- Generous flat rewards rate on all purchases.
- Rewards can be used for travel and non-travel options.
- Comes with several travel benefits.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.
Credit card sign-up bonuses offer a relatively quick way to earn a big stash of rewards right off the bat. All you have to do is meet a minimum spending requirement within a specified amount of time to qualify. These bonuses are often worth up to $1,000 or more, a few free flights, or several nights of accommodation. It all depends on the type of rewards you decide to earn and how you ultimately redeem them.
To help you start your rewards journey, we compared more than 80 of the best credit cards available to find bonus offers that truly stand out. The bonuses we include below are worth anywhere from $200 to $1,250. They feature reasonable requirements and offer some flexibility when it comes time to redeem.
Read on to find out which credit card sign-up bonuses we recommend, the other benefits and features each card has, and everything to consider before you sign up.
Our recommendations for the the best credit card sign-up bonus
Best for flexible rewards: card_name
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Regular APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Why we like it:
This card offers many different options for points redemption, so it’s great for cardholders who want flexibility. If you travel or stay with any of the partner airlines or hotels, this can be a good way to take advantage of loyalty programs and redeem points directly for even more value.
Welcome bonus: The card_name paves the way for you to bonus_miles_full.
Other reasons we like it: This card earns rewards that fall within the flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards program, which lets you redeem for options like cash back, gift cards, merchandise travel through Chase, and 1:1 transfers to Chase airline and hotel partners.
Notable perks include a $50 annual hotel credit through Chase, a range of complimentary travel insurance benefits, and 25% more value for points when you redeem for airfare, hotels, rental cars, and more through the Chase travel portal.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
Cons:
- High APR for purchases.
- Fairly steep spending requirement to earn welcome bonus.
- annual_fees annual fee is not waived the first year.
Learn more on our full review here.
Best for small business with no annual fee: card_name
Ink Business Cash® Card
Ink Business Cash® Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Intro APR
intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
Bonus rewards
bonus_miles
Why we like it:
The card_name is among the most powerful earners in the rewards credit card market. Its spending bonuses are generous, and its massive welcome bonus after meeting minimum spending requirements should be reason enough to at least try the card out for a year or two.
Welcome bonus: bonus_miles_full.
Other reasons we like it: The card_name has a lot going for it in addition to its rewarding sign-up bonus, and it all starts with its generous earning rates. Cardholders get the chance to earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year, plus 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. All other purchases earn a flat rate of 1% cash back, except for Lyft rides since they earn 5% cash back through March 2025.
There's annual_fees annual fee, and this card also has an intro offer for purchases that can help small business owners avoid interest on business expenses for the short-term. Note that a regular variable APR applies thereafter. Some benefits also come standard with the card, including roadside dispatch, primary auto rental coverage when you rent a car for business purposes, travel and emergency assistance services, purchase protection and extended warranties.
For a limited time, the card_name will also extend a 10% Business Relationship Bonus if you pair it with a Chase Business Checking account. In that case, you’ll earn a one-time 10% bonus of all eligible cash back earned in your first year on your cardmember anniversary. That means that, if you earn $2,500 in cash back in your first year of card membership, you’ll get a $250 bonus. Offer is only available for Ink Business Cash cards opened between March and November 2024.
Best flat-rate rewards card: card_name
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome bonus: Sign up for the card_name to bonus_miles_full.
Other reasons we like it: This card lets you earn 2x miles on regular spending and bills, and 5x miles on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One. Rewards are also extremely flexible since you can redeem for gift cards, merchandise, travel through Capital One Travel, or transfers to Capital One airline and hotel partners.
Several travel perks are even thrown in to sweeten the pot, including two visits to Capital One airport lounges, a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®membership, and Hertz Five Star status.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Generous flat rewards rate on all purchases.
- Rewards can be used for travel and non-travel options.
- Comes with several travel benefits
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- High APR for purchases.
- Fairly steep spending requirement to earn welcome bonus.
- annual_fees annual fee is not waived the first year.
Learn more on our full review here.
Best for businesses that spend big: card_name
Capital One Venture X Business
Capital One Venture X Business
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome bonus: With the card_name, individuals who own a business can bonus_miles_full.
Other reasons we like it: Like the card_name for consumers, the card_name comes with a simple earning rate that can help small business owners accrue travel rewards with ease. Cardholders earn a flat 2x miles on regular purchases, plus 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One and 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through the portal.
A annual_fees annual fee applies, but benefits like a $300 annual travel credit, a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®membership, and a broad airport lounge membership program (Priority Pass Select, plus Capital One lounges) more than make up for it. This card also offers flexible rewards that can be used for gift cards, statement credits, travel through Capital One, or transfers to Capital One airline and hotel partners.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Welcome offer is worth $1,500.
- Generous rewards rate for travel and other spending.
- Comes with a $300 annual travel credit.
- Airport lounge access included.
- Points transfer to airlines and hotels.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- No preset spending limit.
Cons:
- Exceptionally high minimum spending requirement to earn the bonus.
- Charge card requires borrowers to pay the balance in full each month.
- annual_fees annual fee applies.
Learn more on our full review here.
Best for luxury travel: card_name
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Regular APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Why we like it:
This card's generous benefits and flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points make it an excellent deal for those who can use them. Users get a Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership (retail value $469), a $300 annual travel credit that applies to travel purchases each year, 50% more value when redeeming their rewards for travel through Chase, a fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, and a generous suite of travel insurance benefits.
Welcome bonus: The card_name will let you bonus_miles_full.
Other reasons we like it: This luxury travel credit card earns flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be used for cash back, gift cards, merchandise, travel through Chase, and transfers to Chase airline and hotel partners like British Airways, Southwest Rapid Rewards, United MileagePlus, and World of Hyatt.
Cardholders also get 50% more value when redeeming points for travel through the Chase portal, plus luxury travel benefits like Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership, a $300 annual travel credit, a fee credit toward Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck® membership, and more. Cardmembers can also benefit from a range of included travel insurance perks, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, primary auto rental coverage, lost luggage reimbursement, and baggage delay insurance.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Earns 3x to 10x points on eligible travel and dining purchases.
- Rewards feature flexible redemptions.
- Includes benefits that make travel more comfortable and luxurious.
- 50% more value for points when redeeming through Chase portal.
- Includes complimentary travel insurance benefits.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- High APR for purchases.
- Fairly steep spending requirement to earn welcome bonus.
- annual_fees annual fee required (not waived the first year).
- Low rate of 1 point per dollar on regular purchases.
Learn more on our full review here.
Best for everyday spending: Citi Premier® Card
Citi Premier® Card
Citi Premier® Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fee
Welcome bonus: The Citi Premier® Card bonus ThankYou® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
Other reasons we like it: We like this card's generous sign-up bonus and the fact that rewards are flexible. You can redeem 60,000 points for $600 in travel, gift cards, eligible bill payments, and more. You can even transfer your points to airline and hotel partners associated with the Citi ThankYou Rewards program.
This card also offers 3x points per dollar in a range of everyday spending categories, including hotels, air travel, restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations. Cardholders can even enjoy a $100 discount on eligible hotel stays of $500 or more booked through ThankYou.com.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Earns 3x points in a range of popular categories.
- Flexible redemption options include travel, gift cards, point transfers, and more.
- Reasonable $95 annual fee.
- $100 hotel credit for eligible stays.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- High APR for purchases.
- Hefty spending requirement to earn welcome bonus.
- You only get 1 point per dollar on regular purchases.
Best for cash back: card_name
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Intro APR
intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
Balance transfer intro apr
balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration
APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Why we like it
The card_name is a solid flat-rate earnings card with annual_fee_disclaimer annual fee. Although the 1.5% cash back doesn’t seem impressive at first glance, it becomes more valuable when combined with other rewards cards from Chase that can be redeemed for a far greater value.
This card is recommended for everyday use, whether for doctor copays or big box store purchases. It can be a large earner for cardmembers who want to get the most out of their everyday spending.
Welcome bonus: The card_name will bonus_miles_full.
Other reasons we like it: We like the card_name because its welcome bonus is easy to earn, and because it features a better-than-average rewards rate. Cardholders earn 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and a flat rate of 1.5% back on all other purchases.
Rewards are flexible as well, with options like cash back, statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, and travel through Chase available. This card also comes with an introductory APR offer for purchases and balance transfers, making it a solid option for debt consolidation or paying down large purchases.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- SPECIAL OFFER: Unlimited Matched Cash Back. Chase will automatically match all the cash back you earned at the end of your first year! There is no limit to how much cash back you can earn.
- 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
- No annual fee.
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
- Additional 5x cash back on travel purchased through the Ultimate Rewards program, 3x on dining, and 3x on drugstore purchases.
- Extra 1.5% earned the first year up to $20,000.
Cons:
- 5% cash advance and balance transfer fees.
- 3% foreign transaction fee.
- Only available for cardholders with a good credit score.
Learn more on our full review here.
Best for premium perks: card_name
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome bonus: card_name will bonus_miles_full.
Other reasons we like it: While this luxury travel credit card does require a annual_fees annual fee (Rates & Fees), cardholders get more than $1,500 in statement credit offers toward airline incidentals, Uber and Uber Eats purchases, digital entertainment, eligible hotel stays, and more. The card also comes with the broadest airport lounge access available, which includes a Priority Pass Select membership, Amex Centurion lounge entry, and access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying with Delta.
Other travel benefits include $189 toward CLEAR Plus membership, a fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, and automatic Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, to name a few. This card earns flexible Membership Rewards points as well, which can be used for non-travel options as well as travel through AmexTravel.com or point transfers to Amex airline and hotel partners.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Comes with $1,500 in statement credit offers each year.
- Earns 5x points on eligible travel purchases.
- Includes the best airport lounge membership available.
- Several generous travel perks included.
- Rewards have flexible redemptions.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- annual_fees annual fee (Rates & Fees).
- APR is high if you carry a balance (Rates & Fees).
- Statement credits can be difficult to maximize.
- Only earns 1 point per dollar on everyday purchases.
- Non-travel redemptions get you less than one cent per point.
Learn more from our full review here.
Best for groceries and gas: card_name
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome bonus: Sign up for the card_name to bonus_miles_full.
Other reasons we like it: The card_name makes it possible to earn 6% cash back on up to $6,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets annually (then 1% back), 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% back at U.S. gas stations and on transit, and 1% back on other purchases.
The annual fee is also waived the first year (Rates & Fees), and the card comes with an introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers. Consumer benefits include return protection and purchase protection against damage or theft.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Low spending requirement for welcome offer.
- Exceptional rewards rate on eligible U.S. supermarket and U.S. gas station purchases.
- Annual fee waived the first year (Rates & Fees).
- Comes with an introductory APR (Rates & Fees).
- Comes with valuable consumer protections.
Cons:
- Spending caps limit bonus category potential.
- Rewards are only redeemable for statement credits.
- Charges 2.7% foreign transaction fee.
- Low rewards rate of 1% back on non-bonus purchases.
- APR is high after introductory offer ends (Rates & Fees).
Learn more from our full review here.
Best for food spending: card_name
American Express® Gold Card
American Express® Gold Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome bonus: The card_name will bonus_miles_full.
Other reasons we like it: In addition to its lucrative welcome bonus, you will earn 4x points on dining worldwide, 4x points on up to $25,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each year (then 1x points), 3x points on airfare booked through airlines or AmexTravel.com, and 1x points on other purchases.
This card also earns flexible rewards points in the Amex Membership Rewards program, and cardholders get up to $120 in Uber Cash per year plus up to $120 in dining statement credits.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Relatively low monthly spending required to earn welcome offer.
- Exceptional 4x points rewards rate on eligible food purchases.
- Comes with annual credits for Uber and dining.
- Rewards are flexible.
- No foreign transaction fees (Rates & Fees).
Cons:
- $250 annual fee required (Rates & Fees).
- Statement credits can be difficult to use.
- High APR (Rates & Fees).
- Disappointing earning rate of 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
- Non-travel redemptions get you less than one cent per point.
Learn more from our full review here.
Best for flights: card_name
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome bonus: The card_name will bonus_miles_full.
Other reasons we like it: Beyond the card's generous welcome offer, you earn2x miles on American Airlines purchases, gas station purchases, and restaurant purchases, plus 1x points per dollar on other spending. Cardholders also get a free checked bag for themselves and up to four travelers on the same reservation, and a $125 American Airlines flight credit after spending $20,000 or more on purchases during a cardmember year.
American AAdvantage miles can be redeemed for flights to more than 1,000 destinations around the world, seat upgrades to a premium cabin, an Admirals Club airport lounge membership, and a handful of other options.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Welcome offer comes with reasonable spending requirement.
- Earns 2x miles per dollar in several spending categories.
- Get a free checked bag for yourself (and up to 4 companions on the same reservation) when you fly with American.
- Redeem miles for flights around the world.
- Annual fee is waived the first year.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- Rewards have few redemption options.
- High APR if you don't pay your bill in full each month.
- Only earns 1 mile per dollar on regular purchases.
Best for small business: card_name
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Why we like it:
The is the best business card for travel due to its rewards flexibility, foreign transaction fees, and protective consumer benefits.
Welcome bonus: With the card_name,small business owners will bonus_miles_full.
Other reasons we like it: This card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points that transfer to airline and hotel partners. It also offers 25% more value for points when you redeem for travel through Chase. Other redemption options include cash back, statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, and more.
The spending requirement to earn the sign-up bonus is definitely steep, yet the card also doles out 3X points in a range of popular business spending categories (on up to $150,000 in spending per year). Other benefits include primary auto rental coverage when renting a car for business purchases, purchase protection against damage or theft, extended warranties, and free employee cards.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Earns 3x points in select business categories on up to $150,000 in spending per year (then 1x points).
- 25% more value for points when redeeming for travel through Chase.
- Rewards are flexible.
- Free employee cards.
- Comes with several protections for purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- Very high minimum spending requirement for bonus offer.
- Only earns 1x points in non-bonus categories.
- High APR if you carry a balance.
Learn more from our full review here.
Best credit card sign-up bonus comparison chart
| Card name | Bonus rewards | Annual fees | Credit score |
|---|---|---|---|
bonus_miles_full | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
bonus_miles_full | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
bonus_miles_full | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
bonus_miles_full | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
bonus_miles_full | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
bonus_miles_full | credit_score_needed | ||
bonus_miles_full | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
bonus_miles_full | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
bonus_miles_full | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
bonus_miles_full | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
bonus_miles_full | annual_fees | credit_score_needed | |
bonus_miles_full | annual_fees | credit_score_needed |
Methodology
To find the best credit card sign-up bonuses, we compared more than 80 of the top rewards credit cards on the market today. We included cash back credit cards in our comparison, as well as travel credit cards and small business credit cards.
Factors we considered include annual fees, welcome bonus spending requirements, overall earning rates, and cardholder perks. While we gave cards with no annual fee consideration in our ranking, we compared signup bonuses and their value after taking applicable fees into account. Ultimately, we included the best credit cards in our ranking with respect to their welcome offers, spending requirements, and overall rewards potential.
Understanding sign-up bonuses: Requirements and limitations
As you compare the best credit card sign-up bonuses in our ranking, there are several important details to keep in mind.
Minimum spending requirements are not flexible. Whether a rewards credit card says you need to spend $3,000 or $6,000 within a specific number of months, it's crucial to hit that spending requirement with purchases and bill payments. Also be aware that some purchases may not count toward the requirement. For example, the welcome bonus fine print on the card_name says the following:
"Eligible purchases do not include: fees or interest charges; purchases of travelers checks; purchases or reloading of prepaid cards; purchases of gift cards; person-to-person payments; or purchases of other cash equivalents.”
The timeline starts on the date of account opening. Also be aware that the countdown on your bonus offer starts on the day you open your account—even if you haven't received your new credit card in the mail. To make sure you meet the minimum spending requirement for your welcome offer, it can help to write the day you signed up—and the final date to meet the requirement—on your calendar.
You can easily miss out on a bonus offer. If you fail to spend the required amount on your card within the timeline specified, you'll miss out on your credit card sign-up bonus altogether. Also be aware that, in this type of situation, card issuers will not grant you the bonus if you call and ask.
How to calculate the value of your sign-up bonus
The value of your sign-up bonus depends on the value of the points or miles you take time to earn. Obviously, this can vary widely, so you'll want to do some research ahead of time to know for sure.
As an example, most cash back credit cards offer bonuses that are easy to understand. If a card says you earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 within three months of account opening, the offer is clearly spelled out.
That said, rewards points earned with travel credit cards can be much more complex. For example, flexible rewards points from programs like Amex Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards that are transferred to airlines for premium travel redemptions can easily be worth 2 cents each or more. However, you may only get one cent per point (or even less) for non-travel redemptions like statement credits, merchandise or gift cards.
TIME Stamp: Sign-up bonuses help you earn outsized rewards
While rewards credit cards promise cash back, miles, or points for each dollar you spend, earning a sign-up bonus can boost your rewards haul considerably the first year. That said, you'll want to compare bonus offers to make sure you're earning the type of rewards you want, and that you can easily meet the minimum spending requirement through regular spending and bills.
For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit this URL.
For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit this URL.
For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit this URL.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I receive the sign-up bonus more than once?
Some rewards credit cards let you earn the sign-up bonus more than once, but you typically have to wait for a while before you do. For example, many Chase credit cards limit your ability to earn sign-up bonuses to once every 48 months. Meanwhile, Amex credit cards come with an unwritten "once-per-lifetime rule" for their welcome bonuses, yet the clock usually starts over after seven years.
Will the sign-up bonus affect my credit score?
Earning a credit card sign-up bonus will not impact your credit score in any way. However, signing up for a new credit card can result in a hard inquiry on your credit reports that temporarily causes your score to drop.
Are there any annual fees associated with credit cards with sign-up bonuses?
Some credit cards with the best bonus offers have an annual fee, whereas others do not. If you don't want to pay an annual fee for a credit card, you'll want to focus on cash back credit cards over travel credit cards.
Can I cancel the credit card after receiving the sign-up bonus?
You can cancel a credit card after you get the sign-up bonus, but you're better off waiting until 12 months are over and the card is ready to be renewed for another year.
Some rewards credit cards have wording in their welcome offers that can lead to them clawing back the bonus if you earn it and close your account within a few months. For example, many Amex credit cards with welcome bonuses say they can close your account and take back your rewards if you "cancel or downgrade your account within 12 months after acquiring it."
Do I need excellent credit to qualify for credit cards with sign-up bonuses?
The best credit card sign-up bonuses are geared to individuals with good to excellent credit. If your credit isn't in that range yet, you may want to take steps to improve your credit score before you apply.
The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.