What Happens if a Credit Card's Sign-Up Bonus Increases After You Get the Card?

Sign-up bonuses are one of the best parts about getting a new credit card. But they can also change at a moment's notice, and that sometimes leads to a frustrating situation.

You open a new credit card. Shortly after, you see that it's available with a higher sign-up bonus. Maybe you applied when it was offering 60,000 bonus points, and then a week later, you see that it's offering 80,000 bonus points.

No one wants to feel as if they're getting shortchanged, especially if the bonus amount is now much higher than it was before. Although nothing's guaranteed, there could be a way to get the larger sign-up bonus.

You can contact the card issuer and ask it to match the new sign-up bonus

Your only option in this situation is to ask your credit card issuer to match the higher sign-up bonus. Call the number on the back of your credit card, or send a secured message in your online account. Some card issuers also offer a live chat option online.

When you contact your card issuer, start by explaining the situation. You applied for the card when it had a smaller sign-up bonus, and now you see that it's offering more. Could the card issuer match that new bonus amount for you?

To be upfront with you, this often doesn't work. Credit card issuers frequently take the stance that you can only earn the sign-up bonus available when you applied for the card. Still, you have nothing to lose by trying.

While every situation is different, your chances of success will depend on a few factors:

• Card issuer: Certain card issuers are more flexible than others about matching sign-up bonuses. Based on recent online reports, Chase seems to be one of the card issuers more open to matching sign-up bonuses, at least with some of its cards.
• Your relationship with the card issuer: It could help if you're a long-time cardholder and/or you have multiple types of financial accounts with the card issuer. In that case, it's more likely the card issuer will want to keep you happy. Bank of America is reportedly like this. Reports indicate that a bonus match is more likely for long-time Bank of America clients, particularly those in its Preferred Rewards program.
• When you applied: Don't expect your card issuer to bump up that bonus you earned a year ago. You'll likely have the best odds if you applied for the card within the last 30 to 90 days. Any longer than that, and convincing the card issuer to match a new sign-up bonus will be tough.
• The representative you speak to: It may be the representative's call, and some are more helpful in this regard than others. That's why even if one representative says no, you might want to try again to see if you have better luck with somebody else. Consider trying a different contact method, too. If you sent a secure message the first time, call the next time.

It doesn't hurt to ask -- but don't get your hopes up

Sometimes, getting a card issuer to match a higher sign-up bonus is a breeze. Other times, it's mission impossible. Since the terms you applied under had a smaller bonus amount, the card issuer isn't obligated to help you. But it might do so as a courtesy, so it's worth reaching out and asking. Even if it doesn't work out, at least you were approved for the credit card you wanted.