Maximizing Your Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses: 8 Tips

Credit cards come with a lot of perks, some of which take on the form of sign-up bonuses. Designed to appeal to new cardholders, these bonuses typically reward users with cash back, travel miles, or reward points after they’ve met certain spending requirements within a specified time frame. 

For example, some credit cards in the Philippines offer PHP 5,000 cash back after spending PHP 20,000 in the first three months, while others may provide 20,000 travel miles that a user can redeem for flights or hotel stays. 

There are also credit card providers that offer freebies for sign-ups. For instance, while waiting for your Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, you can join a free Maya card promo where you can get an additional debit card at no extra charge. 

These sign-up bonuses offer excellent value, but you still need to be strategic about fully utilizing their benefits. Here’s a list of tips that can help you do exactly that and fully enjoy the experience you get from a card like the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card by Maya: 

1) Choose the Right Card for Your Spending Habits

The first step in getting the most out of your sign-up bonus is to select a card that actually aligns with your lifestyle and spending patterns. Banks offer various cards designed to reward different categories, such as groceries, dining, travel, or fuel. Pick a card that matches your usual expenses, and you’ll find it easier to meet the spending requirement for the bonus without having to make unnecessary purchases.

For example, if you frequently travel, a credit card that offers travel rewards might be the best fit for you. Alternatively, if your primary expenses are groceries and utilities, a card that offers higher cash back for these purchases can help you make the most out of these benefits.

2) Time Your Application Well 

Timing is everything when it comes to enjoying sign-up bonuses. A great tip is to apply for a new credit card when you have large purchases or expenses coming up. This way, you can meet the minimum spending requirement without straining your monthly budget. 

Major expenses such as home improvements, school tuition, or even holiday shopping can quickly get you closer to that sign-up bonus. Plan your application around high-spending periods so that you can hit the bonus threshold in a timely manner.

3) Keep Track of the Card’s Spending Requirement

Most credit card sign-up bonuses require you to spend a specific amount within the first 90 days of activation. It’s important for you to keep track of this deadline and make sure you’re on pace to meet it. A missed deadline means forfeiting the bonus, so you don’t want to be caught off guard.

To keep the deadline in mind, consider setting reminders or marking the date on your calendar. You could also regularly check your spending progress through your credit card’s online or mobile app. This will ensure that you can meet or exceed the spending threshold and use the bonus.

4) Use the Card for Everyday Expenses

To quickly reach the minimum spend, make your new credit card your primary payment method for daily purchases. Using your card to pay for essential and everyday expenses such as groceries, fuel, and utility bills can help you rack up the required spend without having to make additional or unnecessary purchases.

Paying for your regular expenses with the new card instead of cash or another card is a smart way to meet the spending threshold without going over budget. Just make sure you can pay off your credit card balance each month to avoid hefty interest charges.

5) Pay Attention to Promotional Offers

Credit cards sometimes come with extra promotions that allow you to earn more rewards during your sign-up period. These could include temporary multipliers on specific spending categories like dining, travel, or shopping.

For example, your credit card might offer double points for purchases made during a certain holiday or within specific partner stores. Take advantage of these promotions to boost your earnings and give yourself the best chance of hitting the spending requirement faster. 

6) Consider Prepaying Your Bills

If you’re nearing the end of the sign-up period and haven’t yet met the spending requirement, one strategy is to prepay your bills. You can make advanced payments on utilities, insurance, or even rent to push your spending closer to the target.

Prepaying bills you would eventually have to pay anyway is a practical way to hit the spending threshold without buying things you don’t need. Still, be mindful not to overspend or put yourself in a difficult financial situation by overpreparing.

7) Make Every Effort Not to Overspend

While it’s important to meet the spending requirement of your new credit card, you should never overspend or buy unnecessary items just to qualify for the bonus. Your goal here is to get the bonus while staying within your budget, not to accumulate debt or waste money on things you don’t need. If you’re struggling to meet the spending requirement without overspending, it’s better to forgo the bonus than to risk getting into debt. 

8) Combine Family Expenses

Lastly, if you’re the main breadwinner for your household, one simple way to meet your spending requirement faster is to pool family expenses. For example, you can encourage family members to use your credit card for large purchases, such as tuition fees, travel bookings, or major grocery shopping.

This strategy helps you maximize your credit card usage without increasing your own expenses. Do make sure, however, that your family members reimburse you promptly so you can pay off the balance before interest accumulates.

If you can qualify for your credit card sign-up bonus, you’ll be able to enjoy rewards as well as properly familiarize yourself with the card’s best features. You just need to know exactly how the sign-up bonus on your credit card works so that you can make the most of all its benefits beyond the sign-up period. Be strategic and mindful about your spending, and you’ll be better equipped to use your credit card as a valuable tool for day-to-day financial management and rewards.