The clock is ticking down to midnight on December 31, when many deals will turn into pumpkins, so the next few days are critical for getting in on the opportunities that are most valuable to you.
We've already written generally about "7 Points & Miles Tasks to Complete By The End of 2016," but it's getting late in the game now. Yet there are a number of specific credits and promotions you can still take advantage of, even in these last days of the year.
Here's a list of all the key offers expiring on the final day of 2016, which can still be completed in the time remaining...
Chase
The last day of the fourth quarter means it's your final chance to spend in the 5x categories on the Chase Freedom card (No longer open to new applicants). The October-December categories this year are department stores, wholesale clubs and drugstores, so make sure to finish up your shopping at these places if you haven't already used up your $1,500 cap.
Also, a related and important reminder that the Chase Sapphire Reserve $300 annual travel credit does NOT reset on December 31 but rather at the close of your December statement. So unless you have a late December closing date on your CSR, you're already using 2017's travel credit. (The Citi Prestige's $250 travel credit works the same way, expiring with the December statement and not the last day of December.)
On the other hand, the $300 travel credit on the Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card is based on the calendar year, not the statement close. You have to manually request credit for charges on this card, so it'd be best to both use the credits and make your request for reimbursement before 2016 closes.
American Express
Unlike with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the $200 in airline fee credits on the Platinum Card from American Express is calendar year-based, so you have until the very last day of 2016 to use them. The list of eligible purchases includes several things that can be booked and paid for in advance, such as seat assignment fees. So even if you're not actually flying before December 31, you might be able to use up your credit.
Remember if you have an Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, you have a similar $100 credit which uses the same criteria. Use it or lose it!
Finally, a slew of Amex Offers expire on December 31, including 2x Membership Rewards at various stores, 3x points at Amazon, $50 off at Hilton, $60 off at Hyatt and many others.
Uber
Two valuable Uber promos come to an end on December 31. If you signed up for two free rides from select airports sponsored by Amex or up to $75 off your next five rides with Android Pay, both those offers must be used by the last day of the year.
Hilton
If you thought you were going to miss out on earning extra Hilton HHonors points from promotions that were scheduled to end on December 31, we have great news. Both the Hilton Double Up promotion and the chance to earn 5,000 bonus points per stay (including award stays) when you book on the app with a Visa card have been extended to January 31, 2017.
Remember that the Double Up promotion also has an even more valuable "Triple Up" option for earning triple points on bookings made via the app. These offers will stack with each other, so if you've got a Hilton stay coming up in the next month, don't forget to register before you book to earn lots of extra points.
Starwood
Starwood's partnership with Caesars is coming to a close on December 31, so if you want to book one last stay at a Caesars property using Starpoints, it'll have to be soon. Existing reservations beyond December 31 will still be honored, but cancellations will have to be made by phone rather than at spg.com.
Hyatt
If you registered for the Hyatt Credit Card promotion to get a $50 statement credit after spending $500 at select Hyatt hotels before the last day of 2016, note that any purchases made at a Hyatt Regency appear to be eligible, including restaurant and spa charges.
Any other offers ending on December 31 that you think folks should remember? Feel free to add them in the comments below.
