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Credit card companies roll out the red carpet to get new card members. From cash to points to miles, signup bonuses abound from top card issuers. It's for that reason that I compiled this exhaustive list of the best credit card sign-up bonuses, deals, and promotions.
New Bonus Offers
There have been several increases to bonus offers this month. We don't know how long these offers will last:
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card increased its welcome offer of 85,000 points. New offer: Earn 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 11/1/2023
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card increased its welcome offer of 95,000 points. New offer: Earn two 85K Free Night Awards after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card in your first 6 months. Each award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Card Members could enjoy a value of up to $1,200 when redeeming each reward. Certain hotels have resort fees. Offer ends 11/1/2023.
Best Credit Card Signup Bonuses
The following credit cards offer cash or statement credit bonuses for new card members.
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Earn two 85K Free Night Awards after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card in your first 6 months. Each award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Card Members could enjoy a value of up to $1,200 when redeeming each reward. Certain hotels have resort fees. Offer ends 11/1/2023.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card also offers a high welcome bonus. This card doesn't offer as many travel perks as the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card we mentioned above, but it does pack a great punch for the annual fee. You can earn 2x miles on every purchase and 5x miles on hotels and car rentals.
Rewards:
2x miles
All eligible purchases
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
5x miles
Hotels
5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Signup Bonus: Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a high welcome bonus. You get 10,000 miles on your cardmember anniversary, too. Earn up to 10x miles per $1 spent on select purchases. The card also offers an annual $300 credit on travel booked through Capital One Travel.
Rewards:
2x miles
On all other eligible purchases
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
5x miles
Airfare
5 Miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel
10x miles
Hotels
10 Miles per dollar on hotels booked through Capital One Travel
10x miles
Rental Cars
10 Miles per dollar on rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Signup Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
With the Capital One Savor Rewards Credit Card, you can earn unlimited 4% cash back on dining, select streaming, and entertainment, plus 3% cash back at grocery stores plus 10% cash back on Uber and Uber Eats. There are many ways to redeem your rewards, and you don't have to do it in $25 increments, as some cards require.
Rewards:
1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
3% cash back
U.S. supermarkets
Earn 3% cash back at grocery stores.
4% cash back
Streaming services
Earn unlimited 4% cash back on popular streaming services.
4% cash back
Dining
Earn unlimited 4% cash back on dining.
4% cash back
Entertainment
Earn unlimited 4% cash back on entertainment.
5% cash back
Hotels
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels booked through Capital One Travel.
5% cash back
Rental Cars
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Welcome Bonus: Earn a one-time $300 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express has an easy-to-earn welcome offer and up to 6% cash back. The annual fee is $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. Its most popular feature is its cash back at grocery stores and streaming services.
Rewards:
1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
3% cash back
Gas
3% cash back at U.S. gas stations
3% cash back
Transit
3% cash back on transit, such as taxis, rideshare, parking, tolls, trains and buses
6% cash back
U.S. supermarkets
6% cash back on groceries up to $6,000 per year in purchases at U.S. supermarkets, then 1%
6% cash back
Streaming services
6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
Welcome Offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
0% Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 19.24% - 29.99%
Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers one of the easier-to-earn welcome bonuses available. The card offers up to 5% cash back and charges no annual fee. Its most popular feature is its 5% cash back on the top eligible spend category each billing cycle on up to $500 spent.
Rewards:
1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
5% cash back
Select Categories
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter.
Signup Bonus: Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
0% Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months and for balance transfers for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a great bonus for the little amount you have to spend to get it. The card offers 1.5% cash back on purchases and charges no annual fee. It charges no foreign transaction fees and offers a 0% intro rate.
Rewards:
1.5% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 1.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases
5% cash back
Hotels
Earn 5% cash back on hotels booked through Capital One Travel
5% cash back
Rental Cars
Earn 5% cash back on car rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Signup Bonus: One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
0% Intro APR: 0% APR on purchases for 15 months and for balance transfers for 15 months, then 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). This represents a potential $300 in extra cash back. On top of the bonus cash back, the card offers up to 5% cash back and charges no annual fee. Its most popular feature is its cash back on travel. Rewards can be converted to Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
Rewards:
1.5% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
3% cash back
Drugstores
Earn 3% on drugstore purchases
3% cash back
Dining
Earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
5% cash back
Travel
Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
Signup Bonus: Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
0% Intro APR: Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
The Chase Freedom Flex(SM) also offers a great bonus for the required spend amount. The card offers up to 5% cash back and charges no annual fee. It offers 5% cash back rotating categories with spending caps, but it also offers elevated rewards on a number of other purchase categories.
Rewards:
1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
1% cash back on all other purchases
3% cash back
Drugstores
3% cash back on drugstore purchases
3% cash back
Dining
3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
5% cash back
Rotating Categories
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate
5% cash back
Travel
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
Signup Bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
0% Intro APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%–29.24%
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite offers a generous welcome bonus, as well as decent points per purchase. It also comes with a list of credits worth about $550. As with all Bank of America cards, if you are a preferred member (i.e. you have at least $20,000 in an account with either Bank of America or Merrill) you earn better rewards. You also get priority pass airport lounge access for up to four guests.
Rewards:
1.5x points
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 1.5 points for every dollar spent on all other eligible purchases
2x points
Travel
Earn 2 points for every dollar spent on travel purchases
2x points
Dining
Earn 2 points for every dollar spent on dining purchases
Signup Bonus: Get 75,000 online bonus points — a $750 value — after you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Annual Fee: $550
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card—Editor's Pick
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers one of the best welcome bonuses. If used to purchase travel through Chase, these points are worth 25% more. The card offers up to 5x points and a 25% bonus when points are redeemed for travel through Chase.
Rewards:
1x points
On all other eligible purchases
1x points on all other purchases.
2x points
Travel
2x points on travel not booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, such as airfare, hotels, taxes and trains.
3x points
U.S. supermarkets
Earn 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).
3x points
Streaming services
Earn 3x points on select streaming services.
3x points
Dining
3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out.
5x points
Travel
5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Signup Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers an excellent welcome bonus. If used to purchase travel through Chase, these points are worth $900. The card offers up to 10x points and a 50% bonus when points are redeemed for travel through Chase.
Rewards:
1x points
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
3x points
Dining
Earn 3x points on other travel and dining.
5x points
Travel
Earn 5x points on flights when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.
10x points
Travel
10x on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.
Signup Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
American Express® Gold Card offers a great welcome offer and excellent rewards on some everyday purchases like groceries and dining.
Welcome offer points could be worth as much as $600 depending on how they are redeemed.
Rewards:
1x points
On all other eligible purchases
1x points on all other eligible purchases
3x points
Airfare
3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
4x points
U.S. supermarkets
4x points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 in purchases per year.
4x points
Dining
4x points at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is a great option if you're partial to IHG-branded hotels such as Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and Candlewood Suites. There's a great welcome bonus, plus a lot of benefits and perks for those who frequent IHG hotels. You get one free night each year which more than justifies the annual fee.
Rewards:
3x points
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
5x points
Travel
Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel.
5x points
Dining
Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on restaurants.
5x points
Gas
Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on gas stations.
26x points
Hotels
Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel.
Signup Bonus: Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Hilton Honors American Express Card is a great card for those who want a few benefits when they stay at a Hilton and don't want to pay an annual fee. You won't get a free night, but you do get complimentary silver elite status, which comes with two free water bottles at check-in, 15% off spa services, and a fifth night free when you book a four-night reward stay with points. Not to mention the points you earn at gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores.
Rewards:
3x points
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
5x points
U.S. supermarkets
Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. supermarkets.
5x points
Dining
Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants.
5x points
Gas
Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. gas stations.
7x points
Hotels
Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
Signup Offer: Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership.
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card is a solid choice if you enjoy staying at Marriott hotels, which encompass 31 brands in 8,500 properties around the world. There's a welcome offer, and you'll earn rewards on Marriott hotel stays, in restaurants, and in grocery stores.
Rewards:
2x points
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
4x points
U.S. supermarkets
Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
4x points
Dining
Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
6x points
Hotels
Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
Welcome Offer: Earn 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is the premium Marriott card in the American Express lineup. It has a great welcome offer and generous ongoing rewards. You also get a $300 dining credit (up to $25 per month), a free night's stay on your cardmember anniversary, and complimentary elite status, which earns you more points on hotel stays, upgraded rooms when available, and a welcome gift. The annual fee is high, so make sure you'll make use of the rewards.
Rewards:
2x points
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
3x points
Airfare
Earn 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines.
3x points
Dining
Earn 3X points at restaurants worldwide.
6x points
Hotels
Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.
Welcome Offer: Earn two 85K Free Night Awards after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card in your first 6 months. Each award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Card Members could enjoy a value of up to $1,200 when redeeming each reward. Certain hotels have resort fees. Offer ends 11/1/2023.
United℠ Explorer Card is a great card if you enjoy flying United Airlines. You get a nice welcome bonus, your first checked bag is free, and you get a $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit every four years. And the annual fee is waived for the first year.
Rewards:
1x points
On all other eligible purchases
1x per dollar spent on all other purchases
2x miles
Airfare
2x points on United purchases, including tickets, Economy Plus, and inflight purchases
2x points
Hotels
2x points per dollar spent on hotel accommodations
2x points
Dining
2x miles per dollar spent on dining, including eligible delivery services
Signup Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is offering a special bonus right now: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. The way it works is once you spend the required amount, you'll get a promo code in your Southwest account. It's good for 30% off a single-use one-way or round-trip ticket on Southwest. All three personal Southwest credit cards come with this bonus, but the Plus has the lowest annual fee.
Rewards:
1x points
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
2x points
Hotels
Earn 2x on Rapid Rewards hotel partners.
2x points
Rental Cars
Earn 2x on Rapid Rewards car rental partners.
2x points
Southwest Purchases
Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.
2x points
Streaming services
Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
2x points
Transit
Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
Signup Bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is a good choice if you regularly fly Delta Airlines. The welcome offer alone is worth about $650, according to Delta, but it might be worth more, depending on the flight. Your first checked bag is free, and the annual fee is waived for the first year.
Rewards:
1x miles
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
2x miles
U.S. supermarkets
Earn 2X Miles at U.S. Supermarkets.
2x miles
Delta Purchases
Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases.
2x miles
Dining
Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
Welcome Offer: Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
Annual Fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.
Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points + a Free Night Reward after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership.
60,000 Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Earn an additional 15,000 Bonus Points after you spend $12,000 within the first 6 months of account opening.
Earn 20,000 bonus points. Just spend $1,000 in the first 90 days. That's a $200 value redeemable towards merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel and more.
Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $8,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 11/1/23.
Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees.
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first three months of Card Membership.
Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases made during your first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $200 back in the form of a statement credit.
Earn 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. Learn more.
Earn up to 100,000 bonus points – 75,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 25,000 points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months.
Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $12,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 Bonus Miles after you make an eligible Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 6 months. Offer Ends 10/25/2023.
Earn two 85K Free Night Awards after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card in your first 6 months. Each award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Card Members could enjoy a value of up to $1,200 when redeeming each reward. Certain hotels have resort fees. Offer ends 11/1/2023.
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Earn 75,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn an additional 5,000 Bonus Miles after you make an eligible Delta purchase with your new card within your first 6 months. Offer Ends 10/25/23.
Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $8,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 Bonus Miles after you make an eligible Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 6 months. Offer Ends 10/25/23.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Get 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
How to Pick The Best Credit Card Signup Offers
Credit card signup bonuses seem to get bigger each year. The top offers today can be worth $1,000 or more. As you review your options, keep several things in mind.
A signup bonus is just one factor to consider: The signup bonus, while certainly a nice perk, is only one factor to consider when comparing the cards. Other important factors include the annual fee, how you'll earn ongoing rewards, and how you'll redeem the rewards you earn.
A good credit score is required: Credit cards with rich signup promotions require good to excellent credit. If your credit falls below certain criteria, you may not get the bonus offer being promoted – or any of the other perks. While there's no set rule on the credit score needed to qualify for one of these cards, one should generally aim for a FICO score of 700 or higher.
Consider the spending requirement: Most signup bonuses require new card members to charge a certain amount of purchases to the card within a specified period of time to qualify for the bonus. While the amounts vary, it's generally between $500 to $3,000 within 3 months. Further, the bigger the bonus the higher the spend requirement. You’ll have to be careful that you aren’t persuaded by the spending requirements to buy items that you wouldn’t normally buy in order to meet the restriction. This can be a problem if you don’t normally shop with a credit card.
The value can depend on how you redeem the bonus: For those cards that pay the bonus in points or miles, the value can vary depending on how you redeem the rewards. In many cases, the rewards must be redeemed for travel through the credit card issuer.
Most cards offer other benefits: Virtually every card on this list offers significant benefits beyond bonus points or miles. Travel rewards, in particular, can be generous, depending on your typical spending patterns. Many of the cards also offer a zero-interest transfer deal that can run anywhere from 12 to 18 months.
APRs are high – A zero interest rate period is certainly attractive, but it will come to an end eventually. When it does, there are interest rates ranging from the low teens to the low 20s awaiting you.
How Do Rewards Credit Cards Work?
Credit card rewards are tied to how much you spend using a credit card. The more you spend, the more rewards you’ll earn.
Sign-up bonuses usually have a limit. A card may provide a $500 sign-up bonus after you spend, say, $3,000 within three months of opening the card account. Once you reach that spending limit, no more signup bonus rewards will be issued.
But with cash back rewards and points, you’ll continue to earn those rewards once you’ve met the criteria for the sign-up bonus (or even if you don’t). Some cards offer a flat rewards structure based on either all purchase activity or only in certain categories. Others may offer a tiered structure, where they’ll pay more rewards for certain purchase categories than for others.
You should also be aware that sign-up bonuses and rewards apply only to purchases. They don’t apply to balance transfers, cash advances, traveler's checks, and certain other restricted transactions.
What Can I do With Credit Card Rewards?
It all depends on how the rewards are structured with the issuing card. You’ll typically be able to redeem your rewards as a statement credit (applied to your outstanding balance) or applied toward certain purchases, like travel.
But some reward arrangements also allow you to receive cash. For example, if you accumulate $50 in cash back rewards, you can opt to have the funds transferred to a linked bank account, or even have a check mailed to your home.
Is Cash Back Better Than Rewards Points?
In most cases, cash back and reward points work out to be about the same. That’s because both are based on percentages. The main difference is that cash back is usually expressed as a percentage, like 2% of purchases, while points are based on earning a certain number for every dollar spent.
However, this is actually another type of percentage rewards basis. If you earn two points for every dollar spent, that’s the equivalent of 2% rewards. You can often redeem reward points in much the same way you can cash back.
How Do I know if a Rewards Card Will Be the Right Choice for Me?
The major factor to be aware of is your spending level. Or more specifically, how much of your spending activity is done using credit cards.
Whether you spend a lot or a little using credit cards, rewards will still work in your favor. But the more you spend, the more you’ll earn.
For example, if you have a rewards card offering 2% cash back (or points), and you spend $10,000 during the course of the year, you’ll earn $200 in rewards. But if you spend $100,000, you can earn $2,000.
How Can I Maximize the Benefit of Credit Card Sign-up Bonuses, and Rewards?
First, plan to pay off your entire credit card balance each and every month, and in full. That’ll avoid interest charges, making your bonuses and rewards a pure positive return.
Second, be sure to match rewards tiers with your spending. If one credit card offers 2% rewards across the board, and another offers 5% cash back for groceries, the second card should be used for all grocery purchases.
Third, make sure the sign-up bonus and rewards will easily exceed the annual fee. For example, if the card charges a $95 annual fee, you’ll need to spend at least $4,750 per year just to recover the cost of the annual fee.
If you don’t think you’ll be able to exceed that spending threshold, you’ll be better off choosing a card with a big sign-on bonus, a 0% introductory APR, or some other benefit that will offset the cost of the annual fee.
No. It's a common marketing strategy with a lot of credit cards, but many do not offer bonuses.
Is a welcome bonus different than a signup bonus?
No, but some credit card issuers refer to their bonus as a “welcome bonus” and others refer to it as a “signup bonus.”
Are signup bonuses worth it?
They can be if they are part of a larger credit card rewards plan. Be careful, however. Credit cards can prompt consumers to spend more money than they should, as one MIT study found.
The Bottom Line
One of the beautiful things about competition, especially when businesses vie for consumers is that everybody wins. Businesses end up getting what they want (which they may end up paying more for) and consumers can shop around for the best good or service that suits their needs. No one entity controls the market and in the end, the best business will usually prevail.
When looking at the full list of credit card deals above, it's easy to see just how profitable a few applications can be. All you need is the excellent credit these cards require, and you can walk away with thousands of dollars in savings.
Rob Berger is the founder of allCards.com. He's written about personal finance and investing since 2007 and is the author of the highly acclaimed book, Retire Before Mom and Dad. He is a former litigation attorney in the securities field and the Founding Editor of Forbes Advisor.