What This Calculator Does
Most credit card welcome offers require you to spend a set amount within a limited window (often 3 months) to earn the sign-up bonus. This calculator tells you how much you need to charge per month — and per week and per day — to comfortably meet that minimum spend before the deadline.
How to Use It
Enter the total required spend stated in your card offer, how much you have already charged toward it, and the number of months left in your bonus window. The tool subtracts what you have already spent and divides the remainder evenly across the months you have left.
The Formula
The core calculation is simple:
$$\text{Monthly Spend Needed} = \frac{\text{Required Spend} - \text{Already Spent}}{\text{Months Remaining}}$$
From the monthly figure we also estimate a weekly pace (\(\div 4.345\) weeks per month) and a daily pace (\(\div 30.44\) days per month) so you can sanity-check against your normal spending.
Worked Example
Suppose your card requires $4,000 in spend, you have already spent $1,000, and you have 3 months remaining. Remaining spend is \(\$4{,}000 - \$1{,}000 = \$3{,}000\). Divided by 3 months, you need to spend $1,000 per month — about $230.15 per week or $98.55 per day.
FAQ
Does spend include interest or fees? Usually no — most issuers count only net purchases toward the minimum spend, not interest, fees, balance transfers, or cash advances. Check your card's terms.
What if I have already met the requirement? If your already-spent amount equals or exceeds the requirement, the remaining spend shows $0 and you are done.
Should I leave a buffer? Yes. Pending charges and refunds can delay posting, so aim to finish a few days early and consider spending slightly above the minimum.
