Creative Ways to Meet Minimum Spend Requirements for New Credit Cards

So, you just snagged a shiny new credit card, like the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass®, dangling 130,000 bonus points and a Free Night Reward (limited-time offer running until April 29, 2025, get all the details HERE) in front of you. Or maybe you have some big expenses coming up and figured, why not let a credit card work in your favor? Either way, you need to hit that minimum spend to unlock the bonus, and you want to do it wisely.

Sure, everyday spending on gas, groceries, and entertainment helps, but that can take a while. If you want to speed things up, here are some creative ways to meet your minimum spend without wasting money.

Turn Big Expenses into Big Rewards

• Home Improvement Projects – Planning on replacing windows, redoing the driveway, or upgrading the kitchen? Many contractors accept credit cards, sometimes with a small fee. If the fee is around 3%, do the math—it might be worth it to hit your spending requirement and score that bonus. If they don’t, consider using a service like Plastiq. Learn more about that option HERE

• Paying Taxes – Owe money to Uncle Sam? The IRS allows credit card payments for a fee (usually 1.75%–2.95%). If a welcome bonus outweighs that fee in value, it could be a strategic move.

• Tuition and School Fees – Whether it’s college tuition or your kid’s private school, check if they accept credit cards. Again, if they don’t, consider using a service like Plastiq. Learn more about that option HERE

• Prepay Bills – Some utilities, insurance providers, and even landlords let you pay in advance. If you can afford it, prepay a few months’ worth of bills to meet your minimum spend quickly.

Leverage Everyday Spending in New Ways

• Cover the Tab – Grabbing dinner with friends? Offer to pay the full bill and have them Venmo or Zelle you their share. Works great for group trips, weddings, or family dinners too.

• Lean on Friends or Family Members – Offer to cover their big bills (like property taxes or insurance) and have them pay you back. They get convenience, you get points.

• Gift Cards for Future Purchases – If you shop regularly at places like Costco, Target, or Publix, buy gift cards now to use later. Just make sure you don’t go overboard. Check the Fine Print on this one. Some issuers, like American Express, specifically exclude gift card purchases from meeting the minimum spend requirement. Before you stock up on gift cards, check your card’s terms to ensure they will count. The last thing you want is to think you’ve hit your goal only to find out those purchases didn’t qualify.

Strategic Spending Moves

• Buying a Car? – Some dealerships let you put a portion of the down payment on a credit card. If they don’t, check out Plastiq as an option.

• Adding an Authorized User – A trusted friend or family member can help meet the spend, but only do this if you completely trust them to pay their balance.

• Upgrade Your Tech or Furniture – If you were planning on getting a new laptop, TV, or couch, now is the time. You’ll meet your spend faster and enjoy your new purchase sooner.

The Golden Rule: Pay in Full

None of this works if you’re racking up debt. The key to playing the points game is to always pay your balance in full each month. No exceptions. This strategy has helped me build a credit score of about 825 while juggling dozens of credit cards. The points and miles are great, but only when they’re earned responsibly.

So, plan ahead, be strategic, and let those welcome bonuses fuel your next adventure!

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