The catch:You have to spend $3,000 within three months to get the bonus.
That can be difficult, even if you use the card every day.
Plus, what if you also have other cards you want to use?
For example, you might want to keep using your Discover Card for the5% cash-back bonus categories.
How do you get all those points and cash back, and stillmeet your spending requirementsfor sign-up bonuses?
Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week.
This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.
Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.
But be sure touse therightcard for each purchase to maximize what you earn.
If another card pays double or triple points at gas stations, fill your tank with it.
For example, I just redeemed $208 cash back on mySunTrustVisa account.
Many travel cards offer discounts for travel expenses if you use your points to book through their program.
Thats an extra $137.50!
Transfer Unused Points
Transfer unused points into other accounts or programs and turn them into rewards.
I have about 54,000 Marriott Rewards points, mostly from a credit card sign-up offer.
Ive been having a hard time spending them on free hotel nights.
ButMarriotts RewardsPlus programlets me convert them into United MileagePlus miles, redeemable toward flights.
you could often combine points if you have several cards from the same issuer.
It could get you the minimum needed to earn a gift card or other reward.
Complain
If you have a problem with a rewards program or the rewards say something.
We mentioned it during checkout,the hotel desk clerk apologized and added 6,000 points to our account.
It might not always work, but its worth a try.
These rewards are for certain purchases, in addition to the points you regularly earn.
Net profit: $30.
If theres no extra charge,always pay with arewards credit cardto get points or cash back.
Ive done this with my water bill several times fortunately theres no convenience fee in my city!
The gift cards are either unused or have partial remaining balances.
This strategy saves you moneyandhelps you earn credit card points.
Buy the digital version and print it out if youre headed there for dinner.
Youll save $8andearn credit card points or cash back.
Buy more gift cards for places youre sure to shop.
Check sites like Raise,Gift Card Grannyor Cardpool to find discounted gift cards.
Our local Dollar General recently had several gift cards on sale for 15% off.
I bought $20 gift cards for Dominos, Olive Garden and Subway all of which we frequent.
I saved $9 totalandgot 2% cash back.
Just find a Home Depot or Staples store that sells gift cards for gas stations most do.
Make Your Mortgage Payment
Make mortgage payments with your credit card throughChargeSmartand other services.
Fees vary, but always are displayed before you complete the transaction.
Decide for yourself if it makes sense to pay the fee to earn points or meet spending requirements.
Make Your Car Payments
ChargeSmart also allows you tomake car payments with a credit card.
To reduce the fee, make a partial payment using the card and pay the rest by check.
If a landlord doesnt want to sign up for direct deposits from these services, theyll send a check.
Its another good way to meet large spending requirements to earn credit card sign-up bonuses.
Fees vary, but theres a calculator that allows you to check availability and cost in advance.
Some localities have their own credit card payment processing service, possibly with a lower fee.
For example, here inSarasota County, Florida, the fee is 2.45%.
Pay Insurance Bills
Homeowners insurance and auto insurance typically cost hundreds of dollars.
Paying them with your credit cards is a great way to pile up points or meet spending requirements.
Send Money Internationally
Several services let you send money to friends or family overseas with your credit card.
Pay Student Loans Using a Credit Card
Some lenders allow student loan payments by credit card for a fee.
Pay Child Support
Many states accept child support payments through services likeGovPayNet.
However, it could help you meet a spending requirement.
Make Church Offerings by Credit Card
Manychurches accept credit card offerings.
Charge for Charity
Most nonprofit organizations accept credit card donations.
Youll earn points or cash back, but remember the charity pays a processing fee.
It will keep less of your money than if you donated by check or cash.
Buy Debit Gift Cards for Everyday Use
I shop at Aldi, where they dont accept credit cards.
Then there is this related strategy…
26.
Take Advantage of Debit Gift Card Promotions
Both OfficeMax and Staples regularly run sales on debit gift cards.
I made $26.79 after fees using a $5 cash back card at Staples.
Some reports sayCitibank cards sometimes treat debit card purchases as cash advances.
Avoid using these cards for this strategy, since you might have to pay additional fees.
Ive bought them this way several times at CVS.
Stock Up on Non-Perishables
Need those credit card points soon to get a free flight?
Or maybe grocery stores are about to be rotated off the quarterly 5% cash-back bonus categories.
There are no fees, they never expire and shipping is freeeven if you get the physical cards.
One of the best reasons touse a credit card instead of cashis the rewards you get.
When youdouble your spending, you double your pointsor cash back!
(Thats the one that pays at least 2% back at restaurants.)
Explain the advantages of the purchase protection that comes with the card (if you have that).
Plus, you get the points or cash back.
Of course, defaults can happen, so dont loan what you cant afford to lose.
Use Point Promotions
Credit card companies sometimes offer extra point promotions.
MyFrontier Airlines MasterCardjust offered me 1,000 points to sign up for two recurring bill payments.
Buy those debit gift cards with credit cards that offer rewards worth more than the costs youll incur.
That 54,000 points is enough to cover $670 in travel expenses.
Use Credit Cards for Everything Else
Buying a 69-cent soda at the gas station?
Charge it to your rewards card!
Then again, what other kind would you have?
Even if you dont want to pay an annual fee, you could still get a great cash-rewards card.
Steve Gillman is the author of 101 Weird Ways to Make Money and creator of EveryWayToMakeMoney.com.
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Ask one of these companies to help…
