How to Meet Credit Card Minimum Spend
Every credit card bonus requires spending a set amount within the first few months. Here's how to hit those targets without buying things you don't need.
Understanding Minimum Spend Requirements
Most credit card sign-up bonuses require you to spend a certain amount within a set timeframe (typically 3 months) after account opening. Common thresholds:
10 Strategies to Hit Your Spend Target
Need new furniture, appliances, or electronics? Planning a vacation? Apply for the card before these purchases. One $2,000 purchase can cover half a typical spend requirement immediately.
Insurance premiums, utilities, internet, phone bills, and subscriptions can all go on a credit card. If you pay $500/month in recurring bills, that's $1,500 toward your spend in 3 months with zero extra spending.
Some bills let you prepay months in advance. Prepay 6 months of insurance, pay rent via Plastiq (2.85% fee), or prepay your car insurance for the year. The small fee is worth it when the bonus is $750+.
If you regularly shop at Amazon, Target, or grocery stores, buy gift cards now and use them over the coming months. You're not spending extra money — just spending it earlier.
The IRS accepts credit card payments through third-party processors (1.87% fee via PayUSATax). On a $5,000 tax payment, the $93.50 fee is trivial compared to a $1,000+ bonus.
Offer to put group dinners, trips, or shared purchases on your card and have others Venmo you. You get the spend, they pay the same amount either way.
Household items you'll use anyway — toilet paper, cleaning supplies, pet food, diapers — can be bought in bulk. You're shifting future spending into the bonus window.
If you were planning to make charitable donations, time them during your minimum spend period. You get a tax deduction and progress toward your bonus.
If you have a side business or freelance, put legitimate business expenses (software, supplies, advertising) on the card. Business cards often have higher spend requirements but higher bonuses too.
If you're new to churning, start with cards that have $500-$1,000 spend requirements. As you get comfortable, graduate to cards with higher thresholds and higher bonuses.
What NOT to Do
Cards with the Lowest Spend Requirements
These cards offer the easiest path to a bonus. See all options on our low minimum spend page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don't meet the minimum spend requirement?
You simply won't receive the sign-up bonus. There's no penalty, but you lose the bonus opportunity on that card — and with most issuers, you can't earn the same bonus again for 24-48 months.
Does the annual fee count toward minimum spend?
No. Annual fees, interest charges, balance transfers, and cash advances do NOT count toward minimum spend requirements. Only regular purchases count.
Can I return purchases after meeting the minimum spend?
Returns reduce your qualifying spend total. If returns bring you below the threshold, you may not receive the bonus or it could be clawed back. Avoid using returns as a strategy.
When does the minimum spend clock start?
The spend timer starts on the date your account is approved, not when you receive the card. If approval takes a few days, you've already lost that time. Factor this into your planning.