Monthly checklist: Credit card perks and benefits to use


Many rewards cards come with a list of monthly benefits that help offset annual fees. Whether you have two credit cards or 12, it may feel overwhelming to keep track of them all.

If you want to ensure you’re getting the most out of your cards’ monthly benefits, you’re in the right place. Here, we’ve compiled a checklist of every card perk and benefit you may be eligible for this month.

This is what you need to keep in mind for June.

American Express

There are numerous monthly card perks you should be using. This is because Amex offers many of its statement credits as monthly amounts, rather than a one-time annual benefit.

It’s also important to note that these values are described as “up to” amounts, meaning this is the maximum you will receive in statement credits. If you spend less than this amount, you will be reimbursed only for that lower amount.

Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia entrance
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Additionally, your Uber Cash will disappear from your account if unused by the end of the month.

Overall, these benefits cannot be rolled over for later. They are “use it or lose it” type credits.

American Express Platinum Card

  • Up to $25 digital entertainment statement credit (up to $300 per calendar year): This can be used for a Disney+, Disney+ Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium and YouTube TV subscription. Enrollment is required in advance to receive the statement credit. Here’s how to use this benefit.
  • $15 in Uber Cash (additional $20 in December; up to $200 in Uber Cash per calendar year): This can be used for Uber rides or on Uber Eats orders in the U.S. Add your card to your Uber account as a payment method and then redeem with any Amex card. Here’s how to use this benefit.
  • Up to $12.95 statement credit for a Walmart+ monthly membership (up to $155 per calendar year): Pay with your American Express Platinum Card®, then receive reimbursement in statement credits for one membership fee per month. Here’s how to enroll (subject to auto-renewal). Plus Up Benefits are not eligible. Enrollment is required.
  • Up to $9.99 monthly statement credit for Uber One: Receive up to a $120 Uber One statement credit that fully covers an auto-renewing $96 annual or $9.99 monthly membership. Enrollment is required.

Cardmembers also receive up to $300 biannually in statement credits ($600 per calendar year) for eligible bookings through Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection (THC requires a minimum two-night stay). Your statement credit for the first half of the year expires at the end of this month, so make sure to use it soon.

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If you don’t automatically receive a statement credit, it’s worth requesting that any missing credits be applied. The easiest way is via chat (online or through the Amex app).

These benefits and statement credits can help offset the card’s $895 annual fee (see rates and fees).

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Platinum.

Related: 10 things to do when you get the Amex Platinum


Apply here: American Express Platinum Card


The Business Platinum Card from American Express

  • Up to $50 statement credit per quarter (up to $200 per calendar year) for eligible Hilton purchases: This statement credit can be used for any eligible purchase at a property in the Hilton portfolio (enrollment required). Note that you must be registered in the Hilton for Business program to participate.
  • Up to $10 wireless statement credit (up to $120 per calendar year): Pay for an eligible U.S. mobile service provider and receive a statement credit of up to $10 each month. Enrollment is required in advance.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express doesn’t award credits with Walmart+ or Uber, but cardmembers can receive up to $1,150 in statement credits per calendar year for U.S. Dell purchases.

You can receive up to $150 in statement credits on U.S. purchases made directly at Dell and then an additional $1,000 statement credit after spending $5,000 or more at Dell from each calendar year. Enrollment is required.

This card also earns up to a $300 biannual statement credit (up to $600 per calendar year) on prepaid American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Amex Business Platinum (Hotel Collection stays require a two-night minimum).

Your statement credit for the first half of the year expires at the end of this month, so make sure to use it soon.

These credits help offset this card’s $895 annual fee (see rates and fees).

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Business Platinum.

Related: 8 things to do when you get the Amex Business Platinum Card


Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express


American Express Gold Card

Use the following benefits to help offset the card’s $325 annual fee (see rates and fees):

  • Up to $100 annual U.S. Resy statement credits: Cardmembers receive two up to $50 biannual statement credits per calendar year, one to be used from January to June and another from July to December. Statement credits can be redeemed by dining at a restaurant in the U.S. that accepts Resy reservations and paying with your American Express® Gold Card, as well as on other eligible Resy purchases. A reservation is not required to earn the statement credit. Enrollment is required.
  • $10 Uber Cash each month (up to $120 per calendar year): Like the perk on the Amex Platinum, this applies to Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. Add your Amex Gold to your Uber account as a payment method to receive this benefit, and note that it can stack with the monthly credit on the Amex Platinum if you have both cards. Uber Cash will only be deposited into one Uber account when you add the Amex Gold as a payment method to use and redeem with any Amex card.
  • Up to $10 dining statement credit (up to $120 per calendar year): Use your card to pay at Five Guys, Goldbelly, Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Buffalo Wild Wings, Wonder and Wine.com to receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits. (Goldbelly and Wine.com are ending June 30.) Enrollment is required in advance. Here’s how to use this benefit.
  • Up to $7 Dunkin’ statement credit (up to $84 per calendar year): Cardmembers receive up to $7 in monthly statement credits to be used at Dunkin’ locations within the U.S. This credit can also be used to load your mobile Dunkin’ account. Enrollment is required.

There are also some limited-time offers to celebrate the Amex Gold’s 60th anniversary. These include:

  • Amex Travel offers at select The Hotel Collection properties: Access various special offers, including a complimentary third or fourth night, 25% or more off select rooms, 30% or more off all suites or a property credit of $150 or more to use toward eligible charges during your stay at more than 250 properties in The Hotel Collection. Available through July 15. Minimum two-night stay required at The Hotel Collection properties.
  • Uber One Membership Credit: Use your card to pay for an annual Uber One membership and get a one-time statement credit of up to $96. Enrollment is required. Available through Oct. 30.

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Gold.

Related: American Express Gold checklist: 5 things to do when you get the card


Apply here: American Express Gold Card


American Express Business Gold Card

  • Up to $20 flexible business statement credit (up to $240 per calendar year): Cardmembers can earn up to $20 in statement credits per month on eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx (through Oct. 1), Grubhub and office supply stores. Enrollment is required.
  • Up to $12.95 statement credit for a Walmart+ monthly membership (up to $155 per calendar year): Pay with your American Express® Business Gold Card, then receive reimbursement in statement credits for one membership fee per month. Subject to auto-renewal. Plus Up Benefits are not eligible. Enrollment is required.

These statement credits can easily help offset the $375 annual fee (see rates and fees) on the Amex Business Gold.

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Business Gold.


Apply here: American Express Business Gold Card


Delta cobranded cards

Related: How to maximize the new statement credits on the Delta Amex cards


Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

  • Up to $200 Hilton Resorts statement credit biannually (up to $400 per calendar year): Use your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card at participating Hilton Resorts to pay for eligible purchases, such as room charges and incidentals. This benefit is divided into two $200 biannual statement credits, one for use from January to June and another for use from July to December.
  • Up to $50 in flight statement credits per quarter (up to $200 per calendar year): Pay for a flight directly with an airline, through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive up to $50 in statement credits each quarter. Datapoints tell us you may be able to use this credit for seat upgrades, award taxes and fees and to reload your United TravelBank balance.

To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Aspire.


Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card


Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

  • Up to $50 Hilton statement credit per quarter (up to $200 per calendar year): Receive up to $50 in statement credits each quarter on purchases charged directly with a property within the Hilton portfolio when you use your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, including bookings and incidental charges. Datapoints tell us you may be able to use this statement credit for dining and gift store purchases at a Hilton property, but not online Hilton gift card purchases.

To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton American Express Surpass.


Apply here: Hilton American Express Surpass Card


The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

  • Up to $60 Hilton statement credit per quarter (up to $240 per calendar year): Receive up to $60 in statement credits each quarter on purchases charged directly with The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card toward a property within the Hilton portfolio, including bookings and incidental charges such as dining and spa services. See our advice for the Surpass credit above.

To learn more, read our full review of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card.


Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Business Card


Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

To learn more, read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex.


Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card


Chase

Select Chase credit cards offer perks on a monthly basis, so a new month means you have a fresh batch of credits to use.

Chase Sapphire Lounge Philadelphia
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Chase Sapphire Reserve

  • Up to $500 statement credit via Chase’s The Edit hotels: Cardholders receive two up to $250 statement credits for prepaid bookings with The Edit per year (no biannual restriction).
  • $20 DoorDash non-restaurant credits: With an activated DashPass membership, cardholders receive two promos of $10 off each calendar month at checkout on convenience, grocery or other non-restaurant orders on DoorDash. Only one promo may be used per order. Available through Dec. 31, 2027.
  • $10 in Lyft credits: Cardholders receive a $10 ride credit every month with their Sapphire Reserve, for a total of $120 in credits each year. These credits do not roll over month to month, so it’s important to use yours before the end of the month. This benefit runs through Sept. 30, 2027.
  • $5 DoorDash credits: When you add your Chase Sapphire Reserve® card (see rates and fees) as a payment method to your DoorDash account, Chase will add $5 in credits at the beginning of each month. Note that this credit applies only to $5 off restaurant orders, and that it doesn’t roll over month to month. These credits are in addition to the card’s complimentary DashPass membership (activate by Dec. 31, 2027).

To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Reserve.

Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve statement credits: What they are and how to use them


Apply here: Sapphire Reserve


Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

  • Up to $500 statement credit via Chase’s The Edit hotels: Cardholders receive up to a $250 statement credit for prepaid bookings with The Edit twice per year (no biannual restriction), for a total of $500 per year.
  • $20 DoorDash non-restaurant credits: With an activated DashPass membership, receive two promos of $10 off each calendar month at checkout on convenience, grocery or other non-restaurant orders on DoorDash. Data points suggest the credit may not work on alcohol purchases. Only one promo may be used per order. Valid through Dec. 31, 2027.
  • $10 in Lyft credits: Receive a $10 in-app credit every month, for a total of $120 in credits each year. Credits do not roll over month to month. This benefit runs through Sept. 30, 2027.
  • $5 DoorDash credits: When you add your Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees) as a payment method to your DoorDash account and activate your complimentary DashPass membership by Dec. 31, 2027, Chase will provide $5 in credits at the beginning of each month.

To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Reserve for Business.


Apply here: Sapphire Reserve for Business


Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

  • $10 DoorDash non-restaurant credits: Cardholders with an activated Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) DashPass membership, receive one promo of $10 off each calendar month at checkout on one convenience, grocery or other non-restaurant order on DoorDash. Data points suggest the credit may not work on alcohol purchases. Activate your DashPass membership by Dec. 31, 2027, to use this benefit.

Cardholders can also use a $50 hotel credit each year when booking through Chase Travel℠. If you haven’t used yours yet this year, here’s how to use this benefit.

To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Preferred.


Apply here: Sapphire Preferred


Chase Freedom (not open to new applicants) and Chase Freedom Flex

  • Up to 5% cash back: Current categories include Amazon and Whole Foods Market, Chase Travel and donations to Feeding America. You’ll receive bonus cash back on these categories on up to $1,500 of combined spending each quarter (then 1% back). You must activate your categories to enjoy higher earning rates. The quarter ends on June 30 (and you must activate by June 14), so you have until then to register and maximize these earnings.
  • $10 DoorDash non-restaurant credits: Cardholders of any Chase Freedom® or Slate family cards receive one promo of $10 off each quarter at checkout on one convenience, grocery or other non-restaurant order on DoorDash via a DashPass membership. Data points suggest the credit may not work on alcohol purchases. Your DashPass membership must be activated by Dec. 31, 2027 to receive this benefit.

Remember: Even though the Chase Freedom and Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) cards are technically cash-back products, you can turn these earnings into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points if you also have a premium Chase card such as the Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve.

The information for the Chase Freedom and Slate Edge cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.


United cobranded cards

  • Ride-hailing credit: Several cobranded United credit cards offer varying levels of ride-hailing statement credit per month. The United Club℠ Card (see rates and fees) and United Club℠ Business Card each offer up to $12 credits per month from January to November and up to $18 credits in December. Meanwhile, the United Quest℠ Card (see rates and fees) and United℠ Business Card (see rates and fees) each offer up to $8 in statement credits per month between January to November and up to $12 in statement credits in December. Finally, the United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees) offers up to $5 in statement credits per month. Yearly opt-in is required in order to earn your monthly credit.
  • Instacart credit: The United Club Card and United Club Business both offer two $10 monthly credits, whereas the United Quest provides one $10 and one $5 monthly credit. Meanwhile, the United Explorer and United Business each provide a $10 monthly credit. Instacart benefits end Dec. 31, 2027.

The information for the United Club Business has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: Current United card welcome bonuses


Citi

Check out these must-use benefits for certain Citi cards.

Citi branch
CHRISTOPHER DILTS/BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES

Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) card has several benefits, including the following monthly credits:

  • $10 in monthly Lyft credit after three rides (up to $120 annually): Use your card as the payment method in your account and get a $10 Lyft credit after taking three rides in a month.
  • Up to $10 statement credit on Grubhub purchases (up to $120 annually): When you use your card for Grubhub purchases, you’ll receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits.

To learn more, read our full review of the AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard.


Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard


Citi Dividend Card (not open to new applicants)

  • 5% cash back: You can earn 5% cash back each quarter on rotating categories. Unlike other cards that limit your bonus earnings within the quarter, Citi® Dividend Card cardholders can earn 5% bonus cash back on up to $6,000 of spending across the year (then 1% back thereafter), meaning you could maximize your 5% earnings for the whole year during a quarter where the bonus categories are more advantageous for you. Remember to activate your current categories, which include Citi Travel and grocery store purchases. These categories are active through June 30.

The information for the Citi Dividend card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.


Discover

Discover it Cash Back

  • 5% cash back: Each quarter, you can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined spending on rotating categories, then unlimited 1% cash back. Remember to activate your current categories, which include home improvement stores and restaurants. The current quarter ends on June 30.

The information for the Discover it® Cash Back has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.


Learn more: Discover it Cash Back review


U.S. Bank

Have a U.S. Bank credit card? Pay close attention to this section so you don’t miss out on important benefits.

looking up at a skyscraper bearing the US Bank logo
GEORGE FREY/BLOOMBERG VIA GETTY IMAGES

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card

  • 5% cash back: Each quarter, you can earn 5% cash back on up to $2,000 in combined spending on rotating categories (then 1% back) with your U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. You must choose your categories each quarter and activate them for the bonus to apply. The current quarter runs through June 30, and categories include: cellphone providers, department stores, electronics stores, fast food, furniture stores, ground transportation, gyms/fitness centers, home utilities, internet, movie theaters, select clothing stores, sporting goods stores, streaming services and TV.

The information for the U.S. Bank Cash+ has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.


Learn more: U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card review


Bottom line

You don’t want to leave value on the table by forgetting about these valuable statement credits.

If maximizing value is your top priority, you’ll definitely want to consider which credits are offered monthly and which are received biannually or annually.

Save this article to reference in the future. That way, you’ll remember what you need to do at the start of each month.

Related: Forgettable statement credits checklist: Perks and benefits not to be overlooked

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold, click here.



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  • Saunas and steam rooms use heat to improve circulation, support muscle recovery, and reduce stress.
  • Regular heat exposure may benefit heart health, mood, and inflammation, though more research is needed.
  • Different types of saunas and steam rooms offer similar benefits, so choosing one depends on personal preference and goals.

People have been using the heat therapy from saunas and steam rooms for centuries to improve well-being and promote relaxation. Not only do these tools support muscle recovery after an intense workout, but they also boost circulation and reduce stress.

What Happens to Your Body in a Sauna?

Regular sauna use can have a positive impact on your body. Short bursts of intense heat raise your skin and body temperature, which researchers have found triggers your brain to start regulating your temperature. This activates systems in your body that control your stress levels and your hormones. You may notice changes like an increased heart rate, improved blood flow to your skin, and sweating.

Sauna use causes blood vessels to widen and may, over time, support reduced inflammation and cellular stress responses—but it’s not a direct or immediate cure-all for cell damage or inflammation.

Some researchers believe that the stress from the high heat may also mimic exercise and could be useful for people with limited mobility. However, more research is needed to fully understand the health benefits.

The Three Main Types of Saunas, Explained

There are several different types of saunas, such as dry saunas, infrared saunas, and steam rooms. Here's what you need to know about each.

Dry Sauna (Traditional Sauna)

A traditional or dry sauna offers high heat and low humidity and is usually found in local gyms and spas. Typically, the air is dry with 10% to 20% humidity, and the room is heated to a high temperature of at least 176 degrees Fahrenheit, sometimes higher.

Steam Sauna

A steam room uses water vapor to create a warm, moisture-filled room with dense, misty air. For comfort, most steam rooms operate at a lower temperature than saunas, typically around 110 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, but can feel warmer due to the humidity. Like saunas, you can find them at gyms and spas.

Infrared Sauna

These saunas are dry saunas that emit infrared light waves to heat the body directly and do not use water or humidity. They can run a wide range of temperatures, from 113 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. These types of saunas are popular in wellness spaces or among those who practice “biohacking.”

Potential Health Benefits and Risks of Saunas

Regular use of saunas and steam rooms can support heart health, improve circulation, and boost muscle recovery, as heat therapy increases blood flow and reduces tension.

There’s also some limited evidence that it can rid your body of impurities and heavy metals. However, more research is needed to fully understand the health benefits of heat therapy. Heat therapy is not widely studied, particularly regarding steam rooms.

The available research is promising. Here are some ways you might benefit from using a sauna or steam room.

  • Boosts heart health: A long-term, 15-year study found that visiting a sauna two to three times a week lowered the risk of dying from heart disease by 25% compared with once per week. Meanwhile, using the sauna four to seven times a week decreased this risk by 77%.
  • Enhances exercise benefits: One study found that combining regular sauna use with regular exercise can improve heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
  • Promotes longevity: Your lifespan could potentially be longer when you use a sauna regularly, according to a 2021 review of several large studies. Researchers found that sauna use can slow aging, largely due to its cognitive, heart, and muscle benefits.
  • Improves mood: Regular sauna users may experience less depression and anxiety, and can be a useful tool for people in high-stress jobs.

Who Shouldn't Use Saunas?

While there are a number of benefits to utilizing a sauna or a steam room, these tools are not right for everyone.

For instance, people with certain heart conditions or those who are heat-sensitive may experience more adverse reactions than benefits from heat therapy.

Overuse can also cause dehydration, muscle cramps, and electrolyte loss. Consult with a healthcare provider before using a sauna or steam room, especially if you have any underlying health concerns.

Is One Type Actually Better for You?

There is little research identifying which type of heat therapy is best for overall health and well-being. Instead, both have benefits and can help you achieve your wellness goals. Most of the well-supported benefits come from heat exposure itself, rather than from the specific sauna type.

When deciding between the two, choose the sauna or steam room based on which you have the most access to—you will benefit from either. However, if you have access to both a sauna and a steam room, use the one you prefer and are more likely to stick with in order to see long-term benefits.

If your goal is health (especially heart health), consistency matters far more than the type of sauna you pick.

Which Sauna Should You Choose Based on Your Goals?

If you are fortunate enough to have regular access to both a sauna and a steam room, then you can make a choice between the two based on your goals:

  • For skin concerns: A steam room. If you suffer from dry skin or want to open your pores, the moist heat can hydrate your skin, encourage detoxification, and boost skin health.
  • For detoxification: A dry or infrared sauna. Because saunas cause you to sweat, your body may flush out toxins and impurities. There’s also some evidence that using a sauna can help rid your body of heavy metals.
  • For improved circulation and heart health: A dry or infrared sauna. These can help dilate your blood vessels and improve blood flow. These changes, when done consistently, could benefit heart health.
  • For improved breathing: A steam room. Moist heat is effective at opening your airways. Some people find that saunas are helpful for conditions like asthma.
  • For relaxation: Any. Not only does the atmosphere of saunas help reduce stress levels, but it also can improve mood and overall well-being.
  • For muscle recovery: Any. In a steam room, the moist heat will soothe sore muscles and joints and can be useful for conditions like arthritis or muscle stiffness. Meanwhile, dry or infrared saunas can promote relaxation, soothe muscle tension, and reduce pain and discomfort.



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