Skip to content
2021

Best Credit Card Signup Bonus Offers of May 2021

By Brendan Harkness

Advertiser Disclosure

Credit Card Insider is an independent, advertising supported website. Credit Card Insider receives compensation from some credit card issuers as advertisers. Advertiser relationships do not affect card ratings or our Editor’s Best Card Picks. Credit Card Insider has not reviewed all available credit card offers in the marketplace. Content is not provided or commissioned by any credit card issuers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information, though all credit card information is presented without warranty. When you click on any ‘Apply Now’ button, the most up-to-date terms and conditions, rates, and fee information will be presented by the issuer. Credit Card Insider has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Credit Card Insider and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. A list of these issuers can be found on our Editorial Guidelines.

The signup bonus — one of the most valuable and coveted credit card features, with the potential to put a huge dent in your spending or help you score free flights and hotel stays. Many rewards cards come with signup bonuses, also known as introductory bonuses or welcome bonuses. These bonus offers can provide a surprising amount of value, with returns on spending ranging from around 20% on average to more than 50% in some cases.

How We Picked These Cards Is a Signup Bonus Card Right for You?

Credit Card Insider receives compensation from advertisers whose products may be mentioned on this page. Advertiser relationships do not affect card evaluations. Advertising partners do not edit or endorse our editorial content. Content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when it's published. Learn more in our Editorial Guidelines.

The information related to Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, Capital One Spark Miles for Business, Capital One Spark Cash for Business, and The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card have been collected by Credit Card Insider and have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of these products.

How We Picked These Cards

Signup bonuses are pretty easy to evaluate. Spend some money, get some rewards. But not all bonuses are created equal.

  • What kind of rewards are being offered? The most common bonus reward types are cash back, points, and statement credits:
    • Cash back is usually just what it seems to be, although there may be several redemption options like statement credits, direct bank deposits, gift cards, etc.
    • Points may have different values depending on how you redeem them, and they can be the most valuable reward type if you’re willing to put in the effort to find good deals.
    • Statement credits are the easiest to grok, because their values are simply deducted from your card balance.
  • Can I make good use of the rewards? Cash back and statement credit bonuses are simple, basically like big discounts on your spending, and these may be perfect for some people. But if you care more about maximizing rewards, particularly for travel, you may want bonus points that you can transfer for frequent flyer miles or hotel points (look at Chase, Amex, Capital One, and Citi for that).
  • What’s the return on spend? Calculate how much value you get for the required spending (we’ve done this for you in many cases). Is the spending requirement reasonable? 75,000 points may sound like a lot, for example, but if they take $7,500 in purchases to get, you might not be getting a lot for your spending.
  • Will I have enough time to meet the spending requirement? Most card issuers give you three months or 90 days to reach a spending requirement (“three months” translates to about 90 days in most cases, too). You may see 4-, 6-, or even 12-month offers. Some rare cards might only give two months. Be sure to keep track of how much time you have, starting as soon as your card account was approved and opened.
  • Does it make sense for me to have this credit card? Consider all the card features except the intro bonus. Would you use the card without the bonus? Does it fit into your spending habits, or have benefits you’ll find useful over time? Don’t let a great bonus blind you to an otherwise lackluster credit card.
Signup bonuses can make any card offer look more attractive, but there’s more to credit cards than bonuses. See our favorite cards for a variety of categories in the Best Credit Cards.

Is a Signup Bonus Card Right for You?

Do you like money for free? If so, a signup bonus credit card might be right for you.

It’s not really free money, because you need to spend with credit cards in the first place, and if you’re not responsible you could wind up with fees. But it’s about as close to free money (or travel) as you can get.

A signup bonus is a reward that usually takes the form of bonus points or cash back, which you receive for reaching a certain spending threshold in a certain amount of time — think 40,000 bonus points for spending $3,000 in 3 months, for example.

You should never spend money just to get a signup bonus, of course. You should only use credit cards to buy things you would normally buy. Pay off the statement balance by the due date or you’ll be charged interest, cutting into your rewards (unless you have a 0% intro APR). And we don’t recommend opening new cards purely for the bonuses.

But if a card fits in with your spending habits and offers a great bonus too, why not go for it? Follow the simple rules above and credit card bonuses can be effectively free. You won’t need excellent credit scores to nab a sweet bonus, but cards for better credit tend to have better bonuses.

Here are some situations where welcome bonuses can make big differences.

  • Everyday spending: Many cards with bonus categories for everyday purchases, like groceries and gas, have intro bonus offers; you may be able to hit spending requirements with nothing more than a few months of your usual errands.
  • Travel: If you’re going on a trip you could use a bonus to get a flight or two for free, or stay an extra night at a nice hotel. Planning ahead will be crucial here to make sure you have the card you need in time.
  • Large expenses on the horizon: When you know there’s a big purchase or two coming up, like furniture, a TV, or even a car, you could use a credit card bonus to help lighten the load on your bank account. Or you could use that as an opportunity to bank points for a vacation.
  • Rent: Rent is a fairly large monthly expense, making it a good target for intro bonus spending — if you can pay with a credit card, that is. If your landlord doesn’t accept credit card payments, you can look into a payment service like Plastiq or RadPad.
  • Tax season: Depending on how much you owe, you may be able to reach spending requirements by paying your taxes. There’s a fee to pay by credit card, but the bonus should offset that by far.

Best Pick For...

Cash Back Rewards

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Our rating:
How To Apply
How To Apply
  • Min. credit levelGood
  • Annual Fee$0
  • Regular APR14.99% - 23.74% Variable
Rewards

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ (Review) pairs a great intro bonus with even greater rewards. You’ll get a surprising number of high-value cash back categories, including a set of rotating 5% categories that covers a lot of ground each year.

Introductory Bonus Offer
  • $200 bonus for spending $500 in the first 3 months
Spending Rewards
  • 5% cash back in rotating categories (up to $1,500 spent per quarter, then 1%)
  • 5% cash back on:
    • Travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
    • Lyft purchases (through March 2022)
  • 3% cash back at:
    • Restaurants
    • Drugstores
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
5% Cash Back Categories
Quarter 2021 Categories
January – March
  • Wholesale Clubs
  • Internet
  • Cable/Phone Services
  • Select Streaming Services
April – June
  • Gas Stations
  • Home Improvement Stores
July – September
  • TBA
October – December
  • TBA
Key Features
  • DoorDash membership: A free membership (DashPass) for three months, and a 50% discount for the next nine months; a DashPass provides free delivery and reduced service fees on orders over $12.
  • Shop through Chase/Chase Offers: Earn extra cash back or find discounts with the Shop through Chase and Chase Offers programs.
  • ShopRunner membership: Get free two-day shipping at a wide selection of retailers.
  • Lyft credits: Once per month you can earn a $10 Lyft credit for every five rides you take.
  • Boxed rewards: 5% cash back rewards on Boxed Wholesale orders to be used for future purchases
  • Fandango discount: $5 off every two tickets you buy
  • Shopping and travel protections: Cell Phone Insurance, Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty, Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance, and more
  • Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99% - 23.74% Variable
  • Annual fee: $0
Runners Up6

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

  • $200 bonus for spending $500 in the first 3 months
  • 5% cash back on:
    • Travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
    • Lyft rides (through March 2022)
  • 3% cash back at:
    • Restaurants
    • Drugstores
  • 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
  • Perks: DoorDash membership; Shop through Chase/Chase Offers; ShopRunner membership; Lyft credits; Boxed rewards
  • Shopping and travel protections: Cell Phone Insurance; Purchase Protection; Extended Warranty; Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance
  • Purchase APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months, then 14.99% - 23.74% Variable
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0
View card details

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card

  • $200 cash rewards bonus for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
  • 3% cash back in one category of your choice: Gas, Online shopping, Dining, Travel, Drugstores, Home improvement/furnishings stores
  • 2% cash back at:
    • Grocery stores
    • Wholesale clubs
  • 1% cash back for all other purchases
  • Spending limit: 3% and 2% rewards limited to the first $2,500 spent per quarter
  • Perks: Free FICO credit score; Preferred Rewards cash back bonus
  • Purchase APR: 0% for 15 billing cycles, then 13.99%–23.99% Variable
  • Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 billing cycles, then 13.99%–23.99% Variable
  • Annual fee: $0

See our comparison: 2021 Comparison: The Chase Freedom Flex℠ vs. the Bank of America® Cash Rewards Credit Card

View card details

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Spending Rewards
  • 8% cash back on tickets at Vivid Seats
  • 4% cash back on:
    • Dining
    • Entertainment
  • 2% cash back at Grocery Stores
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • $300 cash bonus for spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
  • Shopping and travel protections: Price Protection; Extended Warranty; MasterRental Insurance; Baggage Delay Insurance; Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $95
View card details

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Spending Rewards
  • 3% cash back on:
    • Dining
    • Entertainment
  • 2% cash back at Grocery Stores
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening

  • Shopping and travel protections: Price Protection; Extended Warranty; MasterRental Insurance; Baggage Delay Insurance; Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
  • Purchase APR: 0% intro on purchases for 15 months, then 15.49% - 25.49% Variable
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0
View card details

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Spending Rewards
  • 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

  • Perks: World Elite Concierge
  • Shopping and travel protections: Travel Accident Insurance, Extended Warranty, Travel Assistance Services, and more
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0
View card details

Discover it® Cash Back

Spending Rewards
  • 5% cash back in rotating categories (up to $1,500 spent per quarter, then 1%; activation required):
    • January – March: Grocery Stores, Walgreens, CVS
    • April – June: Gas Stations, Wholesale Clubs, Select Streaming Services
    • July – September: Restaurants, PayPal
    • October – December: Amazon.com, Target.com, Walmart.com
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • Cashback Match: Get double cash back for the first year, provided at the end of the first year

  • Perks: SSN alerts; New account alerts; Free credit score
  • Purchase APR: See Terms for See Terms, then See Terms
  • Balance Transfer APR: See Terms for See Terms, then See Terms
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0
View card details
No Annual Fee

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Our rating:
Card Details
Card Details
  • Min. credit levelGood
  • Annual Fee$0
  • Regular APR15.49% - 25.49% Variable
Introductory Bonus

The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card (Review) is a solid choice if you eat out or order in from restaurants often, and don’t want to pay an annual fee. You’ll get a good rate at restaurants, along with a bit extra at grocery stores.

There aren’t many other big features, but you’ll have a pretty long 0% introductory rate for purchases.

Spending Rewards
  • 3% cash back on:
    • Dining
    • Entertainment
  • 2% cash back at Grocery Stores
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening

Key Features
  • Premium Access with OpenTable: Get exclusive OpenTable reservations to certain hot restaurants, in a limited selection of cities.
  • Concierge service: Call any time to talk to a personal assistant, who can help you in all sorts of non-emergency tasks.
  • Car rental perks: Provides a discount of 15%–25% at select car rental services, including National, Avis, and Sixt. Elite membership status is also provided with each provider.
  • Shopping and travel protections: Extended Warranty, Price Protection, MasterRental Insurance, Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Travel Assistance Services
  • Purchase APR: 0% intro on purchases for 15 months, then 15.49% - 25.49% Variable
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0
Runners Up5

Chase Freedom Flex℠

  • $200 bonus for spending $500 in the first 3 months
  • 5% cash back on:
    • Travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
    • Lyft rides (through March 2022)
  • 5% cash back in rotating categories, up to $1,500 in spending each quarter, then 1%
  • 3% cash back at:
    • Restaurants
    • Drugstores
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • Perks: DoorDash membership; Shop through Chase/Chase Offers; ShopRunner membership; Lyft credits; Boxed rewards
  • Shopping and travel protections: Cell Phone Insurance; Purchase Protection; Extended Warranty; Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance
  • Purchase APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months, then 14.99% - 23.74% Variable
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0
View card details

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

  • $200 bonus for spending $500 in the first 3 months
  • 5% cash back on:
    • Travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
    • Lyft rides (through March 2022)
  • 3% cash back at:
    • Restaurants
    • Drugstores
  • 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
  • Perks: DoorDash membership; Shop through Chase/Chase Offers; ShopRunner membership; Lyft credits; Boxed rewards
  • Shopping and travel protections: Cell Phone Insurance; Purchase Protection; Extended Warranty; Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance
  • Purchase APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months, then 14.99% - 23.74% Variable
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0
View card details

Discover it® Cash Back

  • Cashback Match: Get double cash back for the first year, provided at the end of the first year
  • 5% cash back in rotating categories, up to $1,500 in spending per quarter, then 1% (activation required):
    • January – March: Grocery Stores, Walgreens, CVS
    • April – June: Gas Stations, Uber, Lyft, Wholesale Clubs
    • July – September: Restaurants, PayPal
    • October – December: Amazon.com, Target.com, Walmart.com
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • Perks: SSN alerts; New account alerts; Free credit score
  • Purchase APR: See Terms for See Terms, then See Terms
  • Balance Transfer APR: See Terms for See Terms, then See Terms
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0
View card details

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card

  • $200 cash rewards bonus for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
  • 3% cash back in one category of your choice: Gas, Online shopping, Dining, Travel, Drugstores, Home improvement/furnishings stores
  • 2% cash back at:
    • Grocery stores
    • Wholesale clubs
  • 1% cash back for all other purchases
  • Spending limit: 3% and 2% rewards limited to the first $2,500 spent per quarter
  • Perks: Free FICO credit score; Preferred Rewards cash back bonus
  • Purchase APR: 0% for 15 billing cycles, then 13.99%–23.99% Variable
  • Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 billing cycles, then 13.99%–23.99% Variable
  • Annual fee: $0
View card details

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

  • One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
  • 1.5% cash back on all purchases
  • Perks: World Elite Concierge
  • Shopping and travel protections: Travel Accident Insurance, Extended Warranty, Travel Assistance Services, and more
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0
View card details
  • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining and entertainment, 2% at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases
  • No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how much you can earn
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; 15.49% – 25.49% variable APR after that
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • No annual fee

The information related to Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected by Credit Card Insider and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product.

General Travel

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Our rating:
How To Apply
How To Apply
  • Min. credit levelGood
  • Annual Fee$95
  • Regular APR15.99% - 22.99% Variable
Rewards

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (Review) comes with a great intro bonus for travelers. It’s made even better because you can transfer those Chase Ultimate Rewards points to a variety of partner programs, turning them into airline miles or hotel points that could be worth 2 cents each or more.

Introductory Bonus Offer
  • 80,000 bonus points for spending $4,000 in the first 3 months; up to $50 in statement credits toward grocery purchases in the first year
Spending Rewards
  • 5X Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on:
    • Lyft rides (through 3/31/22)
  • 2X Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on:
    • Travel
    • Dining
  • 1X Ultimate Rewards point per dollar on all other purchases
Key Features
  • 25% point bonus: When redeeming for travel expenses through Chase Ultimate Rewards
  • Point transfer: Transfer points at a 1:1 rate to leading airline and hotel frequent travel programs, like Marriott Bonvoy and United MileagePlus.
  • $60 Peloton credit: Enroll to get up to $60 back for an eligible Peloton Digital or All-Access Membership (through 2021). No fitness equipment is required.
  • DoorDash membership: A free membership (DashPass) for at least a year, which provides free delivery and reduced service fees on orders over $12
  • Luxury Hotel Collection: Book eligible rooms to get perks like daily breakfast for two, complimentary WiFi, room upgrades, early check-in, late checkout, and unique gifts.
  • Visa Signature Concierge: Call to speak with your personal concierge any time, day or night.
  • Premium Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Get primary coverage on eligible car rentals so you don’t have to pay for insurance and your premiums won’t go up after an accident.
  • Shop through Chase/Chase Offers: Earn more points by shopping at participating retailers in the Shop through Chase and Chase Offers marketplaces.
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $95
Runners Up3

Citi Premier® Card

  • 60,000 bonus points for spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening
  • 3X ThankYou points on:
    • Air travel
    • Hotels
    • Gas stations
    • Supermarkets
    • Restaurants
  • 1X ThankYou point on all other purchases
  • Perks: $100 annual hotel credit; Cell Phone Protection
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $95
View card details

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

  • Earn 100,000 bonus miles when you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening, or still earn 50,000 miles if you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
  • 5X miles per dollar with Uber Eats (through 1/31/21)
  • 2X miles per dollar for every other purchase
  • Perks: Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit, Luxury Hotel Collection, Concierge
  • Shopping and travel protections: Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver; Lost Luggage Reimbursement; Purchase Security; Extended Warranty
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $95
View card details

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card

  • 50,000 bonus points for spending $3,000 in the first 90 days
  • 2X points on:
    • Travel
    • Dining
  • 1.5X points for all other purchases
  • Perks: Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit; $100 airline fee credit; Preferred Rewards cash back bonus; Luxury Hotel Collection; Concierge
  • Shopping and travel protections: Trip Delay and Cancellation Insurance; Baggage Delay Insurance; Purchase Security; Return Protection
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $95
View card details
Premium Travel

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Our rating:
How To Apply
How To Apply
  • Min. credit levelExcellent
  • Annual Fee$550
  • Regular APR16.99%-23.99% Variable
Rewards

For a top-notch travel card, look no further than the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Review). With solid rates for travel and dining to fuel your adventures, along with a comprehensive suite of travel perks, the Sapphire Reserve is a favorite among regular travelers.

Introductory Bonus Offer
  • 60,000 bonus points for spending $4,000 in the first 3 months after account opening
Spending Rewards
  • 10X Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on:
    • Lyft rides (through 3/31/22)
  • 3X Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on:
    • Travel (after the full travel credit is used)
    • Dining
  • 1X Ultimate Rewards point per dollar on all other purchases
Key Features
  • Point transfer: Transfer your points at a 1:1 rate to a variety of airline and hotel loyalty programs, like United, JetBlue, and Marriott Bonvoy
  • $300 annual travel credit: A $300 travel credit every year that will be automatically applied toward a broad range of travel-related expenses charged to the card
  • $120 Peloton credit: Enroll to get up to $120 back for an eligible Peloton Digital or All-Access Membership (through 2021). No fitness equipment is required.
  • Priority Pass Select membership: Enjoy access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide plus a selection of restaurants. The cardholder and two guests can enter for free; additional guests cost $27 each.
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit: Get a statement credit to offset the cost of applying for Global Entry ($100) or TSA PreCheck ($85), once every four years.
  • Elite hotel benefits at Relais & Châteaux: Accelerated progress towards Club 5C member status with Relais & Châteaux luxury hotel and resort properties
  • Visa Infinite Concierge: Call for non-emergency help of all kinds, like making dinner reservations or finding good tickets to a show.
  • Special car rental privileges: Rental upgrades, discounts, and promotional offers at Avis, Silvercar, and National Car Rental
  • Lyft Pink membership: One free year of Lyft Pink, which includes 15% off rides, relaxed cancellations, surprise offers, and priority airport pickup
  • DoorDash membership: A free membership (DashPass) for a year, which provides free delivery and reduced service fees on orders over $12
  • $60 annual DoorDash credit: Get $60 in DoorDash credits in 2020, and $60 in credits in 2021.
  • Shopping and Travel protections: Purchase Protection, a Primary Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Trip Delay Reimbursement, and more
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $550
Runners Up5

The Platinum Card® from American Express

  • 75,000 bonus points for spending $5,000 in the first 6 months; 10X points on eligible purchases at U.S. Gas Stations and U.S. Supermarkets, on up to $15,000 in combined purchases, in the first 6 months
  • 5X Membership Rewards points (starting 1/1/21, on up to $500,000 spent per calendar year) on
    Flights booked directly through airlines or through American Express Travel
    Prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel
  • 2X Membership Rewards points on other eligible travel expenses booked through American Express Travel
  • 1X Membership Rewards point on all other purchases
  • Perks: Global Lounge Collection; Streaming/wireless phone credit; $200 in annual Uber credits; $100 annual Saks credit; Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit; Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $550

The Platinum Card® from American Express (Rates & Fees)

View card details

Citi Prestige® Card

  • 50,000 ThankYou points for spending $4,000 within 3 months of account opening
  • 5X ThankYou points on:
    • Air travel
    • Restaurants
  • 3X ThankYou points on:
    • Hotels
    • Cruise lines
  • 1X ThankYou point on everything else
  • Perks: $250 travel credit; Fourth hotel night free, up to twice per year; Priority Pass Select membership; Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit; Concierge; Cell Phone Protection
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $495
View card details

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

  • 150,000 bonus points for spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening
  • 14X Hilton Honors Bonus points per dollar for eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio
  • 7X Hilton Honors points on:
    • Flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com
    • Car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
    • U.S. restaurants
  • 3X Hilton Honors points on all other purchases
  • Perks: Hilton Honors Diamond status; Annual free weekend night award; $100 annual Hilton credit; $250 annual Hilton resort credit; $250 annual airline fee credit; Priority Pass Select membership
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $450

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card (Rates & Fees)

View card details

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

  • 75,000 bonus points for spending $3,000 in the first 3 months; up to $200 in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants in the first 6 months
  • 6X Marriott Bonvoy Bonus points per dollar for eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 3X Marriott Bonvoy points for:
    • U.S. restaurants
    • Flights booked directly with airlines
  • 2X Marriott Bonvoy points on all other purchases
  • Perks: $300 annual Marriott Bonvoy credit; annual Free Night Award; Gold Elite hotel status; Priority Pass Select membership; Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit; 15 Elite Night Credits; $100 Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis property credit
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $450

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card (Rates & Fees)

View card details

U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card

  • 50,000 bonus points for spending $4,500 in the first 90 days of membership
  • 3X points on:
    • Travel
    • Mobile Wallet purchases
  • 1X point on all other purchases
  • Perks: $325 annual travel credit; Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit; 12-month Priority Pass Select membership; Gogo in-flight WiFi; Relais & Châteaux luxury hotel benefits
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $400
View card details
Premium Lounge Access

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Our rating:
Learn More
Learn More
  • Min. credit levelGood
  • Annual Fee$550
  • Regular APRSee Pay Over Time APR

Rates & Fees

Rewards

The Platinum Card® from American Express (Review) is one of the best premium travel cards, currently boasting the largest intro bonus (but not by too much). This card stands out for its best-in-class airport lounge access, which gets you into not only the typical Priority Pass lounges but also Amex’s high-end Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, Plaza Premium lounges, and more.

Introductory Bonus Offer
  • 75,000 bonus points for spending $5,000 in the first 6 months; 10X points on eligible purchases at U.S. Gas Stations and U.S. Supermarkets, on up to $15,000 in combined purchases, in the first 6 months
Spending Rewards
  • 5X Membership Rewards points per dollar on (starting 1/1/21, on up to $500,000 spent per calendar year):
    • Flights booked directly through airlines or through American Express Travel
    • Prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel
  • 2X Membership Rewards points per dollar on other eligible travel expenses booked through American Express Travel
  • 1X Membership Rewards point per dollar on all other purchases
Key Features
  • Global Lounge Collection: Complimentary access to Priority Pass, Centurion, American Express International, Delta Sky Club, Escape, Airspace, Lufthansa, and Plaza Premium Lounges.
  • $100 annual Saks credits: Up to $100 in statement credits each year for Saks Fifth Avenue: $50 from January through June, and $50 from July through December.
  • Up to $200 in annual Uber Cash: Add your Platinum card to the Uber App to get up to $15 in Uber Cash per month, plus a bonus $20 in December; U.S. Eats orders and rides only.
  • Uber Eats Pass: Get unlimited $0 delivery fees and 5% off orders at eligible restaurants for 12 months; must enroll by 12/31/21. Taxes and service fees may apply and do not count toward the order minimum. Eats Pass will start auto-billing 12 months from enrollment, at then-current monthly rate. Learn more.
  • Uber VIP status: Add your Platinum card to the Uber App to get Uber VIP status where available.
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit: A statement credit for the application fee of either Global Entry ($100 every four years) or TSA PreCheck ($85 once every four-and-a-half years).
  • Complimentary elite hotel statuses: Hilton Honors Gold status and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.
  • The Hotel Collection: A $100 hotel credit and room upgrades when available for every eligible two-night stay.
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $550

The Platinum Card® from American Express (Rates & Fees)

Runners Up2

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

  • 60,000 bonus points for spending $4,000 in the first 3 months after account opening
  • 10X Ultimate Rewards point on Lyft rides (through 3/31/22)
  • 3X Ultimate Rewards points for:
    • Travel (after the full travel credit is used)
    • Dining
  • 1X Ultimate Rewards point for every other purchase
  • Perks: $300 travel credit; Priority Pass Select membership; Point transfer; Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit; Lyft Pink membership; Two-year DoorDash membership, $60 annual DoorDash credit for two years
  • Shopping and travel protections: Purchase Protection; Extended Warranty; Primary Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver; Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance; Baggage Delay Insurance; Trip Delay Reimbursement
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $550
View card details

Citi Prestige® Card

  • 50,000 ThankYou points for spending $4,000 within 3 months of account opening
  • 5X ThankYou points on:
    • Air travel
    • Restaurants
  • 3X ThankYou points on:
    • Hotels
    • Cruise lines
  • 1X ThankYou point on everything else
  • Perks: $250 travel credit; Fourth hotel night free, up to twice per year; Priority Pass Select membership; Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit; Concierge; Cell Phone Protection
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $495
View card details
  • Earn 75,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $5,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 10x points on eligible purchases on your new Card at U.S. Gas Stations and U.S. Supermarkets, on up to $15,000 in combined purchases, during your first 6 months of Card Membership. That’s an additional 9 points on top of the 1 point you earn for these purchases.
  • Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member and Additional Centurion Cards only.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel. Starting January 1, 2021, earn 5X points on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
  • 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to the Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations around the world.
  • Receive complimentary benefits through American Express Travel with an average total value of $550 with Fine Hotels & Resorts® program at over 1,100 properties . Learn More.
  • Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $550 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.

American Express is a Credit Card Insider advertiser.

Gas and Groceries

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Our rating:
Apply Now

securely on the issuer's website

Apply Now

securely on the issuer's website

  • Min. credit levelGood
  • Annual Fee$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
  • Regular APR13.99% - 23.99% Variable

Rates & Fees

Rewards

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (Review) is an excellent pick for grocery shopping and buying gas, and it has a great introductory bonus too. Most people should be able to earn it with two or three months of normal shopping.

Introductory Bonus Offer
  • 20% back for Amazon purchases in the first 6 months, up to $200 back; $150 back for spending $3,000 in the first 6 months (earned as a statement credit)
Spending Rewards
  • 6% cash back:
    • U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 spent annually, then 1%)
    • Select U.S. streaming services
  • 3% cash back:
    • U.S. gas stations
    • Transit
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
Key Features
  • Amex Offers: Find significant discounts at a changing selection of merchants and websites, like (at the time of publication) Best Buy, Pandora, and select meal kits.
  • ShopRunner membership: ShopRunner provides free two-day shipping and returns at participating online retailers.
  • Entertainment Access: Get exclusive discounts to concerts, sporting events, and more.
  • Lowest Hotel Rates Guarantee: If you book an eligible prepaid hotel room through American Express Travel and then find the same room being advertised online for a lower price, you can be refunded for the difference.
  • Shopping protections: Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Return Protection
  • Travel protections: Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance and Global Assist Hotline
  • Purchase APR: 0% for 12 months, then 13.99% - 23.99% Variable
  • Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (Rates & Fees)

Runners Up5

American Express® Gold Card

Spending Rewards
  • 4X Membership Rewards points per dollar at:
    • Restaurants worldwide
    • Uber Eats
    • U.S. Supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X)
  • 3X Membership Rewards points per dollar on:
    • Flights booked directly with airlines
    • Flights booked through amextravel.com
  • 1X Membership Rewards point per dollar for every other purchase
Introductory Bonus
  • 60,000 bonus points for spending $4,000 in the first 6 months

  • Perks: $120 annual dining credit; The Hotel Collection; ShopRunner membership
  • Shopping and travel protections: Extended Warranty; Purchase Protection; Baggage Insurance Plan; Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $250

American Express® Gold Card (Rates & Fees)

View card details

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

  • 20% back for Amazon purchases in the first 6 months, up to $150 back; $100 back for spending $2,000 in the first 6 months (earned as a statement credit)
  • 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%)
  • 2% cash back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • Perks: Amex Offers; ShopRunner membership; Lowest Hotel Rates Guarantee
  • Shopping and travel protections: Extended Warranty; Purchase Protection; Return Protection; Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance; Global Assist Hotline
  • Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months, then 13.99% - 23.99% Variable
  • Annual fee: $0

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express (Rates & Fees)

View card details

Discover it® Cash Back

  • Cashback Match: Get double cash back for the first year, provided at the end of the first year
  • 5% cash back in rotating categories (up to $1,500 spent per quarter, then 1%; activation required)
  • 1% cash back for all other purchases
  • Purchase APR: See Terms for See Terms, then See Terms
  • Balance Transfer APR: See Terms for See Terms, then See Terms
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0
View card details

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card

  • $200 cash rewards bonus for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
  • 3% cash back in one category of your choice: Gas, Online shopping, Dining, Travel, Drugstores, Home improvement/furnishings stores
  • 2% cash back at:
    • Grocery stores
    • Wholesale clubs
  • 1% cash back for all other purchases
  • Spending limit: 3% and 2% rewards limited to the first $2,500 spent per quarter
  • Perks: Free FICO credit score; Preferred Rewards cash back bonus
  • Purchase APR: 0% for 15 billing cycles, then 13.99%–23.99% Variable
  • Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 billing cycles, then 13.99%–23.99% Variable
  • Annual fee: $0
View card details

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Spending Rewards
  • 8% cash back on tickets at Vivid Seats
  • 4% cash back on:
    • Dining
    • Entertainment
  • 2% cash back at Grocery Stores
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • $300 cash bonus for spending $3,000 in the first 3 months

  • Shopping and travel protections: Price Protection; Extended Warranty; MasterRental Insurance; Baggage Delay Insurance; Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $95
View card details
  • Earn 20% back on Amazon.com purchases on the Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $200 back.
  • Plus, earn $150 back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You will receive cash back in the form of statement credits.
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
  • 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
  • 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
  • Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.99% to 23.99%
  • Plan It® gives the option to select purchases of $100 or more to split up into monthly payments with a fixed fee.
  • Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
  • Terms Apply.

American Express is a Credit Card Insider advertiser.

Point Rewards

American Express® Gold Card

Our rating:
Learn More
Learn More
  • Min. credit levelGood
  • Annual Fee$250
  • Regular APRSee Pay Over Time APR

Rates & Fees

Rewards

You can use the American Express® Gold Card (Review) to earn quite a few Amex Membership Rewards points quickly, with a fairly low spending requirement that most people should have no trouble reaching.

There’s a sizable annual fee with this card, however, so only get it if you’ll make good use of the rewards (focused on food and airfare) and benefits (focused on food and travel).

Spending Rewards
  • 4X Membership Rewards points per dollar at:
    • Restaurants worldwide
    • Uber Eats
    • U.S. Supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X)
  • 3X Membership Rewards points per dollar on:
    • Flights booked directly with airlines
    • Flights booked through amextravel.com
  • 1X Membership Rewards point per dollar for every other purchase
Introductory Bonus
  • 60,000 bonus points for spending $4,000 in the first 6 months

Key Features
  • $120 annual dining credit: Earn up to $10 in statement credits per month for purchases at eligible restaurants and food delivery services.
  • Point transfer: To airline and hotel loyalty programs, like JetBlue, Southwest, Marriott, and Hyatt
  • Up to $120 in Uber Cash: Add the Gold Card to the Uber App to get up to $10 in Uber Cash per month; U.S. Eats orders and rides only.
  • Uber Eats Pass: Get unlimited $0 delivery fees and 5% off orders at eligible restaurants for 12 months; must enroll by 12/31/21. Taxes and service fees may apply and do not count toward the order minimum. Eats Pass will start auto-billing 12 months from enrollment, at then-current monthly rate. Learn more.
  • The Hotel Collection: Provides up to $100 in credits for every eligible hotel stay of two nights or more, along with other perks.
  • Amex Offers: Find discounts and extra point opportunities at a changing selection of merchants (offers are limited; enrollment required).
  • ShopRunner membership: ShopRunner provides free two-day shipping and returns at participating online retailers.
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $250

American Express® Gold Card (Rates & Fees)

Runners Up4

Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card

  • 20,000 bonus points for spending $1,000 in the first 3 months
  • 3X points on:
    • Dining
    • Gas
    • Travel
    • Eligible streaming services
  • 1X point on all other purchases
  • Shopping and travel protections: Cell Phone Protection, Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, Return Protection, Travel Accident Insurance, Travel Inconvenience Insurance
  • Purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening, then 14.49%-24.99% Variable
  • Balance Transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months on qualifying balance transfers, then 14.49%-24.99% Variable
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0
View card details

Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card

  • 15,000 points if you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months
  • 3X Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 spent annually, then 1X)
  • 2X Membership Rewards points at:
    • U.S. gas stations
    • American Express Travel
  • 1X Membership Rewards point for every other purchase
  • 50% point bonus: By making 30 or more purchases per billing period
  • Point transfer: To a wide selection of airline and hotel partners
  • Annual fee: $95
View card details

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card

  • 20,000 bonus points for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
  • 4X points per dollar at Restaurants
  • 2X points per dollar for:
    • Grocery stores
    • Grocery delivery
    • Streaming services
    • Gas stations
  • 1X point per dollar on all other purchases
  • Perks: Annual $15 streaming credit;
  • Purchase APR: 0%* for 12 billing cycles on purchases*, then 14.99% - 23.99%* Variable
  • Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 12 Billing cycles, then 14.99% - 23.99%* Variable
  • Annual fee: $0*
View card details

Citi Premier® Card

  • 60,000 bonus points for spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening
  • 3X ThankYou points on:
    • Air travel
    • Hotels
    • Gas stations
    • Supermarkets
    • Restaurants
  • 1X ThankYou point on all other purchases
  • Perks: $100 annual hotel credit; Cell Phone Protection
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $95
View card details
  • Rose Gold is back. You can now choose between Gold or Rose Gold.
  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points on Restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery, plus, earn 4X points for Uber Eats purchases too.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
  • $120 Uber Cash: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Boxed, and participating Shake Shack locations. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $250.
  • Terms Apply.

American Express is a Credit Card Insider advertiser.

Hotel Rewards

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card

Our rating:
How To Apply
How To Apply
  • Min. credit levelGood
  • Annual Fee$95
  • Regular APR15.99% - 22.99% Variable
Rewards

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card (Review) provides a great bonus, with a very high potential return on spend. You’ll also receive a host of helpful benefits to enhance your time spent at Marriott Bonvoy properties.

Introductory Bonus Offer
  • 100,000 Bonus points for spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
Spending Rewards
  • 17X Marriott Rewards points per dollar at Marriott Bonvoy hotels
    • 6X Bonus points per dollar from the card
    • 11X Base points per dollar for Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
  • 2X Bonus points per dollar on all other purchases
Key Features
  • Annual Free Night Award: Get one Free Night Award every year, beginning after your first account anniversary.
  • Complimentary Silver Elite status: Includes a 10% point bonus, reservation guarantee, priority late checkout, and more
  • Path to Gold Elite status: Spend $35,000 in an account year to earn Marriott Gold Elite status.
  • 15 Elite Night Credits annually: Toward a higher member status
  • Free in-room premium internet: At participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $95
Runners Up6

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

  • 75,000 bonus points for spending $3,000 in the first 3 months; up to $200 in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants in the first 6 months
  • 6X Marriott Bonvoy Bonus points per dollar for eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 3X Marriott Bonvoy points for:
    • U.S. restaurants
    • Flights booked directly with airlines
  • 2X Marriott Bonvoy points on all other purchases
  • Perks: $300 annual Marriott Bonvoy credit; annual Free Night Award; Gold Elite hotel status; Priority Pass Select membership; Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit; 15 Elite Night Credits; $100 Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis property credit
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $450

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card (Rates & Fees)

View card details

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

  • 150,000 bonus points for spending $2,000 in the first 3 months; 50,000 bonus points for spending a total of $10,000 in the first 6 months
  • 12X Hilton Honors Bonus points per dollar for eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio
  • 6X points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations
  • Annual fee: $95

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card (Rates & Fees)

View card details

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

  • 150,000 bonus points for spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening
  • 14X Hilton Honors Bonus points per dollar for eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio
  • 7X Hilton Honors points on:
    • Flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com
    • Car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
    • U.S. restaurants
  • 3X Hilton Honors points on all other purchases
  • Perks: Hilton Honors Diamond status; Annual free weekend night award; $100 annual Hilton credit; $250 annual Hilton resort credit; $250 annual airline fee credit; Priority Pass Select membership
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $450

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card (Rates & Fees)

View card details

World of Hyatt Credit Card

  • 30,000 bonus points for spending $3,000 in the first 3 months; 2 bonus points per $1 on purchases that earn 1 bonus point, up to $15,000 spent in the first 6 months
  • 9X points on eligible net purchases at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts:
    • 4X Bonus points from the card
    • 5X Base points from Discoverist member status
  • 2X Bonus points on:
    • Restaurants
    • Airline tickets purchased directly from the airline
    • Local transit/commuting
    • Fitness clubs and gym memberships
  • 1X Bonus point on all other purchases
  • Perks: Free Night Stay; World of Hyatt Discoverist status; Visa Signature Concierge
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $95
View card details

IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

  • 125,000 bonus points plus a Reward Night for spending $3,000 in the first three months of account opening
  • 25X points per dollar at IHG hotels:
    • 10X points from the IHG credit card
    • 15X points for IHG Platinum Elite status
  • 2X points per dollar at:
    • Gas stations
    • Grocery stoes
    • Restaurants
  • 1X point per dollar for all other purchases
  • Annual fee: $89
View card details

Radisson Rewards™ Premier Visa Signature® Card

  • 50,000 points after first purchase; 35,000 points after spending $2,500 in the first 90 days
  • 10X points at participating Radisson Family of Hotels
  • 5X points for every other purchase
  • Perks: 40,000 anniversary bonus points; Earn up to 3 Free Night E-Certs per year; Gold Status Radisson Rewards; Concierge
  • Foreign transaction fee: 2% of each foreign purchase or foreign ATM advance in USD; 3% of each foreign purchase or foreign ATM advance in a foreign currency
  • Annual fee: $75
View card details
Airline Rewards

AAdvantage® Aviator™ Red World Elite Mastercard®

Our rating:
Apply Now

securely on the issuer's website

Apply Now

securely on the issuer's website

  • Min. credit levelExcellent
  • Annual Fee$99
  • Regular APR18.24%, 22.24% or 27.24% Variable
Rewards

The AAdvantage® Aviator™ Red World Elite Mastercard® has (in our view) the best credit card intro offer for an airline, with bonus miles along with a companion fare credit — all for simply paying the annual fee and making a purchase, with no spending requirement.

That could cost you as little as $99.01! (But let’s call it $100 for simplicity here.) Most intro bonuses return a portion of what you spend, but in this case you can actually get many times more out of it than you put in.

Introductory Bonus Offer
  • 60,000 AAdvantage bonus miles and a Companion Certificate for 1 guest at $99 (plus taxes and fees) after making a purchase in the first 90 days and paying the annual fee
Spending Rewards
  • 7X AAdvantage miles per dollar for American Airlines purchases
    • 2X AAdvantage miles per dollar from the card
    • 5X AAdvantage miles per dollar from AA member status
  • 1X AAdvantage mile per dollar spent everywhere else

The Companion Certificate is good for one guest at $99, plus taxes and fees. That’s hard to beat; you’ll find a similar offer for Alaska Airlines, which has a spending requirement but is still a great deal.

Key Features
  • 25% in-flight discount: A 25% discount for in-flight purchases on AA-operated flights (awarded as statement credits)
  • Annual $25 in-flight WiFi credit: For in-flight purchases on AA-operated flights
  • Preferred boarding: Group 5 boarding for the cardholder and up to four companions, on AA-operated flights
  • Anniversary Companion Certificate: Spend $20,000 in a calendar year to earn a Companion Certificate, good for one guest at $99 plus taxes and fees.
  • Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months, then 18.24%, 22.24% or 27.24% Variable
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $99
Runners Up7

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card

  • 40,000 bonus miles and a Companion Fare for spending $2,000 in the first 90 days
  • 3X miles per dollar spent on Alaska Airlines & Virgin America purchases
  • 1X mile per dollar spent on all other purchases
  • Perks: Annual Companion Fare credit; First checked bag free on Alaska Airlines flights; 20% in-flight discount; Shopping portal; Alaska Lounge 50% discount on day passes
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $75
View card details

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

  • 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in the first 3 months
  • 3X SkyMiles per dollar for:
    • Purchases made directly with Delta
    • Hotels
  • 2X SkyMiles per dollar at:
    • Restaurants
    • U.S. Supermarkets
  • 1X SkyMile per dollar for all other purchases
  • Perks: First checked bag free; Priority boarding; Discounted Delta Sky Club access; Annual companion certificate; 20% in-flight discount; MQD waiver
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $250

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card (Rates & Fees)

View card details

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

  • 50,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months
  • 3X SkyMiles per eligible dollar spent for purchases made directly with Delta Air Lines
  • 1X SkyMile per eligible dollar spent on all other purchases
  • Perks: Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounge access; Annual Companion Certificate; Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit; First checked bag free; Priority boarding; Complimentary upgrades; 20% in-flight discount
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $550

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (Rates & Fees)

View card details

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

  • 40,000 bonus points for spending $1,000 in the first 3 months; 3X points on dining for the first year
  • 2X points at Southwest Airlines and Rapid Rewards partners
  • 1X point on all other purchases
  • Perks: 7,500 annual bonus points; $75 annual Southwest credit; Four annual Upgraded Boardings; 20% in-flight discount
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $149
View card details

JetBlue Plus Card

  • 60,000 bonus points for paying the annual fee and spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
  • 12X points for JetBlue purchases (6X from the card, 6X or more from flight status)
  • 2X points at:
    • Restaurants
    • Grocery stores
  • 1X point on all other purchases
  • Perks: 10% point redemption bonus; 5,000 annual bonus points; First checked bag free; 50% in-flight discount
  • Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 12 months (for balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening), then 18.24%, 22.24%, or 27.24% Variable
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $99
View card details

United℠ Explorer Card

  • 40,000 bonus miles for spending $2,000 in the first 3 months; 25,000 bonus miles for spending a total of $10,000 in the first 6 months
  • 2X United miles per dollar spent for:
    • United Airlines
    • Hotel accommodations made directly with the hotel
    • Restaurants
  • 1X United mile per dollar spent on other purchases
  • Perks: Two United Club passes; Priority boarding; First checked bag free; 25% in-flight discount; Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
View card details

Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®

  • 60,000 bonus miles when you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
  • 3X HawaianMiles per dollar spent at Hawaiian Airlines
  • 2X HawaiianMiles per dollar spent on:
    • Gas
    • Dining
    • Groceries
  • 1X HawaiianMile per dollar spent on all other purchases
  • Perks: $100 annual companion ticket discount; One-time 50% companion ticket discount; First checked bag free; Discounted award prices
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee first year, then $99
View card details
  • 60,000 bonus miles after making a purchase in the first 90 days and paying the annual fee
  • Introductory Companion Certificate good for 1 guest at $99 (plus taxes and fees) after your first card purchase in the first 90 days, and paying the annual fee
  • Anniversary Companion Certificate for spending $20,000 on purchases in a year, and keeping your account open for 45 days after your anniversary date
  • Double miles on eligible American Airlines purchases
  • One mile per dollar spent elsewhere
  • There is no limit to the amount of rewards you can earn
  • First eligible checked bag free for you and up to 4 traveling companions on American Airlines
  • 10% back on redeemed miles, up to 10,000 miles each year
  • 25% savings on eligible in-flight purchases
  • Preferred boarding lets you and up to 4 companions board after Priority boarding but before economy, in group 5 for American Airlines
  • 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 15 months, then 18.24%, 22.24% or 27.24% variable
  • $99 annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Chip-enabled technology to increase security and convenience
Business Rewards

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Our rating:
How To Apply
How To Apply
  • Min. credit levelExcellent
  • Annual Fee$95
  • Regular APR15.99%-20.99% Variable
Rewards

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (Review) has perhaps the best welcome bonus currently available when it comes to cards that aren’t co-branded with airlines and hotels. It’s made all the better because you can transfer those points to airline and hotel loyalty programs, where they could be worth 2 cents each or more.

Introductory Bonus Offer
  • 100,000 bonus points for spending $15,000 in the first 3 months after account opening
Spending Rewards
  • 5X Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on Lyft rides (through March 2022)
  • 3X Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent per year in combined purchases on:
    • Travel
    • Shipping
    • Internet, cable, and phone services
    • Advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines
  • 1X Ultimate Rewards point per dollar on all other purchases

The downside is a fairly high spending requirement, but many businesses probably won’t have too much trouble reaching it.

You could also opt for a more modest redemption bonus of 25%, for 1.25 cents per point, by redeeming through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Key Features
  • 25% point bonus: When redeeming for travel expenses through Chase Ultimate Rewards
  • Point transfer: Transfer points at a 1:1 rate to leading airline and hotel frequent traveler programs, like World of Hyatt or JetBlue TrueBlue.
  • Luxury Hotel Collection: Book eligible rooms to get perks like daily breakfast for two, complimentary WiFi, room upgrades, early check-in, late checkout, and unique gifts.
  • Shop through Chase/Chase Offers: Earn more points by shopping at participating retailers with the Shop through Chase and Chase Offers marketplaces.
  • Free employee cards: Get up to 70 free employee cards to help track spending and earn more rewards.
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $95
Runners Up7

Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card

  • 75,000 bonus points for spending $3,000 in the first 3 months; $150 in statement credits for eligible purchases made in the first 3 months
  • 6X Marriott Bonvoy Bonus points per dollar for eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Marriott Bonvoy Portfolio
  • 4X Marriott Bonvoy Bonus points on:
    • U.S. restaurants
    • U.S. gas stations
    • Wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. providers
    • U.S. purchases of shipping
  • 2X Marriott Bonvoy Bonus points on all other purchases
  • Perks: Free Night Award; Silver Elite status; Free premium WiFi; 15 Elite Night Credits annually
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $125

Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card (Rates & Fees)

View card details

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

For the two Chase Ink cards without annual fees, if you have another Chase card that allows point transfers (like the Ink Business Preferred) you can move your rewards to the card with the better redemption options to get more value. A $500 bonus could be worth $1,000 or more with a savvy point transfer.

  • $750 cash bonus for spending $7,500 in the first 3 months after account opening
  • 5% cash back on Lyft rides
  • 1.5% cash back for every other purchase
  • Perks: Chase Offers; Shop through Chase
  • Shopping and travel protections: Purchase Protection; Extended Warranty; Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver; Baggage Delay Insurance
  • Annual fee: $0
View card details

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

  • $750 cash bonus for spending $7,500 in the first 3 months after account opening
  • 5% cash back on Lyft rides
  • 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent each year at Office supply stores and on Internet, cable, and phone services
  • 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent each year at Gas stations and Restaurants
  • 1% cash back for every other purchase
  • Perks: Chase Offers; Shop through Chase
  • Shopping and travel protections: Purchase Protection; Extended Warranty; Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver; Baggage Delay Insurance
  • Annual fee: $0
View card details

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

  • 50,000 bonus miles for spending $4,500 in the first 3 months
  • 5X miles for:
    • Hotels booked through Capital One Travel
    • Rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2X miles for every other purchase
  • Perks: Point transfer; Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit
  • Shopping and travel protections: Purchase Security, Extended Warranty, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Roadside Assistance
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0 intro for first year; $95 after that
View card details

Capital One Spark Cash for Business

  • $500 cash bonus for spending $4,500 in the first 3 months
  • 2% cash back for every purchase
  • Shopping and travel protections: Purchase Security; Extended Warranty; Price Protection; Rental Insurance Coverage; Roadside Assistance
  • Annual fee: $0 intro for first year; $95 after that
View card details

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

  • 130,000 bonus points for spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
  • 12X Hilton Honors Bonus points per dollar for eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio
  • 6X Hilton Honors Bonus points per dollar for:
    • U.S. Gas stations
    • U.S. Wireless telephone services
    • U.S. Restaurants
    • U.S. Shipping purchases
    • Flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel
    • Car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies
  • 3X Hilton Honors Bonus points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
  • Perks: Limited Priority Pass Select membership; Hilton Honors Gold status; Spend to earn annual weekend night awards; Amex Offers
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $95

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card (Rates & Fees)

View card details

United Club℠ Business Card

  • 100,000 bonus miles for spending $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
  • 2X miles per dollar spent on United Airlines purchases
  • 1.5X miles per dollar spent on all other purchases
  • Perks: United Club membership; Premier Access airport services; Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit; Free first and second checked bags; Premier Upgrades; 25% in-flight discount
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $450
View card details
Bad Credit

Discover it® Secured

Our rating:
  • Min. credit levelBad
  • Annual Fee$0
  • Regular APRSee Terms
Rewards

With bad credit you may have a tough time being approved for credit cards, but there’s actually one great intro bonus that’s still in your grasp.

The Discover it® Secured (Review), despite being a secured card made for poor credit, offers a solid rewards program that includes Discover’s unique Cashback Match, giving you access to up to 4% cash back in your first year. Build credit and earn rewards, too — not a bad deal.

Introductory Bonus Offer
  • Cashback Match: Double all cash back earned in the first year; awarded at the end of the first year
Spending Rewards
  • 2% cash back on up to $1,000 spent per quarter (then 1%) at:
    • Gas stations
    • Restaurants
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
Key Features
  • Free credit score: Track your FICO Score 8 over time, based on your TransUnion credit report.
  • Social Security number alerts: Get notified if your SSN is found on any thousands of risky websites.
  • Inquiry and new account alerts: Alerts if any new credit inquiries or accounts show up on your Experian credit report
  • Purchase APR: See Terms
  • Balance Transfer APR: See Terms for See Terms, then See Terms
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0

What Credit Card Has the Best Signup Bonus?

Most reward credit cards (including cash back cards) have an introductory bonus of some kind. The most valuable offers include:

What Is a Signup Bonus?

A signup bonus, often known as an introductory bonus, an intro bonus, or a welcome bonus, is a special offer created to spur credit card spending.

Signup bonuses are usually awarded in the form of points, cash back, or a statement credit after the cardholder spends a set amount of money within a given timeframe after the account is opened. The intro bonus for a given card may change quite frequently.

Here’s an example of a typical signup bonus: Spend $1,000 in the first three months to earn $250 in cash back.

Learn much more about signup bonuses here, including ideas for reaching spending requirements without spending more than you usually would.

To give you an idea of how these offers look, here’s the bonus that was available for the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Review) on November 16, 2020 (the current offer may be different):

Bonus offer for the Chase Sapphire Reserve, as of November 16, 2020

Bonus offer for the Chase Sapphire Reserve, as of November 16, 2020

Less commonly, credit card issuers will change it up. Other types of signup bonuses include travel rewards like free hotel stays, or offers like Discover’s Cashback Match, which doubles the cash back earned during your first year as a cardholder.

All spending to secure your signup bonus must be done within the allotted time, and in most cases only purchases count — your annual fee won’t help you earn a welcome bonus, nor will balances transferred from another account.

How Long Do I Have to Earn the Signup Bonus?

In most cases, you’ll get either three months or 90 days to meet the spending requirement to earn the bonus. The countdown begins the moment you’re approved for your credit card and the account is opened — not when you get the card in the mail or activate it.

Some offers are different, however. You may only get two months in some cases, while other introductory bonuses give you six months or even a year.

Be sure to take note of your specific offer when you apply for a card — signup bonus offers change fairly often, so if you check the issuer’s website later on, you may see a different offer. If you lost track of your offer details, contact your card issuer to ask.

Intro bonuses aren’t too complicated, but there may be more to them than you realize; read all about signup bonus offers here.

What Are Public Bonus Offers and Private Bonus Offers?

There are both public signup bonuses and private signup bonuses. Public offers are open to anyone, and private offers are only available to select groups of targeted consumers.

Private offers are typically better than public, perhaps offering $250 or $300 cash back instead of $200. The spending requirement may remain the same or it could change.

You may get private credit card offers online, by email, or by postal mail. Consider checking if you’re pre-approved for any credit cards, which may show you private offers that you’re eligible for (although it won’t always show you every available private offer).

For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, please click here.

Instant, online, in minutes

Find your next credit cards with the benefits you're looking for

Get Started
Person holding a card while smiling
Scroll to top