New Credit Card Checklist: What to Do When You Receive Your New Card

Getting a new credit card is a big step for lots of peeps. It’s a new account, new financial history, and something else to track.

Did you know your new credit card came with a checklist? It does. Sorry 

Some of you might be like “Ugh,” but I’m like “Yay!” Even though I have 33 credit cards right now (yep!).

Here are the steps I take with each new card. And you should, too. It’ll help maximize your benefits, earn more rewards, and keep track of what’s what!

So ya got a new card, eh?

Cool! Activate that sucker. And then to these things.

1. Keep track of your minimum spending

Chances are you have to spend $X,XXX amount in X timeframe to earn some awesome sign-up bonus. #kewlz

But, did ya know the clock is already ticking? It began the second you were approved for the card, NOT when you received or activated it. So you’re probably already a week or so behind by the time you first hold it in your hot little hand.

Make a note of your approval date. Or set a reminder on your calendar or phone. This date is so important. Because if you miss your timeframe, the banks will likely not have sympathy for you. So that’s the ultra first step.

Remember, you can always use Plastiq to meet your minimum spending in just a few minutes. Note that any annual fees do NOT count toward minimum spending.

2. Record that sucker

Link: Evernote
Link: 7 Awesome Uses of Evernote for Travelers

Snap a picture of that bad boy into your Evernote account. I find it’s helpful because:

You always have the card number available even if you’re not at home
It’s time-stamped, so you can see when you got it
You can look it up on your computer when you’re too lazy to get up (#me