May's Essential Credit Card Perks & Benefits Checklist

Depending on how many
credit cards
The array of advantages you could be taking advantage of this month may seem daunting. Do you think you can recall all these benefits unaided? Perhaps not.

Instead of keeping tabs on everything individually, we have put together a monthly checklist of the rewards and advantages associated with your credit cards. This will help eliminate uncertainty regarding what benefits you may lose as they expire and how valuable they remain.

Here are several key reminders for this coming May.

Related:
The 13 credit card perks that TPG’s specialists appreciate the most

American Express

There are various monthly card benefits that you ought to take advantage of because Amex provides many of its statement credits on a monthly basis instead of offering them as an annual perk once a year.

It’s crucial to understand that these figures represent “up to” totals, indicating the highest reimbursement you can get in statement credits. Should your spending fall below these numbers, the credit you’ll receive will correspondingly be reduced.

Moreover, any unused Uber Cash will be removed from your account at the end of the month.

In total, these advantages cannot be carried forward for future use. You must utilize them promptly; otherwise, they will expire.

The American Express Platinum Card

Up to $12.95 statement credit towards a Walmart+ monthly subscription (a maximum of $155 annually per calendar year).

: Pay with
The Platinum Card

®

from American Express
Then get reimbursed with statement credits for as much as one membership fee each month.
Here’s how to enroll
(subject to automatic renewal). Additionally, Up Benefits do not qualify. Should you not get the statement credit automatically, it might be worthwhile
Requesting that any omitted credits be added
The simplest method is through chat, whether online or using the Amex app. enrollment is necessary, and terms will apply.
Up to $20 in Uber Credit (up to $200 in Uber Credit annually)

This option works for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders within the U.S. You just need to link your card to your Uber account as a payment method and use any American Express card to complete the redemption.
Here’s how you can utilize this advantage
(participation is mandatory; conditions apply)
Up to $20 in digital entertainment statement credits (totaling up to $240 annually).

This option is valid for the Disney Bundle, Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. You must enroll beforehand to qualify for the statement credit; please check the terms and conditions.
Here’s how you can utilize this benefit
.

Although it isn’t a monthly benefit, cardmembers also get two spending credits each year.
Saks Fifth Avenue
On the American Express Platinum card, you can earn up to $50 in statement credits from January 1st through June 30th every year, along with another up to $50 in statement credits from July 1st to December 31st, totaling up to $100 in Saks Faye statement credits annually. Please remember that enrollment must be done beforehand, and certain conditions will apply.

You have the option to utilize up to $300 in Equinox statement credits every year. These credits can be used towards covering costs associated with Equinox+ or any Equinox gym memberships (with automatic renewal included).
Here’s how you can utilize this advantage
. enrollment is mandatory; conditions apply.

These perks and statement credits may help counterbalance the card’s $695 yearly fee (see
rates and fees
).

To find out more, visit our website.
complete analysis of the American Express Platinum card
.

Related:
10 actions to take once you receive your American Express Platinum card

Apply here:
The American Express Platinum Card

The American Express Business Platinum Card

Up to $10 in wireless credit per month (totaling up to $120 annually).

Pay for your bill with a qualifying U.S. mobile service provider and get a monthly statement credit of up to $10. You must enroll beforehand; certain conditions apply.
Up to $50 per quarter (a maximum of $200 annually) for qualifying Hilton expenses.

This credit may be utilized for any qualifying buy at a location within the Hilton collection. Keep in mind that registration with the Hilton for Business program is required to take part. Please refer to terms and conditions for details.

The Business Platinum Card

®

from American Express
does not provide credit rewards at Saks or through Uber; however, cardholders can enjoy up to $400 annually in statement credits for US-based Dell transactions (note that this perk will change starting July 1, 2025).

This is split into up to $200 in credits from January to June and another up to $200 from July to December. You can use your credits for the first half of the year now. Enrollment is required in advance; terms apply.

These credits help compensate for this card’s $695 yearly fee (see
rates and fees
).

To find out more, visit us at
complete assessment of the American Express Business Platinum card
.

Related:
9 actions to take after receiving your American Express Business Platinum Card

Apply here:
The American Express Business Platinum Card

American Express Gold Card

Utilize these perks to help balance out the card’s $325 yearly fee (refer to
rates and fees
):

Up to $10 in Uber Cash every month (a maximum of $120 annually)

Just like the benefit offered with the American Express Platinum card, this covers Uber rides andUber Eats orders within the U.S. Include your
American Express

®

Gold Card
Add your Uber account as a payment method to qualify for this benefit, noting that it may be combined with the monthly credit provided.
Amex Platinum
If you possess both cards.
Here’s how you can utilize this advantage
Enrollment is mandatory; conditions apply. The Uber Cash deposit will be made exclusively into a single Uber account once you link your Amex Gold as a payment option for using and redeeming benefits with any American Express card.
Up to $10 dining voucher (up to $120 annually per calendar year)

Use your card for payments at The Cheesecake Factory, Five Guys, Goldbelly, Grubhub, and Wine.com to get up to $10 in monthly statement credits. You must enroll beforehand, and terms will apply.
Here’s how you can utilize this benefit
.
Up to $7 worth of Dunkin’ credit (up to $84 annually per calendar year)

Cardholders are eligible for up to $7 in monthly statement credits when they use their card at Dunkin’ establishments within the U.S. These credits may also be utilized to fund your mobile Dunkin’ Donuts account. Please note that enrollment is necessary, and terms will apply.
Up to $100 in yearly Resy credits

Cardholders will get two up to $50 semi-annual statement credits per calendar year, with one available from January through June and the second from July through December. These statement credits may be claimed when you dine at restaurants within the U.S., which accept Resy bookings, using your American Express Gold card for payment, along with qualifying Resy transactions. No reservation is needed to qualify for these statement credits. You must enroll first—terms and conditions apply.

To find out more, visit us at
complete analysis of the American Express Gold card
.

Related:
American Express Gold Checklist: 5 Actions to Take Upon Receiving Your Card

Apply here:
American Express Gold Card

American Express Business Gold Card

Up to $20 adjustable business credit (maximum of $240 annually):

Cardholders have the opportunity to receive up to $20 in monthly statement credits for qualifying U.S. transactions made at FedEx locations, Grubhub, and office supply retailers. An enrollment process is necessary, and certain conditions must be met.

These statement credits can readily compensate for the cost
The American Express® Business Gold Card’s
$375 annual fee (see
rates and fees
).

For additional information, visit our website.
complete analysis of the American Express Business Gold card
.

Apply here:
American Express Business Gold

Delta cobranded cards

Resy credit

: You will get a monthly statement credit of up to $10 for U.S. restaurant purchases made through the Resy platform, totaling up to $120 per calendar year.
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
and
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
; and receive up to $20 in monthly statement credits (capped at $240 annually) for dining at U.S. restaurants with the
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
and
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
. Registration is mandatory; conditions apply.
Ride-hailing credit

You can earn up to $10 per month in statement credits for using U.S.-based ride-sharing services like Uber, Lyft, Revel, Curb, or Alto with either the consumer or business versions of the Delta Platinum or Delta Reserve cards. Remember that enrollment is necessary, and certain conditions will apply.

Related:
Ways to make the most of the latest statement credit offers on the Delta Amex cards

Hilton Honors Recognizes the American Express Aspire Card

Up to $200 in Hilton Resorts credits every six months (totaling up to $400 annually).

Use your Hilton Amex Aspire card for this transaction.
participating Hilton Resorts
To cover qualifying expenses like accommodation fees and additional costs, this feature provides financial assistance split into two $200 credits per year. You can utilize one credit from January through June and the second from July through December.
Up to $50 in flight credits each quarter (a maximum of $200 annually).

Pay for your flight directly via the airline or through AmexTravel.com and get up to $50 in statement credits every quarter. Data suggests that you might have this opportunity.
use this credit
For upgrading seats, paying for award taxes and fees, and to replenish your United TravelBank balance.

Registration is necessary for certain perks; conditions apply.

The data regarding the Hilton Amex Aspire card was gathered independently by The Points Guy. The specifics of the card featured on this page were neither reviewed nor supplied by the card issuer.

Learn more:
Hilton Honors Recognizes the American Express Aspire Card

Hilton Honors American Express Surplus Card

Up to $50 Hilton credit each quarter (a maximum of $200 annually).

Receive as much as $50 in statement credits every three months for transactions made directly with an establishment within the Hilton group, covering reservations and additional expenses. Data suggests you might have this opportunity.
use this credit
For purchases made at a Hilton property’s dining and gift stores, as well as for online Hilton gift card buys—even when not checked into a property—terms will apply.

For additional information, visit our website.
complete assessment of the Hilton Amex Surpass card

®

Card
.

Apply here:
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

The American Express Business Card from Hilton Honors

Up to $60 Hilton credit each quarter (totaling up to $240 annually).

Receive up to $60 in quarterly statement credits when you make direct purchases at properties within the Hilton portfolio, which includes reservations and additional expenses like meals and spa treatments. Refer to our guidance on the Surpass card benefits mentioned earlier. Please check terms and conditions.

To find out more, visit us at
complete assessment of the Hilton Honors American Express Business Credit Card
.

Apply here:
Hilton Honors American Express for Business

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex Card

Up to $25 in monthly dining credits (a maximum of $300 per calendar year).

This card provides up to $25 in benefits.
monthly dining statement credits
At eateries around the globe. There’s no need to sign up beforehand — just use your card at a qualifying venue, and expect the statement credit to appear within a few days. Conditions do apply.

For additional information, visit our website.
complete assessment of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
.

Apply here:
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex Card

Chase

Each month, Chase credit cards provide different benefits, which means every new month brings a fresh set of rewards for you to utilize.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

$5 DoorDash credits

When you include your
Chase Sapphire Reserve

®

card (see
rates and fees
) as a payment option to your DoorDash account, Chase will provide up to $5 in monthly credits at the start of each month. Keep in mind that these credits apply solely towards $5 off restaurant deliveries, and they do not accumulate from one month to the next. This credit is separate from what the card typically offers.
complimentary DashPass membership
(activated by Dec. 31, 2027).
$20 DoorDash non-restaurant credits

When you have an active Sapphire Reserve DashPass membership, cardholders can enjoy two discounts of up to $10 off each calendar month during checkout for grocery, convenience store, or other non-restaurant purchases made through DoorDash. However, only one discount can be applied per order.
$10 in Lyft credits

Cardholders will be granted a $10 ride credit each month using their Sapphire Reserve card, amounting to an annual total of $120 in credits. Remember that these credits cannot be carried forward from one month to another; hence, make sure you utilize them within the same month. This advantage extends until September 2027.

To find out more, visit us at
complete assessment of the Sapphire Reserve
.

Apply here:
Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

$10 DoorDash non-restaurant credits

Cardholders who have an active card
Chase Sapphire Preferred

®

Card
(see
rates and fees
With a DashPass membership, you can get an upfront discount of up to $10 off during checkout for one grocery, convenience, or other non-restaurant orders through DoorDash every calendar month. To take advantage of this offer, activate your DashPass membership by December 31, 2027.

Cardmembers can utilize a yearly $50 hotel credit when making reservations through Chase Travel℠. Should you not have used yours for this year,
Here’s how you can utilize this advantage.
.

To find out more, visit us at
complete analysis of the Sapphire Preferred
.

Apply here:
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Chase Freedom (unavailable for new applicants) along with the Chase Freedom Flex

As much as 5% cashback

:
Current categories
Include Amazon buys and certain streaming services. You will get 5% cash back for these categories, capped at $1,500 in total spending per quarter (after which it drops to 1%). To benefit from increased rewards, you need to activate your chosen categories. This quarterly period concludes on June 30, with category activation being required.
activate
By June 14th, you have until then to register and optimize your earnings.
$10 DoorDash non-restaurant credits

Cardholders of any Chase Freedom or Slate family card can enjoy an offer of up to $10 off per quarter when they place their first grocery, convenience store, or other non-restaurant order through DoorDash with a DashPass membership. To qualify for this benefit, your DashPass membership needs to be active by December 31, 2027.

Keep in mind: Despite this, the Chase Freedom and
Chase Freedom Flex®
(see
rates and fees
Credit cards are essentially cash-back products; you have the option to convert these rewards into completely transferrable funds.
Ultimate Rewards points
If you also own a premium Chase card such as the
Sapphire Preferred
or
Sapphire Reserve
.

The data regarding the Chase Freedom card was gathered independently by The Points Guy. The specifics of the card detailed on this page were neither reviewed nor supplied by the card issuer.

Apply here:
Chase Freedom Flex

United cobranded cards

Ride-hailing credit:

Various co-branded United credit cards provide different amounts of monthly statement credits for ride-hailing services.
United℠ Explorer Card
(see
rates and fees
) provides up to $5 in statement credits each month, whereas the
United Quest℠ Card
(see
rates and fees
) and
United℠ Business Card
(see
rates and fees
Each offer provides up to $8 in statement credits monthly from January through November, and up to $12 in statement credits in December. Conversely, the
United Club℠ Card
(see
rates and fees
Both cards provide up to $12 in credits each month from January through November, with an increased $18 credit available in December. You must sign up annually to qualify for these monthly benefits.
Instacart credit:

The
United Club Card
And both United Club and Business provide two $10 monthly credits, whereas the
United Quest Card
offers a $10 and a $5 monthly credit.
United Explorer
and
United Business
Each offers a $10 monthly credit. The Instacart benefits conclude on December 31, 2027.

The data regarding the United Club Business Card was gathered separately by The Points Guy. The specifics of the card mentioned on this page have not been examined or supplied by the card issuer.

Citi

Take advantage of these essential perks available with select Citi cards.

Citibank / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

The
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
(see
rates and fees
The card offers multiple advantages, such as various monthly credits like the ones listed below:

$10 in monthly Lyft credits following three trips

Use your card for payments in your account and receive a $10 Lyft credit after completing three rides within one month.
Up to $10 returned with

Grubhub

When using your card for Grubhub buys, you can get up to $10 in monthly credit statements.

In 2024,
Citi devalued
The maximum yearly car rental credit available with this card from Avis-Budget is $120. In order to utilize this credit, you need to make a reservation for a prepaid rental through either Avis or Budget.

For additional information, visit our website.
complete analysis of the AAdvantage Executive WorldElite Mastercard
.

Apply here:
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

The Citi Dividend Card (no longer available for new applications)

5% cash back

You have the opportunity to receive 5% cashback every quarter on specific rotating categories. What sets this apart from some other credit cards is that they do not cap your bonus earnings within a quarter; with the Citi® Dividend card, you can earn 5% extra cash back on up to $6,000 worth of purchases throughout the year (after which it drops to 1%). This means you might be able to optimize your yearly bonuses when the quarterly reward categories align well with your expenses. Keep this in mind as you use the card.
activate your current categories
, including Citi Travel and grocery store purchases. These categories will be active until June 30.

The data regarding the Citi Dividend card was gathered independently by The Points Guy. The specifics about the card mentioned on this page were neither reviewed nor supplied by the card issuer.

Discover

Discover it Cash Back

5% cash back

Each quarter, you have the opportunity to receive 5% cash back on purchases of up to $1,500 within selected rotating categories; beyond this threshold, you will get an unrestricted 1% cash back. Don’t forget to opt into your present categories, such as supermarkets and warehouse clubs.

The information regarding the Discover it® Cash Back has been gathered independently by The Points Guy. The specifics of the card detailed on this page have not been examined or supplied by the credit card company.

Learn more:
Discover it Cash Back

U.S. Bank

Own a U.S. Bank credit card? Make sure to read this part closely to avoid missing any crucial perks.

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card

5% cash back

Each quarter, you have the opportunity to receive 5% cash back on purchases totaling up to $2,000 within selected revolving categories (and 1% thereafter), using your U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. It’s necessary for you to select these specific categories every quarter.
activate them
To qualify for the bonus, ensure your activities fall within this period which ends on June 30. Eligible categories encompass: mobile service providers, general merchandise retailers, electronic shops, quick-service restaurants, furniture outlets, land transport options, health clubs/fitness centers, utility services for homes, cinema houses, certain apparel stores, sports equipment dealers, along with television, internet, and streaming platforms.

The data regarding the U.S. Bank Cash+ was gathered separately by The Points Guy. The particulars of the card mentioned on this page were neither examined nor supplied by the card issuer.

Learn more:
U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card

World Elite Mastercards

The advantages of World Elite Mastercards can differ from those provided by your card’s issuing bank.

World Elite Mastercards

Numerous banks issue a
World Elite Mastercard
Common items within this category include the
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
(see
rates and fees
), the
IHG One Rewards Elite Credit Card
(see
rates and fees
) and the
Chase Freedom Flex
Here’s what cardholders can utilize every month with these cards:

$5 in monthly Lyft credit following your third ride

Use your card for payments in your account and receive a $5 Lyft credit after completing three rides within one month. This offer will be valid until January 1, 2026.
Save up to $5 on your monthly Peacock subscription

Use your qualifying card to cover the cost of a monthly Peacock streaming subscription and receive a $3 statement credit each month for Peacock Premium or a $5 statement credit each month for Peacock Premium Plus (the ad-free option). This offer will be valid until December 31st.
Save $10 on your next Instacart purchase

:
Sign up using your qualifying card
To take advantage of two complimentary months of Instacart+ along with $10 off your subsequent monthly purchase until August 31st.

Related:
The 9 top-valued perks of the World Elite Mastercard

Bottom line

Utilize the advantages and benefits offered to you
credit cards
Is essential for getting the most out of your card and validating the cost of its yearly fee. Certain credit cards simplify this process by providing specific perks that you can enjoy once per year. However, some other advantages need to be utilized month by month, which might lead to these being overlooked easily.

This monthly rundown of credit card benefits can assist you in remembering to take advantage of them as we usher in a fresh month.

Related:
Don’t miss out: Enjoy benefits simply by joining these loyalty programs.

To view the rates and fees for the Amex Gold, please click.
here
.

To view the rates and fees for the Amex Business Gold, please click.
here
.

To view the rates and fees for the Amex Platinum, please click.
here
.

To view the rates and fees for the Amex Business Platinum card, please click.
here
.

Editorial disclaimer: The views expressed herein belong solely to the author and do not represent the opinions of any bank, credit card company, airline, or hotel chain. These organizations have not reviewed, approved, or supported this content in any way.