The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Advertiser disclosure
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Guides
Quarterly statement credits and bonus categories: Your October-December 2026 checklist
Augusta Stone is a credit cards writer for TPG. She joined the TPG team in 2023 and is excited to take points and miles beginners with her on a journey toward maximizing rewards.
Stephanie Stevens is an associate writer with TPG's credit cards team. She focuses on creating timely credit cards content for TPG readers.
also contributed to this story
October 3, 2026 • 9 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Related stories
Quick summary
Many rewards cards offer quarterly perks, such as statement credits and rotating bonus categories, which reset every three months.
For the fourth quarter of 2026, new categories and credits are available, typically running from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31.
Cardholders must activate bonus categories or enroll for certain credits to maximize value within the quarter's timeframe.
Quarterly benefits can include credits for travel, dining, retail, and hotel stays, as well as elevated cash back at select merchants.
What to consider
Most quarterly benefits require activation or enrollment before they can be used, with deadlines often set mid-quarter.
Unused quarterly credits or bonus categories generally expire at the end of the quarter and do not roll over.
Eligibility and redemption details, such as which purchases or services qualify, can vary by card and merchant.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed breakdown of specific quarterly perks, activation deadlines, and strategies to fully utilize these time-limited benefits.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Quarterly benefits are among the more challenging credit card perks to keep up with.
When it comes to quarterly statement credits, you have three months to use them up before they expire. With quarterly bonus categories, you have to memorize a new set in each quarter to ensure you're getting the best return for your spending.
Now that the fourth quarter of 2026 is underway, a new batch of quarterly statement credits and bonus categories is available. Most Q4 benefits run from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, giving you three months to maximize them before the end of the year.
Here are the quarterly credit card perks you'll want to keep on your radar through the end of 2026.
Up to $90 statement credit per quarter (up to $360 per calendar year) for eligible Indeed purchases in the U.S.: Business owners can use this statement credit toward subscription plans, sponsored job posts, advertisements on the platform and more.
Up to $50 statement credit per quarter (up to $200 per calendar year) for eligible Hilton purchases: This statement credit can be used for any eligible purchase at a property in the Hilton portfolio. Note that you must be registered in the Hilton for Business program to participate.
Up to $100 statement credit per quarter (up to $400 per calendar year) for Resy: Pay with your Amex Platinum at an eligible U.S. Resy restaurant. No reservation is required.
Up to $75 statement credit per quarter (up to $300 per calendar year) for Lululemon: Pay with your Amex Platinum and receive the statement credit for purchases made at U.S. stores (excluding outlets) and online.
Up to $50 in flight statement credits per quarter (up to $200 per calendar year): Pay for a flight directly with an airline, through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive up to $50 in statement credits each quarter.
Up to $60 Hilton statement credit per quarter (up to $240 per calendar year): Receive up to $60 in statement credits each quarter on purchases charged directly with the Hilton Business Amex toward a property within the Hilton portfolio, including bookings and incidental charges, such as dining and spa services.
Up to $50 Hilton statement credit per quarter (up to $200 per calendar year): Receive up to $50 in statement credits each quarter on purchases charged directly with the Hilton Surpass card toward a property within the Hilton portfolio. This statement credit is similar to the one on the Hilton Business Amex.
Two Chase cards provide rotating quarterly bonus categories for cardholders to maximize.
MASKOT/GETTY IMAGES
Chase Freedom and Chase Freedom Flex
If you have the Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) or legacy Chase Freedom® (no longer available to new applicants), you have access to bonus categories that change every quarter.
Up to 5% cash back: From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, you can earn bonus quarterly cash back at grocery stores (excluding Walmart and Target), on dining purchases and on eligible donations to the American Red Cross. You'll receive bonus cash back in these categories on up to $1,500 of combined spending each quarter (then 1% back). You must activate your categories to receive this higher earning rate. If you haven't activated your Q4 categories yet, you have until Dec. 14 to activate. The quarter ends Dec. 31.
The information for the Chase Freedom has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
IHG Premier Select, IHG Premier and IHG One Rewards Business
$75 in rewards each quarter on the IHG Premier Select, for use at IHG properties: Receive up to $300 in Food & Beverage Rewards per calendar year.*
$25 in rewards each quarter on the IHG Premier and IHG Business: Receive up to $100 in Food & Beverage Rewards per calendar year.*
*Can be redeemed for credit against eligible food and beverages on your room bill at participating IHG Hotels & Resorts (Eligible charges vary by property).
One Citi card provides rotating quarterly bonus categories.
Citi Dividend Card
If you hold the Citi® Dividend Card (no longer available to new applicants), here are the Q4 categories you need to keep in mind.
Up to 5% cash back: You'll earn 5% cash back this quarter at restaurants and on eligible purchases through the Citi Travel site, including hotels, car rentals and attractions. Citi Dividend cardholders can earn 5% bonus cash back on up to $6,000 of spending across the year (then 1% back thereafter), so you can maximize your bonus categories during the quarters that best match your spending habits. You must activate your categories each quarter. These categories run through Dec. 31.
The information for the Citi Dividend card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Up to 5% cash back: Discover's fourth-quarter bonus categories are restaurants, entertainment and utilities. Cardholders earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined spending on rotating categories each quarter (then an unlimited 1% cash back thereafter). You'll need to remember to activate your current categories. This quarter runs through Dec. 31.
Up to 5% cash back: This benefit is flexible each quarter. You'll earn 5% cash back on up to $2,000 in combined spending on two rotating categories (then 1% back) of your choice after you activate them. The categories covered this quarter are TV, internet and streaming services; home utilities; select clothing stores; cellphone providers; electronics stores; gyms/fitness centers; fast food; ground transportation; sporting goods stores; department stores; furniture stores; and movie theaters. Your selected Q4 categories run through Dec. 31.
The information for the U.S. Bank Cash+ has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
If you're focused on maximizing your card benefits, the beginning of a new quarter is a good time to review your cards and make sure you've activated any Q4 bonus categories and know which statement credits have reset.
Benefits can reset monthly, quarterly, biannually or annually (either each calendar year or cardholder anniversary). It's important to know when your statement credits begin and end to get the most out of your rewards cards.
Most of the quarterly benefits above run through Dec. 31. Taking a few minutes now to activate your bonus categories and make a plan for your statement credits can help ensure you aren't scrambling to use them at the end of the year.
Check back in January for a rundown of the quarterly benefits you can maximize during Q1.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
