Did you know the average sign-up bonus for travel credit cards can go over $500? Yes, credit card companies offer big rewards to get you to apply. These rewards can be in the form of travel points, cash back, or even 0% APR offers. If you can meet the spending needs, these cards can offer a lot of value.
Key Takeaways
- Sign-up bonuses are a common way for credit card issuers to attract new customers.
- Travel and airline credit cards tend to offer the highest sign-up bonuses, often worth $750 to $1,000 for meeting spending requirements.
- Cash back credit cards typically have sign-up bonuses in the $150 to $200 range for spending $500 to $1,000.
- The easiest sign-up bonuses to earn are often on cash back cards with lower spending thresholds.
- There’s no overall limit to the number of sign-up bonuses you can earn, though issuers may restrict certain offers based on your account history.
Understanding Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
Credit card sign-up bonuses can be a great way to start earning rewards. These bonuses, or welcome offers, give you incentives for opening a new account. You usually have to spend a certain amount within 3-6 months to get the bonus.
How Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses Work
Sign-up bonuses can be worth hundreds or even $1,000 or more. To get the bonus, you must spend a minimum amount, like $500 or $3,000, in the first few months. After you hit the spending goal, the bonus is added to your account, often in a few billing cycles.
Different Types of Sign-Up Bonuses
- Cash back – These bonuses give you a lump sum of cash back, usually between $150 to $300.
- Points or miles – Travel rewards cards can offer thousands of points or miles, worth a lot of money.
- Statement credits – Some cards give a one-time credit, which can help pay your first year’s fee or other bills.
- Merchandise or gift cards – A few cards offer a welcome bonus in the form of a gift card or merchandise.
To get the most from a sign-up bonus, it’s key to know the rules and meet the spending goals on time. Not doing so might mean losing the bonus or facing interest charges that could erase the rewards value.
Factors Influencing Sign-Up Bonus Value
Several factors affect the value of credit card sign-up bonuses. Knowing these can help you pick the best card for your needs. This way, you can get the most out of your credit card.
Annual Fees and Bonus Values
Annual fees play a big role in credit card bonuses. Cards with fees often give bigger sign-up bonuses than those without fees. This is because the card company wants to make the offer more appealing to cover the yearly cost.
NerdWallet suggests looking for a sign-up bonus that equals three years of the annual fee. So, a card with a $95 yearly fee should have a bonus of at least $285 to be worth it.
Comparing Point and Mile Values
It’s also key to know how much the points or miles from the bonus are worth. Just having a lot of points or miles isn’t enough. Points are usually worth at least a penny each, but this can change a lot.
For example, Hilton Honors points are worth 0.5 cent each, says NerdWallet. Chase Ultimate Rewards® points are 1 cent for cash back, but 1.25 cents for travel through Chase’s portal. Think about what you need and how you’ll use the points to choose the best option.
Looking at annual fees and how you can use points and miles helps you pick the best credit card. This way, you can make a smart choice for your needs.
Credit Cards with the Highest Sign-Up Bonuses
If you want to boost your rewards, start with credit card sign-up bonuses. Many top cards offer big welcome bonuses for new users. These bonuses can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Some of the best credit cards for sign-up bonuses are:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® – 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months, worth up to $900 in travel
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months, worth up to $750 in travel
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express – $250 cash back after spending $3,000 within the first 6 months
These top credit cards with highest sign-up bonuses can give you a big boost in rewards. Whether you want points for travel or cash back, these offers are great. The best welcome offers for new cardholders often require spending a lot, but the rewards are worth it.
“The value of these bonuses can range from $500 to $1,000 or more when redeemed for travel or cash back.”
Using these sign-up offers can help you start earning rewards fast. Make sure the card fits your spending and financial goals. This way, you can make the most of your credit card.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Sign-Up Bonus
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a top-tier travel credit card. It offers a great sign-up bonus for new cardholders. Spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months to earn a 60,000 bonus points.
This welcome offer is worth up to $900 in travel when you use Chase’s travel portal.
Bonus Details
The chase sapphire reserve sign-up bonus of 60,000 points is very attractive. These points are worth 1.5 cents each for travel through Chase. So, the value of the chase sapphire reserve welcome offer could be up to $900 in travel.
Why It’s a Top Pick
There are many reasons to get the chase sapphire reserve. It offers premium travel benefits for frequent travelers. You get a $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access, and up to $100 in credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fees.
It also gives you 3X points on travel and dining purchases. This makes it a great choice for earning rewards on everyday spending.
“The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a must-have card for avid travelers who can maximize its exceptional perks and rewards.”
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express Sign-Up Bonus
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a top choice for cash-back rewards. It offers a big sign-up bonus and great earning potential. New cardholders get a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months. This is one of the best cash bonuses for cash-back credit cards.
Bonus Details
The Blue Cash Preferred card gives more than just a big welcome bonus. Cardholders earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 a year). They also get 6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions and 3% at U.S. gas stations and on transit. All other purchases earn a solid 1% cash back.
This card also has a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months. After that, the APR ranges from 19.24% to 29.99%. It’s perfect for financing a big purchase or paying off debt.
Why It’s a Top Pick
The blue cash preferred sign-up bonus and its ongoing rewards make it a top pick. It’s great for those who spend a lot on groceries, streaming, gas, and transit. The card can earn hundreds of dollars in cash back each year. The reasons to get the blue cash preferred card are clear – it offers great value for maximizing spending and earning rewards.
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card Intro Offer
If you’re looking for a credit card with a long 0% introductory APR, the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card is worth considering. It offers a 0% intro APR on new purchases and balance transfers for 21 billing cycles. This is one of the longest offers available.
Offer Details
The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card gives you a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 21 billing cycles. This long period without interest is great for financing big purchases or paying off existing balances.
After the intro APR ends, the card also offers up to $600 in cell phone protection. You get this if you pay your cell phone bill with the card each month. This perk can help protect your device.
Why It’s a Top Pick
The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card is a top choice for several reasons:
- Generous 0% intro APR period of 21 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
- Up to $600 in cell phone protection
- Great option for those looking to save on interest or protect their device
The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card doesn’t offer rewards. But, its long 0% intro APR and cell phone coverage make it a strong choice for those who value these benefits.
Chase Freedom Unlimited® Sign-Up Bonus
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® credit card has a great sign-up bonus. You can get up to $300 in cash back. New cardholders earn an extra 1.5% cash back on all buys, up to the first $20,000 spent in the first year.
This welcome offer, along with the card’s 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase, 3% back at restaurants and drugstores, and 1.5% on all other purchases, makes it a top choice. It’s a no-annual-fee cash back credit card.
Bonus Details
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® sign-up bonus gives new cardholders $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months. Plus, you get 20,000 bonus points, worth $200 cash back. So, the total sign-up bonus value is up to $300.
Why It’s a Top Pick
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a top choice for those looking for a no-annual-fee cash back credit card. It offers a big sign-up bonus and impressive ongoing cash back rates. You can earn 5% back on travel booked through Chase, 3% at restaurants and drugstores, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
Plus, you can transfer points to other Chase cards for even more rewards. This makes it a great option for maximizing your rewards.
“The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a go-to cash back card for those who want to earn rewards without an annual fee. The sign-up bonus and ongoing earning rates make it a top pick in the no-fee cash back category.”
Discover it® Secured Credit Card Cashback Match
If you’re looking to build credit, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a great choice. It has a special welcome bonus. This card’s Cashback Match program is a big deal. Discover will match all the cash back you earn in your first 12 months.
Here’s how it works: If you earn $80 in cash back in your first year, Discover will add another $80. This means you’ll get a total of $160 in cash back. There’s no limit to how much Discover will match, making this a great deal.
Bonus Details
The Discover it Secured Card’s Cashback Match lasts for the first 365 days or 12 billing cycles, whichever is longer. Starting from when you get your card, you can earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter. You’ll also get 1% cash back on all other purchases.
It’s easy to get your Cashback Bonus®. You can get cash, use it for Amazon.com, get gift cards starting at $5, or donate to charity.
Why It’s a Top Pick
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a top pick for building credit. It has a Cashback Match welcome bonus and ongoing cash back rewards. You need to put down a refundable security deposit to open the account. But, the chance to earn double the cash back in the first year is a big plus for those building or rebuilding their credit.
Along with the Cashback Match program, the Discover it Secured Card offers 24/7 U.S.-based customer service, online privacy protection, and a $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee on unauthorized purchases. These features, along with earning cash back on everyday purchases, make the Discover it Secured Card a top choice for building your credit history.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card Sign-Up Bonus
Looking to boost your Marriott Bonvoy rewards? The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card has a great sign-up bonus. You can earn three free night awards (up to 150,000 points) after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
This bonus is worth about $1,275 in hotel stays. The card also offers 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 Marriott Bonvoy hotels. You’ll earn 3 points per $1 on gas stations, grocery stores, and dining, and 2 points on all other purchases.
Cardholders get 15 Elite Night Credits each year. This can help you reach higher elite status levels. Plus, you’ll get a free night award every year after your account anniversary, for a one-night stay at a property up to 35,000 points.
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card offers valuable benefits and a sign-up bonus. It’s perfect for frequent travelers or those starting their Marriott Bonvoy journey. This card is definitely worth considering.
| Card | Annual Fee | Welcome Offer | Offer Value | Other Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card | $95 | 3 Free Night Awards (up to 150,000 points) | $1,275 | Automatic Silver Elite status, 15 elite night credits annually, free night award after $15,000 in annual spend |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card | $650 | 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy points | $1,573 | Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, annual free night award, $300 restaurant credit, Priority Pass lounge access |
| Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card | $250 | 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy points | $1,318 | Complimentary Gold Elite status, 15 elite night credits annually |
| Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card | $125 | 3 free night awards | $1,275 | Automatic Gold Elite status, 15 elite night credits annually, 4X points at restaurants |
Conclusion
Credit card sign-up bonuses are a great way for new cardholders to earn rewards. Travel rewards cards and those with annual fees often have the best offers. But, there are also great cash back bonuses out there.
When looking at sign-up bonuses, think about the spending needed, the type of bonus (points, miles, cash), and the ongoing rewards. This helps you understand the bonus’s true value.
By learning about sign-up bonuses and comparing the best offers, you can get the most from a new credit card. With the right card, you could earn thousands of bonus points, miles, or cash. This can be used for travel, daily expenses, or reaching your financial goals.
If you want to earn points for a vacation or increase your cash back, using credit card sign-up bonuses is a smart choice. Do your homework and pick the card that fits your needs. This way, you can fully benefit from these generous offers.
FAQ
What are credit card sign-up bonuses?
Credit card sign-up bonuses are rewards given by card companies to get people to apply and use their cards. You earn these bonuses by spending a certain amount in the first few months.
What types of sign-up bonuses are available?
You can get sign-up bonuses in cash, statement credits, points, miles, or hotel rewards. Travel cards usually offer bigger rewards than cash back cards.
How do annual fees impact sign-up bonuses?
Cards with annual fees often give bigger sign-up bonuses. This is because the bonus helps cover the fee and encourages people to pick that card.
How do I compare the value of different sign-up bonuses?
It’s hard to compare points and miles bonuses because their value changes by program. Cash back and statement credits are easier to understand.
What are some of the highest sign-up bonuses available?
Top sign-up bonuses come from cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture Rewards, and American Express Blue Cash Preferred. These bonuses can be worth $500 to $1,000 or more.
What makes the Chase Sapphire Reserve sign-up bonus valuable?
The 60,000 bonus points from the Sapphire Reserve are worth up to $900 in travel. The card also offers a $300 annual credit and lounge access.
What makes the Blue Cash Preferred sign-up bonus valuable?
The $250 cash bonus from the Blue Cash Preferred is a high cash back welcome offer. It also earns 6% back at U.S. supermarkets and on select streaming services.
What makes the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum intro offer valuable?
The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum has a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 21 billing cycles. It also offers up to $600 in cell phone protection.
What makes the Chase Freedom Unlimited sign-up bonus valuable?
The Freedom Unlimited gives an extra 1.5% cash back on all purchases in the first year, up to $20,000 spent. This can be worth up to $300. It also offers solid ongoing rewards.
What makes the Discover it Secured sign-up bonus valuable?
The Discover it Secured has a “Cashback Match” where Discover matches all the cash back you earn in the first 12 months. This can double your first-year rewards.
What makes the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless sign-up bonus valuable?
The 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points from the Boundless card are worth about $1,200 in hotel stays. It also offers 15 elite night credits per year.
