BEST OF
Best Credit Card Bonuses for New Cardholders of August 2021
ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2021 || 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 2021 || 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
Our pick for
Up to $350 cash back
on American Express's website
on American Express's website
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Rewards Rate
1%-6%
Cashback
Intro offer
$350
Recommended Credit Score
BONUS OFFER: Earn up to $350 in statement credits: Earn 20% back on Amazon.com purchases on the Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $200 back. Plus, earn $150 back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You will receive cash back in the form of statement credits. Terms Apply.
BONUS OFFER: Earn up to $350 in statement credits: Earn 20% back on Amazon.com purchases on the Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $200 back. Plus, earn $150 back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You will receive cash back in the form of statement credits. Terms Apply.
Pros
- Leading cash-back rewards at U.S. supermarkets
- Rich bonus offer for new cardholders
- Intro APR period on Purchases
Cons
- Has annual fee — but if you spend more than $31 per week at U.S. supermarkets, the rewards offset the fee
- American Express isn’t accepted at as many merchants as Visa or Mastercard
- $25 minimum redemption
- Earn 20% back on Amazon.com purchases on the Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $200 back.
- Plus, earn $150 back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You will receive cash back in the form of statement credits.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- 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.
- Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.99% to 23.99%.
- Plan It® gives the option to select purchases of $100 or more to split up into monthly payments with a fixed fee.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
- Terms Apply.
Our picks for
$200 cash back
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
BONUS OFFER: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. And earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target® or Walmart® purchases) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.
BONUS OFFER: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. And earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target® or Walmart® purchases) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.
Pros
- No annual fee
- 5% rewards on rotating categories
- Access to Chase’s Ultimate Rewards® site to earn more cash back
Cons
- If you value simplicity, a flat-rate cash-back card may be better
- A foreign transaction fee
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target® or Walmart® purchases) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.
- Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
- Earn 5% on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open.
See if you qualify for a better offer with Chase:
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1.5%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
BONUS OFFER: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. And earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target® or Walmart® purchases) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.
BONUS OFFER: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. And earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target® or Walmart® purchases) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.
Pros
- High rewards rate and no minimum redemption
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases
Cons
- Has foreign transaction fee
- Requires good/excellent credit
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target® or Walmart® purchases) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- Earn 5% on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open.
See if you qualify for a better offer with Chase:
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1.5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
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
- High rewards rate and no minimum redemption
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases
- Sign-up bonus
Cons
- Other cards have longer 0% periods
- No bonus rewards categories
- Requires good/excellent credit
- 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
- 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 for 15 months; 15.49%-25.49% variable APR after that
- Pay no annual fee or foreign transaction fees
on Bank of America's website, or call (877) 754-6706
on Bank of America's website, or call (877) 754-6706
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-3%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
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
- Cash bonus offer
- Cash rewards
Cons
- If you're a big spender with excellent credit and willing to pay an annual fee, there are cards with higher rewards
- No annual fee
- $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
- 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, 13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) applies to all balance transfers
- No expiration on rewards
- If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25% - 75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn up to 5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- 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 Citibank's application
on Citibank's application
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
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 13.99% - 23.99%, 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.
Our pick for
Up to $250 cash back
on American Express's website
on American Express's website
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-3%
Cashback
Intro offer
$250
Recommended Credit Score
BONUS OFFER: Earn up to $250 in statement credits: Earn 20% back on Amazon.com purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card membership, up to $150 back. Plus, earn $100 back after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of card membership. You will receive cash back in the form of statement credits. Terms Apply.
BONUS OFFER: Earn up to $250 in statement credits: Earn 20% back on Amazon.com purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card membership, up to $150 back. Plus, earn $100 back after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of card membership. You will receive cash back in the form of statement credits. Terms Apply.
Pros
- Bonus rewards at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations
- No annual fee
- Bonus offer for new cardholders
- Intro APR period on Purchases
Cons
- American Express isn't accepted at as many merchants as Visa or Mastercard
- Requires good/excellent credit
- $25 minimum redemption
- Earn 20% back on Amazon.com purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card membership, up to $150 back.
- Plus, earn $100 back after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of card membership. You will receive cash back in the form of statement credits.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).
- 2% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and at select U.S. department stores.
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Low intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.99% to 23.99%.
- Plan It® gives the option to select purchases of $100 or more to split up into monthly payments with a fixed fee.
- Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be easily redeemed for statement credits.
- No annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
Our pick for
Cash back match
on Discover's website, or call (800) 347-0264
on Discover's website, or call (800) 347-0264
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Recommended Credit Score
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
- Cash back match at the end of your first year
- Bonus cash back categories
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases and Balance Transfers
Cons
- Slightly less merchant acceptance for Discover in US - acceptance outside of US can be an issue
- If you value simplicity, a flat rate cash back card may be better
- 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.
- Redeem cash back in any amount, any time. Rewards never expire.
- Use your rewards at Amazon.com checkout.
- #1 Most Trusted Credit Card according to Investor’s Business Daily.
- No annual fee.
- Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
Our pick for
Chase Ultimate Rewards® points
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards Rate
1x-2x
Points
Intro offer
100,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
BONUS OFFER: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,250 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
BONUS OFFER: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,250 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Pros
- A large bonus
- No foreign transaction fee
- Cool factor - metal card
- Earn more points on travel and dining at restaurants
- Premium travel protection benefits
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- Our best offer ever! Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,250 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn 2X points on dining including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 100,000 points are worth $1,250 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
- Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on eligible orders over $12 for a minimum of one year with DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service. Activate by 12/31/21.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get up to $60 back on an eligible Peloton Digital or All-Access Membership through 12/31/2021, and get full access to their workout library through the Peloton app, including cardio, running, strength, yoga, and more. Take classes using a phone, tablet, or TV. No fitness equipment is required.
See if you qualify for a better offer with Chase:
Our pick for
American Express Membership Rewards
on American Express's website
on American Express's website
Annual Fee
$250
Rewards Rate
1x-4x
Points
Intro offer
60,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
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. 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. Terms Apply.
Pros
- High rewards rate in certain categories
- No foreign transaction fees
- Transfer partners
- Annual dining credit
Cons
- American Express isn’t accepted as widely as Visa or Mastercard internationally
- No lounge membership
- Rose Gold is back. You can now choose between Gold or Rose Gold.
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, including takeout and delivery, 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.
- $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Boxed, and participating Shake Shack locations. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- Get up to 12 complimentary months of an Uber Eats Pass subscription when you enroll with your Gold Card by 12/31/21.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
Our pick for
No-annual-fee travel points
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
Annual Fee
$0*
Rewards Rate
1x-4x
Points
Intro offer
20,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
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
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- No bonus rewards on entertainment
- 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
- Earn 4X points on takeout, food delivery and dining
- Earn 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations and on streaming services
- $15 credit for annual streaming service purchases such as Netflix and Spotify
- No annual fee*
- 1X point per $1 on all other eligible purchases
- Low Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Points never expire
Our pick for
American Airlines
on Citibank's application
on Citibank's application
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $99
Rewards Rate
1x-2x
Miles
Intro offer
50,000
Miles
Recommended Credit Score
BONUS OFFER: Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after you spend $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
BONUS OFFER: Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after you spend $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Pros
- Free checked bag
- Preferred boarding
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Best for frequent American Airlines flyers only
- Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after you spend $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants.
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.
- Earn a $125 American Airlines Flight DIscount after you spend $20,000 or more in purchases during your cardmembership year and renew your card.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to four companions traveling with you on the same reservation.
- Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights.
- The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 15.99% - 24.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion.
Our pick for
Delta Air Lines
on American Express's website
on American Express's website
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $99
Rewards Rate
1x-2x
Miles
Intro offer
70,000
Miles
Recommended Credit Score
BONUS OFFER: Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after spending $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months and a $200 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months. Offer expires 7/28/2021. Terms Apply.
BONUS OFFER: Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after spending $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months and a $200 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months. Offer expires 7/28/2021. Terms Apply.
Pros
- Free checked bag
- Priority boarding
- Miles don't expire
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Best for frequent Delta Air Lines flyers only
- American Express isn’t accepted as widely as Visa or Mastercard internationally
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after spending $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months and a $200 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months. Offer expires 7/28/2021.
- Limited Time Offer: Plus, get a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable 15.74%-24.74%. Offer expires 7/28/2021.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- $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.
Our pick for
United Airlines
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Rewards Rate
1x-2x
Miles
Intro offer
60,000
Miles
Recommended Credit Score
BONUS OFFER: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, an additional 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months
BONUS OFFER: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, an additional 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months
Pros
- Free checked bag and priority boarding
- Two United Club passes annually
- Primary rental car coverage
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Checked bag fee waived for fewer traveling partners than competitors
- Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, an additional 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months.
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United purchases
- Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® fee Credit
- 25% back on United inflight purchases
- Check your first bag for free (a savings of up to $140 per roundtrip) when you use your card to purchase your ticket
- Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United ClubSM with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining and eligible delivery services
Our pick for
Southwest Airlines
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual Fee
$69
Rewards Rate
1x-3x
Points
Intro offer
40,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
BONUS OFFER: Earn 40,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Plus, earn 3X points on dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services, for the first year.
BONUS OFFER: Earn 40,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Plus, earn 3X points on dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services, for the first year.
Pros
- Anniversary bonus
- No blackout dates or seat restrictions
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Has foreign transaction fee
- Earn 40,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Plus, earn 3X points on dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services, for the first year.
- 3,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary each year.
- Earn 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases.
- Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- All points earned count towards Companion Pass®.
- No blackout dates or seat restrictions.
- Your points never expire, a benefit of the Rapid Rewards® program.
Our pick for
Marriott hotels
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards Rate
2x-17x
Points
Intro offer
0
Points
Recommended Credit Score
BONUS OFFER: Earn 3 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening + 10X total points per $1 spent on up to $2,500 in combined purchases at gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores within 6 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card.
BONUS OFFER: Earn 3 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening + 10X total points per $1 spent on up to $2,500 in combined purchases at gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores within 6 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card.
Pros
- High rewards rate
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Earn 3 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases + 10X total points on eligible purchases in select categories.
- 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™.
- 2X Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Automatic Silver Elite Status each account anniversary year. Path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each account year.
- 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Earn unlimited Marriott Bonvoy points and get Free Night Stays faster.
Our pick for
Hilton hotels
on American Express's website
on American Express's website
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Rewards Rate
3x-12x
Points
Intro offer
130,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
BONUS OFFER: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer expires 8/25/2021. Plus, enjoy $0 intro Annual Fee for the first year, then $95. Offer expires 8/25/2021. Terms Apply.
BONUS OFFER: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer expires 8/25/2021. Plus, enjoy $0 intro Annual Fee for the first year, then $95. Offer expires 8/25/2021. Terms Apply.
Pros
- High rewards rate
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer expires 8/25/2021.
- Limited Time Offer: Enjoy $0 intro Annual Fee for the first year, then $95. Offer expires 8/25/2021.
- Earn a Weekend Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
- Earn 6X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
- Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
- Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year.
- Terms Apply.
Our pick for
Hyatt hotels
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards Rate
1x-9x
Points
Intro offer
30,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
BONUS OFFER: Earn 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.
BONUS OFFER: Earn 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.
Pros
- No foreign transaction fee
- High-value rewards
- Free night every anniversary year
- Automatic elite status
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Hyatt has a smaller footprint than other brands
- Earn 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
- Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
- Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
- Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
- Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
- Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status everytime you spend $5,000 on your card
- Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays - 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels & 5 Base Points per $1 you can earn as a World of Hyatt member
- Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airlines tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
Our pick for
IHG hotels
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $89
Rewards Rate
1x-25x
Points
Intro offer
150,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
BONUS OFFER: Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
BONUS OFFER: Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
Pros
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
- Enjoy a Reward Night after each account anniversary year at eligible IHG hotels worldwide. Plus, enjoy a reward night when you redeem points for any stay of 4 or more nights
- Earn up to 25 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
- Earn 2 points per $1 spent on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier card member
- Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® Fee Credit of up to $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
- IHG Rewards Club Bonus points are redeemable at hotels such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
Want to compare more options? Here are our other top picks:
To view rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, see this page. To view rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
Last updated on July 22, 2021
Methodology
NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen in multiple categories.
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.