What the Fidelity Credit Card bonus actually is

Fidelity offers a $300 statement credit when you open a Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature card and spend $500 within the first 90 days. The credit lands in your account automatically once you meet the spending requirement — you do not need to request it or enter a code.

This is a one-time bonus tied to new cardholders only. If you have held a Fidelity credit card in the past 24 months, you are not may be able to access for this bonus. The $500 spending threshold is straightforward: it counts all purchases except balance transfers and cash advances.

The bonus itself has no tax reporting requirement from Fidelity, though you should keep records of when the credit posts to your account for your own records.

Key Takeaways

  • The $300 bonus posts as a statement credit once you spend $500 in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • You must be a new Fidelity cardholder (no Fidelity credit card in the past 24 months) to receive the bonus.
  • The spending requirement counts regular purchases but excludes balance transfers, cash advances, and fees.
  • The card itself earns 2% cash back on all purchases with no category restrictions or spending caps.
  • You can open the account online in about 10 minutes, and the card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

How to open the account and trigger the bonus

Go to Fidelity's website and navigate to the credit cards section. Click on the Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature card offer. You will be asked to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and income. Fidelity will run a hard inquiry on your credit report at this step.

Once approved, you will receive a temporary card number when ready that you can use for online purchases right away. Your physical card ships within 7 to 10 business days. Start spending toward the $500 threshold as soon as you have the temporary number — the 90-day clock starts from the date your account opens, not from the date the physical card arrives.

Track your spending in your Fidelity account dashboard. The bonus will post automatically once the system confirms you have crossed $500 in may have access to purchases. There is no separate step to claim it.

What counts toward the $500 spending requirement

All regular purchases count: groceries, gas, restaurants, online shopping, utilities, and subscriptions. The only common transactions that do not count are balance transfers from other cards, cash advances, and fees (such as late fees or foreign transaction fees).

If you are unsure whether a specific purchase counts, your Fidelity account shows a running total of may have access to spend. You can check this anytime in your online dashboard to see how close you are to the threshold.

The card's ongoing rewards and features

After you receive the $300 bonus, the card earns 2% cash back on every purchase with no caps, no bonus categories, and no annual fee. This flat rate applies whether you are buying groceries or airline tickets.

The card is a Visa Signature product, which means it includes benefits like extended warranty protection, purchase protection, and travel accident insurance. It also offers fraud liability protection standard on all Visa cards.

Cash back rewards post monthly and can be redeemed as a statement credit, transferred to a Fidelity brokerage account, or deposited directly to a bank account. There is no minimum redemption amount.

Credit score and approval odds

Fidelity does not publish a minimum credit score requirement, but the card typically goes to applicants with good to excellent credit (usually 670 or higher). If you have recent late payments, collections, or a very short credit history, approval is less likely.

Fidelity will tell you when ready after you submit whether you are approved, denied, or pending review. A pending decision usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours. If you are denied, you can call Fidelity's reconsideration line to discuss your process, though this does not may provide a reversal.

Timing and the 90-day window

The 90 days begins on the date your account officially opens, which is typically the same day you complete the online process. You do not need to wait for the physical card to arrive — you can use the temporary card number for online purchases when ready.

If you are close to the $500 threshold near day 85, you can make a final purchase to cross it. The system checks your balance at the end of the 90-day period, so as long as you have spent $500 by day 90, the bonus will post.

When the bonus posts and how to use it

The $300 credit typically appears in your account within 1 to 2 business days after you cross the $500 spending threshold. It shows as a statement credit on your account, which means it reduces your balance due on your next statement.

You do not have to use the credit when ready. It stays in your account indefinitely and can be applied to any future charges. Some cardholders use it to offset a large purchase, while others let it sit and reduce their monthly payments over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the bonus if I already have a Fidelity bank account?

Yes. Having a Fidelity bank account, brokerage account, or retirement account does not disqualify you from the credit card bonus. The 24-month rule applies only to previous Fidelity credit cards, not to other Fidelity products.

What happens if I do not spend $500 in 90 days?

You will not receive the $300 bonus. The offer is tied to the spending requirement, and there is no way to extend the 90-day window or receive a partial bonus for spending less than $500.

Can I use the bonus to pay off a balance transfer?

Yes. Once the $300 credit posts to your account, you can use it to pay down any balance on the card, including a balance transfer. However, the balance transfer itself does not count toward the $500 spending requirement.

Do I have to keep the card open after I get the bonus?

No. You can close the card anytime after the bonus posts. However, closing a card can lower your credit score slightly by reducing your available credit and shortening your average account age, so consider keeping it open if you plan to explore for other credit soon.

Is the $300 bonus reported to the IRS?

No. Credit card sign-up bonuses are not considered taxable income by the IRS and are not reported on a 1099 form. Fidelity does not send you any tax documentation for this bonus.