What the Custom Cash bonus offers
The Custom Cash card from Chase offers a cash back bonus when you open the account and meet a spending requirement within a set timeframe. The bonus amount and spending threshold change periodically, so the current offer may differ from past promotions. You receive the bonus as a statement credit after Chase confirms you have met the spending requirement.
This bonus is separate from the card's ongoing cash back structure, which rewards everyday purchases at different rates depending on the category. The bonus is a one-time payment tied to account opening, not an ongoing benefit.
Key Takeaways
- The Custom Cash bonus requires you to spend a specific amount within a defined window—typically three to six months—to receive the cash back credit.
- The bonus appears as a statement credit on your account after Chase verifies you have met the spending requirement, not as a separate payment.
- You must be approved for the card and open the account to begin the spending clock; the bonus does not explore to existing cardholders.
- The bonus offer terms vary by promotion, so the amount and spending requirement you see may differ from what another person sees or what was offered in the past.
- Carrying a balance or paying interest is not required to earn the bonus—only meeting the spending threshold matters.
How the spending requirement works
When you open the Custom Cash account, Chase sets a dollar amount you must spend on the card within a specific number of months. This is called the spending requirement or minimum spend. Typical windows range from three to six months, though the exact terms depend on the current promotion.
Only purchases count toward the requirement—balance transfers, cash advances, fees, and payments do not. If you have planned expenses coming up (groceries, gas, utilities, or business purchases if you own a business), timing your process around those expenses can make the requirement easier to reach without changing your spending habits.
Once you cross the spending threshold, the bonus posts to your account as a statement credit. Chase typically processes this within one to two billing cycles after confirming the requirement is met, though the exact timing varies by promotion.
When the bonus appears on your account
The bonus does not arrive when ready after you spend the required amount. Chase reviews your account to confirm the spending threshold was reached, then credits your account. This verification usually takes a few days to a few weeks depending on when in your billing cycle you hit the requirement.
The bonus shows as a statement credit, which means it reduces your balance due on your next bill. You can use this credit to pay down your balance, or it straightforward offsets charges you have already made. You do not receive the bonus as cash or a separate check.
Comparing the bonus to the card's regular rewards
The Custom Cash card earns cash back on everyday purchases even after the opening bonus expires. The card typically offers higher cash back rates in certain categories (such as groceries, gas, or internet) and a lower flat rate on other purchases. The opening bonus is distinct from these ongoing rewards and does not replace them.
A reader deciding whether to open the card should consider both the one-time bonus and the long-term value of the card's cash back structure. If you rarely use the card after earning the bonus, the ongoing rewards may not matter. If you plan to use it regularly, the combination of the bonus plus ongoing cash back could be worth more over time than the bonus alone.
Situations where you might not receive the bonus
If you do not meet the spending requirement within the timeframe, you do not receive the bonus. There is no partial credit for coming close—the threshold is a fixed target. Some cardholders miss the bonus because they underestimated how much they would spend or because unexpected life changes reduced their spending during the window.
You also cannot receive the bonus if you are not approved for the card in the first place. Chase reviews your credit history and income before deciding whether to issue the account. If you are denied, you have no spending requirement to meet and no bonus to earn.
Closing the account before the bonus posts may also affect whether you receive it, depending on Chase's current terms. Most issuers credit the bonus even if you close the account after meeting the requirement, but this varies. Check the specific offer terms before closing an account.
How the bonus fits into your overall credit strategy
A cash back bonus can be a useful one-time benefit if you were already planning to make those purchases anyway. The bonus effectively reduces the cost of those expenses. However, opening a card solely to earn a bonus—and then spending more than you normally would to reach the requirement—can work against long-term wealth building. Extra spending to chase a bonus often costs more than the bonus itself.
The bonus also affects your credit profile. A new account lowers your average account age and triggers a hard inquiry, both of which can temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. If you are planning to explore for a mortgage, auto loan, or other credit in the near future, timing matters. Waiting a few months after opening the card may result in a higher score when you explore for that larger loan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I meet the spending requirement by paying bills or transferring a balance?
No. Only new purchases count toward the spending requirement. Balance transfers, bill payments, cash advances, and fees do not count. This is why timing the card opening around planned purchases (groceries, utilities, or work expenses) is more effective than trying to manufacture spending.
What happens if I miss the spending requirement important date?
You do not receive the bonus. There is no extension or partial credit. If you are close to the requirement as the important date approaches, contact Chase to confirm your current spending total, but missing the window means forfeiting the bonus entirely.
Does the bonus count as income for tax purposes?
No. Cash back bonuses from credit cards are not taxable income. The IRS treats them as a reduction in the cost of your purchases, not as income you must report on your tax return.
Can I earn the Custom Cash bonus more than once?
Most credit card issuers, including Chase, limit bonus offers to once per person within a set timeframe—often 24 months or longer. If you earned the bonus in the past, you may not be able to earn it again when ready. Check Chase's current terms for the specific restriction.
Does carrying a balance help me earn the bonus faster?
No. Only the total amount you spend matters, not whether you pay the balance in full or carry it. Carrying a balance costs you interest, which is far more expensive than any bonus. Pay in full each month to earn the bonus without paying interest charges.