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If you've been thinking about opening a new travel rewards credit card, there's no better time than right now. Whether you're dreaming of a tropical getaway or planning to visit family across the country, the final months of the year offer unique advantages that can help you rack up points faster and maximize your rewards. Here's why now is the perfect time to make your move.
1. Holiday spending makes sign-up bonuses easy to hit
Most travel rewards cards come with enticing sign-up bonuses—often worth 50,000 to 100,000 points or more. The catch? You typically need to spend a certain amount within the first few months to earn that bonus (commonly $3,000-$5,000 in three months).
The beauty of opening a card right before Christmas is that your holiday spending does the heavy lifting for you. Between gifts, travel expenses, holiday dinners, and year-end shopping, many people naturally spend more during this season. Instead of struggling to meet a spending requirement, you'll likely hit it organically while buying things you were planning to purchase anyway.
Pro tip: Want to start spending on your new card right away? Some banks will give you the card info as soon as you’re approved, so you don’t have to wait for a physical card to arrive.
2. Fresh benefits reset in January
Many credit card perks operate on a calendar year basis, meaning they reset every January 1st. When you open a card in December, you get to use these benefits for the remainder of the current year, and then they refresh again just weeks later.
Common calendar-year benefits include:
Annual travel credits (like $300 toward travel purchases)
Statement credits for specific merchants or categories
Airport lounge visit allowances
Hotel status credits
By opening your card before year-end, you essentially get nearly 13 months of benefits in your first year instead of just 12. It's like getting a head start on maximizing your card's value.
3. Strategic timing for next year's travel plans
Opening a card at year-end gives you the perfect timeline for planning spring and summer travel. Here's how the timing works in your favor:
You'll typically receive your sign-up bonus within a few months of opening the card—right around February or March if you open in December. This gives you a fresh pile of points just in time to make plans for late spring or summer travel. You'll have time to research redemptions, book award flights and hotels, and plan the details of your trip without rushing.
Plus, many people make New Year's resolutions to travel more. Opening your card now turns that resolution into a concrete action plan with rewards to back it up.
4. Year-end bonus categories and promotions
Credit card issuers often sweeten the deal during the fourth quarter with enhanced offers. You might find:
Elevated sign-up bonuses that are higher than what's offered earlier in the year
Limited-time bonus categories that earn extra points on holiday shopping
Promotional spending bonuses for using your card within certain timeframes
Card issuers know that consumers are paying attention during the holiday season, so they compete for your business with their best offers. If you've been watching a particular card, you might find its sign-up bonus jumps from 75,000 to 125,000 points—that's the equivalent of a free one-way international business class flight.
5. Tax season and annual fee timing
While it might seem counterintuitive, opening a premium travel card with an annual fee in December can actually work to your advantage. When you open a card late in the year, your first annual fee posts immediately, but your second annual fee won't post until 12 months later. If you're strategic about business expenses or have tax deductions to consider, you can claim that first annual fee on this year's taxes (if applicable to your situation) and get a full year of benefits before the next fee hits.
Additionally, if holiday shopping alone won’t meet the minimum spend to earn your bonus, putting your late January/early February tax payment on the card might close the gap.
Ready to open your first travel rewards card (or add another one to your wallet)? Here are a few quick tips:
Check your credit score first: Most good travel rewards cards require good to excellent credit (typically 690 or higher)
Compare current offers: Sign-up bonuses change frequently, so look at multiple cards to find the best current promotion
Read the fine print: Understand the minimum spending requirement, time frame, and any restrictions on earning the bonus
Plan your spending: Make a rough budget for the next 3 months to ensure you can meet the requirements without overspending
The end of the year truly is the sweet spot for opening a travel rewards card. You've got holiday spending working in your favor, benefits that reset in January, and the perfect timeline for booking next year's adventures. If you've been on the fence, consider this your sign to take the leap—your future travels will thank you.
