Many premium credit cards include quarterly statement credits and bonus categories that reset after the end of September. Cardholders who have not yet used these benefits risk losing hundreds of dollars in value tied to travel, dining and related spending. The third quarter of 2026 ends in just over two weeks, leaving limited time to apply the credits before they disappear. ([1])
American Express Travel and Hospitality Perks
Several American Express cards carry quarterly credits that directly support travel and hospitality spending. The Business Platinum Card offers up to $90 per quarter on eligible Indeed purchases and up to $50 per quarter on Hilton stays or services, both of which reset after Sept. 30. Enrollment in the Hilton for Business program is required for the hotel credit. The American Express Platinum Card provides up to $100 per quarter at eligible U.S. Resy restaurants and up to $75 per quarter at Lululemon stores or online. No reservation is needed for the Resy credit, though enrollment applies to select benefits on both cards. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card includes up to $50 per quarter in flight statement credits when purchases are made directly with airlines or through Amex Travel. The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card each deliver quarterly Hilton portfolio credits of $60 and $50 respectively, covering room charges as well as dining and spa services at participating properties.
Rotating Bonus Categories on Chase and Citi Cards
Chase Freedom and Chase Freedom Flex cards earn 5 percent cash back on up to $1,500 in combined quarterly spending across gas stations, electric vehicle charging, public transit, select live entertainment and United Way donations. Activation is required, and the window to enroll closes Sept. 14 for the current quarter. The Citi Dividend Card, available only to existing holders, awards 5 percent cash back on gas stations and home improvement stores through Sept. 30. The annual cap on bonus spending stands at $6,000 before the rate drops to 1 percent.
Discover and U.S. Bank Quarterly Offers
The Discover it Cash Back card earns 5 percent cash back on up to $1,500 in combined spending at gas stations, transportation providers and drugstores during the third quarter. Activation remains necessary each quarter. U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card holders can select two categories each quarter for 5 percent cash back on up to $2,000 in combined spending. Current options include cellphone providers, department stores, electronics retailers, fast food, furniture stores, ground transportation, gyms, home utilities, internet, movie theaters, select clothing stores, sporting goods, streaming services and television.
Practical Steps Before the Reset
Cardholders should log into their accounts now to confirm remaining balances on statement credits and verify that bonus categories have been activated where required. Many of these benefits reset on a calendar-quarter schedule, so missing the Sept. 30 deadline means waiting until the next cycle begins. Reviewing statements for the past few months can reveal whether travel-related purchases already qualified for credits that have not yet posted. Business owners and frequent travelers stand to gain the most from the Hilton and airline credits, while everyday spending on gas and transit can still generate meaningful cash back on the rotating-category cards. The window to capture this quarter’s value is narrow. Checking accounts today prevents leaving money on the table when the benefits refresh in October.
