4 Ways to Earn the Welcome Offer for the Platinum Card From American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a straightforward rewards structure — if you’re a traveler willing and able to spend the money needed to earn the points.

If you're thinking of applying for The Platinum Card® from American Express but aren't sure if you can hit the card's minimum spend to qualify for the welcome bonus, here are some tips. (That welcome bonus is as follows: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.)

» Learn more: Who Benefits Most From the Platinum Card From American Express?

Prepay fixed expenses

One way to hit the minimum spend on this card, or any card, is to prepay some fixed expenses. Look over your budget and find purchases and costs that don't fluctuate much from month to month. Think health insurance, phone and electricity bills. You can use The Platinum Card® from American Express on these expenses to move toward that minimum spend threshold. Just make sure the math works in your favor: You must be able to pay the full balance of the card each month, or else you'll get hit with big interest charges that can quickly wipe out the value of the bonus.

» Learn more: The Platinum Card® from American Express review: Luxury isn’t cheap

Pay your rent or mortgage

According to RentCafe, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Atlanta is $1,379; it's $2,139 in Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, according to the American Housing Survey from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median monthly mortgage payment for U.S. homeowners is $1,030. One way to hit your minimum spend on The Platinum Card® from American Express is to use the card to pay your rent or mortgage, if you can. Again, you'll likely have to pay a fee, so just be sure it's worth it for you.

Fix things up

If you have been meaning to get around to replacing that leaky roof, or if an unexpected home repair suddenly comes up, consider putting that big expense on The Platinum Card® from American Express. Earning a big bonus can take some of the pain away from the expense of big home improvement projects.

Give gift cards

Buying gift cards for your friends and family's favorite stores (and even for yourself!) can be a good way to meet your minimum spend fast, provided you'd be spending the money anyway. Worried about carrying a gift card with a large balance? Buy a handful of smaller amount gift cards instead, or take advantage of the retailer's app and use your phone to make purchases.