For companies, sign-up bonuses are an excellent strategy for bringing in new customers. For customers, these bonuses are a great way to make your dollar go further. In many cases, they offer something you can take advantage of to get more cash in your pocket, like how casinos.com is giving new users $200 in free spins.
However, it’s not only online gaming options that come with sign-up bonuses like this. You might encounter these types of deals from service providers ranging from credit card, bank, and internet companies to cash-back websites, delivery services, and streaming platforms.
If you’re shopping for a new credit card, considering a new streaming service, or thinking about trying a new food delivery option, there are strategies you can use to maximize those enticing sign-up offers. Here are some of our favorites.
1. Shop Around
Because so many companies offer sign-up incentives, there are a lot of different offers on the market —some that may better suit you than others. Taking the time to shop around helps you find the most beneficial deal for you.
2. Look Beyond the Welcome Offer
While you’re shopping around, also keep in mind what you really want and need, as the different offers can be enticing. However, if the service isn’t something that will provide value to you after the bonus has come and gone, it won’t be worth the effort, or it could cost you more than the bonus is worth. It’s important to look at what a product or service offers over the long term, not just the welcome offer.
For instance, when looking for a credit card, that cash-back bonus or the promise of extra reward points might be amazing for the first few months or the first year you use the card, but what about afterwards? How do the standard fees and interest rates compare to the bonus and your current card? Will you meet the minimum spending requirements? Will the new card reward you for your typical spending or only for the purchases you make occasionally?
You want to be sure you consider your daily lifestyle and are finding the right fit without the sign-up offer clouding your judgment.
3. Understand the Sign-Up Offer Terms and Conditions
There are often terms and conditions associated with bonus offers and deals. To ensure unexpected fees won’t blindside you when you claim your offer, make sure you read through the terms of the deal. If a sign-up deal offers you $30 for making an account, is it just for creating an account, or do you have to do something else, like make a purchase? It’s better to find out before going through the sign-up process.
4. Consider the Best Time to Sign Up
At certain times of the year, companies offer more lucrative deals than at other times of the year — like around the Christmas season, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Depending on what you’re planning to sign up for, waiting for these sale seasons can be a great way to get an even better sign-up offer than the ones that are typically available. Doing this can mean extra savings during times when you know you’ll make more purchases than usual (like getting cash-back bonuses or reward points while gift buying for the holidays).
Depending on what you’re signing up for, you don’t have to wait for these sales to get a good deal. If you have significant payments coming, like if you’re planning on buying a new car or making renovations, signing up for a new cash-back credit card or registering for a low-fee bank account just ahead of the purchase will be the best timing for your specific needs.
With streaming platforms, you may want to work the free or discounted periods with the release of a movie, TV series, or audiobook you’ve been eagerly awaiting. By doing this, you’ll be able to indulge in this interest more economically and then decide whether you will cancel the subscription before paying in full.
5. Try One Service at a Time
In the case of online gaming and streaming, only try one of each service at a time to truly make the most of the platforms you test out during the sign-up period bonus. This gives you the time to decide whether you want to continue using the platform once you reach the end of a bonus period. You’ll also be less likely to forget to cancel the automatically recurring subscription.
6. Register for Email Updates
When you sign up for the service or product, also register for the email updates. These will keep you in the loop for things like when your bonus offer ends (often with email reminders as the closing date approaches) and may also present you with more opportunities for savings when your bonus offer ends.
7. Set Reminders for Yourself
If you’ve signed up for a new streaming service, gaming platform, or any other subscription service and only intend to use it for the discounted trial period, set reminders for when to cancel your plan. This will prevent you from getting stuck paying for something you don’t want to pay for in the long run.
Conclusion
When shopping for a new service, always take the time to do some research. This will help you find the best option for you and help you get an enticing deal you can make the most of. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions (of the deal and the service you’re considering) and consider the best time to sign up so that you can make the sign-up offer work for you. By following these tips, you can maximize sign-up bonuses and enjoy fantastic deals on new services or products.