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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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10 ways to meet a credit card minimum spending requirement
Katie Genter is a digital nomad who has traveled full time since June 2017. She writes and edits stories about points and miles, and loyalty programs, often letting her personal experiences color these stories.
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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Quick summary
Meeting minimum spending requirements for welcome bonuses often requires strategic planning, especially if your usual spending is lower than the threshold.
Common tactics include using your new card for all purchases, prepaying recurring bills, and paying rent or mortgage where possible.
Other options involve covering group expenses, making charitable donations, or paying taxes with your card, though some methods may incur fees.
It's important to ensure you can pay off your balance in full to avoid interest charges that could offset the value of any bonus.
What to consider
Some transactions, such as annual fees, cash equivalents, and certain bill payments, typically do not count toward minimum spending requirements.
The spending window usually starts upon card approval, not when you receive the card, so timing is crucial.
Always review offer terms for exclusions and confirm with your issuer if unsure which purchases qualify.
What you'll miss from the article
Detailed strategies and real-world examples for safely and efficiently meeting minimum spending requirements without overspending.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Many travel credit cards feature excellent welcome bonuses for new cardholders. However, you generally need to spend a particular amount on your new card within a specific time period to earn the bonus — and this required spending may exceed what you would typically spend on credit cards.
As such, we frequently get the question: “How do I hit the minimum requirement if I don’t normally spend that much on credit cards?” After all, you don’t want to make unnecessary or extravagant purchases, but you also don’t want to miss out on earning a valuable welcome bonus.
So, let’s discuss some strategies for meeting the minimum spending requirements on a new card.
Important considerations
Before I introduce ways to meet the minimum spending threshold on your new card, let’s go through a few critical points.
First, note that paying your card’s annual fee usually does not count toward the required minimum spending amount. Returns, statement credits and refunded purchases may also reduce your qualifying spending.
Third, understand that the period to meet the minimum spending requirement usually begins when you are approved for the card, not when you receive it in the mail. For certain issuers, you can request expedited delivery of your card, while others may provide an instant card number upon approval. But generally, you’ll have to wait a week or more to receive your card.
Finally, note that most card issuers exclude some purchases from the minimum spending threshold. For example, the offer terms for the American Express Platinum Card® state that the following won’t count: "Fees or interest charges; purchases of travelers checks; purchases or reloading of prepaid cards; purchases of gift cards; person-to-person payments; or purchases of other cash equivalents."
Another method to consider is paying your rent or mortgage with your new card. You may be able to find a landlord, apartment complex or bank that will allow you to pay your rent or mortgage by credit card without a transaction fee, but this is relatively rare.
Bilt cardholders can pay eligible rent and mortgage expenses through Bilt without a transaction fee, while non-Bilt credit cards incur a 3% processing fee. Other third-party services may also let you pay rent or other eligible bills with a credit card for a fee. Be sure to compare the fee with the value of the welcome bonus, and confirm that the service supports your particular card and payment type.
Prepay your insurance, utilities and other regular expenses
Another way to boost your spending is to prepay certain expenses.
Many utility, phone and insurance companies will bill you monthly, but some may let you overpay. So, you might be able to add an extra $100 to your utility bill payment for several months, or you could prepay three or even six months of insurance to ensure you’re reaching the amount needed to earn your welcome bonus.
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Another option would be to pay an annual or biannual bill early. If you’re struggling to meet a spending requirement, look ahead and see what bills are due soon. Likewise, it could make sense to prepay other recurring expenses.
Many of my friends and family still use cash or debit cards when we’re at a restaurant or bar — and I’ve frequently found that restaurant staff won’t split a check across more than a couple of payment methods.
One option is to put the entire meal on your card. Then, you can have everyone give you cash or send funds via an online service like PayPal or Venmo. Because you receive the funds to cover their portion of the bill, your only actual out-of-pocket expense is your meal.
Of course, you may not want the hassle of chasing down any less-than-reliable friends who don’t pay immediately. But if you can manage that wrinkle, group meals can help you meet minimum spending requirements.
Although many people give cash or write checks to their favorite charities, donating with a points-earning credit card is also possible. Some credit cards even offer category-specific bonuses on charitable donations.
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If you’re looking to finish off a minimum spending requirement, donating to your favorite charity is a great way to do so.
Consider the fees associated with each method since additional charges may negate the value of any points you earn. But, in some cases, it can be worth it.
Typically, you won’t want to buy points or miles unless you have a planned redemption in mind and have found the award space you need. After all, your points or miles could suddenly drop in value if the program devalues its awards.
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Even so, purchasing points or miles with a credit card can be an excellent way to meet a minimum spending threshold, especially if you can redeem them soon. However, if you plan to go this route, waiting for a buy points or miles promotion is best.
Put part of a planned vehicle purchase on your card
If you’re looking for a new car, consider using a credit card to buy it. You may not be able to charge the entire purchase to your card, but you could still get a sizable chunk of your minimum spending out of the way with a partial payment.
Many dealerships will let you put $2,000 to $5,000 on a card, but it's best to confirm the vehicle’s total purchase price before discussing that possibility. Of course, this is only a good idea if you need to purchase a car.
It’s best to get a small-business credit card to separate your personal and business expenses. But, if you’re in a pinch and have a short window to meet the minimum spending requirements on a new credit card, it could be worth using a personal credit card for business expenses and getting reimbursed.
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Check with your employer to see whether you can use your personal card for business expenses. But be careful not to bite off more than you can chew, as reimbursement may take a while. As such, you may need to pay the balance on your card before the reimbursement from your company hits your bank account.
Ask friends and family for help
If you’re out of ideas about meeting the minimum spending requirements on your new card, you could enlist the help of trusted family or friends. For example, if you’re a college student, you could ask your parents if you can pay their monthly bills using your credit card. They’d then transfer the money to you immediately after the bills are paid.
However, I only recommend paying the bills of people you trust. After all, you’ll ultimately be on the hook if they decide not to reimburse you.
Bottom line
I recommend putting some or all of your credit card spending on your new card when you’re working toward earning a welcome bonus. However, if your regular credit card spending isn’t enough to reach the bonus, you can leverage some of these strategies to boost your spending.
But make sure you have enough funds in your bank account to pay off your statement balance in full each month. After all, paying interest or late fees will effectively decrease the value of any bonus you earn.
Let us know in the comments below your favorite ways to meet the spending requirements and earn the bonus on a new card.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
