the personal Platinum Card, you'll need to register for the Dell statement credit (or ensure you are already registered) using this direct registration link. Be sure to register before making your purchase, and remember, you may be able to earn
They're going farther. They're planning ahead. And they're taking bigger risks.
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