Many Amex cards such as the Amex Platinum have credits that follow the calendar year making it possible to use the credits three times in the first year.

How Annual Credits Work

Credits such as the airline fee credit on the Amex Platinum are an annual credit which means that the credit can be used again each calendar year. As a result, credits can be used up to three times within the first year of owning a card. Here’s how.

The Triple Dip

Sign up for a card in late November through early December. You receive your card some time in December 2023. You can optionally push your statement closing date as far back as possible.

December 2023: Spend 2023 $200 airline credits

January 2024: Spend 2024 $200 airline credits

January 2025: Spend 2025 $200 airline credits

January/February 2025: Annual fee hits. You have 30 days to cancel your card to get a refund on the annual fee. Make sure your 2025 credits post before you cancel.

For a single annual fee you received three years of credits which can greatly help offset the annual fee of various cards.

Want to see how to use Amex airline credits for flights? Read this post.