Editor’s Note: This post has been updated with new information.
Much credit card travel Great welcome bonus feature for new cardholders. However, you usually need to spend a specific amount on your new card within a specific amount of time to earn the bonus — and the required spending amount can be more than you would normally spend on the card. Credit.
As a result, we often get asked, “How do I get to the minimum requirement if I don’t normally spend that much on credit cards?” After all, you don’t want unnecessary or extravagant purchases. But you also don’t want to miss out on earning a valuable sign-up bonus.
So today, let’s discuss 10 ways to meet the minimum spending requirements on the new card.
important consideration
Before I introduce ways to meet the minimum spending threshold on your new card, let’s go over four important points.
First, note that pay the card’s annual fee are usually not included in the required minimum spending amount.
Second, read the fine print about be eligible for signup bonus or welcome offer. After all, most cards restrict who can earn bonuses, and the types of purchases count toward the required minimum spend. If you have questions about your progress in meeting your card’s minimum spending requirements to claim your bonus, call the number on the back of your card and ask.
Third, understand that the time period to meet the minimum spending requirement begins when you are approved for the card, not when you receive the card in the mail. For certain issuers, you may be able to request express delivery of your card, while others may provide virtual number when approved. But in general, you will have to wait a week or more to receive your card.
Finally, note that most card issuers exclude some purchases from the minimum spend threshold. For example, the terms provided for Platinum Card® from American Express declares that the following will not count:
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Fees or interest; buy traveler’s checks; make a purchase or top up a prepaid card; buy gift cards; person-to-person payments; or buy other cash equivalents.
Of course, you’ll want to avoid most of these Cash-like transaction anyway, since they can activate cash advance fee.
Related: Best boost card deals to sign up for this month
Buy everything with your new card
When working to earn a bonus on a new card, I usually use it on all my purchases — even if they don’t fall under a specific bonus category.
Usually, I like to put my food expenses in one of the Best credit card for dining and buy my groceries on one of the Best credit cards for groceries. Also, I like to use a The card offers great travel protection when booking a trip.
However, if I was having a hard time meeting the minimum spending requirements for the bonus, I would move all my spending to that card now.
Related: How to evaluate and build your credit card portfolio
Pay your rent or mortgage
Another method to consider is pay your rent or mortgage with your new card. You may be able to find a landlord, condominium, or bank that will allow you to pay your rent or mortgage with a credit card with no fees, but this is relatively rare. The Bill Mastercard® is an exception. (see rates and fees)
However, you can use a service like Plastiq, which currently charges up to 2.9% when using the card to pay bills that you wouldn’t normally be able to pay with a card. So it usually only makes sense to use this service to meet the minimum spending requirement or to earn a card privileges that require high spending threshold.
Related: 13 expenses you shouldn’t put on your credit card
Prepay insurance, utilities, and other routine expenses
Another way to increase your spending is to pay certain expenses upfront. Many utility, phone, and insurance companies will bill you monthly but will also allow you to overpay. You can add an additional $100 to your utility bill payment over the course of a few months, or you can pay three or even six months of coverage up front to make sure you hit the money you need to earn. Sign up bonus.
Another option is to pay your bills early every year or every six months. If you’re having a hard time meeting your spending requirements, look ahead and see what bills are coming due. Likewise, it makes sense to prepay for other recurring expenses in your life as well. However, before adding to these additional costs, make sure you still can pay your card statement balance in full.
Related: 9 things you didn’t know you could pay with a credit card
Pick up tab
Many friends, family and acquaintances still use cash or debit card when we’re at a restaurant or bar – and I’ve often found that restaurant staff won’t split checks to more than a few credit cards.
So one option is to put the entire meal on your card. You can then ask people to give you cash or send money through an online service like PayPal or Venmo. Because you get money to cover their portion of the bill, your only real out-of-pocket expense is your meal.
Of course, you probably don’t want to go to the trouble of going after any less-than-reliable friends who don’t pay right off the bat. But if you can manage that wrinkle, group meals can help you meet the minimum spending requirements.
Related: Eat out, take out and order: The best gourmet cards
Donate to charity
While many people donate cash or write checks to their favorite charities, it is generally possible to donate with a points credit card. Some credit cards even offer bonus spending categories for charitable donations. If you’re looking to fulfill the minimum spending requirement, donating to your favorite charity is a great way to do it.
Related: How you can donate your points and miles to charity
Pay your taxes
you can pay tax by credit card. You can use ACI Payments, Inc. as a third party service for property and state taxes. And you can check IRS list of tax payment service providers to review your options when filing federal taxes. However, consider the fees associated with each method as any additional fees could reduce the value of any points you earn. But, in some cases, it can be worth it.
Can I use PayUSAtax, an IRS-approved payment provider, to pay my federal taxes with a credit card. This provider charges a fee of 1.96% when using a credit card, but that fee can be much lower than the interest you will get working on the welcome bonus. Even for the continuous earning, you may find it worth it pay tax by credit card.
Related: Are my credit card tax payments considered a cash advance?
Buy points or miles
Normally, you wouldn’t want buy points or miles unless you already have a redemption plan in mind and have found the rewards space you need. After all, your points or miles can suddenly drop in value if its prize reduction program.
Even so, buy points or miles with a credit card can be a great way to hit a minimum spending threshold, especially if you’re going to be able to use these points. However, if you plan to take this route, it’s best to wait a bonus points promotion.
Related: When to buy points and miles?
Put a down payment on a new car
If you are looking for a new car, consider use a credit card to buy your car. You may not be able to count the entire purchase onto your card, but you can still get a sizable portion of your minimum spend by paying upfront.
Many dealers will let you put $2,000-5,000 on the card, but it’s best to confirm a final agreement with a salesperson before discussing that possibility. Of course, this is only a good idea if you already intend to buy a car.
Related: I bought a new car with my Amex Business Platinum card — and it wasn’t a big deal
Get reimbursed for business expenses
Best to get one small business credit card to separate your personal and business expenses. However, if you’re struggling and have a short window of time to meet the minimum spending requirements for a new credit card, it might be worth it. use personal credit cards for business expenses and refunded.
Check with your employer to see if your personal card can be used for business expenses. But be careful not to bite more than you can chew. After all, it can take a while to get a refund. So you may need to pay off the balance on your card before the refund from your company reaches your bank account.
Related: 5 Ways You Could Be Eligible for a Business Credit Card Without Realizing
Get help from friends and family
If you have no idea about meeting the minimum spending requirements on your new card, you can enlist the help of trusted family or friends. For example, if you’re a college student, you might ask your parents if you can pay their monthly bills with your credit card. They will then transfer the money to you as soon as the bills are paid.
However, I only recommend paying bills to people you trust. After all, you will end up in trouble if they decide not to refund you.
Related: How TPG staff help family members choose credit cards
View Bilt Mastercard rates and fees This.
View Bilt Mastercard rewards and benefits This.
bottom line
I recommend putting some or all of your credit card spending on a new card when you’re trying to earn a welcome bonus or sign up bonus. However, if your usual credit card spending isn’t enough to land the bonus, you can take advantage of some of the strategies outlined above to increase your spending.
But make sure you have enough money in your bank account to pay off your statement balance in full every month. At last, interest or late payment fees will effectively reduce the value of any rewards you earn.
Additional reporting by Ryan Wilcox, Nick Ewen and Ethan Steinberg.
