As the year wraps up, it’s worth taking a moment to review your points, miles and elite status. Elite status qualification resets in many loyalty programs (e.g., Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus) on Dec. 31, and a quick check now can help you avoid losing rewards to inactivity, missing an elite tier by a small margin, or letting valuable credits and certificates expire. American Airlines AAdvantage uses a different cycle: The qualification period runs from March 1 to Feb. 28/29, with status valid through March 31 of the following year.
Even if you didn’t travel much this year, confirming account activity, tracking progress toward elite status thresholds and using any remaining benefits can set you up for a stronger start next year.
If you’re unsure where to start, here are 10 points and miles tasks to complete before the end of the year.
Related: When does your hotel elite status expire?
Check progress on your status goals
If you’re aiming for airline or hotel elite status, triple-check your numbers — some TPG readers have miscalculated mileage runs and subsequently lost out on status.
It’s also worth considering whether one of the best credit cards for elite status could help you meet your status goals.
Related: Audit your mileage run: How Delta’s miscalculation almost cost me Diamond Medallion status
Book travel deals with partner airlines
While airfares, nightly hotel rates and cruise fares have increased over the past few years, plenty of travel deals remain.
Scoring a flight deal on United Airlines, Delta Air Lines or American Airlines can be a double-edged sword. After all, you’ll earn fewer Premier qualifying points, Medallion Qualification Dollars or Loyalty Points on inexpensive fares.
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Therefore, consider booking deals on a Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld partner airline instead. If you purchase your ticket directly from the partner carrier and credit the miles to United MileagePlus, Delta SkyMiles or American AAdvantage, you can take advantage of this option. On most partner airlines, you’ll earn based on three criteria: fare class, flight distance and operating airline. However, on some airlines, you may earn based on the ticket price.
Historically, this is how you can qualify for status at a fraction of the usual price.
As always, don’t forget to consider booking travel with friendly cancellation and change policies. By doing so, you’ll avoid hefty fees if you have to change or cancel your trip.
Related: Key tools and tips to find the cheapest airfare
Plan your credit card strategy
If you have a destination on your travel bucket list, opening a new credit card and earning the welcome offer could get you there sooner.
For example, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is currently offering an increased, limited-time welcome bonus of 100,000 bonus miles when you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.
Since our December 2025 valuations peg Capital One miles at 1.85 cents each, TPG values 100,000 Capital One miles at $1,850. Plus, the Venture X offers a $300 annual credit (per cardmember year) for bookings made through the Capital One Travel portal.
The end of the year is an ideal time to review your strategy and consider applying for a new card, especially if you plan to spend extra money on gifts and other year-end expenses. That’s because these purchases could help you meet the minimum spending requirement on a new card and earn a significant welcome bonus.
Related: Here’s why the Venture X and Amex Gold are the only 2 cards in my wallet
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Earn annual spending bonuses
Speaking of spending, now is an excellent time to check your progress toward annual spending bonuses. For example, if you have an eligible Hilton Honors card, you can log in to your American Express account and see how much progress you’ve made toward earning a free night certificate.
Review the types of spending bonuses your cards offer and track your progress toward meeting the required spending thresholds. It may be worth spending extra on your card before the year ends if you’re close to meeting your spending goal. After all, with rising airfare and hotel rates, earning an extra free night certificate or companion ticket could be worth a lot.
Related: The best hotel credit cards that come with an annual free night
Redeem travel fee credits
Hopefully, you’ve already redeemed all of your credit card travel credits this year. If you have a credit that will expire Dec. 31, now is the time to use it.
For instance, several American Express cards include a credit for airline incidental fees every calendar year. Even if your next trip is in 2026, if you are planning to fly on your preferred airline in the new year, you can prepay for eligible incidental fees before the end of 2025. That way, you can redeem the credit this year and enjoy the benefits next year.
Also, some cards have credits for nontravel purchases. For example, if you have the American Express Platinum Card®, you’ll want to enroll in and redeem the semiannual Saks Fifth Avenue credit as soon as possible (if you haven’t already done so). With the holiday shopping season in full swing, this up to $50 statement credit can help you buy a great gift and save money.
Related: The top credit cards with annual travel statement credits
Register for hotel promotions
Registering for hotel promotions can be one of the easiest ways to earn extra points. Even if you don’t have any stays planned through the end of the year, it’s worth registering in case your plans change. Registering now means you won’t have to dig up the registration link later.
Head to our roundup of the latest travel deals to see if there’s anything worth signing up for.
Related: New Hyatt hotels where you can get 500 extra points per night
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Check your points and miles expiration dates
Over the past couple of years, more airlines have shifted their approach away from mileage expiration policies. Still, don’t assume that your miles are safe. Check your balances and expiration policies, and plan to use or extend your rewards before they expire.
Some travel providers waive mileage expiration dates if you hold their cobranded credit card. Other programs allow you to defer your expiration date by earning miles (or having qualifying activity). That could be a good reason to opt in to dining rewards programs and use online shopping portals.
Related: Expiring rewards in 2026? A list of loyalty programs and their rewards expiration policies
Give the gift of status
Several loyalty programs offer the option to gift elite status to others, either as a complimentary benefit of your status or as one of your annual gift choices.
Your status benefits and perks may reset in the new year, though. Check whether you can gift elite status and whether you need to do so before the end of the year.
Related: How to earn last-minute airline elite status — and whether or not it’s worth it
Pick your choice benefits
Programs like American AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles and Marriott Bonvoy offer top-tier elite members a choice of benefits. For example, you may be able to select bonus points, upgrades, a lounge membership or the ability to gift status to someone else.
For some of these programs, the deadline to select choice benefits is the end of the year. This means you’ll want to check whether you’ve earned any choice benefits and the selection deadline. If your deadline is Dec. 31, now is an excellent time to research your options and make a choice.
Related: Your complete guide to picking Marriott Choice Benefits
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Cancel cards you don’t need
The savviest credit card holders regularly review their wallets to determine which cards are worth keeping and which are not.
Now is an excellent time to review your credit card usage and determine which cards aren’t serving you well. Consider the benefits of each card, whether you’re using the perks and whether you can justify paying the annual fee. If you have a card that doesn’t meet the requirements, you may want to consider downgrading or canceling your card.
Bottom line
As the year comes to a close, take a moment to review your rewards strategy from top to bottom. Confirm your progress toward elite status, use any expiring credits or certificates, and register for promotions before they disappear. Check whether your points require activity to stay valid, and make sure you’ve maximized any spending bonuses tied to your cards.
Consider whether your current cards still justify their place in your wallet and close any that no longer deliver value.
A quick, organized sweep now helps protect your rewards, avoid missed opportunities and start the new year in a stronger position.
