Abstract: A series of time-bounded bonus rewards programs is disclosed for offering by a financial institution. Consumers enroll in each program and are thereafter provided bonus rewards on consumer purchases with a credit card on goods and services from one or more select merchant categories until the program's expiration. These bonus rewards are in addition to or in place of standard rewards the financial institution offers its customers. The selected merchant categories of the bonus rewards programs are relevant to the consumer in the given time frame in that they provide goods and services according to consumers' needs for that time of year. Incentives are thus provided to consumers to increase their use of the financial institution's credit card by providing bonus rewards on purchases that fit consumers' needs within the time frame of the program.