Credit card welcome offers are one of the fastest ways you’ll earn plenty of points in Canada. You’ll be able to redeem them for nearly free flights and hotels and save money on travel.
You’ll need to meet the card’s minimum spend on time to earn those points. Here’s how to meet the minimum spend on credit cards without overspending.
The AWP Newsletter
Fuel your adventures with points
Sign up to get your free guide. Get our newsletter with credit cards and points tips. See how easy it is to travel for nearly free.
The AWP Newsletter
Fuel your adventures with points
Sign up to get your free guide. Get our newsletter with credit cards and points tips. See how easy it is to travel for nearly free.
What Are Minimum Spending Requirements
Most credit cards with a welcome offer come with a minimum spend you’ll need to complete within a set time to earn the bonus.
If you understand the requirements, you can plan ahead before applying for a new welcome offer.
Minimum Spending Requirements
There are two main parts to every minimum spend:
AWP TIP
Your minimum spend period starts from the approval date. If you activate and use your card as soon as it arrives, you’ll make the most of your time.
Best Welcome Offers
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Welcome Points: 90,000
Welcome Value: $3,380
Annual Fee: $599
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Welcome Points: 85,000
Welcome Value: $3,280
Annual Fee: $599
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Welcome Points: 85,000
Welcome Value: $3,580
Annual Fee: $599
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Welcome Points: 85,000
Welcome Value: $3,580
Annual Fee: $599
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Welcome Points: 50,000
Welcome Value: $1,919
Annual Fee:$139. 1st Year Rebate
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Welcome Points: 120,000
Welcome Value: $5,100
Annual Fee: $799
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Welcome Points: 45,000
Welcome Value: $1,819
Annual Fee:$139. 1st Year Rebate
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Welcome Points: 15,000
Welcome Value: $590
Annually Fee: $191.88 ($15.99 Monthly)
Pay Large Projects
You can plan your new card application around big upcoming expenses to meet a minimum spend without overspending.
Simply use the card for costs like home renovations or new appliances to meet the minimum spend.
We opened an American Express Platinum Card® before starting our bathroom renovation.
We earned 110,000 welcome bonus points by putting all the renovation costs on the card. That big expense turned into future travel.
Prepay Large Bills
You can prepay bills like property tax, car insurance, tuition, or home insurance. Paying ahead helps you meet your minimum spend faster without adding extra costs.
For example, paying car insurance for the year instead of monthly can cover a big part of the requirement and may even save you money on fees.
Use Bill Payment Services
You can use bill payment services like PaySimply, Chexy, and Plastiq to pay bills that don’t usually take credit cards, for a small fee.
You can pay things like Canadian taxes (CRA), utilities, rent, tuition, or summer camp this way. It’s an easy way to turn those bills into points that count toward your minimum spend.
We used Chexy to pay tuition. That single payment was enough to meet the minimum spend on a new credit card, with only a small fee. Plus, we earned Aeroplan® points with Chexy.
Pay Recurring Bills
You can put recurring monthly bills like utilities, internet, phone, and streaming on your credit card.
You’ll earn points consistently while reaching your minimum spend without extra effort.
Beginner’s Guide
From points newbie to booking your first trip.
Learn how easy it’s for Canadians to earn and redeem points with the best reward credit cards and programs. Make your first redemption for almost free travel in no time.
Beginner’s Guide
From points newbie to booking your first trip.
Learn how easy it’s for Canadians to earn and redeem points with the best reward credit cards and programs. Make your first redemption for almost free travel in no time.
Consider Gift Cards
Gift cards and prepaid credit cards can help when you’re close to meeting your minimum spend. You’ll find them at most grocery stores.
Check your issuer’s rules to confirm the purchase will count toward your minimum spend.
AWP TIP
Prepaid Visa® and Mastercard® can help when American Express® isn’t accepted.
For purchases like electronics, use your credit card directly so you keep extended warranty and purchase protection.
Add Authorized Users
You can add authorized users to help reach the minimum spend faster. Their everyday purchases, like groceries or gas, will count toward your total.
It’s a simple way to earn more points if your spouse or teen already have regular expenses on your card.
Bottom Line
Credit card welcome offers are one of the fastest ways you’ll earn plenty of points in Canada. These bonuses usually come with a minimum spend requirement.
You can meet that requirement without overspending by following the strategies in this guide. The points you earn will help you redeem for flights and hotels, saving you money on travel.
