How Much Have I Spent Toward My Bonus?
The simple answer: most issuers show you exactly this number somewhere in their app or website, & once you find it, you can check in anytime.
Where to Find It
Chase. Log into the Chase app or website. Open the card account that's working on a welcome bonus. Look for a "rewards" or "offers" section - the welcome bonus tracker usually shows up there with current progress vs. the spending requirement.
Capital One. Log into the Capital One app or website. The bonus tracker is usually visible right on the card's main account page, showing your spend toward the bonus & how much time you have left.
Amex. Log into the Amex app or website & navigate to the card account. Amex shows welcome bonus progress on the main card page or under "rewards." Amex's tracker is one of the cleaner ones.
If you can't find the tracker on any specific card, calling the issuer's customer service line (number on the back of the card) is a 5-minute path to getting the same info.
What Counts as "Qualifying Spend"
Most regular purchases count: groceries, gas, restaurants, utilities, online shopping, recurring subscriptions. The vast majority of what you'll charge in normal monthly spending qualifies.
A few things typically DON'T count:
Annual fees - the card's own annual fee, even though it's charged to the card
Cash advances - taking cash out using the card
Balance transfers - moving debt from another card
Returned items - if you buy something & later return it, that purchase backs out
Gift cards in some cases - varies by issuer; most still count, but a few don't
Some money-transfer services - Venmo, PayPal "send to friends," etc., depending on the issuer
The fine print on what counts varies a bit by card. If you're worried about a specific large planned purchase being miscoded, lmk before you make it & I can check.
How the Tracking Updates
The tracker updates as soon as transactions post to your account - usually 1-3 days after the purchase. So if you bought groceries yesterday, the tracker may not reflect it yet today, but should within a couple of days.
Pending charges typically don't count toward the tracker until they post. Don't panic if a recent purchase isn't showing yet.
What If the Tracker Looks Wrong?
If the number looks off - way lower than what you've actually charged, or showing a charge that shouldn't count - call the issuer's customer service line. They can pull up the transaction-level breakdown & explain how each one was categorized.
This is rare. The trackers are usually reliable.
Where I Come In
I'll check in with you partway through your spend window with a "how's it going?" type message. If you're tracking comfortably, that'll be a 30-second exchange. If you're cutting it close, we'll talk through prepay tactics on the extra spending page.
When the tracker shows you've hit the spend requirement & the welcome bonus has officially landed, lmk so I can mark it done in your sequence.
Related Questions
Important Disclosures
Educational guidance only - not financial, credit, or tax advice. Individual results vary based on card approval, spending habits, redemption choices, & timing. Approval for any credit card is subject to issuer criteria.
Hawaii Reward Travel may receive compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. This is how this free program is funded. Compensation does not influence guidance. Opinions are the author's alone & have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any bank, card issuer, or other entity.
