I know this has been discussed, but I don't think we've established a clear answer. I opened the card in May and I'm already approaching $10,000 in spend (lots of business travel this summer). My "Account Year" is May 2015 to May 2016. To maximize my Gold status, when is the best time to complete the $10,000 spend? My fear is that by hitting the spend this calendar year, my Gold status will only be valid through December 2016. If I were to hit the 10k spend after January 1, 2016, wouldn't the Gold status remain until December 2017?

Again, the terms of the benefit state: "Each Account Year you make Purchases totaling $10,000 or more, including during your first Account Year, you will qualify for Gold Elite Status through December 31 of the following year."