Best Credit Card Bonuses for New Cardholders of August 2022
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ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2022 || Best rewards credit cards || Best travel credit cards || Best cash back credit cards
Credit card bonus offers are a quick way to earn hundreds of dollars' worth of rewards by using a new credit card, but the best deals don't always stick around. The largest bonuses typically come from travel credit cards. Bonuses on cash-back credit cards generally hover in the range of $100 to $150, but several cards offer incentives of $200 or more. Cards are judged on the value of their bonuses, as well as their bonuses relative to their annual fees. Below are the best bonus offers currently available on NerdWallet.
» MORE: Are credit card rewards taxable?
ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2022 || Best rewards credit cards || Best travel credit cards || Best cash back credit cards
Credit card bonus offers are a quick way to earn hundreds of dollars' worth of rewards by using a new credit card, but the best deals don't always stick around. The largest bonuses typically come from travel credit cards. Bonuses on cash-back credit cards generally hover in the range of $100 to $150, but several cards offer incentives of $200 or more. Cards are judged on the value of their bonuses, as well as their bonuses relative to their annual fees. Below are the best bonus offers currently available on NerdWallet.
» MORE: Are credit card rewards taxable?
Best Credit Card Bonuses for New Cardholders From Our Partners
Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card Apply now on Citibank's application | Best for $200 cash back | $0 | 1%- Cashback | $200 | Apply now on Citibank's application |
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card Apply now on Wells Fargo's website | Best for $200 cash rewards bonus | $0 | 2% Cashback | $200 | Apply now on Wells Fargo's website |
Chase Freedom Flex℠ Apply now on Chase's website | Best for $200 cash back | $0 | 1%- Cashback | $200 | Apply now on Chase's website |
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Apply now on Chase's website | Best for Chase Ultimate Rewards® points | $95 | 1x- Points | 60,000 Points | Apply now on Chase's website |
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card - NerdWallet Exclusive Apply now on US Bank's website | Best for $200 cash back | $0 | 1%- Cashback | $200 | Apply now on US Bank's website |
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card Apply now on Bank of America's website, or call 877-754-6706 | Best for $200 cash back | $0 | 1%- Cashback | $200 | Apply now on Bank of America's website, or call 877-754-6706 |
Chase Freedom Unlimited® Apply now on Chase's website | Best for Up to $300 cash back | $0 | 1.5%- Cashback | $300 | Apply now on Chase's website |
American Express® Gold Card Apply now on American Express' website | Best for American Express Membership Rewards | $250 | 1x- Points | 60,000 Points | Apply now on American Express' website |
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Apply now on Capital One's website | Best for Capital One Miles | $395 | 2x- Miles | 75,000 Miles | Apply now on Capital One's website |
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express Apply now on American Express' website | Best for $350 statement credit | $95 | 1%- Cashback | $350 | Apply now on American Express' website |
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card Apply now on Capital One's website | Best for $200 cash back | $0 | 1.5%- Cashback | $200 | Apply now on Capital One's website |
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express Apply now on American Express' website | Best for $200 cash back | $0 | 1%- Cashback | $200 | Apply now on American Express' website |
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card Apply now on Chase's website | Best for Hotel card | $95 | 2x- Points | 150,000 Points | Apply now on Chase's website |
Discover it® Cash Back Apply now on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 | Best for Cash back match | $0 | 1%- Cashback | Cashback Match™ | Apply now on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 |
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card Apply now on US Bank's website | Best for No-annual-fee travel points | $0 | 1x- Points | 20,000 Points | Apply now on US Bank's website |
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Apply now on American Express' website | Best for Airline card | $0 intro for the first year, then $99 | 1x- Miles | 40,000 Miles | Apply now on American Express' website |
Our pick for
$200 cash back
on Citibank's application
on Citibank's application
$0
1%-5%
Cashback
$200
BONUS OFFER: Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $750 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
BONUS OFFER: Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $750 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Pros
No annual fee
5% bonus categories
Intro APR Period
Cons
Low rate outside bonus categories
Requires good/excellent credit
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $750 on purchases in the first 3 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 on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 16.24% - 26.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
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. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
No Annual Fee
Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash℠ Card account per person.
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$0
1%-5%
Cashback
$200
BONUS OFFER: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
BONUS OFFER: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Pros
No annual fee
New cardholder bonus offer
Bonus categories
Cash rewards
Intro APR period
Cons
Requires good/excellent credit
Complicated rewards
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 16.49% - 25.24%.
No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
See if you qualify for a better offer with Chase:
Get Pre-Qualified
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
$0
1%-5%
Cashback
$200
BONUS OFFER: $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
BONUS OFFER: $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
Pros
No annual fee
Bonus categories
High rewards rate
Cons
Complicated rewards
New! $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose
5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center
2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations/EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants
1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 16.74% - 26.74%
No Annual Fee
Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
on Bank of America's website, or call 877-754-6706
on Bank of America's website, or call 877-754-6706
$0
1%-3%
Cashback
$200
BONUS OFFER: $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
BONUS OFFER: $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Pros
No annual fee
New cardholder bonus offer
Intro APR period
Rotating bonus categories
Relationship rewards for customers
Cons
Requires good/excellent credit
Complicated rewards
Spending caps on bonus rewards
Best rewards limited to certain customers
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
No annual fee and no expiration on rewards.
0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) applies to all balance transfers.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
$0
1.5%-5%
Cashback
$200
BONUS OFFER: One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
BONUS OFFER: One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
Pros
No annual fee
High rewards rate
Intro APR period
No foreign transaction fees
Cons
Requires good/excellent credit
No bonus categories
One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
$0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
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 and balance transfers for 15 months; 16.49%-26.49% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$0
1%-3%
Cashback
$200
BONUS OFFER: Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Terms Apply.
BONUS OFFER: Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Terms Apply.
Pros
No annual fee
High rewards rate
Intro APR period
Bonus categories
Cons
Requires good/excellent credit
Spending caps on bonus rewards
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
No Annual Fee.
Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 16.24% to 27.24% variable APR.
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
New! 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
Get $7 back each month after using your Blue Cash Everyday® Card to spend $13.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Enrollment required.
Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
$200 cash rewards bonus
on Wells Fargo's website
on Wells Fargo's website
$0
2%
Cashback
$200
BONUS OFFER: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.
BONUS OFFER: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Pros
High rewards rate
No annual fee
Intro APR period
Cons
No bonus categories
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 17.24%, 22.24%, or 27.24% variable APR; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5
$0 annual fee
No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open
Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world's most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge
Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card. (subject to a $25 deductible).
Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Chase Ultimate Rewards® points
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$95
1x-5x
Points
60,000
Points
BONUS OFFER: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
BONUS OFFER: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Pros
New cardholder bonus offer
Bonus categories
Primary rental car coverage
Flexible rewards redemption
Transfer partners
Cons
Has annual fee
Requires good/excellent credit
Complicated rewards
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®.
Enjoy benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
See if you qualify for a better offer with Chase:
Get Pre-Qualified
Our pick for
Up to $300 cash back
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$0
1.5%-6.5%
Cashback
$300
BONUS OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back! (NOTE that this offer is available when you apply through NerdWallet. If you apply directly with Chase or through another site, you may not be eligible for this offer.)
BONUS OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back! (NOTE that this offer is available when you apply through NerdWallet. If you apply directly with Chase or through another site, you may not be eligible for this offer.)
Pros
No annual fee
Intro APR period
High rewards rate
No minimum redemption amount
Cons
Requires good/excellent credit
INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 16.49% - 25.24%.
No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
See if you qualify for a better offer with Chase:
Get Pre-Qualified
Our pick for
American Express Membership Rewards
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$250
1x-4x
Points
60,000
Points
BONUS 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. Terms Apply.
BONUS 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. Terms Apply.
Pros
Bonus categories
Transfer partners
Flexible rewards redemption
Cons
Has annual fee
Complicated rewards
Requires good/excellent credit
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.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: 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.
Updated $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $250.
Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Capital One Miles
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
$395
2x-10x
Miles
75,000
Miles
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
Pros
High rewards rate
New cardholder bonus offer
Lounge membership
Anniversary perk
Flexible rewards redemption
Cons
High annual fee
Requires excellent credit
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive up to $300 back annually as statement credits for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,400+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and our Partner Lounge Network
Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Our pick for
$350 statement credit
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$95
1%-6%
Cashback
$350
BONUS OFFER: Earn a $350 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Terms Apply.
BONUS OFFER: Earn a $350 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Terms Apply.
Pros
High rewards rate
Bonus categories
Intro APR period
Cash rewards
Cons
Has annual fee
Requires good/excellent credit
Spending caps on bonus rewards
Earn a $350 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months after account opening. Plans created after that will have a fixed monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
Low intro APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 16.24% to 26.24%.
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.
Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
$95 Annual Fee.
Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Hotel card
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$95
2x-17x
Points
150,000
Points
BONUS OFFER: Earn 3 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
BONUS OFFER: Earn 3 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
Pros
Anniversary perk
High rewards rate
Automatic elite status
Cons
Has annual fee
Rewards have limited flexibility
Earn 3 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
Earn 3X Bonvoy points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
Earn up to 17X total Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.
2X Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite Status each account anniversary year, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
No foreign transaction fees.
Our pick for
Cash back match
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
$0
1%-5%
Cashback
Cashback Match™
BONUS OFFER: INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
BONUS OFFER: INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Pros
No annual fee
Intro APR period
Bonus categories
Cash rewards
Cons
Complicated rewards
Spending caps on bonus rewards
Lower acceptance abroad
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
NEW! Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
Every $1 you earn in cash back is $1 you can redeem.
NEW Intro APR: Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 13.49% to 24.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
No annual fee.
Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
No-annual-fee travel points
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
$0
1x-4x
Points
20,000
Points
BONUS OFFER: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
BONUS OFFER: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
Pros
No annual fee
New cardholder bonus offer
Bonus categories
Intro APR period
Cons
Complicated rewards
Intro Offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. That's a $200 value redeemable towards merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel and more.
4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery.
2X points on streaming services. Plus, a $15 credit for annual streaming purchases like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max and more!
2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, and EV charging stations
1X point on all other eligible purchases.
0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR applies, currently 17.24% - 26.24%.
No Annual Fee
Points never expire
Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Airline card
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$0 intro for the first year, then $99
1x-2x
Miles
40,000
Miles
BONUS OFFER: Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Terms Apply.
BONUS OFFER: Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Terms Apply.
Pros
Free checked bag
Early boarding
Rewards don't expire
Cons
Has annual fee
Requires good/excellent credit
Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
$100 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, receive a Credit to use toward future travel.
Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $99.
Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Last updated on August 8, 2022
Methodology
Frequently asked questions
A sign-up bonus is a promotion offered by a credit card issuer to entice you to apply for a card and begin using it regularly. The term "sign-up bonus" is a bit of a misnomer because in most cases you don't get the bonus just for signing up; you have to earn it by spending money. That's why some issuers use terms like bonus offers, welcome offers or new-cardholder offers.
Sign-up bonuses give you a lump sum of cash back or a large number of points or miles if you spend a certain amount using the card in a specified time period, usually the first few months after opening the account. After you complete the required spending, the bonus is applied to your account. Separate from that lump-sum bonus, or in addition to it, some credit card sign-up offers include a more valuable rewards structure for a limited time. For example, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers new cardholders both a cash bonus and a higher rewards rate at grocery stores in the first year.
Typically, new cardholders must complete a certain amount of purchasing on their new card within a few months to earn a sign-up bonus, whether in cash-back, points or miles. For example, earn $150 in cash back by spending $500 on the card in the first three months of card ownership. When a card's bonus offer includes elevated rewards rates for a limited time, those higher rewards are typically in place immediately when you open the account.
The value of a sign-up bonus depends on the type of card. Travel credit cards and small-business credit cards tend to have the highest bonuses. Cards with annual fees typically offer higher sign-up bonuses. Cash-back bonuses are usually lower but easier to earn.
A competitive marketplace dictates the value of bonuses, but values differ widely based on the type of credit card offer and even the time of year. For cards with an annual fee, we think a good bonus will have a value exceeding three years of annual fees, unless the card includes especially valuable perks.
Bonuses on popular credit cards can range in value from $25 to more than $1,000. As a general rule, new cardholders are required to complete a certain amount of spending on the new card before earning the bonus. With cards that award bonuses in points or miles, the values can differ widely.
Not usually. Most bonuses have a spending requirement to earn the bonus, whether making a single purchase or spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the first few months of card ownership. The bonus is paid after the requirement is met.
As the name would suggest, cash-back credit cards usually pay their bonuses in cash, as opposed to points or miles. The “cash” might be in the form of a credit on your statement (which reduces the amount you owe), a deposit into a bank account, or even a mailed check.
The easiest sign-up bonuses are for credit cards that require very little spending to earn the bonus. A few cards grant the bonus after your first purchase, while others might require relatively modest spending of $500 to earn a bonus. Bonuses that are easier to get tend to have lower value.
Typically, no. The IRS considers credit card rewards and bonuses as rebates or discounts, not as income. Hence, credit card rewards are generally not taxable.