The Best Travel Credit Card Welcome Bonus Offers Right Now
Check out the latest and greatest offers for adding a new travel credit card to your wallet.
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There are a number of travel rewards credit cards with boosted welcome bonus offers to have on your radar.
Here’s a look at some of the best travel credit card offers out there right now, based on the value of the welcome bonus offers, which were calculated using NerdWallet's valuations of credit card and loyalty program points.
» Learn more: Should I get more than one travel credit card?
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual fee: $95.
Value of welcome offer: $1,250, or more if transferred to Chase transfer partners for high-value redemptions.
Why you should get it: The last time the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card had a 100,000-point sign-up bonus was in 2021. This is a rare opportunity to get 40,000 points more than the usual offer.
Who should get it: Everyone from points beginners to expert travelers could get better-than-average value from Chase Ultimate Rewards®, whether they book in Chase's travel portal or take advantage of transfer partners.
Who should skip it: People who have already a Chase Sapphire Reserve are not eligible for this card. Also, cardholders that have received a sign-up bonus on either Sapphire card in the past 48 months are also not eligible to earn the sign-up bonus.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel.
Annual fee: $95.
Value of welcome offer: $1,000 or more if transferred to high-value travel partners.
Why you should get it: The $250 travel credit is rare for this card's offer, and the value of it makes up for the card's annual fee for two years.
Who should get it: This card is great for people who want just one travel card with a low annual fee. It earns 2x miles on all purchases, making it easy to rack up a lot of miles without keeping track of a lot of bonus categories.
Who should skip it: People who prefer to use their travel rewards with domestic airlines won't find a lot of options. Capital One just added JetBlue as a transfer partner, but the transfer ratio isn't super favorable to cardholders.
Capital One Venture X Business
For a limited time, earn up to 350,000 bonus miles: 150,000 miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months, and an additional 200,000 miles once you spend $200,000 in the first 6 months.
Annual fee: $395.
Value of welcome offer: $3,500, or more if you transfer to high-value Capital One travel partners.
Why you should get it: This gigantic sign-up bonus would be great to book some of the most expensive point redemptions on your bucket list.
Who should get it: Business owners who are looking for hundreds of Capital One miles in one sign-up bonus.
Who should skip it: The $200,000 spending requirement is 40 times that of other sign-up bonuses on this list, but the value of the sign-up bonus is just two or three times higher. In other words, you could spend a lot less money to earn the sign-up bonuses on other business cards.
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card
Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Annual fee: $250 (see rates and fees).
Value of welcome offer: $1,395. NerdWallet values Marriott points at 0.9 cent each.
Why you should get it: This offer is 70,000 points more than the previous offer, and tips the value of the welcome offer over the $1,000 mark.
Who should get it: Marriott enthusiasts who want a Free Night Reward that can be used at more properties. This mid-tier card offers a Free Night Reward worth up to 50,000 points while the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (which has an annual fee of $95) has a Free Night Reward worth up to 35,000 points.
Who should skip it: People who want even more Marriott perks should probably consider the most premium card. More on that below.
Terms apply.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Annual fee: $650 (see rates and fees) .
Value of welcome offer: $1,665. NerdWallet values Marriott points at 0.9 cent each.
Why you should get it: This welcome offer is almost double the number of bonus points as the previous offer.
Who should get it: People who stay at Marriotts frequently, but not enough to earn a high level of elite status will enjoy the Platinum elite status that comes with this card, as well as the Free Night Award valued up to 80,000 points.
Who should skip it: Travelers who want more flexibility with how they can redeem their points (read: at multiple hotel brands or on flights as well as hotels) may want to consider a premium card with transferable points instead.
Terms apply.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 4/29/2025. Terms Apply.
Annual fee: $150 (see rates and fees).
Value of welcome offer: $780 plus the value of the Free Night Reward. NerdWallet values Hilton points at 0.6 cent each.
Why you should get it: This offer now includes a Free Night Reward in addition to bonus points. Hilton's Free Night Reward is especially valuable compared to the free night certificates from other hotel companies because it can be redeemed at almost any Hilton hotel, even the high-end ones. Typically, you'd have to spend $15,000 on this card in a calendar year to earn a Free Night Reward.
Who should get it: People who have plans to stay at a Hilton this year and can redeem the Free Night Reward at a hotel with a nightly rate of more than $150.
Who should skip it: If the annual fee is not in your budget, consider the Hilton Honors American Express Card instead. It has a $0 annual fee (see rates and fees) and a similar welcome offer right now: Earn 70,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 4/29/2025. Terms Apply.
Terms apply.
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 4/29/2025. Terms Apply.
Annual fee: $195 (see rates and fees).
Value of welcome offer: $1,050. NerdWallet values Hilton points at 0.6 cent each.
Why you should get it: This limited-time welcome offer is a whopping 45,000 points more than the previous offer.
Who should get it: Business owners who want to rack up Hilton points. The rewards rates are quite high, including 12x points on eligible Hilton purchases and 5x points on other purchases made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year, 3X points thereafter.
Who should skip it: Hilton loyalists looking for a Free Night Reward or top-tier elite status might opt for one of the other Hilton cards.
Learn more: Is a Hilton card worth it?
Terms apply.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Earn 3 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees. Plus, earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within 6 months of account opening with your Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card.
Annual fee: $95.
Value of welcome offer: $1,800. NerdWallet values Marriott points at 0.9 cent each.
Why you should get it: This two-part welcome offer include the best of both worlds — Free Nights and bonus points. It's great in case you need to use the bonus points to top off the Free Nights for a stay that costs more than 50,000 points per night.
Who should get it: People who plan to spend at least three nights in a Marriott this year where they could redeem the Free Nights.
Who should skip it: Marriott enthusiasts who'd like a higher level of elite status with their hotel cared may want to consider one of the other Marriott cards.
British Airways Visa Signature® Card
Earn 85,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Annual fee: $95.
Value of welcome offer: $850. NerdWallet values British Airways Avios at 1.2 cents each.
Why you should get it: This sign-up offer is 10,000 Avios more than the previous offer, making the bonus about $100 more valuable.
Who should get it: People who fly to and from Europe or take short-haul flights on British Airways or any of its Oneworld alliance partners. Because British Airways uses a distance-based award chart, the short flights are often a good deal on points.
Who should skip it: Travelers who don't want to deal with high taxes, fees and fuel surcharges on award bookings might want to opt to redeem points with another airline loyalty program that doesn't pass on such high costs to points travelers.
Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard
Earn 60,000 Virgin Points when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days of opening their account.
Annual fee: $99.
Value of welcome offer: $1,080. NerdWallet values Virgin Atlantic points at 1.8 cents each.
Why you should get it: This offer is 20,000 points more than the previous offer.
Who should get it: People who like flying Virgin Atlantic or their SkyTeam partners, taking Virgin Voyages cruises or booking with any other Virgin brands.
Who should skip it: Virgin Atlantic or Virgin Red are transfer partners of various credit card programs. If you only travel with Virgin occasionally, you might want to look at a more broad travel card that partners with Virgin.
IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
Earn up to 200,000 Bonus Points. Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn 60,000 Bonus Points after spending a total of $9,000 in the first 6 months from account opening.
Annual fee: $99.
Value of welcome offer: $1,000. NerdWallet values IHG points at 0.5 cent each.
Why you should get it: This is the best points offer ever on this card, and it automatically gets cardholders the second-highest level of elite status — not bad for a $99 card.
Who should get it: Business owners who want to earn IHG points through credit card spending to redeem for stays at brands like Holiday Inn, Hotel Indigo, Kimpton and Intercontinental.
Who should skip it: Travelers who don't frequent IHG properties could get more value out of a travel card that earns transferable points or a different hotel card.
Choice Privileges® Mastercard®
Limited Time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - enough to redeem for up to 7 reward nights at select Choice Hotels® properties. Additional fees may apply.
Annual fee: $0.
Value of the welcome offer: $480. NerdWallet values Choice points at 0.8 cent each.
Why you should get it: This sign-up offer is 20,000 points more than the previous offer.
Who should get it: Travelers who want a $0-annual-fee hotel credit card and a low minimum spend requirement for the sign-up bonus. Cardholders can use their points at hotel brands like Radisson, Cambria Hotels, Comfort and more.
Who should skip it: People who don't stay at Choice hotels regularly or want a bigger sign-up bonus to redeem for award travel.
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card
Get 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account. Additionally, receive a 30% flight discount code for a qualifying future flight after opening your new account.
Annual fee: $95.
Value of welcome offer: $780. NerdWallet values Alaska miles at 1.3 cents each.
Why you should get it: This offer now includes a new 30% flight discount. Plus, it gets you a Companion Fare right off the bat.
Who should get it: West Coast-based flyers should consider this card if they want to fly Alaska or its partners, especially since Alaska merged with Hawaiian Airlines and recently made it easier to earn elite status on Alaska in 2025.
Who should skip it: East Coast folks will likely get less use out of this card since the airline primarily serves the West Coast. Business owners may also want to consider the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card, which also has an increased sign-up offer right now.
Learn more: Is an Alaska card worth it?
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Limited Time Travel Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel with your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can earn one or both of these offers. Offer ends 6/30/25. Terms Apply.
Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees).
Value of welcome offer: At least $2,000, or more if you transfer your AmEx Membership Rewards to high-value transfer partners.
Why you should get it: This welcome offer now includes an extra statement credit if you spend enough on flights in the next three months.
Who should get it: Business owners who can take advantage of the travel perks, like AmEx's impressive lounge collection and the credit for a Clear Plus membership.
Who should skip it: If the annual fee is too high, check out some of the other premium travel cards.
Terms apply.
The New United℠ Explorer Card
Debut Offer: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $150.
Value of welcome bonus: $960. NerdWallet values United miles at 1.2 cents each.
Why you should get it: Chase and United Airlines just revamped the suite of United co-branded credit cards, and they're offering a higher sign-up bonus to entice new cardholders. It's rare to see airline card sign-up bonuses worth more than $1,000, and this one comes in at almost that much.
Who should get it: People who fly United Airlines or its partners and can make use of the benefits such as the free checked bag on United flights and two one-time United Club lounge passes. One of the new benefits that can help offset a big chunk of the annual fee is $100 in United TravelBank cash after spending $10,000 on purchases each calendar year.
Who should skip it: Travelers who don't fly United Airlines or its partners often enough to use the United miles or United TravelBank cash. There is also a United card with a higher annual fee, The New United Quest℠ Card, that is better for more frequent United travelers who want a faster way to earn United elite status through a credit card.
Learn more: Is a United credit card worth it?
The New United Club℠ Card
Debut Offer: Earn 95,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Annual fee: $695.
Value of welcome offer: $1,140. NerdWallet values United miles at 1.2 cents each.
Why you should get it: If you want United Club lounge access, this premium card is still your best option. The annual fee is cheaper than an individual lounge membership, and the card allows you to bring one adult guest and dependents under the age of 18 while an individual lounge membership does not allow any guests.
Who should get it: People who want United Club lounge access.
Who should skip it: If you also want access to Star Alliance partner lounges in addition to United Clubs, you should opt for buying a United All Access lounge membership.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2025:
Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Travel
Earn 5X points on certain flights (up to $500,000 per calendar year) and hotel stays, hundreds of dollars a year in credit for travel and shopping, and a suite of perks for high-end lifestyles.
