Why a Bigger Credit Card Sign-Up Bonus Isn't Always Better

When you decide to apply for a credit card, a new cardmember sign-up bonus can be a major factor in choosing which card is right for you. Credit cards that promise a bigger bonus may seem much more attractive at first glance. There's one big reason why a credit card sign-up bonus that appears more generous on the surface may not actually be a better deal in the long run: Different sign-up bonuses have different requirements you need to meet to earn the extra points, miles, or cash back.