A welcome bonus is offered by many different credit card companies as an incentive to get their card. With most credit cards, a welcome bonus is a point bonus to help get you started with a large number of points, so you begin redeeming travel or other rewards.
The bonus is usually a one-time payment that is put into your account, but some companies offer it as a smaller release of points over time. You usually have to spend a certain amount of money during the first 90 days in order to get the welcome bonus.
Card | Rewards | Bonus | Annual Fee | Best For |
| 1-5%
5% cashback on up to $1,500 in rotating category purchases each quarter when you activate the bonus category (then 1%), as well 1% percent cash back on all other purchases
| Cashback Match
All cash back earned at the end of the first 12 months is matched.
| $0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-6%
6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit
and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
|
$250
$250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
| $95 ($0 intro for the first year) (Rates & Fees) | ||
| 1% – 4%
unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, 3% at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases.
| $300
$300 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
| $95 | ||
| 1.5% – 5%
5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 3% on drugstore purchases and 1.5% cash back on all purchases
| $200
Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
| $0 | ||
| 1x – 6X
6X points for every $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® credit card. Plus, earn up to 10X points from Marriott for being a Marriott Bonvoy® member. Plus, earn up to 1X point from Marriott with Silver Elite Status. Earn 3X points for every $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining. Earn 2X points for every $1 you spend on all other purchases.
| 3 Free Nights
3 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening
| $95 |
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
Rates & Fees, Terms Apply
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers a decent welcome bonus as well as high rewards rate. New applicants can earn up to $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Terms Apply.
However, warehouse clubs and superstores are not included. The American Blue Cash Preferred Card charges an annual fee of $95 ($0 intro for the first year), but you can justify this if you reach the higher cashback threshold in U.S. supermarkets. This makes the card suitable for individuals that buy or purchase their groceries at traditional supermarkets.
- Rewards Plan: 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
- APR: 19.24% – 29.99% Variable
- Annual Fee: $95 ($0 intro for the first year)
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 3%, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.70%
- Welcome bonus: $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
- 0% APR Introductory Rate Months: 12 months on purchases and balance transfers
* Terms Apply
- Welcome Bonus
- Cash Back Rewards
- 0% APR Intro
- Redeeming Options
- Extended Warranty on Purchases
- $95 Annual Fee
- Short Introductory Rates
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Foreign Transaction Fee
- Minimum Redemption Amounts
- Is there a limit to rewards/cash back? You can get the premium cashback rate on groceries until you have annual purchases in this area of $6,000. The rate then goes to 1%.
- Can I get car rental insurance? how? Yes, you will get this insurance if you refuse the car rental company’s insurance coverage and you pay for the entire cost of the rental with this card.
- Does it have a cash-back/point rewards limit? You can get the premium cashback rate on groceries until you have annual purchases in this area of $6,000. The rate then goes to 1%. Otherwise, there are no restrictions.
- Do you need a proof of income? No transparent income requirements or proof of income requests.
- Does the rewards points expire? They do not expire once you keep your account open and meet a few basic conditions.
- Can I get pre-approved? Yes, you can get pre-approval.
- What is the initial credit limit? It will be at least $1,000 and usually greater.
- How do I redeem cash back? The rewards will be credited to you in the form of a statement credit.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
The Capital One Venture Rewards is a low-cost travel card that worth’s its value. It allows you to earn rewards and bonus points while traveling for business, leisure, or pleasure. However, it requires holders to have a credit score of between 680 and 850.
The rewards plan includes 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, plus 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel . The card attracts no annual fees, and you can get a sign up bonus of 75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
- APR: 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
- Annual fee: $95
- Balance Transfer Fee: N/A
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Rewards Plan: 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, plus 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Sign Up bonus: 75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: N/A
- Flexible Rewards Redemption
- Great Sign-Up Bonus
- No Blackout/Expiration Dates
- No Accumulation Limit on Miles
- High Variable APR
- Airline Partners Limitations
- $95 Annual Fee
- Redeem Points for a Statement Credit
- What are Capital One Venture card income requirements? Capital One often required monthly income to be at least $800. Sometimes, you will need to show some proof of income.
- Does rewards points expire? They do not expire.
- Can I get pre-approved on card Capital One Venture Card? Yes, you can get pre-approval.
- What is the initial credit limit ? The minimum credit limit is set at $5,000.
- How do I redeem cash back? You can do so in a number of ways, such as spending your accumulated miles directly on travel purchases, or redeem as cash, using at participating retailers, and so on.
- What purchases don't earn cash back with the Capital One Venture Card? Every purchase earns cashback.
- Should You Move to Capital One Venture Card? If you spent a decent amount of time and money on travel expenses.
- Why did Capital One Venture Card deny me? What to Do Next? You might not have met all of the requirements. You can enquire as to where your application fell short. If you cannot proceed, you can look at some of the other available options.
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards
Reward Details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards credit card stands out as a no-annual-fee option catering to foodies, social explorers, and streaming enthusiasts. The sign up bonus include $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
The standard cash back rate is Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), 1 percent on all other purchases. 10% percent cash back on purchases made through Uber and Uber Eats. 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked using Capital One Travel..
The card comes with a 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, making it attractive for those looking to avoid interest while paying down balances.
- Rewards Plan: Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), 1 percent on all other purchases. 10% percent cash back on purchases made through Uber and Uber Eats. 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked using Capital One Travel.
- APR: 19.99% – 29.99% variable
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Sign Up Bonus: $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
- No Annual Fee
- Versatile Cash Back Categories
- Welcome Bonus
- Introductory 0% APR
- High Credit Requirement
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Not the Highest Rewards Rate
Are there foreign transaction fees associated with this card?
No, there are no foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for international use.
Can cash back rewards be redeemed at any time?
Yes, cash back rewards can be redeemed at any amount, at any time.
Which purchases earn the highest cash back rates?
The card offers boosted cash back rates on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and grocery store purchases.
Can rewards be transferred to other Capital One cards?
Yes, rewards earned on the SavorOne can be transferred to the Capital One Venture card at a 1:1 rate.
Citi Premier® Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
With the Citi Premier card, you'll earn unlimited 10X per dollar on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com, 3X points on restaurant, supermarket, gas station, and air travel and other hotels purchases, and 1X points per dollar on all other purchases. The points can be redeemed through the Citibank Thankyou Network that allows for the combining of points. They also can be used for things other than traveling, such as merchandise and gift cards.
As a sign up bonus, you'll get 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards on thankyou.com. It also has travel insurance that covers canceled or delayed flights and baggage delay insurance and it doesn't have a foreign transaction fee. These features help give you peace of mind while traveling at home and abroad.
However, the card has an annual fee of $95 – so make sure the benefits you get cover the card fee.
- Rewards Plan: 10X per dollar on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com, 3X points on restaurant, supermarket, gas station, and air travel and other hotels purchases, and 1X points per dollar on all other purchases
- APR: 21.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Annual fee: $95
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 3%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Sign Up bonus: 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards on thankyou.com
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: None
- Sign-Up Bonus
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Thank you Points + No Limit
- Protection & Free Credit Score
- $95 Annual Fee
- No Intro 0% APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Complicated Rewards Structure and Redemption
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
N/A
APR
- APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable APR
- Annual fee: $250
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5%, whichever is greater.
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Rewards Plan: 6X points for every $1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4X points on the first $15,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores and dining, 2X points on other purchases.
- Sign Up bonus: 85,000 Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: N/A
- High Rewards Rates
- Automatic Gold Elite Status
- Free Night Award Upon Spending
- Exclusive Marriott Bonvoy Stay Points
- Limited Perks for Annual Fee
- Drawback for Occasional Travelers
- Average Rewards on Non-Marriott Purchases
- Limited Elite Status Benefits
Are there any blackout dates for redeeming points?
Generally, there are no blackout dates for redeeming points, providing flexibility in booking stays.
Can I share my Elite Night Credits with others?
No, Elite Night Credits earned through the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card are not shareable and are tied to the primary cardholder's account.
Are there restrictions on using the Free Night Award?
The Free Night Award is limited to participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels with a redemption value of up to 50,000 points per night.
Do Marriott Bonvoy points expire?
Marriott Bonvoy points do not expire as long as there is account activity (earning or redeeming points) every 24 months.
What are Elite Night Credits, and how do they work?
Elite Night Credits are credits that count toward achieving higher elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program, and the card provides 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year.
What is Gold Elite status, and what benefits does it offer?
Gold Elite status provides perks like a 25% points bonus on hotel purchases, late checkout, room upgrades, and enhanced internet access at Marriott properties.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card has recently changes its sign up bonus structure. In the new model, new applicants are eligible for Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening..
Another benefit worth mentioning is the long 0% intro APR – 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (20.24%–28.99% variable after that). Overall, Chase Freedom Unlimited is one of the best options in the market, especially for those who are looking to save the annual fee.
- APR: 20.24%–28.99% variable
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Rewards Plan: 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 3% on drugstore purchases and 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- Sign Up bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
- Cash Back Rewards + Sign Up Bonus
- 0% APR on Balance Transfers & Purchases
- No Annual Fee
- Protection & Free Credit Score
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Foreign Transaction Fee
- Less Relevant For Frequent Travelers
- Is there a limit to cashback rewards? There is no cap.
- Can I get car rental insurance with a Chase Freedom Unlimited card? Yes, when you rent the car and pay for all of it with this card and do not accept coverage from the rental company.
- Should You Move to Chase Freedom Unlimited card? This is a good fit for people who are looking for no annual fee card including good cashback rates that do not change.
- Why did Chase Freedom Unlimited card deny me? You might not have met one of the requirements for this card. You can talk with a member of the customer support team to see what the issue is and how you might be able to rectify it.
- How hard is it to get a Chase Freedom Unlimited card? It is not very hard to get this type of card once you meet all of the straightforward requirements.
- How to maximize rewards on the Chase Freedom Unlimited card?
- You can choose between the options as to how you utilize the rewards. To maximize rewards, you should make the most of the signup bonus and also be aware of which of your credit cards have the best cashback for a particular type of purchase.
- Top reasons NOT to get the Chase Freedom Unlimited card? If you are looking for higher flat cashback rates. You may also travel a lot and not want to pay the 3% foreign exchange transaction charge that comes with this card.
- Does Chase ask for proof of income? There is no specific income requirements and it does not usually ask for proof of income requirements.
- Does the card offer pre-approval? Yes, you can get pre-approval.
- What is the initial credit limit? The initial credit limit varies, but can often be between $1,000 and $5,000.
- How do I redeem cashback? Go to the Ultimate Rewards section that Chase offers and you can choose between the options as to how you utilize the rewards.
- What purchases don't earn cashback with the Freedom Unlimited card? All purchases earn cashback with this card.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
Reward details
3X points on Southwest purchases, 2X points on Southwest’s Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, local transit and commuting (including rideshares) and internet, cable phone and select streaming services; 1X points on all other purchases
Current Offer
50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is the most premium Southwest card, an ideal choice for frequent Southwest flyers, offering a range of benefits that outweigh its $149 annual fee.
The card provides a welcome bonus of 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
However, there are drawbacks, such as limited bonus categories. While the card provides a earns 3X points on Southwest purchases, 2X points on Southwest’s Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, local transit and commuting (including rideshares) and internet, cable phone and select streaming services; 1X points on all other purchases, it pales in comparison to cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, which offers more extensive bonus categories and flexibility.
- APR: 21.24% – 28.24% variable APR
- Annual fee: $149
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5% (whichever is greater)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Rewards Plan: 3X points on Southwest purchases, 2X points on Southwest’s Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, local transit and commuting (including rideshares) and internet, cable phone and select streaming services; 1X points on all other purchases
- Sign Up bonus: 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: N/A
- Annual Travel Credit
- Companion Pass Eligibility
- Upgraded Boardings
- Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs)
- Annual Fee
- Limited Bonus Categories
- Lack of Comprehensive Travel Protections
Is there a limit to the number of qualifying points earned for A-List elite status?
There is no cap on the number of Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) that can be earned, providing flexibility to accumulate points for elite status.
What are the perks of the Southwest Companion Pass?
The Companion Pass allows a friend or family member to fly for free (plus taxes and fees) for up to two years when traveling with the cardhold
Can the annual travel credit be used for any Southwest purchase?
Yes, the travel credit can be applied to most Southwest purchases, excluding upgraded boardings and in-flight purchases.
Can points earned on the card be transferred to other airlines or hotel partners?
No, the points are specific to Southwest and cannot be transferred to other loyalty programs.
How does the Southwest fixed-value redemption program work?
The program ties the points needed for redemption to the cash price of the ticket, offering flexibility without blackout dates.
Are there limitations to the four free upgraded boardings per year?
The upgraded boardings are subject to availability and can be used for positions A1 to A15.
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What to Focus on When Shopping Around?
Before choosing a credit card, it’s important to look at all the sign-up bonus options and choose the best one for you. Here are some tips to follow to help you choose:
- Make sure you can pay the money required to earn the welcome bonus. For example, the company might require you to spend $1,000 during the first 90 days. Make sure this is financially doable for you so that you do not become overwhelmed or stressed.
- Get a welcome bonus on a card that gives you the right perks. If you like to travel, make sure you are earning a welcome bonus for a travel card to help you redeem free flights.
- Consider the annual fee. Even though you are getting a free welcome bonus, you will have to pay the annual fee. Make sure you can afford the annual fee and consider ways you can make the fee up with statement credits and other perks.
- Wait for the right time (if possible). Some card companies offer more bonuses around the holidays. Try to wait for the maximum welcome bonus so you can get the most amount of points and rewards possible.
Issuer's Restrictions on Welcome Bonuses
Each issuer has its own rules when it comes to sign up bonuses. Here are the main things you should know before apply:
There is only one welcome bonus per card per person. You also have to make sure you reach the spending requirement before the first 90 days are up so you can get the welcome bonus.
You cannot receive more than one bonus on the same credit card every 24 months. You also cannot cancel the card and then receive the same one with a bonus.
You can only receive the welcome bonus every 48 months.
You cannot receive more than one welcome bonus every 15 months.
They do now allow you to have the same card within a 24-month period. So, you will only be able to get welcome bonuses every 2 years.
Like most credit cards, you cannot earn the same welcome bonus on the same credit card within a 2-year period.
They are one of the only card companies that do not impose restrictions on the welcome bonuses. There is no set time period between bonuses. As long as you are approved, you will get the bonus.
When Do You Know you've Earned the Sign-up Bonus?
You will usually get the welcome bonus email from the credit card company once you have earned it. It should also say when you can expect it to go into your account. It will usually go into your account once the next statement comes.
If you do not receive an email from the credit card company, you might just see it automatically go into your account once the next month rolls around. If you don’t see it, you might need to contact customer support from the company.
What is Considered a ‘Good' Welcome Bonus?
This really depends on the credit card you have and what you are trying to earn with the credit card. You also need to make sure the bonus points are in a good ratio with the points you are getting.
For example, if you have to spend $3000 during the first three months and you are only getting 10,000 points, this is not a good deal.
Most companies will offer 10,000 points for every $1,000 you spend at least. Some companies will even offer 20,000 points. Make sure you are getting enough points to match the cost you have to spend to get the points.
Should You Apply For a Credit Card with a High Sign-up Bonus?
Determining which credit card offers the best sign-up bonus will depend on your needs and preferences. For example, if your main goal with a credit card is to travel, you might want to consider getting the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. They offer the most perks and rewards for flight and hotel options.
If you are looking for a card with the best welcome bonus and no annual fee, consider getting the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards. You can enjoy the welcome bonus without needing to pay a large annual fee.
If you are most concerned with getting cashback rewards and statement credits, you can choose the Capital One Savor One Cash Rewards. They offer a much higher percentage for cashback than many of the other credit card companies.
A large welcome bonus offer comes with higher spending requirements within the first 90 days. If you can afford this, signing up for a welcome bonus can be a good option.
How Do You Evaluate the Worth of a Sign-up Bonus?
The best way to evaluate the worth of a sign-up bonus is to try and determine your average monthly spending. You can do this by looking at your past credit card or bank statements. If your credit card wants you to spend $3,000 in the first three months to get the welcome bonus, you need to make sure you are spending at least $1,000 a month on average. If you’re not, the welcome bonus might not be worth it.
If you have a large purchase coming up, you can also consider getting the credit card because the large purchase combined with your monthly spending will ensure you spend enough to get the welcome bonus.
You also need to make sure you are considering the annual fee. Make sure the card’s other perks and rewards will make up for the annual fee and make the cost worth it.
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Ranking Methodology
To identify the best credit cards with big welcome bonuses, our team meticulously researched offerings from various issuers, focusing on major banks and financial institutions. We rated these cards based on four key categories tailored for consumers seeking lucrative sign-up bonuses:
Welcome Bonus Value (30%): We assess the value of the welcome bonus offered by each card, considering the bonus amount in cash back, points, or miles, as well as any additional requirements to qualify for the bonus. Cards offering higher welcome bonus values with reasonable spending requirements score higher in this category.
Card Features & Offers (50%): We examine card features such as annual fees, rewards, APR, insurance benefits, and protections. Cards offering a comprehensive range of benefits without excessive fees and competitive rates earn higher scores.
User Experience & Support (20%): We scrutinize the ease of application, customer service quality, and online account management tools provided by the issuer. Cards with streamlined application processes, responsive customer support, and user-friendly online portals or mobile apps receive higher ratings, ensuring a positive experience for cardholders.
