6 rules for chasing credit card sign-up bonuses (SUBs)

1062. Are massive credit card sign-up bonuses (SUBs) really worth chasing? Or do they actually hurt your credit? Host Laura Adams explains the real impact of opening credit cards for sign-up bonuses, closing accounts shortly after, and managing multiple cards. You’ll learn six strategies to maximize card rewards, control your credit utilization, and protect your credit scores.

Key Takeaways

• Only chase a high-value sign-up bonus if you can reach the spending threshold with routine, planned purchases. Buying unnecessary items or carrying a balance with high interest charges wipes out the rewards.
• Applying for a card results in a temporary hard inquiry check, but adding a new credit line increases your total available credit, which lowers your overall credit utilization ratio and boosts your scores over time.
• Canceling a card shortly after earning and spending a bonus can cause your credit utilization ratio to spike.
• If you want to cancel a card with a high annual fee, consider downgrading to a less expensive one in the same card family to keep your credit limit intact.
• Inactive cards can be closed by issuers, or they can cut your credit limit. You can keep cards active with a small recurring charge or an occasional charge to preserve your credit.

Episode 1040: Keep your cards active

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Email: Laura@LauraDAdams.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308.

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