What Is an Intro Bonus on a Credit Card?

How Does a Credit Card Intro Bonus Work?

An intro bonus is a lump-sum reward—usually cash back, points or miles—offered when you meet the initial spending requirement on a rewards credit card. For example, you might receive an offer to earn $200 cash back after spending $1,000 in the first three months. Once you meet the requirement, the bonus is typically credited to your account within one to two billing cycles.

Depending on the card, the bonus could appear as:

• Cash back (statement credit or deposit)
• Points or miles (for travel, merchandise or gift cards)
• Hotel stay

Most intro bonus credit cards require you to qualify by spending a minimum amount within a set timeframe, typically three to six months from opening your account. Purchases must post to your account within that timeline. Transactions that are pending or refunded won't count.

A few cards may offer bonuses for simply opening the account, but these are less common.

Generally, only regular purchases count toward a card's intro bonus. These transactions typically do not count:

• Balance transfers
• Cash advances
• Cash equivalent transactions, like wire transfers or money orders
• Payments made using peer-to-peer payment apps
• Fees and interest charges
• Refunds for returned purchases

Most issuers impose rules to prevent customers from earning multiple bonuses on the same card. For example, you may only earn a bonus once per card or card family every 24 to 48 months. Some issuers limit you to one lifetime bonus per card.

Learn more: The Best Way to Redeem Credit Card Rewards

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(222)Rated 4.66 out of 5 stars, 222 reviews

91%

would recommend

American Express Platinum Card^®

Intro bonus:

As High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Ongoing APR:See Pay Over Time APR

Rewards:

1x - 5x (Points per dollar)

Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.

Annual Fee:$895

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(58)Rated 4.88 out of 5 stars, 58 reviews

98%

would recommend

Costco Anywhere Visa^® Card by Citi

Ongoing APR:18.99% - 26.99% (Variable)

Rewards:

1% - 5% (cash back)

Earn 5% cash back rewards on gas at Costco and earn 4% cash back on other eligible gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging purchases for the first $7,000 combined spend per year, and then 1% thereafter. 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases and eligible travel, including Costco Travel. 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com. 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Annual Fee:$0

ApplyView detailsRates and fees

(61)Rated 3.08 out of 5 stars, 61 reviews

52%

would recommend

First Latitude Secured Mastercard^® Cash Back Rewards

Ongoing APR:27.74% Variable

Rewards:

1% - 10% (cash back)

Earn up to 10% Cash Back on purchases at participating merchants that fit your lifestyle—from dining and grocery to retail and more—plus 1% Cash Back on payments made to your First Latitude Card.^^

Annual Fee:$0

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(24)Rated 4.75 out of 5 stars, 24 reviews

96%

would recommend

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Globe™ Mastercard^®

Ongoing APR:19.74% - 29.74% (Variable)

Rewards:

1x - 6x (Miles per dollar)

Earn 6 AAdvantage^® miles for every $1 spent on eligible hotels booked through aadvantagehotels.com. Earn 3 AAdvantage^® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Earn 2 AAdvantage^® miles for every $1 spent at restaurants, including takeout and delivery. Earn 1 AAdvantage^® miles for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Annual Fee:$350

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(224)Rated 3.95 out of 5 stars, 224 reviews

76%

would recommend

Credit One Bank^® Wander^® American Express^® Metal Card

Ongoing APR:29.74% Variable

Rewards:

1% - 10% (cash back)

Earn 5% cash back rewards on eligible dining, gas, & travel purchases, 1% cash back rewards on all other purchases, and 10% cash back rewards on eligible hotel and car rentals booked using the Credit One Bank travel partner. Cash back rewards will be awarded as rewards points redeemable for a statement credit, gift cards, travel, and more. Terms apply.

Annual Fee:$95

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Terms Apply

(53)Rated 4.62 out of 5 stars, 53 reviews

90%

would recommend

Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card

Intro bonus:

As High As 80K Miles + $250 Statement Credit

You may be eligible for as high as 80,000 Bonus Miles and a $250 Statement Credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply to find out your offer. Terms Apply. Offer ends 11/04/2026.

Ongoing APR:19.74%-28.74% Variable

Rewards:

1x - 2x (Miles per dollar)

When you use your Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card, you can earn: 2X miles on Delta Purchases, 2X miles at restaurants, 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets, 1X miles on all other eligible purchases. Every mile you earn brings you closer to the places you want to go. Turn them into your next trip, use them for seat upgrades, and more.

Annual Fee:$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.

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(24)Rated 4.54 out of 5 stars, 24 reviews

83%

would recommend

Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card

Intro bonus:

As High As 90K Miles + $300 Statement Credit

You may be eligible for as high as 90,000 Bonus Miles and a $300 Statement Credit after you spend $4,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply to find out your offer. Terms Apply. Offer ends 11/04/2026.

Ongoing APR:19.74%-28.74% Variable

Rewards:

1x - 3x (Miles per dollar)

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 Miles on all other eligible purchases.

Annual Fee:$350

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Terms Apply

(23)Rated 4.74 out of 5 stars, 23 reviews

91%

would recommend

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card

Intro bonus:

130,000 Points

Earn 130,000 Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 01/13/2027.

Ongoing APR:19.74%-28.74% Variable

Rewards:

3x - 12x (Points per dollar)

Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio. Earn 6X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations. Earn 4X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of U.S. Online Retail purchases. Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.

Annual Fee:$150

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Terms Apply

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How to Earn an Intro Bonus

To earn a credit card intro bonus, you only need to follow a few key steps.

1. Apply for a card that offers an intro bonus. Look for a credit card that fits your spending habits and rewards goals. You must apply as a new cardholder. Product upgrades may not qualify.
2. Spend the required amount on your card within the set timeframe. You'll have a set period, usually three to six months, to meet the minimum spend. With some cards, authorized-user spending counts too. The countdown starts the day your account is approved, not when you activate or receive your card.
3. Make sure transactions post in time. A purchase has to be posted to your account during the bonus period. Some merchants may delay posting, especially with backordered or shipped items.

Tip: Add your card to your digital wallet after approval to start earning toward the bonus right away. This will allow you to make purchases before the physical card shows up in your mailbox.

Tips for Earning an Intro Bonus

Earning a bonus is easier with some planning. Here are some helpful strategies:

• Time your application with a large purchase. Big purchases like back-to-school shopping, travel or home repairs can help you meet the spending requirement without going over budget.
• Choose a card with a realistic spend threshold. Choose a bonus that aligns with your typical monthly spending so you aren't tempted to overspend just to earn rewards.
• Consider the annual fee. While it doesn't help you meet the spending requirement, it does reduce the credit you have available for spending.
• Watch the deadline. The clock starts when your account is approved, not when you activate or receive the card. Mark your calendar with the bonus expiration date. Aim to meet the requirement a week or two early to be safe.
• Understand which transactions count. Check the card issuer's terms for transactions that are excluded from the spending requirement.
• Watch for restrictions. If you've had the card before, check to see if you're eligible before applying. Some credit card issuers limit intro bonuses to one every 24 to 48 months.

Learn more: The Do's and Don'ts of Credit Card Intro Bonuses

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Intro bonuses can provide hundreds of dollars in rewards, but only if you qualify and meet the spending requirements. If you're looking for a rewards credit card with a welcome bonus, compare bonus offers to find the card that best fits your budget and financial goals.

Before you apply, it may be ideal to check your FICO^® Score^Θ and credit report for free from Experian. You'll get an idea of how likely you are to be approved, giving you a chance to work to improve your credit before you apply.