These days, the only topic that comes up during company lunch breaks is how much money we have to spend at the end of the year.

Airfare, gifts for the kids, car insurance renewals, year-end party fees, winter season passes—the list alone is enough to take your breath away.

But if we have to spend this money anyway, wouldn't it make sense to use these expenses to meet the requirements for credit card signup bonuses? Today, I want to talk about that timing.

The signup bonus, known as a welcome bonus in English, is a structure where you earn points or cashback by spending a certain amount within a specified period after opening a new card. The problem is that this period is often shorter than you might think.

Looking at comparison sites, many require you to spend between $3,000 and $8,000 within about 90 days. If you miss the deadline by even a day, you lose the bonus entirely.

For example, if the requirement is $4,000 in 3 months, that breaks down to about $1,334 a month. Many people might find that tight just with regular grocery shopping and gas expenses.

This is where year-end spending shines. If you can include the busy period from Black Friday at the end of November to December travel payments within that timeframe, you won't have to force yourself to spend money you wouldn't normally spend.

So, the timing I see is not right before a big payment, but rather 2-3 weeks prior. It takes time to apply, get approved, and receive the physical card.

And there's one thing you must check. You need to see in the terms whether the bonus period starts from the approval date or the account opening date.

Also, many times, it's calculated based on the date the transaction actually posts, not the payment date. This means that if you wait until the last week to make all your purchases, it could be risky.

You also need to be careful about returns. If you buy a gift and then return it, that amount typically gets deducted from your spending total, so those who barely met the requirement could end up falling short at the last minute.

Purchasing gift cards, transferring balances, and cash advances often don't count toward your spending total. This is usually specified in the card's terms and conditions, so be sure to read them.

There is a way to meet the requirements by paying taxes with a card. However, IRS card payments come with processing fees.

Pay1040 charges 1.75% for personal credit cards, ACI Payments charges 1.85%, and both have a minimum fee of $2.50. In contrast, paying the IRS directly from a bank account is free.

This means it only makes sense to do this when the bonus value is definitely greater than the fees. If you're someone who needs to pay estimated taxes due by January 15, it's worth calculating.

Now we need to consider the opposite logic. Opening a new card results in a hard inquiry, which, according to FICO, typically drops your score by less than 5 points for each inquiry.

The score only reflects the last 12 months, while the inquiry stays on your credit report for 2 years. While this drop is relatively small, the timing can change the situation.

If you plan to buy a house or refinance in the spring, I would suggest sitting this one out. Having a new account before a loan review can lead to unnecessary questions.

There are also rules specific to each card issuer. Chase typically denies applications if you've opened more than 5 new cards with any issuer in the last 24 months, which is known as the famous 5/24 rule.

Amex has a policy of only granting the bonus for the same card once in a lifetime. If you've had the same card before, you might see a notice on the application screen indicating you're not eligible for the bonus.

So, the order of applications is important. If you're targeting a Chase card, it's generally a strategy to apply for that first before hitting the 5-card limit, and then look at other issuers afterward.

Some card issuers have apps that show your spending progress with a bonus tracker. If not, just keeping a spreadsheet with dates and amounts will help you avoid scrambling at the last minute.

The scariest trap is not being able to pay off your balance while trying to meet the bonus.

According to Federal Reserve data, the average interest rate on credit card accounts with interest was 22.15% in the second quarter of this year. I almost choked on my coffee when I first saw that number.

Even if the bonus is worth a few hundred dollars, interest over a few months can quickly offset that. This isn't saving; it's just expensive shopping.

You also need to consider the annual fee. Check if it's waived for the first year and how much it will be starting the second year, and mark your calendar for next year to decide whether to cancel or downgrade.

In summary, my criteria are as follows: I only open a card when I have a significant expense planned, I can pay it off in full each month, and I don't have any loan plans in the coming months.

If any one of those three doesn't apply, it's easier on my mind to just pass on the bonus and wait for the next opportunity. Offers will come around again next year.

If it were me, I would start by writing down my year-end spending amounts this weekend and choose just one card that matches that total. Trying to go for two cards at once usually means missing out on both.

Since offer details change frequently, be sure to double-check the terms on the issuer's official page right before applying. Use your cards wisely, and let's envision a trip next year funded by points.