Chase 24 Month Rule Explained: How to Get Credit Card Bonuses in 2025
Dig into the Chase 24 month rule: what it means, why it matters for credit card bonuses, and practical tips to get the most from Chase in 2025.
Sign‑up Bonuses: Unlock the Best Credit Card Rewards
If you’ve ever scrolled past a credit‑card ad and seen a headline like “£300 cash back after £1,000 spend,” you’ve encountered a sign‑up bonus. It’s basically a reward the bank gives you for opening a new account and meeting a spend target. The money can be cash, points, miles, or a mix of both. The catch? You have to understand the rules, time the spend, and avoid hurting your credit score.
What Makes a Sign‑up Bonus Worth It?
First, look at the total value. A £300 cash‑back bonus that costs you £1,200 in annual fees isn’t a win. Calculate the net gain: bonus minus any fees, interest from carrying a balance, and the opportunity cost of the money you need to spend. Next, check the spend requirement. Some cards ask for £3,000 in three months – that can be tough if you usually charge less. If you can meet the threshold with regular purchases, the bonus is practically free.
Another factor is the bonus type. Points that convert to flights often have a higher perceived value, but they can be devalued quickly. Cash back is straightforward – you know exactly what you’ll get. Make sure the reward you get aligns with how you spend. For example, a travel‑focused card might be wasteful if you never travel.
Smart Ways to Claim & Use Your Bonus
Plan your spend before you apply. Group big, recurring bills like utilities, phone, and insurance onto the new card. This way you hit the target without overspending. If the card lets you transfer a balance, consider moving an existing balance for a short period – just be aware of transfer fees and interest.
Pay the full balance each month. Carrying a balance nullifies any bonus because interest will eat the reward. Set up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates, which can also trigger penalty fees and lower your credit score.
Watch the timing. Some bonuses expire if you don’t claim them within a set window, often 90 days after reaching the spend. Log into your account regularly to confirm the bonus has posted. If it hasn’t, call customer service – they’ll usually help you sort it out.
Finally, consider the impact on your credit. Opening several cards in a short time can cause multiple hard inquiries, which may drop your score by a few points. Space out applications, and keep older cards open to maintain a long credit history. The boost from a sign‑up bonus is worth it only if it doesn’t lead to a credit‑score hit that makes future loans more expensive.
In short, a sign‑up bonus can be a fast way to add cash or points to your wallet, but only if you treat it like a short‑term project. Pick a card with a realistic spend target, use it for everyday purchases, pay off the balance each month, and keep an eye on the deadline. Follow these steps and you’ll turn the flash‑in‑the‑pan offers into real, lasting value.
