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Best credit card bonuses for February 2026

Updated January 22, 2026

Advertiser Disclosure: Bankrate’s editorial team chooses and recommends the credit cards on this page. Our websites may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. However, our recommendations and card ratings are produced independently without influence by advertising partnerships with issuers.

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Limited time offer

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Best travel bonus for low annual fee

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bankrate score

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5.0
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Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:670 - 850
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on Capital One's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

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Enjoy a $250 travel credit & earn 75K bonus miles

Rewards rate

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2X miles - 5X miles

Annual fee

$95

Regular APR

19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Why you'll like this: It offers a solid sign-up bonus, great ongoing rewards rates and flexibility, so it's a terrific starter travel card.

Apply with confidence

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Best luxury card bonus for airfare

American Express Platinum Card®

Bankrate score

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4.8
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Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:Good to Excellent
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on American Express's secure site

See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply

Intro offer

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As High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

Rewards rate

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5X

Annual fee

$895

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Why you'll like this: It boasts perhaps the most valuable perks and welcome bonus you can potentially get on a travel rewards card.

Best bonus for travel or cash back (low annual fee)

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Bankrate score

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4.9
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Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:670 - 850
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on Chase's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

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75,000 bonus points

Rewards rate

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1x - 5x

Annual fee

$95

Regular APR

19.24% - 27.49% Variable

Why you'll like this: Since Chase points hold a high value whether you redeem for travel or cash back, this card is ideal for beginners and occasional travelers.

Best luxury card bonus for travel or cash back

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Bankrate score

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4.8
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Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:740 - 850
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Apply nowLock

on Chase's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

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125,000 bonus points

Rewards Rate

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1x - 8x

Annual fee

$795

Regular APR

19.49% - 27.99% Variable

Why you'll like this: The bonus is not only accessible for a luxury card, but it could also be one of the best toward cash back, issuer travel or transfer partners.

Best travel bonus + ongoing value

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Bankrate score

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5.0
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Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:740 - 850
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Apply nowLock

on Capital One's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

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Earn 75,000 bonus miles

Rewards rate

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2 Miles - 10 Miles

Annual fee

$395

Regular APR

19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Why you'll like this: Its streamlined rewards rates, sign-up bonus value and travel perks could make it a better deal than other premium travel cards.

Apply with confidence

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Best premium card cash bonus

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.4
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Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:Good to Excellent
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Apply nowLock

on American Express's secure site

See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply

Intro offer

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Earn $250

Rewards rate

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1% - 6%

Annual fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

APR

19.49%-28.49% Variable

Why you'll like this: It boasts an exceptional intro bonus and a top rewards rate in key everyday categories.

Best for cash bonus + flat-rate rewards

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Bankrate score

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4.3
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Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:670 - 850
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on Wells Fargo's secure site

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Intro offer

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$200 cash rewards

Rewards rate

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2%

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable APR

Why you'll like this: The card’s simplicity gives you a lot of flexibility in earning rewards and progressing toward the welcome offer.

Best for cash bonus + food rewards

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
5.0
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Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:670 - 850
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Apply nowLock

on Capital One's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

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Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus

Rewards rate

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1% - 8%

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Why you'll like this: Its platter of bonus categories offers some of the best rates you can get on grocery and dining purchases.

Best airline bonus

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.4
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Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:Good to Excellent
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Apply nowLock

on American Express's secure site

See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply

Intro offer

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Earn up to 100,000 Bonus Miles

Rewards Rate

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1X - 3X

Annual fee

$350

APR

19.49%-28.49% Variable

Why you'll like this: The accessible intro bonus is not only one of the most valuable airline card offers — it’s one of the best rewards card offers in general.

Best starter airline card bonus

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.6
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Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:670 - 850
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Apply nowLock

on Chase's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

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Earn 50,000 points.

Rewards Rate

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1X - 2X

Annual fee

$99

Regular APR

19.24% - 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.

Apply with confidence

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Best hotel bonus

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.7
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Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:Good to Excellent
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Apply nowLock

on American Express's secure site

See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply

Intro offer

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Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points

Rewards rate

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3X - 12X

Annual fee

$150

APR

19.49%-28.49% Variable

Why you'll like this: You can score a great intro offer, lucrative everyday rewards and valuable Hilton perks at a reasonable cost.

Best student card bonus

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
3.9
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Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:670 - 850
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Apply nowLock

on Bank of America's secure site

Intro offer

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25,000 points

Rewards Rate

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1.5X - 3X

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

Why you'll like this: In addition to its beginner-friendly flat rewards rate, it gives students a chance at one of the most valuable no-annual-fee card intro bonuses.

Best business cash back bonus

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.2
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Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:670 - 850
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Apply nowLock

on Chase's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

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Earn $750 bonus cash back

Rewards Rate

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1.5%

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

16.74% - 24.74% 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.

Best for cash bonus + category variety

Chase Freedom Flex®

Chase Freedom Flex®

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Bankrate score

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star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.7
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Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:670 - 850
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Intro offer

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$200 bonus

Rewards rate

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1% - 5%

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

18.24% - 27.74% Variable

Why you'll like this: Its combo of year-round and rotating bonus categories gives it more ongoing value than other rotating category cards.

compare
Compare

Compare Bankrate's top credit card bonus offers

Card Welcome offer Annual fee Bankrate review score
Intro Offer: Enjoy a $250 travel credit & earn 75K bonus miles
Info Icon
$95

5.0 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on Capital One's secure site
Intro Offer: As High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
Info Icon
$895

4.8 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Intro Offer: 75,000 bonus points
Info Icon
$95

4.9 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on Chase's secure site
Intro Offer: 125,000 bonus points
Info Icon
$795

4.8 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on Chase's secure site
Intro Offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Info Icon
$395

5.0 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on Capital One's secure site
Intro Offer: Earn $250
Info Icon
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

4.4 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Intro Offer: $200 cash rewards
Info Icon
$0

4.3 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on Wells Fargo's secure site
Intro Offer: Earn up to 100,000 Bonus Miles
Info Icon
$350

4.4 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Intro Offer: Earn 50,000 points.
Info Icon
$99

4.6 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on Chase's secure site
Intro Offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points
Info Icon
$150

4.7 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Intro Offer: 25,000 points
Info Icon
$0

3.9 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on Bank of America's secure site
Intro Offer: Earn $750 bonus cash back
Info Icon
$0

4.2 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on Chase's secure site
Intro Offer: $200 bonus
Info Icon
$0

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.

Caret Down Icon

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 of points, miles or cash back for short-term spending. 

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 Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® Credit Card, which includes a $99 Companion Fare as part of its limited-time welcome offer. 

Depending on how you use them, award nights and airfare companion passes can be some of the most valuable offers on the market. You may be able to squeeze thousands of dollars in value from these perks depending on how and when you utilize them.

Cards can sometimes offer boosted rewards rates in special bonus categories — or even on general spending — 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. For example, we’ve seen some cards provide a temporary 3 percent to 5 percent back on additional categories like travel, dining or groceries for up to a year.

Limited-time rewards rates can sometimes carry even more potential than the typical bonus offer depending on your spending habits and the intro rate’s spending limitations. For example, an extra 1.5 percent back on up to $20,000 in spending in your first year could be worth up to $300 in cash back.

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® that Discover cards provide.

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 typically offer 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.

What makes a great credit card welcome offer?

Sign-up bonuses are some of the best tools a credit card issuer has to reel in applicants and, in the case of limited-time offers, try to push people to act fast. That’s why it’s important to carefully weigh a welcome offer beforehand to make sure you’re actually getting a good deal. To properly gauge whether a welcome offer is “great,” determine whether it’s an above-average value, fits your normal spending, suits your reward preferences and if it’s ultimately worth the effort.

And depending on your credit score, you may see an above-average welcome offer on a website or in the mail. Waiting for one of these could score patient applicants even more value. In fact, a personalized offer was the deciding factor for Bankrate editor Madison Hoehn when she finally applied to the American Express® Gold Card:

Bankrate staff insights

My decision to apply for the American Express® Gold Card was influenced by the boosted welcome offer I received through Bankrate's CardMatch™ tool. It substantially elevated the Amex Gold Card's offer at that time. I was already considering this card anyway, as its main rewards categories align with my natural spending, but the hefty welcome bonus definitely played a part in my final decision.

Madison Hoehn Madison Hoehn, Bankrate editor

Expert tips: How to 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. Here are some tips to make sure you don’t overspend and outpace the value of your new bonus with interest charges and fees:

  • Invest Search Icon

    Plan ahead

    Assess the offer’s spending requirements and the value of the points you’ll earn. That way, you’re certain you can realistically earn the bonus, and you’ll have it when you need it (like for an upcoming vacation). Bankrate’s points and miles valuations can help you understand the value of any potential bonus so you can redeem your rewards wisely.

  • Invest Icon

    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.

  • Credit Card With Clock Icon

    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. Plus, in order to weed out bonus hunters, issuers often enact application restrictions against applicants who’ve received a large number of cards in a relatively short period.

These are great pointers for almost anyone, but micromanaging your rewards for the optimum transfer partner value isn’t for everyone. To help you get the most bang for your buck, Bankrate’s principal analyst Ana Staples shares her tried-and-true approaches to getting the most value from welcome bonuses:

Bankrate staff insights

"I avoid overextending my budget just to earn a welcome bonus. If there’s an attractive bonus that comes with a requirement that’s higher than my normal spending, I try to time it to coincide with vacations or large purchases.

"For example, when I wanted to get the Chase Sapphire Preferred a few years back, the spending requirement was a bit high for my budget. So I got the card before a trip I took with my friends. They essentially helped me meet the requirement: I used the card to pay for our restaurant checks and Uber rides, and they sent me money through Venmo later."

Ana Staples Ana Staples, Bankrate principal analyst

Frequently asked questions about credit card sign-up bonuses

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.

*The information about the Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Credit Card, U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card, Citi Strata Elite℠ Card, U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card, Chase Freedom Flex® and Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

How we choose the best credit cards with bonus offers

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250+
cards rated
Congrats Icon
50+
rewards programs valued
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5000
data points analyzed
Credit Card Reviews Icon
40+
perks evaluated

We select cards for “Best” credit cards pages based primarily on how cards score in our proprietary card rating system, our editors’ subjective assessment of card quality, card approval odds and credit requirements and unique card features. 

Cards typically must score a minimum of 3.0 stars to be included on a “Best” list. However, we may include cards with scores below 3.0 if they have low credit requirements or unique features — despite their scores, these cards may still be among the “best” in certain categories. Card ratings are not influenced by advertisers or issuer relationships in any way. 

Card selection and ordering may vary based on business considerations, including Bankrate visitor interest, site interactions and card application volume. Affiliate commissions (see how we make money), limited-time offers and a card’s general popularity in the product landscape may also influence which cards we feature on our pages and the order in which they appear. Bankrate’s editorial and business teams also strive to feature a variety of card types from various issuers.

Here’s a quick look at how our rating methodology breaks down for credit card welcome offers:

Rewards & cash back card scoring factors

5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Overall Score
  • Value 65%
  • Flexibility 15%
  • Perks 15%
  • Customer experience 5%

Business card scoring factors

5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Overall Score
  • Value 40%
  • Flexibility 20%
  • Perks 20%
  • Customer experience 20%