American Express cardholders can now access enhanced benefits across multiple card products, with spending thresholds determining elite status, statement credits, and bonus rewards throughout the calendar year. The updated rewards structure applies to both consumer and business credit cards, offering cardmembers opportunities to maximize value through strategic spending categories and anniversary bonuses.
According to the latest card benefit details, American Express has implemented calendar-year spending requirements across its portfolio. Cardholders who meet specific purchase thresholds can unlock premium perks including hotel status upgrades, travel credits, and bonus points that reset annually.
American Express Spending Caps and Calendar Year Limits
Several American Express cards feature spending category caps that reset each calendar year. The Blue Cash Preferred offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in annual purchases, while the Gold Card provides 4x points at restaurants on up to $50,000 per calendar year. These annual spending limits help cardholders plan their purchase strategies to optimize rewards earning potential.
Additionally, the Business Gold Card earns 4x points on the top two spending categories, but only on the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year. After reaching that threshold, the earning rate drops to 1x points, making it essential for business owners to monitor their annual spending.
Hotel and Airline Card Anniversary Benefits
Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors American Express cards provide free night awards tied to cardmember anniversaries and annual spending. The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Card offers one free night award after spending $15,000 in a calendar year, while the Hilton Aspire Card provides an annual free night reward regardless of spending.
Meanwhile, Delta SkyMiles cards feature companion certificates and spending bonuses. The Delta Reserve card delivers a companion certificate annually after renewal, and cardholders can earn a $200 Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 in purchases during a calendar year.
Elite Status Through Credit Card Spending
Several co-branded hotel cards offer pathways to elite status through annual spending requirements. The Hilton Surpass Card grants Diamond status after spending $40,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, while the IHG One Rewards Premier card provides Diamond Elite status with $40,000 in annual spending.
Conversely, some cards provide automatic status. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card includes complimentary Platinum Elite status, and the Hilton Aspire automatically grants Diamond status to cardholders.
Business Card Annual Credits and Bonuses
American Express business cards incorporate calendar-year benefits designed for company spending. The Business Platinum Card offers up to $360 in Indeed credits per year, distributed quarterly, plus up to $120 in wireless telephone credits when cardholders make purchases directly with U.S. wireless providers.
The Delta Platinum Business card provides up to $200 in annual statement credits for Delta Stays bookings, while the Delta Reserve Business increases that benefit to $250. Both require prepaid hotel or vacation rental purchases through Delta’s booking platform.
Statement Credits and Enrollment Requirements
Many American Express card benefits require enrollment to activate. The Gold Card’s dining credits at select merchants, including up to $10 monthly at Five Guys and Grubhub, necessitate cardmember enrollment. Similarly, the Blue Cash Everyday card’s $7 monthly Disney+ credit requires activation.
However, enrollment requirements vary by benefit. The Platinum Card’s $200 airline fee credit and $300 Equinox credit both require selection or enrollment, according to the card’s terms.
American Express continues evaluating its benefits structure, though the company has not announced any immediate changes to existing calendar-year spending thresholds or anniversary bonuses. Cardholders should review their account terms annually to understand how benefit structures may evolve.
