hi everyone,
can you guys and dolls chime in on this? cards with signup bonuses....when does the clock on the required spend start to get the sign up bonus? does the clock start ticking the on the date of approval? or does it start when you call to activate the card?
i called BCE when i was approved to ask for my limit and asked them regarding this on their card. the csr said it starts when i activate the card. but i read the offer terms on the BCE via the terms link, in the "Offer Terms" section, it is written that "$1,000 (the "Spend Threshold") or more within your first 3 months of Card Membership. This three month period begins at the time your Card account is approved."
so is this card/lender specific? or is it across the board that the clock starts the day of approval? because if that is the case, this is another "shot in the foot" case from my binge. all the cards with the exception of the Diamond Preferred have signup bonuses. this would mean i would have to pick which of the cards i want to meet the spend requirement...and at this time, i can only pick three 
It varies by lender. Chase gives a cushion of about 13 days
i guess you're right Lexie. I just got off the phone with Citi to ask the same question regarding my TY Preferred card. their webiste says "in the first 3 months of the account opening" so i asked if that meant the clock started on my approval date. the csr said that the clock would start when i get the card activated and when i make the first purchase. i asked her if she was sure...she said yes and that the same information will be included in the terms packet im going to receive with my card. so i guess we will see.