Here’s What NOT to Do When You Get a New Card With a Big Sign-Up Bonus (Ever!)
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Reader Amanda asked:
Are you aware of any ways to extend the window for meeting a minimum spending requirement? I literally missed it by a day.
I’m sorry to hear that Amanda, but unfortunately there is no sure way to get the bank to extend the minimum spending deadline. But you should definitely call and ask!
If you find yourself in a similar situation, call the bank right away, and plead your case. If they say no, ask to speak with a supervisor. Or call back and ask a different representative.
Team member Joseph’s mother got an AMEX bonus after she missed the deadline by 1 day. But, this is NOT normal! So don’t expect the same results.
It’s best not to cut it close. I like to complete the spending requirements as soon as possible, just to be safe.
How to Avoid Missing Your Minimum Spending Requirement
Know your travel goals and plan ahead to have big purchases or expenses (computers, quarterly taxes, or insurance premiums) coincide with your credit card applications.
But you shouldn’t make large purchases only to meet your minimum spending requirement. If you have a balance you can’t pay off, the interest will negate any value from the sign-up bonus.
And make sure you do NOT apply for a credit card with minimum spending requirements that are too high for you to meet. As always, do what makes you feel comfortable.
Remember, there are many ways to meet minimum spending requirements. Here’s my post with 40+ ideas! Team member Harlan recommends using Plastiq to meet the requirements in a minute flat! Or if you have a lot of work-related expenses, see if your employer will let you put them on your credit card, and then reimburse you.
It’s important to know the deadline for meeting your spending requirement. The clock starts on the day you were approved for the card, NOT the day you activate it!
Be sure to add the approval date to a calendar. Or set a reminder on your phone if you need to.
I recommend taking a screenshot because it’s time-stamped. And you’ll have proof of the offer you applied for in case it changes.
Know the Rules (And Follow Them)
Not all purchases will count towards your minimum spending requirement. Some purchases (like travelers checks, certain gift cards, or prepaid cards) might be treated as a cash advances. And will NOT count towards your minimum spending. 🙁
And DO NOT make large purchases and return them after the bonus posts to your account. If you do, you could have your account frozen, and have the sign-up bonus revoked.
Also, it’s important to remember the credit card’s annual fee will NOT count toward your spending requirements. You don’t want to end up short of that next big bonus!
Bottom Line
If you miss the deadline to meet your minimum spending requirement you will usually NOT be able to get an extension. But it won’t hurt to give the bank a call to plead your case.
It’s best to plan ahead. And make sure you can meet a minimum spending requirement before you apply for a card. I suggest not leaving all your spending until the last minute to avoid any issues getting your points.
Sorry to hear about your predicament, Amanda. Best of luck getting this worked out!
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
$250 Annual Fee.
Terms Apply.
Intro APR on purchases
N/A
Regular APR
20.24%-29.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$250
Balance Transfer Fee
N/A
Rates & Fees
Other
MORE INFO
Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)
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