What Fidelity offers new cardholders

Fidelity issues two main credit cards, and each one offers a sign-up bonus for new cardholders who meet a spending requirement within a set timeframe. The Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card typically offers cash back as a sign-up bonus, while the Fidelity Investment Rewards American Express offers a different bonus structure. The exact bonus amount and spending requirement change periodically, so the offer you see when you explore may differ from what appears in marketing materials from previous months.

Both cards are designed for people who already have a Fidelity brokerage or retirement account, though you do not need one to open the card itself. The bonus is not automatic — you must meet the spending threshold within the promotional period to receive it.

Key Takeaways

  • Fidelity's sign-up bonuses require you to spend a specific amount within a set number of months, usually three to six months from account opening.
  • The bonus is typically credited as cash back or a statement credit, not as a lump sum deposited to your account.
  • You can check the current offer on Fidelity's website or by calling their card services line, since bonus amounts and spending thresholds change regularly.
  • The bonus is separate from the ongoing cash back or rewards you earn on purchases after you meet the requirement.

Understanding the spending requirement

To receive the sign-up bonus, you must charge a certain dollar amount to the card within a specific window — usually three to six months from when your account opens. This is called the minimum spending requirement. Only purchases count toward this total; balance transfers, cash advances, and fees do not.

The requirement is straightforward to track. You can log into your Fidelity card account online or through the mobile app and see your current spending progress at any time. If you are close to the threshold with time remaining, you can plan additional purchases to cross it. If you fall short before the important date, you straightforward do not receive the bonus — there is no penalty or fee.

How and when the bonus posts to your account

Once you meet the spending requirement before the important date, Fidelity typically credits the bonus within one to two billing cycles. The bonus appears as a statement credit or cash back deposit, depending on which card you hold. You will see it listed on your account statement with a description like "Sign-up bonus" or "New cardholder bonus."

If you do not see the bonus appear within 60 days of meeting the requirement, contact Fidelity's customer service to verify that your spending was properly recorded. Have your account statement ready to show the dates and amounts of your may have access to purchases.

Comparing Fidelity's two card offers

The Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card and the Fidelity Investment Rewards American Express have different bonus structures and earning rates. The Visa typically offers a cash back bonus, while the American Express may offer a different incentive tied to Fidelity investments or brokerage activity. Both cards charge no annual fee.

Your choice between them depends on where you already bank or invest. If you use Fidelity for brokerage or retirement accounts, the American Express may offer rewards that sync with your existing account. If you are new to Fidelity or prefer a straightforward cash back card, the Visa may be simpler. Check the current offers on Fidelity's website to see which bonus aligns with your spending habits.

What counts and what does not count toward the requirement

Purchases made with your card at merchants count toward the spending requirement. This includes online purchases, in-store transactions, and recurring charges like subscriptions or utilities. Some cardholders use the card for regular bills they already pay to reach the threshold without changing their spending.

Balance transfers, cash advances, wire transfers, and fees do not count. Foreign transactions may count, but some cards exclude certain merchant categories — check your card's terms or call Fidelity to confirm if you plan to use the card internationally.

Timing and important date you need to know

The clock starts on the day your account opens, not the day you receive the physical card or set up it. You have the full promotional period — usually three to six months — to spend the required amount. Fidelity will tell you the exact important date when you open the account and in your welcome materials.

Mark the important date on your calendar. If you miss it by even one day, you forfeit the bonus. There is no grace period or exception process, so plan your spending accordingly if you are close to the threshold near the end of the window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the sign-up bonus if I already have a Fidelity card?

Most card issuers, including Fidelity, limit sign-up bonuses to new cardholders only. If you have held a Fidelity card in the past, you may not be may be able to access for the bonus on a new process. Fidelity's terms specify a waiting period, typically 24 months, before you can receive another bonus. Check the current offer terms before you open a new account.

What happens if I do not meet the spending requirement?

You straightforward do not receive the bonus. There is no penalty, fee, or negative impact on your credit. You keep the card and can continue using it to earn regular rewards. You may be may be able to access for a future bonus offer if you close and reopen the account after the waiting period, though this is not may provide.

Can I use the bonus to pay off my balance?

The bonus is a statement credit or cash back deposit, not a separate payment method. Once it posts, it reduces your balance or appears as available funds in your account, depending on how Fidelity structures it. You can then use that credit toward any balance you owe or keep it as a credit for future purchases.

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

Once the bonus is credited to your account, it is yours to keep. You can close the card when ready after the bonus posts without losing it. However, closing a card shortly after opening it may affect your credit score slightly, so consider whether you want to keep it open for at least a few months.

Where can I see the current bonus offer?

Visit Fidelity's official website and navigate to their credit cards section to see the current sign-up bonus for each card. You can also call Fidelity's customer service line to ask about the latest offers. Bonus amounts and spending requirements change regularly, so always check the current terms before you open a new account.