Some great credit card benefits are based on cardmember anniversary, not calendar year

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. 

Like airline and hotel elite status, many benefits of travel rewards credit cards are based on the calendar year.

However, many credit cards offer statement credits and other perks that are timed to the account anniversary (and payment of the annual fee) rather than the calendar year — and it’s important to know the distinction.

You’ll want to keep track of your credit card benefits and know which are based on your cardmember year rather than the calendar year so that you can take full advantage of them.

With that in mind, here are the best credit card benefits that reset each account anniversary rather than calendar year.

General travel rewards cards

Some general travel cards include various statement credits that are based on your account anniversary.

These benefits are often flexible and important to remember to utilize so you know you’re getting the most value out of your card.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Perhaps the most useful benefit of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the travel statement credit, which resets every cardmember year.

• $300 travel statement credit: Receive up to $300 in annual travel credit as a statement credit for a wide array of travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers a more modest credit as Chase’s lower-annual-fee Sapphire option, but it’s certainly worth using each account anniversary year.

• $50 hotel statement credit: Receive up to $50 as a statement credit when you use your card to book hotel stays through Chase Travel℠.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card

An oft-overlooked premium option, this card nonetheless offers a persuasive cardmember-year credit. The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve closed to new applicants in November 2024.

• $325 annual travel and dining statement credit: Up to $325 in statement credits per cardmember year for purchases made directly with airlines, hotels, car rental companies, taxicabs, limousines and other eligible travel providers. This credit can also be used for eligible dining purchases.

The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite 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.

Learn more: U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card

Airline credit cards

Companion tickets and bonus points are just some of the benefits consumers can count on each account year from their airline credit cards.

AAdvantage Aviator World Elite Silver Mastercard

The AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Silver Mastercard®, Barclays’ higher-end AAdvantage card, offers a few account anniversary benefits. This card is only available through a product change.

• Two companion certificates: Cardmembers who spend $20,000 during an account year and keep their account open for 45 days after their anniversary date earn two $99 (plus taxes and fees) companion tickets for domestic economy travel on flights marketed and operated by American Airlines (or its regional affiliates) within the 48 contiguous United States.
• Wi-Fi credits: Cardholders also receive up to $50 in inflight Wi-Fi statement credits each account year that can be used toward sessions on American Airlines-operated flights when purchased with their card.

The information for the AAdvantage Aviator World Elite Silver Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Learn more: AAdvantage Aviator Silver Mastercard

AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard

The AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® is the lower-annual-fee option in Barclays’ lineup of American Airlines cobranded cards, and it has a benefit similar to the Aviator Silver.

However, instead of two companion tickets for spending $20,000 each account anniversary year, you’ll only receive one with the Aviator Red.

• One companion certificate: Spend $20,000 or more on purchases in an account year and keep your account open for 45 days after the anniversary date, and you can earn a $99 companion certificate (plus taxes and fees) good for a round-trip domestic economy ticket within the 48 contiguous United States on American Airlines. It is valid for one year after the date of issue.
• Wi-Fi credits: Receive up to $25 back as statement credits for inflight Wi-Fi purchases each account anniversary year on American Airlines-operated flights.

The information for the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Learn more: AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard

Alaska Airlines consumer and business cards

The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card and Alaska Airlines Visa® Business credit card include one of the best benefits offered by any airline card.

• Companion fare benefit: Cardholders are entitled to a companion fare of $99 plus taxes and fees (from $23) each account anniversary after spending $6,000 or more on purchases within the previous card membership year.

The primary cardholder is required to pay for the ticket, and the companion fare must be redeemed within 12 months from the date of issue (though travel can take place after this) for economy travel only. Still, this can be worth hundreds of dollars.

To learn more, check out our full reviews of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature and Alaska Airlines Visa Business.

Apply here: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card

Apply here: Alaska Airlines Visa Business card

Citi AAdvantage cobranded cards

Citi’s midrange card, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, offers a relatively small, spending-based benefit. The Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees), meanwhile, offers a companion ticket for economy travel after you reach a spending threshold.

• Flight discount: With the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select, earn a $125 American Airlines flight discount after spending $20,000 or more during a card membership year and keeping your card open for at least one full billing cycle after your anniversary month. The flight discount expires one year from the date it’s issued.
• Companion certificate: With the Citi / AAdvantage Business Mastercard, earn a $99 (plus taxes and fees) economy companion ticket after spending $30,000 on the card in a card membership year and renewing it. The account must remain open for one full billing cycle after your anniversary month. 

To learn more, check out our full review of the Citi AAdvantage Business.

The information for the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Learn more: Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard

Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard

Delta Air Lines cobranded American Express cards

Several Delta American Express cards offer a companion certificate each year after card renewal.

• Companion certificate for Main Cabin: With the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, you’ll receive a companion certificate for a round-trip flight within the U.S. or to Mexico, the Caribbean or Central America each year after you renew your card. The companion certificate is good for a seat in Main Cabin and requires taxes and fees between $22 and $250.

• Companion certificate for first class, Comfort+ or Main Cabin: For the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, the companion certificate is good for first-class, Comfort+ or Main Cabin seats within the U.S. or to Mexico, the Caribbean or Central America on a round-trip itinerary. You’ll pay between $22 and $250 in taxes and fees.

To learn more, check out our full reviews of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum, Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business, Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card

Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard

The Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® from Barclays comes with a decent benefit after each account anniversary.

• $100 annual companion discount: Cardholders receive an annual discount of $100 off a companion ticket for round-trip travel between Hawaii and the mainland U.S. on Hawaiian Airlines after account renewal.

The information for the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Learn more: Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard

JetBlue cobranded cards

There’s nothing wrong with a simple anniversary bonus, and most of JetBlue’s credit card offerings come with this perk.

• 5,000 bonus points annually: Cardholders who renew their card and pay the annual fee receive 5,000 bonus points with the JetBlue Plus Card, JetBlue Business Card and JetBlue Premier Card.

The information for the JetBlue Plus Card, JetBlue Business Card and JetBlue Premier 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.

Learn more: JetBlue Plus Card

Learn more: JetBlue Business Card

Related: JetBlue’s new premium credit card has launched — should you jump on board?

Southwest Airlines cobranded cards

Each of the Southwest cobranded Chase cards comes with an anniversary points bonus, and the more premium Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card also adds a $75 Southwest travel credit to its card anniversary offerings.

The number of points you receive on your account anniversary varies depending on which card you hold.

• Anniversary bonus points: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card earns 3,000 anniversary points each year; the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card earns 6,000 anniversary points each year and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card earns 7,500 anniversary points each year. When it comes to the airline’s business card offerings, the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card earns 6,000 anniversary points each year, and the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card earns 9,000 anniversary points each year.

To learn more, check out our full reviews of the Southwest Plus, Southwest Priority, Southwest Premier Business and Southwest Performance Business.

The information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit 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.

Apply here: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card

Learn more: Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card

Apply here: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card

Apply here: Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

Apply here: Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card

Miles & More World Elite Mastercard

Don’t forget about U.S. credit cards offered by international airlines, including the Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard® for Lufthansa flyers.

• Companion ticket and business lounge vouchers: You don’t even have to wait until your first account anniversary to take advantage of this one. After your first purchase, and then every year you renew your card, you earn a companion ticket as long as your account remains open and in good standing. All taxes and fees must be paid on the companion ticket. Cardholders can also enjoy two one-time Lufthansa Business Lounge vouchers upon first use and every account anniversary after the payment of the annual fee (as long as the account remains open and in good standing at least 45 days after paying the annual fee).

The information for the Miles & More World Elite Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: The best credit cards from international airlines

Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard

The Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard® offers a path to a companion award ticket — albeit a complicated one — along with the opportunity to earn other perks through spending.

• Choice of spending-based benefits: Cardholders who spend $15,000 or more on purchases in an account year qualify for the choice of one of six rewards. If you spend $30,000 in a cardholder year, you can select another reward. Reward options include a cabin upgrade on Virgin Atlantic, a bonus night at Virgin Hotels or an up-to-$300 bar tab on Virgin Voyages.

The information for the Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: Is the Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard worth it?

Hotel credit cards

Hotel credit cards offer some of the most valuable anniversary benefits out there.

You can take advantage of statement credits, free nights and more with certain hotel credit cards.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

The most premium Hilton credit card offers many benefits, including one perk based on your account anniversary.

• Up to three reward nights: If you hold the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and pay its annual fee, you can enjoy one night at nearly any Hilton property worldwide on your cardmember anniversary annually. You can earn a second free night reward after spending $30,000 in a calendar year, and you’ll receive a third night if you spend $60,000 on the card in a calendar year. Terms apply.

The information for the Hilton Amex Aspire 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.

Learn more: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

If you spend time in Marriott hotels, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card‘s two benefits timed to your account anniversary are hard to beat.

• Free night and Earned Choice Award: You’ll receive one free night award each year after your card renewal month to be used at any Marriott Bonvoy property with a points value at or below 85,000 points per night. Certain hotels have resort fees. If you spend $60,000 or more on eligible purchases with the card, you’ll be eligible for an Earned Choice Award benefit; you can choose elite night credits, the ability to gift Marriott Silver Elite status to another member, Nightly Upgrade Awards and more. Terms apply.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

Not quite as high-end as Amex’s Bonvoy Brilliant card, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, Chase’s midrange Marriott product, still offers a compelling annual benefit.

• Free night award: Upon renewing their card, cardholders receive a free night award worth up to 35,000 points every year on their account anniversary. Certain hotels have resort fees.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

World of Hyatt Credit Card

Folks with the World of Hyatt Credit Card can expect a free night every year.

• Up to two free nights: Each year after your card anniversary, you’ll be rewarded with an electronic certificate that can be redeemed toward a free night at a Category 1-4 property. Earn a second free night at a Category 1-4 hotel each year after spending $15,000 or more on the card in a calendar year.

To learn more, check out our full review of the World of Hyatt card.

Apply here: World of Hyatt Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

Both the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card offer a free night benefit on your account anniversary.

• Free night certificate, bonus points and a statement credit: On both cards, enjoy a free night certificate after each account anniversary year at hotels that require up to 40,000 points for an award night redemption. Cardholders who spend $20,000 during an account year receive 10,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit.

To learn more, check out our full reviews of the IHG One Rewards Premier and IHG One Rewards Premier Business.

Apply here: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Apply here: IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

Bottom line

Many rewards credit cards offer annual benefits that are based on the calendar year, but quite a few also come with perks that reset each account anniversary instead. Once you pay your annual fee, you might be eligible for companion tickets, on-property credits and more. So be certain to review your cards’ specific benefit packages and make sure you are taking advantage of all they have to offer.

Related: Credit card perks and benefits you should be using this month