Welcome Bonus Spend Planner
Calculate how much you need to spend per day or week to hit a credit card welcome bonus before the deadline.
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Enter a deadline date to see your spending pace.
⚠ This tool is for estimation only. Confirm eligible purchases, returns, fees, gift cards, and cash-like transactions with your card issuer's welcome offer terms. Purchase posting dates and timing may affect eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
- What counts toward a credit card welcome bonus minimum spend?
- Eligible purchases typically include everyday purchases like groceries, dining, gas, and travel. Most issuers exclude balance transfers, cash advances, interest charges, fees, gift cards purchased at a premium, and money-order-like transactions. Always confirm the exact eligible purchase categories with your card issuer's current terms before relying on any calculation.
- When does the welcome bonus spending window start?
- The clock usually starts on your card approval date or the date your account is opened — not the date the physical card arrives. Check your card's welcome offer terms for the exact start date, which is often visible in your online account within a few days of approval.
- Why add a safety buffer to the minimum spend target?
- Returns, cancellations, and pending transactions can temporarily reduce your eligible spend total. A 5% buffer (the default) ensures you comfortably exceed the requirement even if a purchase is returned or a charge is delayed. You can adjust or remove the buffer in this tool.
- Does planned spend count immediately?
- In this tool, planned spend is added to your current spend total to show how much you would still need assuming those charges post before the deadline. Whether those charges actually count depends on your issuer's posting and statement cycle rules.
Updated May 2026