Why the end of the year is the perfect time to open a premium credit card

December 16, 2025

Why the end of the year is the perfect time to open a premium credit card

There are many reasons the end of the year is a great time to open a new premium rewards credit card. And it's not just because these cards offer perks that can help you make the best of usually hectic holiday travel. Some also provide statement credits that reset at the end of the calendar year, while others offer limited-time bonuses or promotions for holiday purchases or travel.

Additionally, increased spending around the holidays — for gifts, vacations or even holiday dinners and decorations — can help you meet the spending requirements for a big welcome bonus.

Here are a few reasons you might want to open a new premium card before the end of the year — and how to maximize the card's benefits if you do.

Double-dip on end-of-year spending credits

Many premium credit cards have perks that reset each calendar year. If you open a new credit card in November or December, you might be able to double-dip on savings within a short period by taking advantage of your card's benefits at the end of 2025 and then again at the beginning of 2026. Examples include:

Up to $100 in annual statement credits toward Saks Fifth Avenue purchases with American Express Platinum Card®. (This perk requires advance enrollment and provides up to $50 in credits per half-year.)
Up to $150 in statement credits on U.S. purchases made directly with Dell and an additional up to $1,000 in statement credits after spending $5,000 or more each calendar year with The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (enrollment is required in advance).

Some other examples of annual travel credits you might be able to double-dip with using this strategy include:

Up to $100 in statement credits for airline incidentals with the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
Up to $200 in statement credits for airline incidentals with your preferred airline on the Amex Platinum Card and Business Platinum (enrollment is required in advance)
Up to $600 in statement credits (distributed as up to $300 biannually) for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings (minimum two-night stay required) with the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum

These credits help offset the Platinum and Business Platinum's high $895 annual fee (see rates and fees for Platinum and Business Platinum).

Leverage opportunities to use your points and miles

Whether it's the welcome bonus or the earnings from your everyday spending, there's never been a better time to use your hard-earned rewards for a trip of a lifetime.

An example that easily comes to mind is using Atmos Rewards points to book short-haul flights on American Airlines. These flights could be expensive if you were to pay cash during the holidays, and using your Atmos Rewards points to offset the cost of your family get-together can free up a few hundred dollars from your end-of-year budget.

For some redemption inspiration, check out the following:

Moreover, you'll be able to use points from your new card to cover your loved ones' travel into next year. Travel isn't cheap, and offsetting these expenses with points and miles is a great reason to add a premium credit card to your wallet.

Gift perks to others for the holidays

Premium credit cards offer valuable benefits you can gift to others. Consider these when deciding on gifts for friends and family during the holidays.

For example, you can make qualifying purchases from Saks Fifth Avenue with your Amex Platinum Card or from Dell using your Amex Business Platinum Card. Since you receive statement credits for qualifying purchases (after enrolling for the benefit), these gifts may have no out-of-pocket costs to you.

You could also gift lounge access to a traveler in your life. This could come from adding a loved one to your Amex Platinum Card or Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees), for example. Just remember that you're responsible for all spending by authorized users on your account, so set expectations and spending limits before you add them to your account.

Note that most loyalty programs let you book travel for others with your points or miles. If you're looking for a gift for someone who has everything, booking them a flight or hotel stay with your rewards could give them the trip of a lifetime while also saving you money.

For more ideas, see our guide to credit card perks you can gift for the holidays.

Earn a generous welcome offer

Let's end with what might be the biggest reason to apply for a credit card: welcome offers. The ability to earn a windfall of points or miles quickly is always appealing, and your holiday shopping can help you meet the spending requirements for these bonuses.

The Capital One Venture X Business has a welcome offer that earns up to 400,000 bonus miles. Earn 200,000 miles after you spend $30,000 in the first three months from account opening, and an additional 200,000 miles after spending $150,000 in the first six months of account opening. Based on TPG's December 2025 valuations, this offer is worth up to $7,400.

Woman using a laptop — MINISERIES/GETTY IMAGES

There's also the current offer on the aforementioned Amex Business Platinum: Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership.

Based on our December 2025 valuations, that welcome offer is worth $4,000, but it can be worth even more if you redeem your points for business-class airfare or last-minute trips.

These welcome offers and more will help you start the new year on the right financial foot.

Bottom line

The end of the year is a great time to consider adding a premium credit card to your wallet. Between the elevated bonuses we covered above and the ability to double-dip on spending credits, you could treat yourself this holiday season by applying for a premium credit card and reaping its many benefits. And if you're really in the holiday spirit, you can share some of those benefits with travelers on your shopping list.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.

For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, click here.

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.

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