Frequency Types
| Frequency | Reset Schedule | Example Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | 1st of each month | $10 dining credit, $15 Uber credit |
| Quarterly | Jan 1, Apr 1, Jul 1, Oct 1 | $25 streaming credit, rotating category bonus |
| Semi-Annual | Jan 1, Jul 1 | $50 hotel credit |
| Annual (Calendar) | January 1 | $300 travel credit (calendar year) |
| Annual (Anniversary) | Your card start date | $200 airline credit, statement credits |
Calendar Year vs Anniversary
Calendar Year
These credits follow the calendar year and reset on January 1 for everyone.
- Simple to track - same dates for everyone
- Use by December 31 or lose the value
- Often travel credits, dining credits
Anniversary-Based
These credits reset on the anniversary of when you opened your card account (your start date).
- Personal to your account opening date
- Often coincides with your annual fee posting
- More common with airline-specific credits
Example: If you opened your card on March 15, 2022, your anniversary credit period runs from March 15, 2024 to March 14, 2025.
Tracking Tips by Frequency
Monthly Credits
- Set a reminder at the start of each month
- Check near month-end to catch unused credits
- These are usually the easiest to use regularly
Quarterly Credits
- Mark quarter-start dates in your calendar
- Review mid-quarter to ensure you're on track
- Often tied to rotating bonus categories
Annual Credits
- Plan larger purchases around these credits
- Don't wait until December to use calendar-year credits
- For anniversary credits, know your exact date
Common Credit Examples by Frequency
| Card | Credit | Value | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Gold | Dining Credit | $10 | Monthly |
| Amex Platinum | Uber Credit | $15 ($35 Dec) | Monthly |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | Travel Credit | $300 | Annual (Anniversary) |
| Amex Platinum | Airline Fee Credit | $200 | Annual (Calendar) |
| Capital One Venture X | Travel Credit | $300 | Annual (Anniversary) |