By LaToya IrbyWhat Is an Intro Bonus on a Credit Card?
By LaToya Irby
Quick Answer
A credit card welcome bonus is a one-time reward offered when you spend a certain amount within the first few months of opening a new rewards card. Many issuers use bonuses to encourage new cardholders to start using their cards right away.
Many credit cards offer a welcome bonus to new cardholders as a reward for using their credit card right away. These bonuses typically require you to spend a certain amount within a few months of opening the account.
A credit card intro bonus can be a great way to jump-start your cash back, points or travel rewards. Let's dive into how these credit cards work and how to earn an intro bonus.
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
Best rewards cards of 2026
Compare cards from our partners that earn points, cash back or miles on everyday spending.
Offers from our partners
Citi Double Cash® Card
Intro APR:0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers
Ongoing APR:17.49% - 27.49% (Variable)
Rewards:2% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$0
American Express Platinum Card®
Intro bonus:As high as 175,000 points. Find out your offer.
Ongoing APR:See Pay Over Time APR
Rewards:1x - 5x (Points per dollar)
Annual Fee:$895
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Intro bonus:$200
Intro APR:0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
Ongoing APR:18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable APR
Rewards:2% (Cash Rewards)
Annual Fee:$0
Avant® Cashback Rewards Mastercard®
Ongoing APR:29.99%*
Rewards:2% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$0*
Credit One Bank® American Express® for Rebuilding Credit
Ongoing APR:29.74% Variable
Rewards:1% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$75 First year. $99 thereafter, billed monthly at $8.25
Blue Cash Preferred ® Card from American Express
Intro bonus:As High As $300 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer.
Intro APR:0% on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 12 months
Ongoing APR:19.49%-28.49% Variable
Rewards:1% - 6% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card
Intro APR:0% for 15 months on Balance Transfers
Ongoing APR:19.49% - 29.49% (Variable)
Rewards:2x (Miles per dollar)
Annual Fee:$0
Credit One Bank® Secured Card
Ongoing APR:29.74% Variable
Rewards:1% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$0
Citi Strata Premier® Card
Intro bonus:60,000 Points
Ongoing APR:19.49% - 27.49% (Variable)
Rewards:1x - 10x (Points per dollar)
Annual Fee:$95
Avant® Cashback Rewards Mastercard®
Ongoing APR:35.99%*
Rewards:1% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$0*
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Ongoing APR:18.74% - 26.74% (Variable)
Rewards:1% - 5% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$0
American Express® Gold Card
Intro bonus:As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
Ongoing APR:See Pay Over Time APR
Rewards:1x - 5x (Points per dollar)
Annual Fee:$325
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
Ongoing APR:19.49% - 29.49% (Variable)
Rewards:2x (Miles per dollar)
Annual Fee:$99, waived for first 12 months
Avant® Cashback Rewards Mastercard®
Ongoing APR:35.99%*
Rewards:1% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$75*
Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard®
Ongoing APR:19.49% - 29.49% (Variable)
Rewards:1x - 6x (Miles per dollar)
Annual Fee:$350
Avant® Cashback Rewards Mastercard®
Ongoing APR:35.99%*
Rewards:1% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$75 first year; then $99/year
Avant® Cashback Rewards Mastercard®
Ongoing APR:35.99%*
Rewards:1% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$39*
Credit One Bank® Platinum X5 Visa Signature® Metal Card
Ongoing APR:29.74% Variable
Rewards:1% - 5% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$95
First Progress Select Secured Mastercard® Cash Back Rewards
Ongoing APR:17.49% Variable
Rewards:1% - 10% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$39
Credit One Bank® Platinum Rewards Visa® Card
Ongoing APR:29.74% Variable
Rewards:1% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$39
Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® Card with Dining, Gas & Travel Rewards
Ongoing APR:29.74% Variable
Rewards:1% - 10% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$95
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Intro bonus:80,000 Points
Ongoing APR:19.49%-28.49% Variable
Rewards:3x - 7x (Points per dollar)
Annual Fee:$0
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Intro bonus:100,000 Points
Ongoing APR:19.49%-28.49% Variable
Rewards:2x - 6x (Points per dollar)
Annual Fee:$650
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Intro bonus:As High As 100,000 Bonus Miles. Find Out Your Offer.
Ongoing APR:19.49%-28.49% Variable
Rewards:1x - 3x (Miles per dollar)
Annual Fee:$650
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Intro bonus:As High As 80,000 Bonus Miles. Find Out Your Offer.
Ongoing APR:19.49%-28.49% Variable
Rewards:1x - 2x (Miles per dollar)
Annual Fee:$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
Credit One Bank® Premier American Express® Unlimited Rewards Card
Ongoing APR:29.74% Variable
Rewards:1% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$0
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Intro bonus:As High As 90,000 Bonus Miles. Find Out Your Offer.
Ongoing APR:19.49%-28.49% Variable
Rewards:1x - 3x (Miles per dollar)
Annual Fee:$350
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card
Intro bonus:85,000 Points
Ongoing APR:19.49%-28.49% Variable
Rewards:2x - 6x (Points per dollar)
Annual Fee:$250
Avant® Cashback Rewards Mastercard® - $500 Credit Limit
Ongoing APR:35.99%*
Rewards:1% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$125 first year; then $125.04/year ($10.42/mo)
Avant® Cashback Rewards Mastercard®
Ongoing APR:35.99%*
Rewards:1% (cash back)
Annual Fee:$0*
See all our best rewards credit cards for 2026.
How to Earn an Intro Bonus
To earn a credit card intro bonus, you only need to follow a few key steps.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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® ScoreΘ 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.
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About the author
LaToya Irby
LaToya Irby is a personal finance writer who works with consumer media outlets to help people navigate their money and credit. She’s been published and quoted extensively in USA Today, U.S. News and World Report, myFICO, Investopedia, The Balance and more.
Read more from LaToya