Sign Up Bonus Credit Cards

Compare Credit Cards with Introductory Offers and Promotions

Banks regularly offer sign up bonuses as a way of attracting new customers. Some cards feature no annual fees during the bonus period, usually three months to a year. Other banks offer 0% interest on balance transfers for a period of time, while yet others reward new customers with extra points on purchases for the first few months. Managed well, an introductory offer can be extremely beneficial to the cardholder. You should be aware, however, that once the honeymoon period is over the card’s interest rates, fees and features will change, often dramatically. The following FAQ will help shed some light on what offers are available and how to compare them.

FAQs

Q: How do I compare sign up bonus credit cards? A: Firstly you should compare the various rates and find a deal that offers you the biggest savings. You must also take into consideration how long the introductory deal lasts, and how it changes when the honeymoon period expires. Sign up bonuses look great in the short term, but you also need to plan ahead to make sure you get the best deal for the long term. Many sign up bonuses involve a single bonus of points added to your account. So when you are comparing this type of bonus, consider how many points are on offer, what they can be redeemed for and how many points you need to redeem for something you actually want, e.g. flights, hotels, electronics, etc.

Q: Is a sign up bonus credit card the right choice for me? A: If you need to make a balance transfer to switch your debt from one card to another, a sign up bonus could be the right choice for you. Finding a card with a 0% rate on balance transfers allows you to pay off your debt with less interest, but to get the savings you need to repay the debt within the bonus period and avoid the higher rates when the promotion expires.

If you are someone who regularly travels either domestically or internationally, then a sign up bonus offering frequent flyer points may be exactly what you are looking for. However, before deciding on the card you want to apply for you should carefully consider what airline you fly with most, which airlines fly the routes you travel most and even what airlines fly from your local airport. Here are other details to consider.

• Comparison points: Interest rates should always be taken into consideration. The lower the interest you have to pay, the more money you are going to save over the long haul. For this reason, you need to fully understand the rates being offered. Additionally, make sure you know what the rate will be after the promotional period expires. Other sign up bonus credit cards focus on a rewards program. For example, you may receive bonus points simply for signing up. Which card will give you the most points?
• Low rates and rewards points: What will be of interest to you is dependent on your particular situation. For example, if you have a high interest credit card you may be looking for an offer with a low rate balance transfer. Or maybe you are the type who enjoys travelling and there are many sign up bonus cards offering bonus frequent flyer points to choose from. Assuming you pay off your account each month, then a bonus of several thousand points can benefit you more than a low interest rate. You may already have a great credit card with everything you could possibly need. However, there is nothing wrong with switching if there is a sign up bonus that could put you in a better financial position.
• Finding available promotions: Most banks offer some sort of sign up bonus or promotional offer, just one of the many tools they use to attract new customers.
• Eligibility requirements: This depends largely on your credit score and history, as well as your age and income. Not all credit cards have the same requirements, so make sure you consider all your options and check that you actually meet, and ideally exceed, their minimum requirements for approval. Upon applying online, you will typically receive an answer within a matter of minutes, although some banks may be slower than others.

Q: How do I apply? A: Applying for a sign up bonus credit card couldn’t be easier. Simply hit the ‘Apply’ button, check if you meet the bank’s eligibility requirements, and complete the easy and secure online application process. Many banks will give you an instant answer, and if approved you should receive your card in the post within a week or so.