I enquired about a halifax card in October, about 2 weeks before I went abroad on holidays. I suggested leaving the application till my return (on 10th Nov), and the Halifax person said that it would be better if I did it before I went, just in case I missed the offer - she said I had to make my first purchase before Nov 30th to get the cash. The website isn't terribly clear, other than stating the Nov 30th deadline - doesn't say what you have to do by then (apply or spend!).