How to Maximize Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
Published: February 1, 2026
Credit card sign-up bonuses can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Here's how to maximize your earnings:
- Time your applications: Apply when you have large expenses coming up to easily meet minimum spending requirements.
- Stack bonuses: Use shopping portals and category bonuses on top of your sign-up bonus spending.
- Pay attention to 5/24: Chase's 5/24 rule limits approvals if you've opened 5+ cards in 24 months.
- Don't carry a balance: Interest charges can quickly negate any bonus value.
- Set calendar reminders: Make sure you hit spending requirements before the deadline.
Bank Account Bonuses: The Complete Strategy
Published: January 28, 2026
Bank account bonuses are some of the easiest ways to earn hundreds of dollars with minimal effort. Here's your strategy:
- Direct deposit requirements: Most bonuses require direct deposit. Check if ACH transfers from other banks qualify.
- Avoid monthly fees: Make sure you can meet requirements to waive fees, or close before they kick in.
- Track timing: Most bonuses require keeping the account open for 6 months.
- Watch for state restrictions: Some offers are only available in certain states.
- Churning rules: Most banks won't give you a bonus if you've had an account in the past 12-24 months.
- Tax implications: Bank bonuses are taxable income and you'll receive a 1099-INT.
Brokerage Transfer Bonuses Explained
Published: January 25, 2026
Brokerage bonuses can be substantial, especially for high-value transfers. Here's what you need to know:
- Transfer vs deposit: Many offers require transferring existing investments, not just cash deposits.
- ACAT transfers: Asset transfers usually take 5-7 business days to complete.
- Holding period: Most bonuses require keeping assets at the new broker for 9-12 months.
- Timing the bonus: Bonuses typically post 30-60 days after requirements are met.
- Avoid taxable events: Transfers should be done in-kind to avoid selling and triggering taxes.
- Watch for fees: Your old broker may charge a transfer-out fee ($75-100 is common).
Referral Programs: Earning Beyond Sign-Up Bonuses
Published: January 20, 2026
Referral programs let you continue earning even after your own sign-up bonus. Here's how to maximize them:
- Social proof matters: Share your genuine experiences to get better conversion rates.
- Target relevant audiences: Financial forums and communities often have dedicated referral threads.
- Timing is everything: Share referrals when special increased offers are active.
- Follow community rules: Many subreddits and forums have specific referral-sharing guidelines.
- Track your links: Use different links for different platforms to see what works best.
- Be transparent: Always disclose that it's a referral link and what both parties receive.
⚠️ Important Things to Remember
- Don't overspend: Never spend money you wouldn't normally spend just to meet a bonus requirement.
- Credit score impact: Opening multiple accounts can temporarily lower your score due to hard inquiries.
- Read the fine print: Requirements and terms can change, always verify details on the provider's website.
- Keep records: Screenshot offers and save confirmation emails in case of disputes.
- Set up alerts: Use calendar reminders for spending deadlines and fee waiver requirements.
- Consider opportunity cost: Sometimes the best "bonus" is simply using the right card for ongoing rewards.