If you’ve ever wondered when the best time is to apply for a new credit card, you’re not alone. I get this question all the time — and while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there are a few strategic moments that can seriously maximize your rewards.
Here are three of the best times to open a new card — plus why right now might be the perfect moment to jump in.
1. When You Have a Big Expense Coming Up
Whether it’s a surprise dental bill, a major car repair, or a long-awaited home renovation, large expenses can actually work in your favor — if you plan ahead.
Opening a new credit card just before a big purchase can help you:
- Hit a welcome bonus faster
- Turn a stressful payment into valuable rewards
- Avoid paying out-of-pocket without getting anything back
For example: If a card offers 80,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, putting that new roof or crown or transmission on your new card could easily get you over the threshold — and earn you enough points for a flight to Europe or a luxury hotel stay.
2. When You’re Planning a Major Life Event
Events like weddings, bar or bat mitzvahs, milestone birthdays, or big family reunions often come with a flurry of expenses — from venue deposits to catering to travel and decor.
It’s the perfect time to:
- Strategically open a card (or two)
- Put all the event-related spending on those cards
- Use the rewards to pay for your honeymoon, a family trip, or even flights for out-of-town guests
I’ve worked with clients who opened a couple of high-bonus cards before their daughter’s wedding and turned that spending into business class flights to Italy for their post-wedding vacation. Smart planning = memorable reward.
3. When Bonuses Are Up (Like Right Now)
One of the best-kept secrets in the points and miles world? Bonuses fluctuate. That 60,000-point offer you saw last month might quietly jump to 90,000 — or even 100,000 — if you’re paying attention. These limited-time offers don’t last forever, and jumping on them while they’re hot can mean the difference between a domestic round-trip and a luxury international flight.
I tell many of you who come to me with card questions to wait until bonuses go up. Well, guess what?
🔥 There are some incredible elevated offers happening RIGHT NOW, like the 100K offer for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the $1000 in Travel Rewards with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
These most valuable travel cards with flexible points that can be transferred to airlines and hotels — are offering record-high welcome bonuses. If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it.
And if you’re worried about hitting the minimum spend in time, think creatively. You can often prepay expenses you know are coming — like an annual insurance premium, tuition, an Amazon gift card, or a restaurant or grocery store gift card for a spot you visit regularly. These moves let you lock in that huge bonus without overspending or buying things you don’t need.
You took advantage of the high offer — now make sure you actually earn the bonus.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Open a Card Just Because
As exciting as those big bonuses are, it’s important to make sure the card fits into your lifestyle and long-term strategy. I help people build plans that make sense for them — whether they’re focused on family travel, luxury hotels, student abroad flights, or helping elderly parents fly comfortably.
Need help deciding if now is the time — and which card is best for you? I’ve got you.
Want personalized advice? Reach out and we can map out your next smart move — whether it’s planning your dream trip, opening the right card, or maximizing the points you already have.
Related posts:
A Literal No-Brainer: Why The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Make Earning Rewards Effortless
Maximizing Your Buckets of Points and Miles: Three Easy Strategies
Why You Should Always Request Your Amex Points Back After Canceling a Pay with Points Booking
Why Hyatt Globalist Status Feels Like Winning the Travel Jackpot
