Best credit card bonuses for December 2024
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- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for travel bonus
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for luxury travel
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for travel redemption
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for travel perks
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for groceries
- Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Best for flat-rate rewards
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for foodies
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best for customizable cash back
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: Best airline bonus
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Best hotel bonus
- Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students: Best student sign-up bonus
- American Express® Business Gold Card: Best for business travel
- Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: Best business cash back bonus
Additional Options:
- Chase Freedom Flex℠: Best for rewards category variety
Filter by
Showing 14 results
Intro offer
75,000 miles
Rewards rate
2 Miles - 5 Miles
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.49% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: Its sign-up bonus is one of the most valuable you can get on a general travel card at this cost.
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees, Terms ApplyIntro offer
Earn 80,000 points
Rewards rate
5X - 5X
Annual fee
$695
APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Why you'll like this: It boasts perhaps the most valuable perks and intro bonus you can get on a travel rewards card.
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points
Rewards rate
1x - 5x
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
20.74% - 27.74% Variable
Why you'll like this: Chase points hold an especially high value whether you redeem them for travel or cash back, making this card ideal for beginners and occasional travelers.
Intro offer
75,000 miles
Rewards rate
2 Miles - 10 Miles
Annual fee
$395
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.49% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: Its streamlined rewards rates, sign-up bonus value and travel perks could make it a better bang for your buck than other premium travel cards.
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees, Terms ApplyIntro offer
Earn $250
Rewards rate
1% - 6%
Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
APR
18.49%-29.49% Variable
Why you'll like this: It boasts an exceptional intro bonus and a top rewards rate in key everyday categories.
Intro offer
$200 cash rewards
Rewards rate
2%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR
Why you'll like this: The card’s simplicity gives you a lot of flexibility in earning rewards.
Intro offer
$200 Cash Back
Rewards rate
1% - 8%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.49% - 29.49% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: Its platter of rewards categories features some of the best rates you can get on grocery and restaurant purchases.
Best for customizable cash back
Intro offer
$200
Rewards rate
1% - 3%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
18.49% - 28.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Why you'll like this: Its bonus carries a low spending requirement and the card offers the flexibility to pick your top-rate bonus category, so it’s easy to maximize rewards.
Intro offer
$400 statement credit + 40,000 pts.
Rewards rate
1X - 2X
Annual fee
$69
Regular APR
20.74% - 27.74% Variable
Why you'll like this: Its intro bonus offers a terrific return on spend and a nice boost toward the Companion Pass, which could save you thousands on Southwest flights.
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees, Terms ApplyIntro offer
Earn 165,000 points
Rewards rate
3X - 12X
Annual fee
$150
APR
20.24%-29.24% Variable
Why you'll like this: Occasional Hilton guests can score a great intro offer, lucrative everyday rewards and valuable Hilton perks at a reasonable cost.
Best student sign-up bonus
Intro offer
25,000 points
Rewards rate
1.5X
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
18.49% - 28.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Why you'll like this: In addition to its beginner-friendly flat rewards rate, students can score one of the most valuable no-annual-fee card intro bonuses.
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees, Terms ApplyIntro offer
Earn 100,000 points
Rewards rate
1X - 4X
Annual fee
$375
Regular APR
18.74% - 27.74% Variable
Why you'll like this: Frequent flyers who want to maximize point value via transfer partners may find this one of the most lucrative short- or long-term business cards.
Intro offer
Earn $750 bonus cash back
Rewards Rate
1.5%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
17.74% - 23.74% Variable
Why you'll like this: It boasts a streamlined rewards program and a more valuable intro bonus than most no-annual-fee business cards.
Intro offer
$200
Rewards rate
1% - 5%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.74% - 28.49% Variable
Why you'll like this: Its year-round bonus categories and extraordinary perks can provide more first-year and ongoing value than other rotating category cards.
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Compare Bankrate's top credit card bonus offers
Card | Welcome offer | Annual fee | Bankrate review score |
---|---|---|---|
|
Intro Offer: 75,000 miles
75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening |
|
4.9 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Capital One's secure site
|
|
Intro Offer: Earn 80,000 points
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. |
|
4.8 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees
, Terms Apply
|
|
Intro Offer: 60,000 bonus points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. |
|
4.8 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Chase's secure site
|
|
Intro Offer: 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 |
|
5.0 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Capital One's secure site
|
|
Intro Offer: Earn $250
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. |
|
4.4 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees
, Terms Apply
|
|
Intro Offer: $200 cash rewards
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months |
|
4.3 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Wells Fargo's secure site
|
|
Intro Offer: $200 Cash Back
$200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening |
|
5.0 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Capital One's secure site
|
|
Intro Offer: $200
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. |
|
4.3 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Bank of America's secure site
|
|
Intro Offer: $400 statement credit + 40,000 pts.
Earn a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening. |
|
4.3 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Chase's secure site
|
|
Intro Offer: Earn 165,000 points
Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025. |
|
4.7 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees
, Terms Apply
|
|
Intro Offer: 25,000 points
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases. |
|
3.9 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Bank of America's secure site
|
|
Intro Offer: Earn 100,000 points
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.* |
|
5.0 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees
, Terms Apply
|
|
Intro Offer: Earn $750 bonus cash back
Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. |
|
4.2 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Chase's secure site
|
|
Intro Offer: $200
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening |
|
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What is a credit card bonus?
A credit card bonus — whether it’s called a sign-up bonus, intro bonus or welcome offer — is an incentive for new cardholders. In most cases, you’ll need to spend a certain amount on purchases with your new card within a specified time period (usually three to six months) to earn these bonuses. They mostly come as cash back, points or travel miles, but can also be one-time discounts or gift cards.
Credit card bonuses can offer great value if the spending requirement falls within your regular spending habits, but a high return isn’t always guaranteed. If you’re comparing bonus offers, consider whether they offer a good return on your spending (at least 20 percent for a consumer card).
Types of credit card bonuses
Credit card bonuses are typically distributed as additional cash back, points or miles. However, several types of welcome offers can be just as valuable — if not more so — than traditional, straightforward offers.
These offers are the most straightforward to earn and most commonly available on credit cards. They’re great if you want to earn a lump sum payment for short-term spending. These bonuses can come in points, miles or cash back, depending on the card.
No-annual-fee cards usually offer a $200 value for spending $500 to $1,000 within the first three months, and premium card bonuses often go up to $500 to $800 for $4,000 to $6,000 spent in the first three to six months. Business cards sometimes offer an even more valuable bonus with a higher spending requirement.
Co-branded airline or hotel credit cards often offer perks like airfare companion passes or free night awards for meeting bonus spending requirements. One example is the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card, which includes Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ as part of its limited-time welcome offer.
Cards can sometimes offer boosted rewards rates in special bonus categories when you first open the card. These limited-time bonus categories usually expire after you reach a spending cap and/or after a certain time (like after the first three months, six months or year). For example, we’ve seen some cards provide a temporary 3 percent to 5 percent back on additional categories like travel, dining or groceries.
This type of welcome offer doesn’t hold a set value. It’s based instead on your spending. These offers typically match the rewards you earn within a set period and can be especially valuable for big spenders. The best example is the Cashback Match® with Discover’s rewards cards.
A credit card may offer an upfront bonus the moment you’re approved instead of setting a spending requirement. This offer is more common among store credit cards, which sometimes a gift card worth around $50 to $150 when you’re approved for the card, such as the Amazon gift card that comes with opening the Prime Visa card.
Our data: Ranking credit card bonuses
Our points and miles valuations play a vital role when we’re evaluating and comparing credit card bonuses. After all, the number of points or miles that come with a bonus don’t mean much if their redemption value is low. We can only get a clear sense of the true value of a card bonus by estimating the average redemption value of points and miles.
Many of the top rewards cards offer bonuses worth several hundreds or even thousands of dollars, but most have a far lower value.
Here’s a look at the top bonus offers currently available on this page, sorted by their estimated redemption value. You can also see the spending required to earn each bonus, as well as where its value ranks compared to the bonuses of other cards in the same category in our scoring database.
Card name
|
Spending requirement
|
Estimated value*
|
Return on spend
|
Value ranking*
|
---|---|---|---|---|
American Express® Business Gold Card | Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.* | $2,000 | 13% | Better value than 98% of business cards |
The Platinum Card® from American Express | Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | $1,600 | 20% | Better value than 97% of rewards cards |
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. | $1,500 | 35% | Better value than 96% of rewards cards |
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | 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 | $1,275 | 32% | Better value than 95% of rewards cards |
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | $1,275 | 32% | Better value than 95% of rewards cards |
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card | Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025. | $990 | 33% | Better value than 85% of rewards cards |
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card | Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | $750 | 15% | Better value than 68% of business cards |
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card | Earn a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening. | $1,000 | 33% | Better value than 80% of rewards cards |
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students | 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases. | $250 | 25% | Better value than 99% of student cards |
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. | $250 | 8% | Better value than 83% of cash back cards |
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months | $200 | 40% | Better value than 66% of cash back cards |
Chase Freedom Flex® | Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening | $200 | 40% | Better value than 51% of cash back cards |
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card | $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. | $200 | 20% |
Better value than 51% of cash back cards |
* Bonus values and rankings are based on Bankrate’s points and miles valuations and the current bonus available on each card compared with the values of other cards’ bonuses in our rankings database.
What people say about credit card bonuses
In various online forums, including Reddit, many users have recently singled out Capital One credit cards as offering some of the best sign-up bonuses on the market. Capital One bonuses are often cited as a major draw for prospective cardholders and are credited with helping users quickly earn valuable rewards.
One user highlights the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card as offering an impressive sign-up and annual bonus, as well as great ongoing value (especially paired with the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card):
“I like the Capital One duo ([the Venture X and Savor]). The [Venture X] will give a nice … sign up bonus, and the statement credits + anniversary points easily cover the [annual fee].”
— Reddit user*
Along with praise for specific sign-up bonuses, users share general advice on how to find the rewards card that fits you best. One key point: Don’t let the bonus be the only feature you consider.
“No fee cards with modest bonuses are nice to take out routinely, but I try to be tactical about this where some of these cards have a long-term use for specific categories … Hefty fee cards usually have higher bonuses, but [I] would encourage you to not force yourself to spend the money they offer — should be a natural fit into your life[.]”
— Reddit user*
As you consider cards and card bonuses, you should also consider whether you can meet any spending requirements without overspending or going into debt. Additionally, create a plan for how you’ll redeem rewards to maximize the value of your sign-up bonus.
*The quotes and citations included on this page have been verified by our editorial team and are accurate as of the posting date. Be sure to check the issuer's website/terms and conditions for all up to date content. Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
Maximize your credit card bonus
To make the most of a credit card bonus, you should continue to make wise credit decisions and avoid debt to keep your balance manageable. Irresponsible card use and purchases could offset the value of your new bonus with interest charges. Here are some tips for making sure you don’t outpace the value of your new bonus with interest charges and fees:
- Plan ahead: Assess the offer’s spending requirements and the value of the points you’ll earn. Bankrate’s points and miles valuations can help you understand the value of any potential bonus so you can redeem your rewards wisely.
- Spend normally: Make timely payments and stay within your budget. If you spend beyond your means, you risk running up interest charges that can eat away at the value of your bonus or ongoing rewards.
- Consider long-term value: New credit accounts lower your average account age, hurting your credit score. While bonuses can be attractive incentives, they shouldn’t be your sole reason for choosing a credit card. Avoid opening new cards just for the bonus unless these cards will help you in the long term.
How this Bankrate expert chooses cards with sign-up bonuses
Here’s how Bankrate writer and credit card expert Ryan Flanigan filters through his options when looking for a new credit card with a sign-up bonus:
“Getting a good sign-up bonus is one of the most important factors to consider when opening a new card. I place a lot of focus on how the current offer compares to previous offers because getting a lower offer than what came before can be lost value.
I also think about how the card will meet my needs overall. If I have a travel goal with an airline or hotel, a sign-up bonus can give me a big boost toward the amount of miles or points I need. Also, will any bonus categories help me earn more points while spending towards meeting the bonus? The more value I can extract initially, the better set up I'll be towards meeting my travel or cash back goals.
Lastly, I consider if I can achieve the spending requirement in the allotted time frame. The biggest mistake someone can make is failing to spend enough to earn the welcome bonus because you won't get another chance. If I have large upcoming expenses, I try to put them towards a new sign-up bonus. Strategic spending like this can help defray larger costs by giving me a bigger return. While there are definitely many factors to consider when picking the right card with an ideal sign-up bonus, I can get a ton of value when I manage my spending wisely.”
— Ryan Flanigan, Writer, Credit Cards
Frequently asked questions about credit cards with sign-up bonuses
Ask the experts: Should I continually look to apply for new cards, so that I can keep earning sign-up bonuses?
Erica Sandberg
Contributor, Credit Cards
Sign-up bonuses are fabulous. They enable you to earn cash back, points, or miles after you hit the minimum spend. However, many credit card companies have rules in place that prevent you from earning the bonus each time you open a new account with them. Check the issuer’s restrictions before you keep opening new credit card accounts. Still, even with an attractive bonus, you should only pursue the credit cards you need and will use. After all, every card you have must be managed, so if you have too many, you may unnecessarily complicate your life!
How we assess the best credit cards with bonus offers
When evaluating the best credit cards with bonus offers, we consider both the quality of a card bonus itself and the card’s long-term value, including its cost and perks.
We calculate the value of each card’s bonus based on our internal point and mile valuations (assuming it’s not a cash bonus) and compare this to the value of bonuses available on cards in a similar category and at a similar price level. We also consider the spending required to earn each bonus.
After identifying cards that carry valuable bonuses with a high return on spend, we factor in how cards score overall in our proprietary card rating system and whether they offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders, from earning rewards to scoring a large welcome bonus to saving on interest.
We analyzed over 250 of the most popular credit cards and selected standouts with high-value bonuses. We scored each card based on the factors most relevant to its primary category, including its rewards rate, estimated annual earnings, intro APR period, ongoing APR, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup.
Here’s a quick look at the factors that make up our card scoring methodology for rewards, cash back and business cards (the card types most likely to offer welcome bonuses), along with more information on how we assess the quality of card bonuses themselves.
Rewards & cash back card scoring factors
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Value 65%
-
Flexibility 15%
-
Perks 15%
-
Customer experience 5%
Business card scoring factors
-
Value 40%
-
Flexibility 20%
-
Perks 20%
-
Customer experience 20%