All information about the Hilton American Express, Surpass, American Express Platinum and Business Platinum Cards has been collected independently by Miles to Memories.
Points and Miles Moves
I generally don’t reevaluate my end of year points and miles moves until late November or early December. Fall is my favorite time of the year to travel – and when I enjoy pausing on much of our hobby minutiae. I’m mostly done by that time, anyway, since I strategize and execute earlier in the year. Still, when I get to double-checking stuff later on, I often wish I revalidated earlier. Indeed, many new developments occur throughout the year which can affect my original plans. So then, I’m reengaging a bit earlier this year. What am I most focused on as we near the year’s end?
Credits Everywhere
Of course, “free” thanks to card benefits occurs throughout the year. But 2024 has been different. We’ve faced a more convoluted situation. A variety of annual, biannual, monthly, and now more prominent quarterly credits exist to maximize. Perhaps the easiest to forget may be the $50 and $60 quarterly Hilton statement credits on the Amex Surpass and Business cards, respectively. Rolled out in fall 2023, we’re wrapping up our first full year of these credits. While most all other credits are easy (enough) to consume from home, the Hilton cards’ statement credits take a bit more foresight to consume. I no longer want to bother with the Hilton gift card option, so I’ve opted for this last-minute strategy for any unused hotel credit.
We’ve had a few new Platinums arrive during the year, and I easily take care of Saks credits at a brick and mortar location. Regardless, I’m looking at each card in my portfolio and poring over benefits to ensure I’ve maximized any credits we care about. Perhaps I focus on no credit more than the Platinum’s digital entertainment credit strategy. That’s next.
Black Friday
That term’s applied more loosely by the year. I now feel like it’s a year-round promo in one form or another. Of course, I’ll shop for family and friends, particularly the ones I haven’t addressed yet. But in November, I’m focused more on leveraging deals involving stacks throughout the year. My strategy for the Amex Platinum digital entertainment credit is front and center.
To reset, this $20 monthly credit is currently triggered with the following partners:
- Disney+
- ESPN+
- Hulu
- Peacock
- The New York Times
- The Wall Street Journal
Over the last few years, I’ve found that the best rates on these services are collectively available around November/the Black Friday time of year. More advanced moves enable additional services with these credits, as well. This season, I hope to apply similar strategies to other credits more than in previous years.
Double and Triple Dip Time
I’m confident we’ll go after new cards late in the year to double and triple dip. Most of the double dip opportunities involve upgrading cards, while applying for new ones will enable the triple methods longer term. Taking on a bit more annual fee can lead to exponentially more rewards, especially when hobbyists time it right. Unfortunately, I have a pretty full house of cards currently, somewhat limiting opportunities in this play. But I’ll get in there where I can.
Big Spend Bonuses
As we get closer to the end of 2024, I’m focusing on big spend bonuses based on the calendar year. I’ve already hit a few accordingt to my calculations, but I’ll be checking my math and ensuring I’m actually receiving those benefits. Beyond that, I’m reviewing other cards to see if a last-minute push is worth it for certain other big spend bonuses. I don’t expect any huge surprises here, but better safe than sorry.
Points and Miles Moves – Conclusion
Inevitably, other items will creep in to suck a bit of time, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. More options, even if I don’t select to participate, beats the alternative. I won’t be surprised if we engage in another late night apporama not involving any double or triple dips. Before I know it, 2025 will be here, and I want to hold my head high knowing I accomplished everything I wanted to in 2024.
What’s on your plate for the rest of this year?
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