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The ten-minute routine
Open each card account, scan the Benefits area for enrollment requirements and progress, then scan Amex Offers for merchants already on your near-term list. Add relevant offers before purchasing and record any meaningful expiration dates.
Use three labels
Mark a benefit planned, optional, or skip. Planned replaces expected spending. Optional is worthwhile only if circumstances align. Skip prevents a small credit from creating a purchase.
Do not rely on memory
Card benefits and targeted offers vary by product and account. Use the issuer's live account view as the source of truth; old checklists become inaccurate quickly.