Most credit cards that offer a decent welcome bonus also have a minimum spending requirement that you must meet within a particular time frame.
Minimum expenditures (the amount of money you must charge on your card in a given period to receive the points or cash back bonus) often range from $500 to $10,000 and have a length of 3 months.
For example, New American Express® AIR MILES®* Reserve Credit Card Cardmembers receive a 2,400 AIR MILES® welcome bonus. However, you can only earn bonus miles after charging $3,000 in purchases to your Card in the first three months of membership. That’ll be enough for two flights.
This may not seem like a big matter to some, but it might be a difficult process for others.
Here are five tips to help you achieve your credit card minimum spending requirement without purchasing unnecessary items.
1. Prepay bills
Many utility companies will accept payments, even if it is greater than your current bill. While you may not receive a refund for any overpayments, the funds will be applied to your next bill.
You can pay some of your insurance coverage with a credit card. This includes homeowners, cars, medical and even rental insurance plans.
Even better, many insurance providers allow you to pay monthly, quarterly, or for six months.
You might be able to do the same with some cable and phone companies.
You can pay for a few months’ worth of utilities in advance to fulfil your credit card minimum spending requirements need if you’re running out of time.
2. Gas and Groceries
Most families’ budgets include a substantial line item for gas and groceries. Using your credit card to pay for these expenses is a simple way to meet your credit card minimum spending requirement. Charge it all the time, and those bucks will add up to help you fulfil your spending requirement.
Use cash back cards like the CIBC Dividend Visa and Scotia Momentum No-Fee card to receive cash back on gas and groceries to make your shopping even more advantageous.
3. Buy store gift cards
Some people may only consider gift cards as a present option. However, there are many other options available.
Buy gift cards to stores where you frequently purchase, such as your favorite grocery store, to use later. Consider purchasing gift cards from internet stores such as Amazon so that you can use them on future purchases.
Only do this if you’re sure you’ll be spending the money later.
Please note that this method should be used with caution, especially with American Express cards. Gift card purchases do not count toward reaching the minimum spend requirement.
4. Buy a new mobile device
You will particularly benefit from this if you apply for a credit card with 0% or low introductory APR. You can pay for your phone at once and pay it off within the 0% term rather than paying for it every month through your cellular provider. Some credit cards also include mobile device insurance. With this, new mobile devices purchased with your credit card are covered for up to two years in case of theft or loss.
5. Gifts and Shopping
Do you have a special occasion approaching, such as a wedding, birthday, or anniversary? Purchase these gifts with your credit card in advance. The same can be said for other items you need.
Perhaps you’ll be going on a trip soon, and you need footwear. If possible, buy the footwear using your credit card ahead of time. Purchasing from stores such as Aldo Shoes and Globo Shoes will help you earn even more rewards.
In conclusion
There are numerous ways to meet credit card minimum spend requirements.
By following the strategies above, you can meet most of the spending requirements to qualify for the hefty credit card welcome bonuses.