The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday edition that credit card welcome bonuses are straightforward: As an incentive to sign up, card providers offer bonus points or cash back. Guest columnist Barry Choi writes that the catch is that you must spend a minimum amount within a specified time frame to receive the offer. The problem is that minimum spending requirement (MSR) on some cards has become increasingly high, leading some consumers to wonder if signing up for a new card is worth it. Previously, the MSRs for most credit cards were in the $1,000 to $3,000 range, with generous bonuses. However, some cards now have significantly higher requirements. For example, with the new BMO VIPorter World Elite MasterCard, you can earn up to 70,000 points by spending $18,000 in the first year. Those points could be worth at least $1,050, and the annual fee of $199 is rebated for the first year. While the offer holds undeniable value and the VIPorter status perks may entice consumers, the high MSR could be a deal-breaker. Mr. Choi argues that as a result, many might opt to stick with Air Canada or WestJet Airlines, potentially costing both Bank of Montreal and Porter a valuable opportunity.