How credit cards help you stick to New Year’s resolutions

Happy New Year! As we bid farewell to the current year and welcome the next, many of us are setting resolutions to improve ourselves.

What could be more fulfilling than being rewarded for sticking to those resolutions? With the right credit card, you can save money and earn valuable rewards while pursuing your goals—whatever they may be.

Here are some of the best ways credit cards can assist you in achieving your 2026 resolutions.

Get Fit

Whether you’re trying out a new fitness studio or investing in home workout gear and subscriptions, credit cards can provide bonus rewards on fitness-related purchases.

Using cards like the World of Hyatt Credit Card or the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card allows you to earn extra rewards on gym membership fees.

Details for the U.S. Bank Cash+® have been independently sourced by The Points Guy and have not been verified or provided by the card issuer.

If home workouts are your focus, the American Express Platinum Card® offers up to a $300 Equinox membership credit annually (enrollment required; terms apply).

If you’re purchasing fitness equipment, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns 10 points per dollar on Peloton purchases of $150 or more (up to 50,000 points through December 2027).

The Bilt Mastercard® also lets you earn rewards for paying rent and booking eligible fitness classes with your points.

Flying Frugal founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt advisor and investor.

Details for the Bilt Mastercard have been independently sourced by The Points Guy and have not been verified or provided by the card issuer.

Related: Top credit cards to maximize fitness spending

Enhance Your Savings

It might seem unusual that credit cards can aid in saving money, but through merchant offers and shopping portals, you can enjoy discounts on purchases you would make anyway.

Most credit cards provide exclusive merchant discounts that work like coupons—just log in and add offers to your card.

As long as you shop at that merchant before the offer expires, you’ll receive a statement credit or earn additional rewards.

To maximize savings, use a shopping portal when buying online. Start your shopping from the portal to earn additional rewards on top of your credit card benefits.

We recommend Rakuten, which allows you to earn cash back, American Express Membership Rewards points, or Bilt Rewards points. Other shopping portals from major airlines are also available.

If your focus is more on savings than travel, consider a cash-back credit card to earn a percentage back on all purchases and redeem rewards for statement credits.

Related: A beginner’s guide to online shopping portals

Read More

If your goal is to read more, credit cards can make that hobby more affordable.

Keep an eye out for merchant offers related to reading; for instance, Chase cards often provide discounts for Audible and Kindle Unlimited subscriptions.

For audiobooks and eBooks, use the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, which earns 6% cash back on eligible U.S. streaming services, including reading subscriptions.

This cash back accumulates as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credits or at checkout on Amazon.com.

For physical books or a new e-reader from Amazon, use your Prime Visa for 5% back on those purchases.

Related: Best credit cards for book lovers

Cook More

If eating healthier is part of your resolutions, you’ll likely spend less on dining out and more on groceries. Make sure your credit card offers bonus points for grocery purchases.

The American Express® Gold Card is excellent, earning 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 a year, after which 1 point per dollar applies).

If you prefer cash-back rewards, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card earns 3% back at grocery stores and has no annual fee.

Both the Amex Gold and Capital One Savor also offer rewards for dining purchases, making them useful when takeout becomes necessary.

Note that the Amex Gold’s dining category comes with a spending limit—4 points per dollar on the first $50,000 spent at restaurants (including takeout) each year, then 1 point per dollar afterwards.

Related: Best credit cards for grocery shopping

Travel More

If you’re ready to embark on your dream vacation this year, credit cards can definitely help you make that happen.

The easiest way to amass points is by taking advantage of welcome bonuses on new credit cards. Check our list of top offers for this month if you don’t have a card in mind.

Additionally, we are here to assist you in utilizing credit card rewards for your desired travels, whether it’s to the Maldives, Disney World, or a national park.

Related: Best places to travel in January 2026

Final Thoughts

No matter what your resolutions are this year, we’re here cheering for you. As long as you adhere to sound credit card practices—such as paying your balance in full and on time—credit cards can make sticking to your goals even more rewarding.

Related: Everything you need to know for visiting U.S. national parks in 2026