Unlock Hidden Credit Card Perks This August—Are You Truly Maximizing Your Benefits?

Juggling multiple credit cards? You’re not alone in feeling like a circus act with flaming batons—except these batons are your array of benefits that vanish quicker than a mirage if you don’t keep up. Have you ever glanced at your credit card perks and thought, “Wait, was that monthly Uber cash supposed to expire last week?” Me too. It’s maddening how these “use it or lose it” credits creep up on us, leaving us wondering if we’re truly squeezing the juice out of our cards. Instead of letting these perks slip through the cracks, I’ve put together a no-nonsense monthly checklist to help you navigate the maze of statement credits, dining credits, and travel benefits awaiting your command this August. Ready to unlock what you’re literally paying for every month? Let’s dive in before those credits ghost you again. LEARN MORE

Depending on how many credit cards you have, the list of benefits you should be using this month might feel overwhelming. Can you remember all of these perks without help? Maybe not.

Rather than trying to keep track of all of them on your own, we’ve compiled a monthly checklist of credit card perks and benefits you might be eligible for. This should take the guesswork out of your benefits when they expire and their value.

Here are some important reminders for the month of August.

American Express

There are numerous monthly card perks that you should be using since Amex offers many of its statement credits as monthly amounts, rather than a one-time annual benefit.

It’s important to note that these values are “up to” amounts, meaning this is the maximum you will receive in statement credits. If you spend less than this amount, you will be reimbursed only for that lower amount.

Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia entrance — ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Additionally, your Uber Cash will disappear from your account if unused by the end of the month.

Overall, these are not benefits you can roll over for later. They are “use it or lose it” type credits.

The Platinum Card from American Express

Up to $12.95 statement credit for a Walmart+ monthly membership (up to $155 per calendar year): Pay with The Platinum Card® from American Express, then receive reimbursement in statement credits for one membership fee per month. Here’s how to enroll (subject to auto-renewal). Plus Up Benefits are not eligible. If you don’t receive the statement credit automatically, it’s worth requesting that any missing credits be applied. The easiest way is via chat (online or through the Amex app). Enrollment is required; terms apply.
Up to $15 in Uber Cash (additional $20 in December; up to $200 in Uber Cash per calendar year): This can be used for Uber rides or on Uber Eats orders in the U.S. Add your card to your Uber account as a payment method and then redeem with any Amex card. Here’s how to use this benefit (enrollment is required; terms apply)
Up to $20 digital entertainment statement credit (up to $240 per calendar year): This can be used for a Disney+ Bundle, Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment is required in advance to receive the statement credit; terms apply. Here’s how to use this benefit.

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While not a monthly benefit, cardmembers also receive two spending credits with Saks Fifth Avenue on the Amex Platinum each calendar year. From Jan. 1 through June 30 each year, you’ll receive up to $50 in statement credits, plus a separate up to $50 in statement credits from July 1 to Dec. 31, for up to $100 in Saks statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment is required in advance; terms apply.

You can use up to $300 in Equinox statement credits per calendar year. These credits apply to paying for Equinox+ or any Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal). Here’s how to use this benefit. Enrollment is required; terms apply.

These benefits and statement credits can help offset the card’s $695 annual fee (see rates and fees).

To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Platinum.

Apply here: The Platinum Card from American Express

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Up to $10 wireless credits (up to $120 per calendar year): Pay for an eligible U.S. mobile service provider and receive a statement credit of up to $10 each month. Enrollment is required in advance; terms apply.
Up to $50 each quarter (up to $200 per calendar year) for eligible Hilton purchases: This statement credit can be used for any eligible purchase at a property in the Hilton portfolio. Note that you must be registered in the Hilton for Business program to participate. Terms apply.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express doesn’t award credits at Saks or with Uber, but cardmembers can receive up to $1,150 in statement credits per calendar year for U.S. Dell purchases.

You can receive up to $150 in statement credits on U.S. purchases made directly at Dell and then an additional $1,000 statement credit after spending $5,000 or more at Dell from July 1 through Dec. 31 (and for each calendar year thereafter).

These credits help offset this card’s $695 annual fee (see rates and fees).

To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Business Platinum.

Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express

American Express Gold Card

Use the following benefits to help offset the card’s $325 annual fee (see rates and fees):

Up to $10 Uber Cash each month (up to $120 per calendar year): Like the perk on the Amex Platinum, this applies to Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. Add your American Express® Gold Card to your Uber account as a payment method to receive this benefit, and note that it can stack with the monthly credit on the Amex Platinum if you have both cards. Here’s how to use this benefit. Enrollment is required; terms apply. Uber Cash will only be deposited into one Uber account when you add the Amex Gold as a payment method to use and redeem with any Amex card.
Up to $10 dining statement credit (up to $120 per calendar year): Use your card to pay at The Cheesecake Factory, Five Guys, Goldbelly, Grubhub and Wine.com to receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits. Enrollment is required in advance; terms apply. Here’s how to use this benefit.
Up to $7 Dunkin’ credit (up to $84 per calendar year): Cardmembers receive up to $7 in monthly statement credits to be used at Dunkin’ locations within the U.S. This credit can also be used to load your mobile Dunkin’ Donuts account. Enrollment is required; terms apply.
Up to $100 annual U.S. Resy statement credits: Cardmembers receive two up to $50 semi-annual statement credits per calendar year, one to be used from January to June and another from July to December. Statement credits can be redeemed by dining at a restaurant in the U.S. that accepts Resy reservations and paying with your Amex Gold, as well as on other eligible Resy purchases. A reservation is not required to earn the statement credit. Enrollment is required; terms apply.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Gold.

Apply here: American Express Gold Card

American Express Business Gold Card

Up to $20 flexible business credit (up to $240 per calendar year): Cardmembers can earn up to $20 in statement credits per month on eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and office supply stores. Enrollment required; terms apply.

These statement credits can easily help offset the American Express® Business Gold Card $375 annual fee (see rates and fees).

To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Business Gold.

Apply here: American Express Business Gold Card

Delta cobranded cards

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Up to $200 Hilton Resorts credit every six months (up to $400 per calendar year): Use your Hilton Amex Aspire at participating Hilton Resorts to pay for eligible purchases, such as room charges and incidentals. This benefit is divided into two $200 semi-annual credits, one for use from January to June and another for use from July to December.
Up to $50 in flight credits per quarter (up to $200 per calendar year): Pay for a flight directly with an airline or through AmexTravel.com and receive up to $50 in statement credits each quarter. Datapoints tell us you may be able to use this credit for seat upgrades, award taxes and fees and to reload your United TravelBank balance.

The information for the Hilton Amex Aspire card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Learn more: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

Up to $50 Hilton credit per quarter (up to $200 per calendar year): Receive up to $50 in statement credits each quarter on purchases charged directly with a property within the Hilton portfolio, including bookings and incidental charges. Datapoints tell us you may be able to use this credit for dining and gift store purchases at a Hilton property and online Hilton gift card purchases, even if you aren’t staying at a property. Terms apply.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Hilton American Express Surpass® Card.

Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

Up to $60 Hilton credit per quarter (up to $240 per calendar year): Receive up to $60 in statement credits each quarter on purchases charged directly with a property within the Hilton portfolio, including bookings and incidental charges such as dining and spa services. See our advice for the Surpass credit above. Terms apply.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card.

Apply here: The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

Up to $25 in monthly dining statement credits (up to $300 per calendar year): This card offers up to $25 in monthly dining statement credits at restaurants worldwide. You don’t need to enroll for this benefit in advance — swipe your card at an eligible restaurant, and you should receive the statement credit within a few days. Terms apply.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

Chase

Select Chase credit cards offer perks on a monthly basis, so a new month means you have a fresh batch of credits to use.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

$5 DoorDash credits: When you add your Chase Sapphire Reserve® card (see rates and fees) as a payment method to your DoorDash account, Chase will add up to $5 in credits at the beginning of each month. Note that this credit applies only for $5 off restaurant orders, and that it doesn’t roll over month to month. These credits are in addition to the card’s complimentary DashPass membership (activate by Dec. 31, 2027).
$20 DoorDash non-restaurant credits: With an activated Sapphire Reserve DashPass membership, cardholders receive two promos of up to $10 off each calendar month at checkout on grocery, convenience or other non-restaurant orders on DoorDash. Only one promo may be used per order.
$10 in Lyft credits: Cardholders will receive a $10 ride credit every month with their Sapphire Reserve, for a total of $120 in credits each year. These credits do not roll over month to month, so it’s important to use yours before the end of the month. This benefit runs through Sept. 30, 2027.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Sapphire Reserve.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

$5 DoorDash credits: When you add your Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees) as a payment method to your DoorDash account and activate your complimentary DashPass membership by Dec. 31, 2027, Chase will provide up to $5 in credits at the beginning of each month.
$20 DoorDash non-restaurant credits: With an activated Sapphire Reserve for Business DashPass membership, receive two promos of up to $10 off each calendar month at checkout on grocery, convenience or other non-restaurant orders on DoorDash. Only one promo may be used per order. Valid through Dec. 31, 2027.
$10 in Lyft credits: Receive a $10 in-app credit every month, for a total of $120 in credits each year. Credits do not roll over month to month. This benefit runs through Sept. 30, 2027.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Sapphire Reserve for Business.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

$10 DoorDash non-restaurant credits: Cardholders with an activated Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) DashPass membership, receive one promo of up to $10 off each calendar month at checkout on one grocery, convenience or other non-restaurant order on DoorDash. Activate your DashPass membership by Dec. 31, 2027 to use this benefit.

Cardholders can also use a $50 hotel credit each year when booking through Chase Travel℠. If you haven’t used yours yet this year, here’s how to use this benefit.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Sapphire Preferred.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Chase Freedom (not open to new applicants) and Chase Freedom Flex

Up to 5% cash back: Current categories include gas and electric vehicle charging, Instacart and select live entertainment. You’ll receive 5% cash back on these categories on up to $1,500 of combined spending each quarter (then 1% back). You must activate your categories to enjoy higher earning rates. The quarter ends on Sept. 30 (and you must activate by Sept. 14), so you have until then to register and maximize these earnings.
$10 DoorDash non-restaurant credits: Cardholders of any Chase Freedom or Slate family cards receive one promo of up to $10 off each quarter at checkout on one grocery, convenience or other non-restaurant order on DoorDash via a DashPass membership. Your DashPass membership must be activated by Dec. 31, 2027 to receive this benefit.

Remember: Even though the Chase Freedom and Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) cards are technically cash-back products, you can turn these earnings into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points if you also have a premium Chase card like the Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve.

United cobranded cards

Ride-hailing credit: Several cobranded United credit cards offer varying levels of ride-hailing statement credit per month. The United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees) offers up to $5 in statement credits per month, while the United Quest℠ Card (see rates and fees) and United℠ Business Card (see rates and fees) each offer up to $8 in statement credits per month between January to November and up to $12 in statement credits in December. Meanwhile, the United Club℠ Card (see rates and fees) and United Club℠ Business Card each offer up to $12 credits per month from January to November and up to $18 credits in December. Yearly opt-in is required in order to earn your monthly credit.
Instacart credit: The United Club Card and United Club Business both offer two $10 monthly credits, whereas the United Quest provides one $10 and one $5 monthly credit. Meanwhile, the United Explorer and United Business each provide a $10 monthly credit. Instacart benefits end Dec. 31, 2027.

The information for the United Club Business has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Citi

Check out these must-use benefits for certain Citi cards.

Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) card has several benefits, including the following monthly credits:

$10 in monthly Lyft credit after three rides: Use your card as the payment method in your account and get a $10 Lyft credit after taking three rides in a month.
Up to $10 back with Grubhub: When you use your card for Grubhub purchases, you’ll receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits.

To learn more, check out our full review of the AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard.

Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

Citi Dividend Card (not open to new applicants)

5% cash back: You can earn 5% cash back each quarter on rotating categories. Unlike other cards that limit your bonus earnings within the quarter, Citi® Dividend cardholders can earn 5% bonus cash back on up to $6,000 of spending across the year (then 1% back thereafter), meaning you could maximize your 5% earnings for the whole year during a quarter where the bonus categories are more advantageous for you. Remember to activate your current categories, which include gas stations and home improvement stores. These categories are active through Sept. 30.

The information for the Citi Dividend card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Discover

Discover it Cash Back

5% cash back: Each quarter, you can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined spending on rotating categories, then unlimited 1% cash back. Remember to activate your current categories, which include gas stations, EV charging, public transit and utilities.

The information for the Discover it® Cash Back has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Learn more: Discover it Cash Back

U.S. Bank

Have a U.S. Bank credit card? Pay close attention to this section so you don’t miss out on important benefits.

GEORGE FREY/BLOOMBERG VIA GETTY IMAGES

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card

5% cash back: Each quarter, you can earn 5% cash back on up to $2,000 in combined spending on rotating categories (then 1% back) with your U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. You must choose your categories each quarter and activate them for the bonus to apply. The current quarter runs through Sept. 30, and categories include: cellphone providers, department stores, electronics stores, fast food, furniture stores, ground transportation, gyms/fitness centers, home utilities, movie theaters, select clothing stores, sporting goods stores and TV, internet and streaming services.

The information for the U.S. Bank Cash+ has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Learn more: U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card

World Elite Mastercards

World Elite Mastercards have benefits that may be separate from what your card’s issuer offers.

World Elite Mastercards

Numerous banks issue a World Elite Mastercard. Common products under this umbrella include the Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees), the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (see rates and fees) and the Chase Freedom Flex.

Personal perspective of person driving in New York City — MARCO BOTTIGELLI/GETTY IMAGES

Here’s what cardholders can use each month on these cards:

$5 in monthly Lyft credit after three rides: Use your card as the payment method in your account and get a $5 Lyft credit after taking three rides in a month. This benefit runs through Jan. 1, 2026.
Up to $5 off monthly Peacock subscriptions: Use your eligible card to pay for a monthly Peacock streaming subscription and enjoy a $3 statement credit every month for Peacock Premium or a $5 statement credit every month for Peacock Premium Plus (the ad-free version). This benefit runs through Dec. 31.
$10 off your second Instacart order: Join with your eligible card to enjoy two free months of Instacart+, plus $10 off your second order placed each month. This benefit runs through Aug. 31.

Bottom line

Using the perks and benefits on your credit cards is critical for maximizing their value and justifying the cards’ annual fees. Some credit cards make this easy, offering you benefits as a one-time perk to use each year. Other benefits must be used in monthly increments, and it can be easy to forget about them.

This monthly checklist of credit card perks will help you remember to use them now that it’s the start of a new month.

For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, click here.

Wealth Health Self

Unlock Hidden Credit Card Perks This August—Are You Truly Maximizing Your Benefits?