Sometimes cards will come out with some really great signup bonuses but require a hefty minimum spend. For example, Chase Ink Cash and Chase Ink Unlimited have great bonuses of 75,000 Ultimate Rewards (or $750) but require $7,500 in minimum spend. Meeting a $7500 minimum spend in 3 months can seem a little daunting.

Recently, I signed up for the Chase Ink Cash card. It had a bonus of 75,000 Ultimate Rewards after $7,500 in spend within the first 3 months of having the card. After using my husband’s referral, I also got an amazing 20,000 additional Ultimate Rewards. (technically, he got the referral bonus but combined his points with mine 😜) Meeting a $7,500 minimum spend in 3 months is difficult. I admit I’ve had to get creative and work some angles to make it happen. Here are some ways I’ve met the minimum spend:

 

Daily Spend

I’ve put away all my other credit cards and just used this card for all my normal spending. If my husband has a work dinner or other expenses, I’ve given him my card to use for the day. I am using it for groceries, gas, and eating out.

Total Costs: Approximately $1,200

 

Paid for Others

I had this card on a recent trip to Mexico. I put our daily resort fees, which added up to almost $700 and had everyone Venmo me their share. When I’ve gone out to eat, I’ve picked up the bill and had others Venmo me too. Look for opportunities where you can pay and have friends/family pay you back.

Total Costs: $800

 

Bought Home Decor

I was planning on redoing some shelves and changing up some home decor. This was the perfect time to do what was already scheduled while I needed to meet a $7,500 minimum spend.

Total Costs: $350

 

Switched Over Payments

I usually pay my telephone bill through my checking account for a $30/month discount. During these three months, I paid the $300 bill (for a family member, too) with my Chase Ink Business Cash.  I also switched my automatic credit card payments for three months on our Direct TV and electrical bills. I also prepaid an insurance bill of $300.

Total Cost: $1,800

 

 

Paid for Upcoming Large Purchases

My front windshield broke months ago, and the crack keeps spreading. Our deductible is more than the cost of the windshield, so I decided that now was the right time to get it fixed.  Alex and I also wanted to pay for an Instagram course for the blog and were going to split the costs. I offered to pay it on my credit card, and she Venmoed me her share.

Total Cost: $1,500

 

Paid for Airline Tickets

My husband and I are meeting friends in Palm Springs for a week. I paid for our airline tickets there and also airline tickets to visit Alex on this card. The tickets were not very expensive, and I prefer to save my points for tickets that cost more or international travel anyway.

Total Cost: $500

 

 

Prepaid Timeshare Maintenance Fee

We have a few timeshares we bought ages ago. They are in Hawaii, and we still enjoy them and use them with our grandchildren. I prepaid a maintenance fee of $1,100 that isn’t due till later this year, so I could meet my minimum spend.

Total Cost: $1,500

 

Bottom Line

I’m at $7,650 with all and have more than met my $7,500 minimum spend. I’ve definitely had to think outside of the box a bit but haven’t paid for anything I wasn’t going to eventually anyway. Meeting a $7500 minimum spend is pretty easy when you plan it out!