 TITLE: How a Credit Card Bonus Can Help You Pay for Travel CONTENT: What to Consider Before Earning a Welcome Bonus\n-----------------------------------------------\nIf you're thinking about applying for a new credit card to take advantage of a welcome offer, there are several factors to keep in mind before you pull the trigger and apply.\n*   **Spending requirement:** Earning hundreds of dollars worth of points and miles can be exciting, but it's important to avoid overspending to achieve that goal. Check the card's spending requirement and determine if you can achieve it with your normal spending habits. For example, if you need to spend $4,000 in three months to earn a bonus, that comes out to roughly $1,333 per month. It's best to avoid an offer like this if you can't pay off the bill in full every month—otherwise you risk losing the rewards' value by paying interest on charges.\n*   **Ongoing annual fee:** A welcome bonus is often enough to make up for the card's annual fee for the first year and often even longer. But once you redeem those rewards, you'll need to pay the card's annual fee out of pocket. Run the numbers to find out whether you can get enough value out of the card after the intro bonus through its rewards program and perks.\n*   **Rewards value:** Not all rewards programs are created equal. While some credit cards may offer higher bonuses, they may not necessarily be more valuable than bonuses with fewer points. Do your research on point valuations and compare average values to determine which card can give you the most value. Look for cards that offer rewards rates that align well with your spending and also benefits that can enhance your travel experience.\n*   **Other card features:** While potential reward earnings and the card's welcome bonus are likely what you prioritize, there are other cost-saving features to keep in mind as well. With a travel credit card, you can benefit from things like extended warranties, purchase protection, added insurance coverage and more. Read the card's fine print before you sign up so you can understand the complete suite of benefits it offers. END