What counts toward the minimum spend requirement?

Most card issuers count all purchases except cash advances, balance transfers, and convenience checks. Some issuers (notably American Express) may exclude insurance purchases, purchases through their own rewards marketplace, or certain P2P transfers. Check the specific card terms.

What happens if I miss the minimum spend?

You forfeit the welcome bonus entirely. There is no partial bonus for partial spend. Some cards will still keep the bonus open if you hit it slightly late if you call in, but this is not guaranteed. If hitting the minimum spend in the window is not realistic given your normal spending, the card is not a good fit right now.

Are the results personalized financial advice?

No. Calculator outputs are educational estimates based on the inputs you enter. Review assumptions and confirm terms directly with providers before making a financial decision.

What should I do after seeing the result?

Use the recommendation module on this page to browse top welcome bonus cards, or run Money Map to compare this loans & credit decision with your other opportunities.

How does SwitchWize choose related offers?

Related offers are matched by the calculator surface (cards) and ranked using SwitchWize data such as rate, fees, trust signals, product fit, and switching friction. Paid relationships do not change organic ranking order.

How fresh are the rates and offers shown?

Rate and offer data is reviewed on a recurring cadence and every offer module shows review context or links to the methodology and disclosure pages.

Where can I see the ranking methodology?

The SwitchWize methodology page explains how rate freshness, editorial review, affiliate disclosure, and category ranking factors work.

Can Money Map use this result?

Yes. Money Map is the broader diagnostic path: it compares savings, mortgage, cards, and debt so you can see whether this calculator result is your highest-impact next move.

New

Welcome Bonus ROI Calculator — Can You Hit the Minimum Spend?

See your net bonus value after annual fee, whether you can hit the minimum spend in the required window, and your ROI on the card spend.

Net Bonus Value (after annual fee)

$905

Net Bonus Value (after annual fee)

$905

Spend You Would Generate in Window

$4,500

Spend Shortfall (or surplus)

$500

Months Needed to Hit Requirement

Spend You Would Generate in Window: $4,500Net Bonus Value (after annual fee): $905Spend Shortfall (or surplus): $500Months Needed to Hit Requirement: 3

ROI on Required Spend

22.63%

Diagnostic

After the $95 fee, this bonus nets about $905. You would hit the spend in 2.67 months at your pace.

ROI on the minimum spend: 22.63% — effectively a 22.63% rebate on the first $4,000 you charge.

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What to do next

Browse top welcome bonus cards

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This is an educational estimate, not tax, legal, investment, or lending advice. Tax rules, rates, and eligibility change and depend on your full situation. Confirm with a qualified professional or the provider before acting.

Coach Insight

Welcome bonuses are the most valuable feature of most travel credit cards, but the minimum spend requirement is often the biggest obstacle. This calculator shows whether your normal monthly spending can hit the target, how long it will take, and what happens if you miss the window.

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Reviewed Jun 24, 2026 · Methodology

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Advertising disclosure: SwitchWize may earn a referral fee if you open an account through a link above. This does not affect our rankings. Ranked using the SwitchWize methodology. Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know.

Why This Matters

How to Use It

1Enter your numbers in the input panel.
2Review the live results and interpretation on the right.
3Use the diagnostic outputs to compare options or plan the next step.
4Use the related links below if you want to move from analysis to action.

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