Are You Eligible for a Credit Card Welcome Bonus? (Quick Check)
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Compare all current bonus offers and apply directly:
SEE ALL WELCOME BONUSES →Why Banks Give Away Hundreds in Bonuses
Banks spend $200-$500 to acquire each new credit card customer through advertising. Instead of paying Google and Facebook, some banks give that money directly to you as a welcome bonus. It is not charity – it is cheaper customer acquisition for them and free money for you.
The full list of current Canadian bonuses shows which banks are offering the most right now.
The 4 Eligibility Requirements (Most People Pass All 4)
What Disqualifies You
The Minimum Spend Trick: You Already Spend Enough
Most welcome bonuses require $1,000-$3,000 in the first 3 months. Sounds like a lot – but add up what you already pay monthly:
Groceries ($400) + Gas ($150) + Phone ($80) + Internet ($70) + Insurance ($200) + Streaming ($30) = $930/month = $2,790 in 3 months
You do not need to spend extra. Just route existing bills through the new card, pay the full balance, and the bonus lands automatically. The best cashback cards even pay you back on those same purchases.
Current Welcome Bonuses Worth Claiming
| Card | Bonus | Min. Spend | Income Req. |
|---|---|---|---|
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | 30,000 Aeroplan pts ($450+) | $1,500/3mo | $60K |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite | 35,000 Avion pts ($350+) | $2,000/3mo | $60K |
| Amex Cobalt | 30,000 MR pts ($300+) | $500/mo x 12 | $15K |
| Scotiabank Gold Amex | 40,000 Scene+ pts ($400+) | $1,000/3mo | $60K |
| BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite | 50,000 BMO pts ($330+) | $3,000/3mo | $80K |
Quick Eligibility Self-Check
Ask yourself these 3 questions:
1. Have I held this specific card in the last 12 months? (No = you qualify)
2. Can I spend the minimum in 3 months from bills I already pay? (Yes = you qualify)
3. Is my credit score above 660? (Yes = you qualify for most cards)
If you answered correctly to all 3: you are eligible. The bonus is yours to claim.
💡 Not sure about your score? Check it free in 2 minutes with no impact – see how here. If it is below 660, start with a secured card to rebuild first.
Carrying debt? Clear it at 0% before chasing bonuses:
CLEAR DEBT BEFORE EARNING →Prefer to turn bonus points into flights?
TURN BONUS INTO FREE FLIGHTS →✓ You will stay on this site • ✓ Free content • ✓ No sign-up
You qualify. Compare current bonus offers and apply:
SEE ALL WELCOME BONUSES ON RATEHUB →✓ Official Ratehub site • ✓ Compare all banks • ✓ Free • ✓ Apply in 5-10 min
Can I get bonuses from multiple banks? ▼
Yes. Each bank tracks eligibility independently. You can hold a TD bonus card, an RBC bonus card, and an Amex bonus card simultaneously. Space applications 3-6 months apart to protect your credit score.
What happens after the first year? ▼
After the bonus period, evaluate if the annual fee is worth it. If not, call the bank and either downgrade to a no-fee card (keeps your credit history) or cancel. Never pay a fee you cannot justify with rewards earned.
Will applying hurt my credit score? ▼
One application creates a small, temporary dip (5-10 points) that recovers in 3-6 months. The bonus value ($300-$500) far outweighs the temporary score impact. Just avoid applying for 3+ cards in a short period.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Welcome bonus offers change frequently. Verify current terms on the issuing bank website before applying.
