Fact or fad: First-time credit card incentives play hard to get.

I signed up for a credit card entitled with a free gift (airpods, dyson hairdryer, $$ cashback etc.) if i spend $XXX in 30 days.

But process has been brutal 😭 When I filed my application, I got an email it was approved, but I couldn’t sign into the bank app. Called cust service after getting re-directed multiple times to hear there’s no approval on their end etc. Basically feels like they’re making it hard for me get the free gift..

Anyone experienced the same before? And if so, any tips?