What Does Triple Dip Mean?

You can “triple dip” into a card’s benefits by opening a card in December, to use credits in Dec (2025), anytime in 2026, and again in early 2027 before the second annual fee hits, maximizing value from one fee payment for three benefit cycles. When the second annual fee hits, you then have 30 days to decide what to do what that card, and can potentially be reimbursed the annual fee.

Key Cards for Calendar-Year Triple Dips:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express: Great for airline incidental credits, Uber Cash, CLEAR credits, and Saks Fifth Avenue credits, all resetting yearly.
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Offers quarterly airline fee credits, allowing usage in Dec 2025, all of 2026, and Q1 2027.
• Another card: I can’t name this card due to affiliate rules, but there’s an annual hotel credit and other perks that reset by calendar year and get you more than you paid in your annual fee, back in credits. Plus up to 100k points and an exclusive airline transfer partner that no other bank has!
• American Express® Gold Card: Useful for dining/Uber Eats credits that reset annually.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: While most Chase credits are not calendar-year, you potentially can “triple dip” the semi-annual $150 dining/travel credit depending on precise timing and statement dates.

How the Triple Dip Works (Example: Amex Platinum):

1. Apply in December 2025: Pay the first annual fee.
2. Use Credits (Dec 2025): Use the $200 airline credit, Uber Cash, etc., before Dec 31st.
3. Use Credits (All of 2026): All benefits reset on Jan 1, 2026, giving you the full year to use them again.
4. Annual Fee Due (Dec 2026): Your second fee might post, but you have until early 2027 to use the 2026 benefits.
5. Use Credits (Early 2027): Use the benefits again as soon as Jan 1, 2027, hits.
6. Decision Time: Decide what to do with your card within 30 days after the next fee posts (around Dec or Jan 2027) to be potentially reimbursed the second annual fee, effectively getting three benefit cycles for one fee.

Important Considerations:

• Calendar vs. Member Year: This strategy only works with benefits tied to the calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31), not your cardmember anniversary.
• Timing is Key: Apply early in December to maximize the first usage period.

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