When did spending thresholds become a thing?

[Anonymous]

I recall when I did the 2 browser trick to get an AAdvantage Platinum Visa and Amex, I didn't have to meet any spending criteria. When did it become a thing to have to spend X amount in order to get a sign up bonus?

[kdm31091]

If bonuses were just given out for applying with zero spend, there would be even less incentive for someone to even use a card

[longtimelurker]

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@Anonymous wrote:

I recall when I did the 2 browser trick to get an AAdvantage Platinum Visa and Amex, I didn't have to meet any spending criteria. When did it become a thing to have to spend X amount in order to get a sign up bonus?

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It's not universal still, Sallie Mae gives a bonus on first purchase (and I think the old US Air card did the same).

[Anonymous]

The US Air card did.

50,000 Dividend Miles (which are now AAdvantage miles) for making one purchase and paying the AF.

Easiest 50k ever.

[icyhot]

More cards should do that. Make a purchase and pay AF = bonus. Way easier than spending $1000-$3000 in 3 months

[kdm31091]

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@icyhot wrote:
More cards should do that. Make a purchase and pay AF = bonus. Way easier than spending $1000-$3000 in 3 months

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Generally the cards with the type of bonus that requires 3k in spending are geared towards people who routinely have that spend level. If one can't manage to spend enough to meet it,  chances are the card won't be justifiable long term

[Callandra]

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@icyhot wrote:
More cards should do that. Make a purchase and pay AF = bonus. Way easier than spending $1000-$3000 in 3 months

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Well, I think issuers lean towards that now because they want people to use the card 

(and what KDM said!)

[icyhot]

True!

[Anonymous]

they don't make money if they give you $509 worth of travel for one card swipe and paying $89 one time. they want it to be your main card that's why spend is usually pretty high. also if you can't meet the minimum spend then ,as KDM said (i think this is what he meant idk), that card isn't gonna benefit you much because you're probably too light of a spender.

heck be thankful for any bonus because many places still don't do any bonuses for spend or sign up aka discover. granted they have little promos here and there but nothing worth wetting your panties for

[FinStar]

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@kdm31091 wrote:
If bonuses were just given out for applying with zero spend, there would be even less incentive for someone to even use a card

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I can see for certain programs but this doesn't apply to all cards.  For instance, BOA Alaska Airlines has an ongoing 25,000 bonus just for getting approved (every once in a while they float a 50K promotion).