Advertiser Disclosure The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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Every December, my brain shifts into two very specific holiday modes:

1. Cookies
2. Making my credit card strategy work a lot harder for me before the year ends

This year, I found myself deep in my own card lineup, asking the same question so many of you ask me:

“If I’m already paying an annual fee on a premium card… how do I get the most out of it?”

That’s when I realized something I somehow forget every year: December is the one month where you can squeeze ridiculous value out of certain cards because of how their calendar-year credits reset.

And when I say value, I don’t mean a tiny perk here or there.
I mean you can sometimes use the same credit three times before your second annual fee ever posts.

Let me tell you exactly what that means and how I’m doing it myself.

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A New Strategy

When I sat down and looked at what I already have open, it hit me that December is the perfect time to look at any cards that reset their benefits with the calendar year. Many cards reset at the year mark from when you opened the card, but some special cards reset at the calendar year, and that changes everything.

Some of the most popular cards for triple dipping can be found on this list.

There is one card that you may have heard me talking about and wonder why it’s not on the list. That’s because it’s only available through public offer.

I still think it’s a great offer, even though I don’t have an affiliate link for it. I love when you use my links, but I promise to always provide you with the best offers, even if I don’t get paid for them!

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What Triple-Dipping Actually Means

The entire strategy of resetting benefits on the calendar year instead of a cardmember anniversary can be powerful.

Here’s why:

If you apply in December, you can usually use the credit:

1. Right now (December)
2. All next year
3. One more time the following January before the second annual fee posts

So whether it’s a retail credit, travel reimbursement, dining credit, wellness perk, or monthly lifestyle credit, you’re squeezing 2–3 cycles of value out of one annual fee.

And who doesn’t love getting triple the value out of something you use?

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Here Are the Types of Credits You Can Triple-Dip

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So… Which Cards Offer These Credits?

I put this list at the top, but I’ll share it again because I’m so excited about this strategy. Here is the list of the cards people love to triple-dip: Find it here

If you want to maximize value with the least amount of effort, this is where I’d start.

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Why This Strategy Matters

If you’re paying an annual fee, it’s important you get something out of it or it’s just money wasted! We aren’t about wasting money.

For most families, that means:

• saving on hotels
• covering some travel costs
• letting lifestyle credits offset everyday spending
• using welcome bonuses for big family trips

Triple-dipping lets you front-load a ton of value into a single year, especially if you’re already planning travel or holiday purchases.

It’s one of the smartest timing strategies in the points world, and December is the sweet spot.

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Want to Learn More or Start Planning Your Strategy?

If you’re brand new to points, start with my Beginner’s Guide; it’s designed for families.

When choosing your next card, this tool can really help.

If you want to join a community of moms planning family travel, share your trips, and learn from others, then join our Facebook Group.

And if you want to make sure you never miss deals, bonuses, or timing strategies like this:
My Weekly Newsletter.

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Final Thoughts

Triple-dipping isn’t about working the system; it’s about using timing to stretch your travel budget and make your cards work harder for your family.

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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.