Updated: 5 days ago
Credit card welcome bonuses are the easiest way to rack up tens of thousands of miles, and we say that having been in the miles and points game for a long time, and after doing all sorts of complicated things to earn miles (our favorite is still when Ben, as a teenager with a head full of hair, went to a hair loss clinic for a restoration consult in exchange for 10,000 miles).
Rather than jumping through hoops, these introductory offers are straightforward, and mainly require you to spend a certain amount on the card in a designated time-frame. These offers can be worth hundreds of dollars, and are often only available for a limited time. The largest bonuses typically come from travel credit cards, especially those linked with the loyalty programs of airlines and hotels, but general-purpose travel cards and bank credit cards can be incredibly lucrative as well. Bonuses on cash back credit cards are usually a bit lower, hovering in the range of $100 to $150, but several cards offer incentives of $200 for personal cards or up to $500 for business cards.
How OMAAT picks the best offers
Each month we look at the top travel and rewards credit cards on the market, and compare the various offers using a simple two-step methodology:
- First we establish a dollar amount for the welcome bonus, which we determine by multiplying the points offered in the introductory offer by the value of those miles or points. A bonus offering 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, for example, would be worth ~$700 using this method, because we value those points at ~0.7¢ each.
- Then we subtract the cost of any annual fees. Some cards waive the annual fee for the first year as part of the welcome bonus, in which case there is nothing to subtract. Other times, you’ll want to factor in the fees you’re paying in order to earn the rewards, as that obviously impacts the overall value of the card for the first year.
The great thing about this technique is that it works even if you value miles differently (just plug in your own valuation instead).
We try and include all the best travel rewards cards, regardless of if they pay us a commission or not, and update this list at least once per month.
Best Credit Card Welcome Bonus Offers of May 2020
Using our approach for determining the real value of every introductory offer, here are the best credit card welcome bonus offers available today:
Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio to United, Hyatt, and many other programs. The card is also great for everyday spend given that it offers double points on dining and travel. This is probably the most-used card in my wallet.
Current 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®
- 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide & 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, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel
- Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on orders over $12 for a minimum of one year on qualifying food purchases with DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service. Activate by 12/31/21.
- Earn 5X points on Lyft rides through March 2022. That's 3X points in addition to the 2X points you already earn on travel.
Hyatt hit it out of the park with the new card. The card is worth holding onto for the anniversary free night certificate and the five elite nights towards status annually, which more than justify the annual fee, not to mention the pathway to elite status based on your spending.
Current Offer
Earn up to 50,000 Bonus Points - 25,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus an additional 25,000 Bonus Points after you spend a total of $6,000 on purchases within the first 6 months of account opening.
Card Details
Earn 9 points total per $1 spent at Hyatt - 4 Bonus Points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels & 5 Base Points per $1 you can earn as a World of Hyatt member
Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard
Current Offer
• Earn up to 50,000 bonus miles with the new Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard
• Earn 3 miles per $1 spent directly on Virgin Atlantic purchases and 1.5 miles per $1 spent on all other purchases with no limit to the number of miles you can earn
• Redeem miles for flights on any of Virgin Atlantic's domestic and international partner airlines
• 25 tier points per $2,500 in purchases (maximum 50 per month) to elevate your Flying Club status
• No foreign transaction fees
• Low annual fee of $90
IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card
The annual free night certificate valid at many IHG properties and Platinum elite status for as long as you have the card make this a potentially good value, as most of those hotels would cost more than $89 per night. Read our Review
Current Offer
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
Card Details
Earn 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.
The card has a great sign-up bonus, and on top of that has lots of perks that make it valuable long term. I value Ultimate Rewards points at ~1.7 cents each, so to me the 50,000 points are worth $850, and that's before factoring in the travel credit and other great perks.
Current Offer
Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Card Details
3X points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit. 3X points on dining at restaurants & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. $0 foreign transaction fees.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Being a cardmember provides you complimentary Gold status, which gets you free breakfast and upgrades at Hilton properties across the world
Current Offer
Earn 125,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you use your new Card to make $2,000 in purchases within the first 3 months.
Card Details
Earn 12x Honors points at US supermarkets on eligible purchases (May through July 2020) & More!
Hilton Honors Card
This is a great bonus for a no-annual-fee card, and the earnings structure can make this a very rewarding card if you want to earn points for Hilton properties.
Current Offer
Earn 75,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you use your new Card to make $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months.
Card Details
Additional Temporary Perks through 2020
Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
This is a fantastic welcome bonus, especially for a small business card. You'll enjoy complimentary Gold Status just for keeping the card, with great opportunities to earn points and free Weekend Night Rewards.
Current Offer
Earn 125,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors Business Card after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
Card Details
Additional Temporary Perks through 2020
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®
This is a fantastic bonus, especially as these miles can be pooled with any miles you’re earning on your personal account.
Current Offer
• Designed for businesses
• Limited Time Offer: Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening.
• First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries to reduce travel costs and boost your bottom line.
• 25% savings on American Airlines inflight Wi-Fi when you use your card
• Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
• Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
• Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles per $1 spent on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations.
• Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile per $1 spent on other purchases
• No Foreign Transaction Fees
Alaska Airlines Visa® Business credit card
The companion fare offer alone makes this card a no-brainer, not to mention the bonus 40,000 Alaska miles which are very valuable due to their current award chart.
Current Offer
• Get 40,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare from $121 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from just $22) with this offer. To qualify, make purchases of $2,000 or more within the first 90 days of opening your account.
• Get Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ from $121 ($99 plus taxes and fees from $22) every year! That's right, EACH YEAR on your account anniversary get a companion fare from $121 ($99 plus taxes and fees from $22). Valid on all Alaska flights booked on alaskaair.com with no blackout dates.
• Save with a free checked bag on Alaska flights for you and up to six other guests on the same reservation.
• Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent directly on Alaska Airlines purchases and 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• NEW! 50% off Alaska Lounge day passes and 20% back on inflight food, beverage and Wi-Fi purchases when you pay with your card.
• Get exclusive access to discounted redemption levels when you redeem miles for hotel stays at over 400,000 properties using Alaska Airline Hotels.
• Earn unlimited miles and travel with no blackout dates and no international transaction fees.
• Enjoy many money saving benefits, 800+ destinations, more than a dozen global airline partners and a low annual fee of $50 for the company and $25 per card.
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Card
Current Offer
• Limited Time Offer!
• Get a $100 statement credit, 40,000 bonus miles and Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ from $121 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $22) after you make $2,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
• Save with a free checked bag on Alaska flights for you and up to six other guests on the same reservation.
• Get Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ every year! EACH YEAR on your account anniversary get a companion fare from $121 ($99 plus taxes and fees from $22). Valid on all Alaska flights booked on alaskaair.com with no blackout dates.
• Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases and unlimited 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don't expire on active accounts.
• Enjoy 20% back on all Alaska Airlines inflight purchases and 50% off day passes at the Alaska Lounge when you pay with your new card.
• Redeem miles with no blackout dates on any of Alaska's 1,200 daily flights or choose from over 800+ destinations with more than a dozen global airline partners. Plus, get exclusive access to discounted redemption levels when you redeem miles for hotel stays at over 400,000 properties using Alaska Airlines Hotels.
• Plus, no foreign transaction fees and a low $75 annual fee.
Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express
You receive top tier Hilton Honors Diamond status for as long as you hold the card. This card also earns an incredible 14x points at participating Hilton hotels & resorts. Read our Review.
Current Offer
Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
Earn 12x Honors points at US supermarkets on eligible purchases (May through July 2020) & More!
Card Details
• Earn 14x Hilton Honors bonus points when you make eligible purchases on your Card at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton Portfolio.
• Earn 7x Hilton Honors bonus points on eligible purchases on your Card for Flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and U.S. restaurants.
• Earn 3x Hilton Honors bonus points on all other eligible purchases
• Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond Status for being a cardmember
• Enjoy one weekend night reward with your new Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and every year after renewal. Plus, earn an additional night after you spend $60,000 on purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
• Enjoy up to $250 in statement credits each year of Card Membership for eligible purchases at participating Hilton Resorts.
Citi Premier℠ Card
Certain versions of ThankYou points, including the ones offered with this card, can be transferred to airline partners at a 1:1 ratio, which gives you more options for aspirational travel.
Current Offer
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Card Details
• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel including gas stations
• Earn 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants and on entertainment
• Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
British Airways has a distance-based award chart which is extremely lucrative for short-haul travel, as awards outside North America start at just 4,500 Avios one-way. Given that short flights are often disproportionately expensive when paying cash, I’ve found Avios to be invaluable.
Current Offer
- Earn 50,000 bonus Avios after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
- Plus earn an additional 50,000 bonus Avios after you spend $20,000 on your purchases within your first year of account opening.
- 3 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL
- 2 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations, plus 1 Avios per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- 10% off British Airways flights starting in the US
- Every calendar year you make $30,000 in purchases on your British Airways Visa card, you'll earn a Travel Together Ticket good for two years.
- Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad.
- Simply tap to pay with your contactless British Airways Visa Signature Card. Just look for the contactless symbol at checkout. It's fast, easy and secure!
Best Travel Credit Cards with Bonus Miles (2020)
We’re constantly asked what the best travel credit cards are for earning bonus miles or bonus points at a given moment in time. To be honest, there isn’t a blanket card that covers every possible situation perfectly — having a solid understanding of your travel goals and the miles or points required for your dream trip is always preferable — but if you don’t have set plans yet, or aren’t sure what direction you want to take, there are several fantastic options that will start you out on the right foot no matter what.
Understanding miles versus points
One of the most confusing aspects of travel credit cards is understanding the difference between “miles” versus “points”. The reality is that the terms are more or less interchangeable these days, so it comes down to which program you’re using, and the words their marketing team has chosen. For example:
- Many airlines no longer award miles based on the miles flown; instead, you earn a certain number of miles based on the price you paid for your ticket.
- Similarly, airline award charts either have fixed mileage costs determined by zones and regions, or variable pricing based on what it would cost to buy the ticket; the number of airline miles needed for a “free” flight isn’t necessarily correlated to the distance you’ll be covering on your trip, so [insert circumference of globe] airline miles probably won’t get you a round-the-globe ticket.
- Because of this, some airlines have given up on using the word “miles” altogether, and refer to their loyalty currency as “points”.
- Meanwhile, bank rewards programs are all over the place, with some using “points” and others using “miles”, even when the programs work roughly the same way; Capital One, for example, markets their cards as earning “Miles”, while American Express uses “Points” but both allow their rewards currency to be redeemed for a statement credit, or transferred to a partner.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter whether you’re earning “points” or “miles” — the ways in which the loyalty rewards can actually be used are a more important distinction than the vocabulary choice.
With that as background, here are the best travel credit cards with bonus miles:
Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio to United, Hyatt, and many other programs. The card is also great for everyday spend given that it offers double points on dining and travel. This is probably the most-used card in my wallet.
Current 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®
- 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide & 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, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel
- Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on orders over $12 for a minimum of one year on qualifying food purchases with DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service. Activate by 12/31/21.
- Earn 5X points on Lyft rides through March 2022. That's 3X points in addition to the 2X points you already earn on travel.
American Express Green Card
Current Offer
Earn 30,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $2,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership.
Card Details
3x Points on Restaurants, Transit, and Travel
Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard
Current Offer
• Earn up to 50,000 bonus miles with the new Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard
• Earn 3 miles per $1 spent directly on Virgin Atlantic purchases and 1.5 miles per $1 spent on all other purchases with no limit to the number of miles you can earn
• Redeem miles for flights on any of Virgin Atlantic's domestic and international partner airlines
• 25 tier points per $2,500 in purchases (maximum 50 per month) to elevate your Flying Club status
• No foreign transaction fees
• Low annual fee of $90
The card has a great sign-up bonus, and on top of that has lots of perks that make it valuable long term. I value Ultimate Rewards points at ~1.7 cents each, so to me the 50,000 points are worth $850, and that's before factoring in the travel credit and other great perks.
Current Offer
Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Card Details
3X points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit. 3X points on dining at restaurants & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. $0 foreign transaction fees.
Current Offer
- $0 intro annual fee, then $525
- Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United purchases including tickets, Economy Plus, inflight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, and other United charges.
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining
- Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck™ Fee Credit
- Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $320 per roundtrip
- 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi onboard United-operated flight when you pay with your Club Card.
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®
This is a fantastic bonus, especially as these miles can be pooled with any miles you’re earning on your personal account.
Current Offer
• Designed for businesses
• Limited Time Offer: Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening.
• First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries to reduce travel costs and boost your bottom line.
• 25% savings on American Airlines inflight Wi-Fi when you use your card
• Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
• Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
• Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles per $1 spent on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations.
• Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile per $1 spent on other purchases
• No Foreign Transaction Fees
Alaska Airlines Visa® Business credit card
The companion fare offer alone makes this card a no-brainer, not to mention the bonus 40,000 Alaska miles which are very valuable due to their current award chart.
Current Offer
• Get 40,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare from $121 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from just $22) with this offer. To qualify, make purchases of $2,000 or more within the first 90 days of opening your account.
• Get Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ from $121 ($99 plus taxes and fees from $22) every year! That's right, EACH YEAR on your account anniversary get a companion fare from $121 ($99 plus taxes and fees from $22). Valid on all Alaska flights booked on alaskaair.com with no blackout dates.
• Save with a free checked bag on Alaska flights for you and up to six other guests on the same reservation.
• Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent directly on Alaska Airlines purchases and 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• NEW! 50% off Alaska Lounge day passes and 20% back on inflight food, beverage and Wi-Fi purchases when you pay with your card.
• Get exclusive access to discounted redemption levels when you redeem miles for hotel stays at over 400,000 properties using Alaska Airline Hotels.
• Earn unlimited miles and travel with no blackout dates and no international transaction fees.
• Enjoy many money saving benefits, 800+ destinations, more than a dozen global airline partners and a low annual fee of $50 for the company and $25 per card.
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Card
Current Offer
• Limited Time Offer!
• Get a $100 statement credit, 40,000 bonus miles and Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ from $121 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $22) after you make $2,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
• Save with a free checked bag on Alaska flights for you and up to six other guests on the same reservation.
• Get Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ every year! EACH YEAR on your account anniversary get a companion fare from $121 ($99 plus taxes and fees from $22). Valid on all Alaska flights booked on alaskaair.com with no blackout dates.
• Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases and unlimited 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don't expire on active accounts.
• Enjoy 20% back on all Alaska Airlines inflight purchases and 50% off day passes at the Alaska Lounge when you pay with your new card.
• Redeem miles with no blackout dates on any of Alaska's 1,200 daily flights or choose from over 800+ destinations with more than a dozen global airline partners. Plus, get exclusive access to discounted redemption levels when you redeem miles for hotel stays at over 400,000 properties using Alaska Airlines Hotels.
• Plus, no foreign transaction fees and a low $75 annual fee.
This card gives you a full Admirals Club Membership for you and access for guests traveling with you, in addition to complimentary Admirals Club® Lounge access for authorized users.
Current Offer
• Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
• Admirals Club® membership for you and access for up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you
• Earn 10,000 AAdvantage® Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) after you spend $40,000 in purchases within the year
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
• Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases
• First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation
• 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.
The Platinum Card from American Express
While the annual fee is high the card comes with lots of benefits that help negate the annual fee, including a $200 Airline Fee Credit, which gives you up to $200 a year in baggage fees and more at one airline.
Current Offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months.
Card Details
5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel. 5X Membership Rewards® points on eligible hotels booked on amextravel.com. Enjoy Uber VIP status and free rides in the U.S. up to $15 each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. As a Platinum Card Member, you can enjoy access to the Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations around the world. Receive complimentary benefits with an average total value of $550 with Fine Hotels & Resorts. Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
Blue Business Plus Credit Card
This card offers strong rewards for small businesses. No other card matches it for base earning on up to the first $50,000 per year.
Current Offer
Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
Card Details
2X Membership Rewards on everyday business purchases up to $50,000 with no category restrictions
American Express Gold Card
Membership Rewards has many transfer partners, including Aeroplan, British Airways, Delta, and Singapore, and this card lets you earn great bonuses in the categories that many of us use most often.
Current Offer
Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership.
As no-fee Marriott co-brand card, with no foreign transactions, this card is a nice alternative if you want to keep your Marriott points alive without having to worry about annual fees. The 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year qualifies you for Silver Elite status, and helps you achieve a higher level of status with Marriott.
Current Offer
Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Card Details
Earn 3X points for every $1 spent at 7,000+ hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy™ and 2X points on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains).
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
Current Offer
Earn 75,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months.
From May 1 through July 31, 2020 you'll ">earn 6x Bonvoy points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $7,500 in eligible purchases.
Card Details
• Earn 6x points on eligible purchases at participating Marriott hotels
• Earn 3x points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines.
• Earn 2x points on all other eligible purchases
• Enjoy up to $300 in statement credits each year of Card Membership for eligible purchases at participating Marriott hotels
• Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary valid for redemption for a single night up to 50,000 points.
• Complimentary Gold Elite Status
Arguably the coolest feature of this new card is Citi will round up your purchase to the nearest 10 ThankYou points. Make a $1 purchase? You’ll earn 10 ThankYou points. Make an $11 purchase? You’ll earn 20 ThankYou points. This is a very interesting rewards structure that makes this card perfect for everyday purchases.
Current Offer
• The Citi Rewards+℠ Card - the only credit card that automatically rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase - with no cap.
• Earn 15,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $150 in gift cards at thankyou.com
• 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 13.49% - 23.49%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfer fee — either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
• Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Plus, earn 1X Points on All Other Purchases.
• The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 13.49% - 23.49%, based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion.
The way I view it, this is a card that’s worth holding onto for the anniversary free night certificate, valid at a hotel that retails for up to 35,000 Marriott points per night. That benefit alone should more than justify the annual fee.
Current Offer
Earn 75,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Card Details
Earn 6X points for every $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy™ and 2X points on all other purchases.
Citi Prestige® Card
Read our review
You can use the 4th night benefit multiple times per year, which keeps this card front-of-wallet for us, and more than makes up for the annual fee. Points can be transferred to a variety of programs, and ThankYou continues to increase their transfer partners, making points earned with this card more and more valuable.
Current Offer
• Earn 50,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 within 3 months of account opening
• 5x Points on Travel + Dining
• 3x Points on Hotels + Cruises
• 1x Points on all other purchases
• Up to $250 Travel Credit Every Calendar Year
• Complimentary 4th Night at a hotel of your choice after a minimum 4 consecutive night booking through ThankYou.com (based on your average night stay, exclusive of taxes and fees)
• Get a Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® Application Fee Credit on your statement, up to $100 every 5 years, as a reimbursement of your application fee for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®
• Enjoy access to Priority Pass™ Lounges for you and your authorized users
Citi Premier℠ Card
Certain versions of ThankYou points, including the ones offered with this card, can be transferred to airline partners at a 1:1 ratio, which gives you more options for aspirational travel.
Current Offer
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Card Details
• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel including gas stations
• Earn 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants and on entertainment
• Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
While the annual fee is high the card comes with lots of benefits that help negate the annual fee, and this is a great welcome bonus on this card.
Current Offer
Earn 50,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 and an extra 35,000 points after you spend an additional $10,000 all on qualifying purchases on the Business Platinum Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
Card Details
5X Membership Rewards on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com (Hotels must be booked and paid in advance to be able to use the benefit).
Get 50% more points on each large business eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to 1 million additional points per calendar year.
American Express Business Gold Card
Earning 4X Membership Rewards® for small business expenses is an awesome return, and we especially like that it automatically applies to the categories you use most in a billing cycle, rather than having to choose just one or two each year.
Current Offer
Earn 50,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $5,000 in qualifying purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
Card Details
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points in your top 2 monthly spend categories -- 4X points applies to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories each year.
Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card
If you make frequent transactions in a month the Amex EveryDay cards are a great option. In addition to accruing points in bonus categories, these cards offer an additional incentive based on how many times the card is used in a month. This can be quite lucrative, especially as these cards accrue Membership Rewards points. Membership Rewards points can be transferred to airline partners for the best value, or used to pay for all or part of your flight, prepaid hotel, vacation or cruise through amextravel.com.
Current Offer
Earn 20,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $1,000 in purchases in your first 3 months.
Card Details
3x points at US Supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases; 2x points at US gas stations; 1x points on other purchases. Use your Card 30 or more times on purchases in a billing period and earn 50% more points on those purchases less returns and credits.
Marriott Bonvoy Business Card
This card is worth keeping for Anniversary free night certificate, plus the 15 nights towards elite status annually. And the 6x points per dollar for Marriott stays certainly doesn't hurt!
Current Offer
Earn 75,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months.
Current Offer
• Earn 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles and receive a $50 statement credit after making $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
• No Annual Fee
• Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services
• Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
• Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases
• Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases when you use your card 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.
Current Offer
Earn 40,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Card Details
2 points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases and Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partner purchases. 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
AAdvantage® Aviator™ Red World Elite Mastercard®
Current Offer
Earn 50,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after making your first purchase in the first 90 days and paying the $99 annual fee. Plus earn an introductory Companion Certificate good for 1 guest at $99 (plus taxes and fees) after making your first purchase in the first 90 days and paying the $99 annual fee.
Card Details
Earn 2X miles on eligible American Airlines purchases; Earn 1X miles on all other purchases; First checked bag free and preferred boarding for the primary cardmember and up to 4 companions on eligible bags when traveling on domestic itineraries operated by American Airlines; Receive 25% inflight savings on food and beverages; Get up to $25 back as statement credits on inflight Wi-Fi purchases every anniversary year on American Airlines operated flights
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
Current Offer
Earn 40,000 Bonus Miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card
When flying Delta, this card gives you Delta Sky Club® access and allows you to earn bonus MQMs.
Current Offer
Earn 45,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
United℠ Explorer Card
Current Offer
40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open
Card Details
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent at restaurants, on hotel stays and on purchases from United. 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program is revenue based, so these points will get you quite a bit of credit towards travel on Southwest. While Rapid Rewards points aren’t the most aspirational currency, they are extremely practical. This sign-up bonus can be especially valuable if you’re going for Southwest Companion Pass.
Current Offer
Earn 40,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Card Details
2 points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases and Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partner purchases. 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program is revenue based, so these points will get you quite a bit of credit towards travel on Southwest. While Rapid Rewards points aren’t the most aspirational currency, they are extremely practical. This sign-up bonus can be especially valuable if you’re going for Southwest Companion Pass.
Current Offer
Earn 40,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Card Details
2 points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases and Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partner purchases. 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
British Airways has a distance-based award chart which is extremely lucrative for short-haul travel, as awards outside North America start at just 4,500 Avios one-way. Given that short flights are often disproportionately expensive when paying cash, I’ve found Avios to be invaluable.
Current Offer
- Earn 50,000 bonus Avios after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
- Plus earn an additional 50,000 bonus Avios after you spend $20,000 on your purchases within your first year of account opening.
- 3 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL
- 2 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations, plus 1 Avios per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- 10% off British Airways flights starting in the US
- Every calendar year you make $30,000 in purchases on your British Airways Visa card, you'll earn a Travel Together Ticket good for two years.
- Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad.
- Simply tap to pay with your contactless British Airways Visa Signature Card. Just look for the contactless symbol at checkout. It's fast, easy and secure!
Amex EveryDay® Credit Card
If you make frequent transactions in a month the Amex EveryDay cards are a great option. In addition to accruing points in bonus categories, these cards offer an additional incentive based on how many times the card is used in a month. This can be quite lucrative, especially as these cards accrue Membership Rewards points. Membership Rewards points can be transferred to airline partners for the best value, or used to pay for all or part of your flight, prepaid hotel, vacation or cruise through amextravel.com.
Current Offer
Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $1,000 in purchases in your first 3 months.
Card Details
2x points at US supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1x); 1x points on other purchases. Use your Card 20 or more times on purchases in a billing period and earn 20% more points on those purchases less returns and credits.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
Current Offer
Earn 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. In addition, earn a $100 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card
Current Offer
Earn 45,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. In addition, earn a $100 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months.
Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card
While it might not be the best option for the savvy traveler, it’s nice to see an airline with a no annual fee credit card. People often want to have a card from a brand they like, and lots of people like Delta. For a no annual fee card, the card is more generous than I was expecting.
Current Offer
Earn 10,000 bonus SkyMiles after spending $500 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Current Offer
Earn 35,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership.
Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card
Current Offer
Earn 40,000 Bonus Miles after spending $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership.
Learn more about the Remote Teams earning structure
Current Offer
- 75,000 in Brex Rewards points upon signup and waived card fees for life (equal to $750+ value)*
- No personal guarantee needed - we do not ask for a personal credit check or security deposit during the application.
- Credit limits 10-20x higher than traditional small business corporate cards.
Current Offer
- 75,000 in Brex Rewards points upon signup and waived card fees for life (equal to $750+ value)*
- No personal guarantee needed - we do not ask for a personal credit check or security deposit during the application.
- Credit limits 10-20x higher than traditional small business corporate cards.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®
Current Offer
• Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $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.
Business Green Rewards Card
Current Offer
Earn 25,000 Membership Rewards you they spend $3,000 on qualifying purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
Card Details
2 Membership Rewards for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases at amextravel.com.
What Is The Best Credit Card For Points?
Now, if you aren’t sure how you’ll want to use your rewards, the best credit card for points is going to be one that earns flexible rewards. That way you can choose whether to redeem your points for a statement credit, transfer them to an airline partner, or any number of other options down the road.
While there are advanced strategies for combining points from multiple cards and otherwise maximizing the points you earn on every purchase, if you’re just starting out we think a simple approach is best. These are the best points cards from Chase, American Express, Capital One, and Citi, each of which allows you to directly redeem points towards the cost of travel or transfer them to a loyalty partner for even greater rewards (think international first and business class flights!):
Citi Premier℠ Card
Certain versions of ThankYou points, including the ones offered with this card, can be transferred to airline partners at a 1:1 ratio, which gives you more options for aspirational travel.
Current Offer
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Card Details
• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel including gas stations
• Earn 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants and on entertainment
• Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Which Credit Card Has The Most Rewards?
If you’re looking for the credit card with the most rewards, look no further than the Citi Premier℠ Card. We like this card for the combination of the excellent welcome bonus, the broad bonus categories (travel includes fuel!), and the ability to transfer points to a partner program, or easily redeem them through the ThankYou Portal.
Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio to United, Hyatt, and many other programs. The card is also great for everyday spend given that it offers double points on dining and travel. This is probably the most-used card in my wallet.
Current 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®
- 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide & 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, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel
- Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on orders over $12 for a minimum of one year on qualifying food purchases with DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service. Activate by 12/31/21.
- Earn 5X points on Lyft rides through March 2022. That's 3X points in addition to the 2X points you already earn on travel.
The card has a great sign-up bonus, and on top of that has lots of perks that make it valuable long term. I value Ultimate Rewards points at ~1.7 cents each, so to me the 50,000 points are worth $850, and that's before factoring in the travel credit and other great perks.
Current Offer
Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Card Details
3X points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit. 3X points on dining at restaurants & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. $0 foreign transaction fees.
The Platinum Card from American Express
While the annual fee is high the card comes with lots of benefits that help negate the annual fee, including a $200 Airline Fee Credit, which gives you up to $200 a year in baggage fees and more at one airline.
Current Offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months.
Card Details
5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel. 5X Membership Rewards® points on eligible hotels booked on amextravel.com. Enjoy Uber VIP status and free rides in the U.S. up to $15 each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. As a Platinum Card Member, you can enjoy access to the Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations around the world. Receive complimentary benefits with an average total value of $550 with Fine Hotels & Resorts. Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
Blue Business Plus Credit Card
This card offers strong rewards for small businesses. No other card matches it for base earning on up to the first $50,000 per year.
Current Offer
Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
Card Details
2X Membership Rewards on everyday business purchases up to $50,000 with no category restrictions
American Express Gold Card
Membership Rewards has many transfer partners, including Aeroplan, British Airways, Delta, and Singapore, and this card lets you earn great bonuses in the categories that many of us use most often.
Current Offer
Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership.
Citi Premier℠ Card
Certain versions of ThankYou points, including the ones offered with this card, can be transferred to airline partners at a 1:1 ratio, which gives you more options for aspirational travel.
Current Offer
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Card Details
• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel including gas stations
• Earn 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants and on entertainment
• Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
While the annual fee is high the card comes with lots of benefits that help negate the annual fee, and this is a great welcome bonus on this card.
Current Offer
Earn 50,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 and an extra 35,000 points after you spend an additional $10,000 all on qualifying purchases on the Business Platinum Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
Card Details
5X Membership Rewards on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com (Hotels must be booked and paid in advance to be able to use the benefit).
Get 50% more points on each large business eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to 1 million additional points per calendar year.
American Express Business Gold Card
Earning 4X Membership Rewards® for small business expenses is an awesome return, and we especially like that it automatically applies to the categories you use most in a billing cycle, rather than having to choose just one or two each year.
Current Offer
Earn 50,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $5,000 in qualifying purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
Card Details
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points in your top 2 monthly spend categories -- 4X points applies to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories each year.
No matter which card you choose, the best credit card bonus offers will help you earn a big chunk of points and miles up front. In most cases, these offers alone are enough to pay for a flight or hotel stay!
I want to apply for these cards,I have an annual income of 80000$.but i am not a us citizen. I am an indian and currently working in a fortune 500 company in usa. I have SSN number, so can i apply for these credit cards. Is there anything else that i need?
Right now I think the most useful comparison factor which could be added is how the travel insurance works for example in a pandemic. Friends have told me that CSR denied their claim because Covid is an act of God. This while the US State Department has prohibited Americans from traveling ie a Level 4 alert. Travel insurance is touted by the premium cards. An article on how it actually is working would be welcomed.