As the year comes to an end, it’s worth taking a moment to review your points, miles, and elite status. Elite status in many loyalty programs like Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus is set to reset on December 31, and a quick check now can help you avoid losing rewards due to inactivity, missing out on elite status slightly, or letting valuable points and certificates expire. American Airlines AAdvantage uses different cycles: the eligibility period runs from March 1 to February 28, 2029, and eligibility is valid until March 31 of the following year.
Even if you don’t travel much this year, confirming account activity, tracking your progress toward elite status thresholds, and using any remaining benefits can give you a better start next year.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are 10 points and miles tasks you can complete before the end of the year.
Related: When Does Your Hotel Elite Status Expire?
Check progress towards your status goals
If your goal is to become an airline or hotel elite member, double-check your numbers—some TPG readers have miscalculated their miles and lost their membership.
It’s also worth considering whether one of the best credit cards for elite status can help you achieve your status goals.
RELATED: Audit your mileage run: How a Delta miscalculation almost cost me my Diamond Medallion membership
Book travel deals with partner airlines
Although airfares, nightly hotel prices, and cruise fares have increased over the past few years, there are still plenty of travel deals available.
Getting flight deals on United, Delta, or American Airlines can be a double-edged sword. After all, you’ll earn fewer Premier Qualifying Points, Medallion Qualifying Dollars, or Loyalty Points for a lower fare.
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So consider booking the deal with a Star Alliance, SkyTeam or oneworld partner airline. You can take advantage of this option if you purchased your ticket directly from a partner airline and credited miles to United MileagePlus, Delta SkyMiles or American Airlines AAdvantage. On most partner airlines, you’ll earn rewards based on three criteria: fare class, distance flown, and operating airline. However, with some airlines, you may earn money based on the price of your ticket.
Historically, this is how you can qualify for a fraction of the usual price.
As always, don’t forget to consider booking your trip with a friendly cancellation and change policy. By doing this, you will avoid paying hefty fees if you have to change or cancel your trip.
Related: Key tools and tips for finding the cheapest flights
Plan your credit card strategy
If you have a destination on your travel bucket list, opening a new credit card and getting a welcome offer can get you there faster.
For example, the Capital One Venture
Since December 2025, when we valued Capital One miles at 1.85 cents per mile, TPG has valued 100,000 Capital One miles at $1,850. In addition, Venture X offers a $300 annual credit (per cardmember per 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 can help you meet your new card’s minimum spending requirements and earn you a sizable welcome bonus.
RELATED: Here’s Why Venture X and Amex Gold Are the Only Two Cards in My Wallet
Earn annual spending bonus
Speaking of spending, now is a great time to check in on the progress of your annual spending bonus. For example, if you have an eligible Hilton Honors card, you can log into your American Express account to see how far you’ve come toward earning free night certificates.
See what types of spending bonuses your card offers and track your progress toward reaching your desired spending threshold. If you’re close to hitting your spending goal, it might be worth spending extra on your card before the end of the year. After all, with air and hotel prices rising, getting an extra free night voucher or companion ticket can be valuable.
Related: The best hotel credit cards that offer annual free nights
Redeem points for travel expenses
Hopefully you’ve redeemed all your credit card travel points this year. If your points are expiring on December 31, now is the time to use them.
For example, some American Express cards include a credit for airline incidental fees each calendar year. Even if your next trip is in 2026, if you plan to fly your preferred airline in the new year, you have until the end of 2025 to prepay for eligible incidental expenses. This way, you can redeem this year’s points and enjoy next year’s benefits.
Additionally, some cards offer points on non-travel purchases. For example, if you have American Express Platinum Card®you’ll need to sign up and redeem your semi-annual Saks Fifth Avenue points as soon as possible (if you haven’t already done so). With the holiday shopping season in full swing, this bill credit of up to $50 can help you buy great gifts and save money.
RELATED: Top Credit Cards with Annual Travel Statement Points
Sign up for hotel promotions
Signing up for hotel promotions is probably one of the easiest ways to earn extra points. Even if you don’t have any accommodation planned before the end of the year, it’s worth signing up in case your plans change. Registering now means you don’t have to dig for registration links later.
Head to our latest roundup of travel deals to see if there’s anything worth signing up for.
RELATED: Earn 500 extra points per night at new Hyatt hotel
Check your points and miles validity
Over the past few years, more and more airlines have abandoned their mileage expiration policies. Don’t assume your mileage is safe, though. Check your balance and expiration policies and plan to use or extend your rewards before they expire.
Some travel providers will waive mileage validity if you hold a co-branded credit card. Other programs allow you to defer the expiration date by earning miles (or performing qualifying activities). This might be a good reason to opt into a dining rewards program and use an online shopping portal.
Related: Will rewards expire in 2026? List of loyalty programs and their reward expiry policies
Give the gift of status
Some loyalty programs offer the option to gift elite status to others, either as a free perk of your status or as one of your annual gift options.
However, your status benefits and benefits may reset in the new year. Check whether you can grant elite status and whether you need to do so before the end of the year.
RELATED: How to get last-minute airline elite status — and whether it’s worth it
Select the benefits of your choice
Programs such as American AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles and Marriott Bonvoy offer top elite members a variety of benefit options. For example, you can choose to reward points, upgrades, lounge memberships, or the ability to gift status to others.
For some of these plans, the deadline to elect benefits is the end of the year. This means you need to check whether you have received any election benefits and what the election deadlines are. If your deadline is December 31st, now is a great time to research your options and make a choice.
Related: Your Complete Guide to Choosing Marriott Select Benefits
Cancel unwanted cards
The savviest credit card holders regularly check their wallets to determine which cards are worth keeping and which aren’t.
Now is a great time to review your credit card usage and determine which cards aren’t working for you. Consider the benefits of each card, whether you use them and whether you can justify paying the annual fee. If your card doesn’t meet the requirements, you may want to consider downgrading or canceling your card.
bottom line
As the year comes to an end, take a moment to review your rewards strategy from top to bottom. Confirm your elite status progress, use any expiring points or certificates, and sign up before promotions disappear. Check to see if your points require activity to remain valid, and make sure you’re maximizing any spending bonuses associated with your card.
Consider whether your current credit cards are still a good fit in your wallet and close those that no longer provide value.
Now, a quick, organized sweep can help protect your rewards, avoid missed opportunities, and start the new year in a stronger position.
