Most of our favorite top-tier credit cards come with an annual travel credit to help defray the annual fees. Some of these credits are applied per calendar year, others per cardmember year. Some require a type of registration to obtain the credits, others do not. Here’s what you need to know so you don’t miss out on your 2019 travel credits.
Elite Credit Cards with Travel Credits per Calendar Year
American Express Gold Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express
The American Express Gold Card grants an annual $100 travel credit, and The Platinum Card from American Express grants an annual $200 travel credit. In both cases the credits are applicable toward incidental fees on one selected United States–based airline per calendar year.
According to American Express, that airline must be selected between January 1 and January 31, 2019. Given we’re now in February, if you forgot to make your selection, call the number on the back of your card, plead your case, and 99% of the time, you’ll get a hall pass. You’ll be able to make a new choice, provided you haven’t already used any of your 2019 credits. Note: If you already chose an airline the year prior, that airline will have rolled over into 2019.
These travel credits can be applied to baggage fees, in-flight meals, lounge access, and some change fees but NOT airfare, upgrades, mileage points purchases, mileage points transfer fees, gift cards, or costs relating to mileage award tickets. Airline credits post two to four weeks after the qualifying incidental air travel fee is charged.
Citi Prestige® Card
This card provides an annual travel credit of $250 per calendar year valid toward any purchase categorized as “travel” by Citi and its merchants, including airfare, baggage fees, flight upgrades, lounge access, and select in-flight purchases (alcohol and food: yes; duty-free: no) as well as hotels, Ubers, car rental services, and more. Statement credits are automatically applied, one to two billing cycles after the qualifying travel fee is charged, maxing out at $250 per calendar year. No enrollment necessary.
Mastercard® Black Card™ and Mastercard® Gold Card™
Mastercard Black Card provides an annual travel credit of $100 per calendar year, and Mastercard Gold Card provides an annual travel credit of $200 per calendar year. In both cases credits will be applied to any purchase categorized as “air travel” by Barclays Card and its merchants, including airfare, baggage fees, flight upgrades, lounge access, and select in-flight purchases (alcohol and food: yes; duty- free: no). Statement credits are automatically applied, within two weeks after the qualifying purchase, maxing out at $100 or $200 per calendar year, depending on the card. No enrollment necessary.
Elite Cards with Travel Credits per Cardmember Year
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
This card provides an annual travel credit of $300 per cardmember year valid toward any purchase categorized as “travel” by the merchant. This includes the likes of airfare, airline fees, rental cars, hotels, taxis, ride shares, passenger trains, cruise line purchases, and most tour operator purchases (but not purchases on points.com). Statement credits are automatically applied when the card is used for purchases in Chase’s general “travel” category, maxing out at $300 per calendar year. Credits post as purchases post. No enrollment necessary.
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
This card provides an annual travel credit of $325 per cardmember year, valid toward any purchase categorized as “travel” by the merchant. This includes the likes of airfare, airline fees, rental cars, hotels, taxis, ride shares, passenger trains, cruise line purchases, and most tour operator purchases (but not purchases on points.com). Statement credits are automatically applied the billing cycle after which the charges are made, in one lump sum, and maxing out at $325 per calendar year. No enrollment necessary.
