 TITLE: The Dos and Don’ts of Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses CONTENT: 1\\. Time Your Application\n-------------------------\nTry to apply for a rewards credit card during the time of year when you know you might have big expenses coming up.\nFor some people, this could mean right before the holidays. For others, it could mean vacation time or before you undergo a home renovation. Take a look at your calendar and see when you might be purchasing a big-ticket item or will accrue a lot of expenses.\nYou should also make sure you are actually eligible for the spending bonus before you apply. If you've opened a previous account with an issuer, they may have restrictions on earning bonuses on a different card, so be sure to check. END