Last chance: How to make sure you’ve used your Amex airline fee credit before the year ends
Quick summary
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American Express offers multiple premium travel rewards cards, some of which come with perks that will reset at the end of the calendar year, and if you don't use them before they do, it's like you're leaving money on the table.
Among them, several American Express cards offer an airline fee credit tied to the calendar year,. As the end of 2021 approaches, make sure you've used the airline fee statement credit that's offered by the following cards:
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Up to $250 credit.
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Up to $200 credit.
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Up to $200 credit.
Enrollment is required for select benefits.The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex 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.
How to check your airline fee progress
To check your progress toward using this credit, follow these steps:
- Log in to your American Express account.
- Click the Benefits tab.
- Either click the Travel tab or scroll down on the main benefits page to find the airline fee credit.
You'll see a progress bar that shows how much remains of your credit:
Technically, Amex intends for you to use the airline fee credit toward incidentals like checked baggage fees, seat assignment fees and airline lounge passes on one airline that you select. However, depending on how airlines code your purchases, you may also get reimbursement for other types of purchases made with an airline.
Related: Which American Airlines expenses trigger the American Express airline fee credit?
Other credits to watch out for
If you have the Amex Platinum, three other benefits will reset at the end of the year: your up to $200 prepaid hotel statement credit, the up to $35 December Uber Cash (for use in the U.S.) and your July-December up to $50 Saks Fifth Avenue statement credit (for U.S. purchases). Enrollment is required for select benefits. This card has a $695 annual fee (see rates and fees).
Likewise, if you have the Amex Business Platinum, you'll want to ensure you use your up to $200 July-December Dell statement credit (for U.S. purchases). This card has a $695 annual fee. (see rates and fees).
Finally, if you have the American Express® Gold Card, you'll want to make sure to use your up to $10 monthly dining credit and up to $10 monthly Uber Cash (up to $120 annually for both; card must be added in the Uber app to receive Uber Cash benefit). Although these are smaller than the airline fee credits on each card, they are still worth taking advantage of before the end of the year to get the maximum value from your card, which comes with a $250 annual fee (see rates and fees). Enrollment is required for select benefits.
Related: Can I use the Amex Platinum airline fee credit on a friend?
Bottom line
The airline fee credit isn't necessarily the easiest benefit to use. However, it's still worth a significant amount of money that you'll want to use up before it's too late. Perhaps you can use up the credit for upcoming holiday travel plans or book a trip ahead of the new year.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold card, click here.