On January 1st, the clock has reset for many credit cards which reimburse airline expenses. The reimbursement normally comes in the form of a statement credit on your credit card bill. With the start of the new year, it’s time to begin planning for 2020.
I have four credit cards that offer airline reimbursements, all of these reset each year on January 1st. Collectively, these four cards offer $650 worth of airline incidentals. So using them is important. My breakdown is as follows:
- American Express Platinum Card – $200 of Airline credits
- American Express Gold Card – $100 of Airline credits
- American Express Hilton Aspire – $250 of Airline credits
- Bank of America Premium Rewards Card – $100 of Airline credits
Using these credits is a big part of offsetting the annual fees on these cards. For example the Bank of America card comes with a $95 annual fee, making use of the $100 airline credit offsets that fee (I come out $5 ahead). My American Express Hilton Aspire card comes with a $450 annual fee. Using the $250 Hilton airline credit offsets a little more than half of the annual fee.
If you’re new to airline credits, it’s important to know that the credit card company does not reimburse any and all airline costs, for example the cost of an airline ticket is not eligible for reimbursement. Check first with your credit card company to know what is, and is not, covered. Also, know that American Express requires cardholders to pick one airline in advance. They will only credit fees to your pre-selected airline.
If you have credit cards which offer airline credits, chances are that your clock has just reset. Now is the time to begin planning for 2020.
