Sign-Up Bonuses and Welcome Offers are the fastest and easiest way to begin earning points and miles. Before applying for a credit card, keep in mind two things. First, under no circumstances should you apply for a new credit card or make charges on a credit card if you do not have a plan to pay the balance in full every month. Any rewards you earn will quickly be outweighed by the interest you pay. Second, remember that each card issuer has its own rules about applications. Double-check the rules before you apply for a new card to make sure you are eligible. Also, keep track of how much minimum spend a card requires for the sign-up bonus, and make sure to have a plan to meet that minimum spend.