What Are the Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses of March 2021?
What Are the Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses of March 2021?
These credit card sign-up bonuses can help you earn up to $500 in rewards within a few months.
Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author’s opinions and recommendations alone. It may not have been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through a credit card issuer partnership.
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Numerous rewards credit cards offer lucrative sign-up bonuses you can earn if you're eligible, but you do have to jump through a few hoops. Not only do you have to get approved for a new credit card in the first place, but you also have to meet a minimum spending requirement within a few months of opening your account.
Still, the best credit card sign-up bonuses are typically worth it, and that's especially true of the bonuses that are worth $500 or more. Before you sign up for a new offer, however, you should read over the fine print and rules to make sure you can meet the spending threshold in time.
For the purpose of creating this guide, ValuePenguin compared credit card offers on top issuers’ sites to find the most valuable bonuses currently available. Keep reading to learn about the best credit card sign-up bonuses among different types of rewards credit cards, as well as how you can get started earning them.
Best credit card sign-up bonuses March 2021
Recommended card | Introductory bonus | What it's worth | Annual fee | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() {"align":"","className":"","imageURL":"https:\/\/cdn.comparecards.com\/uploads\/images\/items\/4288.jpg","name":"Chase Sapphire Preferred\u00ae Card"}
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Plus earn a $50 statement credit towards grocery store purchases. | $750 in Ultimate Rewards travel + $50 in statement credits = $800 | $95 | Apply Now
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|
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| World of Hyatt Credit Card | Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points - Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent. | Around $765 in Hyatt hotel stays | $95 | Apply Now
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|
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| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card | Earn Companion Pass® through 2/28/2022 plus 30,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. | At least $450 in Southwest airfare + a year of flying with a companion for half the price | $69 | Apply Now
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|
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| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. | $300 | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 | Apply Now
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Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card | Earn a one-time $300 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | $300 | $95 | Read Review |
Recommended card | |
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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Apply Now
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World of Hyatt Credit Card | Apply Now
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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card | Apply Now
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|
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Apply Now
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|
Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card | Read Review |
Best travel card sign-up bonus
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
$95
15.99% - 22.99% Variable
Excellent
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Plus earn up to $50 in statement credits towards grocery store purchases.
- 2X points on dining at restaurants including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories.
- Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on eligible orders over $12 for a minimum of one year with DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service. Activate by 12/31/21.
- Earn 2x total points on up to $1,000 in grocery store purchases per month from November 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021. Includes eligible pick-up and delivery services.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Plus earn a $50 statement credit towards grocery store purchases.
ValuePenguin's verdict
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is easily one of the top travel credit cards on the market today, and that's especially true if you want flexibility when it comes to cashing in your miles. While the card has long offered one of the most valuable sign-up bonuses around, Chase recently sweetened the deal by tacking on a $50 statement credit for grocery purchases. The points you can earn with the bonus offer on this card are worth at least $750 on their own, since you can redeem your rewards through Chase's Ultimate Rewards portal for an array of travel purchases — including airfare, hotel stays and car rentals — at a value of 1.25 cents per point. With the statement credit included, that increases the value of this offer to around $800. However, you can also transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to Chase's airline and hotel partners, or you can redeem your points for statement credits at a value of 1 cent per point.
Once you sign up, you'll earn 2X points on dining at restaurants including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases worldwide. You'll also enjoy Chase's top-notch travel protections for trips purchased with the card, including primary car rental insurance.
- Best way to redeem it: Transfer your points 1:1 to one of Chase's travel partners to take advantage of the high value of some of their rewards.
- What it's worth: Around $800 ($750 in points + the $50 grocery credit) when you redeem your points through Chase's Ultimate Rewards portal for the 25% redemption bonus, or $650 in statement credits. You could get even more value by transferring your points to one of Chase's travel partners, depending on how you ultimately redeem them.
- Who’s eligible to earn the bonus: The Chase 5/24 rule applies to the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, which means you should only apply if you’ve had fewer than five new credit card inquiries within the last 24 months. Note, too, that the offer isn't available to Sapphire credit card holders who received a new cardmember bonus within the last 48 months. Current Chase Sapphire Reserve members aren't eligible to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card (you may request a product change, but you won't earn the sign-up bonus).
- Other rewards you'll earn: 2X points on dining at restaurants including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases worldwide.
Best hotel card sign-up bonus
World of Hyatt Credit Card
$95
15.99% - 22.99% Variable
Excellent/Good
- Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent
- Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
- Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open
- Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
- Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
- Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
- Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels & 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
- Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airlines tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points - Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
ValuePenguin's verdict
The generous bonus offered by the World of Hyatt Credit Card is enough for 12 free nights at a Category 1 property or two free nights at a Category 6 property, both for standard rooms. You could even use the bonus on this card for two free nights (with double occupancy) in a standard room at an all-inclusive resort like the Hyatt Zilara in Cancun, Mexico or Rose Hall, Jamaica. Since we value Hyatt points at 1.7 cents each, the bonus on this card is worth around $765, depending on the property you stay in and when.
This card also rewards you when you stay with Hyatt. You'll Earn up to 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 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member.
You'll also get a free night in a Category 1-4 property each year on your cardmember anniversary. A $95 annual fee applies.
- Best way to redeem it: Use your rewards for stays in high value Hyatt properties around the globe, including hotels, resorts and even all-inclusive properties.
- What it's worth: About $765 in Hyatt hotel stays (30,000 points + 15,000 points on top of the points you would normally earn = 45,000 points multiplied by our valuation of 1.7 cents for Hyatt points)
- Who's eligible to earn the bonus: The Chase 5/24 rule applies to the World of Hyatt Credit Card, so you should only apply if you have had fewer than five new credit card inquiries within the last 24 months.
- Other rewards you'll earn: This card lets you Earn up to 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 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member. You'll also earn 2x points on transit and commuting, dining out, flights booked with airlines and fitness club and gym memberships, along with 1x points on other purchases.
Best airline card sign-up bonus
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
$69
15.99% - 22.99% Variable
Excellent/Good
- Earn Companion Pass® through 2/28/2022 plus 30,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
- With Companion Pass®, every time you fly, your friend can too.
- 3,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary each year.
- Earn 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases.
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- All points earned count towards Companion Pass.
- No blackout dates or seat restrictions.
- Your points never expire, a benefit of the Rapid Rewards® program.
Earn Companion Pass® through 2/28/2022 plus 30,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
ValuePenguin's verdict
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is always a good deal, but that's especially true right now. Of the cards in this list, the card has one of the most potentially valuable offers, depending on how you take advantage of it. You can earn Southwest's Companion Pass by meeting a pretty reasonable spending threshold. The Companion Pass is valid through Feb. 28, 2022, and allows you to designate a companion to fly with you on a purchased ticket for just the taxes and fees.
This offer also comes with a fair number of bonus points. The bonus points on their own could easily be enough for one to two round-trip domestic flights — and possibly more, thanks to Southwest's fare-based rewards program and frequent sales. We value Rapid Rewards points at around 1.5 cents each, so these points are worth around $450.
A $69 annual fee does apply to this offer, but you’ll get 3,000 bonus points every year you renew your card. Also note that Southwest has one of the most flexible and affordable programs of all domestic carriers: Not only can you change your flight with no change fees at any time, but you get two free checked bags whether you pay in cash or miles.
- Best way to redeem it: Redeem your points for flights within the continental United States, or to Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean and several Central American destinations.
- What it's worth: The points alone are worth around $450 in Southwest airfare. The value of the Companion Pass depends on how often you use it, but can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars on flying in a year.
- Who's eligible to earn the bonus: The Chase 5/24 rule applies to this card, so only apply if you've had less than five new credit card inquiries in the last 24 months. The application for this card also notes the following: "The product is not available to either (i) current Cardmembers of any Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card, or (ii) previous Cardmembers of any Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card who received a new Cardmember bonus within the last 24 months."
- Other rewards you’ll earn: Cardholders 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.
Best cashback card welcome bonus
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
13.99%-23.99% Variable
Excellent
- Earn a $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 introductory annual fee for one year, then $95.
- 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
- 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Plan It® gives the option to select purchases of $100 or more to split up into monthly payments with a fixed fee.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
- Terms Apply.
$300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
ValuePenguin's verdict
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is another good option when it comes to earning a welcome bonus, as well as ongoing rewards. This card grants you a generous bonus when you meet the spending requirement within three months of account opening. You'll also earn 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
While a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee applies to this card, the welcome bonus and potential for ongoing rewards could make it well worth it. After all, maxing out this card in the grocery category alone would net you $360 in rewards, and that's not even including the welcome bonus.
- Best way to redeem it: Cash back can only be redeemed for a statement credit to your account.
- What it's worth: $300 worth of statement credits
- Who's eligible to earn the bonus: American Express has a once-per-lifetime rule for their credit card welcome bonuses. This means you cannot earn this bonus if you have earned one with the same card before.
- Other rewards you'll earn: Cardholders earn 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
For rates and fees of Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please click here.
Honorable mention best cashback card welcome bonus
Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card
Earn a one-time $300 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
ValuePenguin's verdict
The Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card makes it easy to earn a large bonus with a reasonable minimum spending requirement within three months. However, this card is also ideal for regular spending, since you can Earn unlimited 4% cash back on dining and entertainment, 2% at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases.
A $95 annual fee applies, but you won't pay any foreign transaction fees.
- Best way to redeem it: Redeem your rewards for cash back or purchases made through Amazon.com or Paypal.
- What it’s worth: $300 in cash back
- Who's eligible to earn the bonus: You can only have two personal Capital One credit cards, and you can only get approved for one new credit card from this issuer every six months.
- Other rewards you'll earn: Earn unlimited 4% cash back on dining and entertainment, 2% at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases.
Current bonuses for popular cards
The best credit card sign-up bonuses we profiled above are just some of the top options, but there are plenty of others. Make sure to compare credit card offers based on the type of rewards you want to earn, whether you prefer to rack up cash back, travel rewards points, hotel points or airline miles.
We highlight below the best credit card bonus offers from top card issuers:
Chase sign-up bonuses
Card | Sign-up bonus | Estimated value | Annual fee |
---|---|---|---|
Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | $750 in Ultimate Rewards travel | $550 |
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Plus earn a $50 statement credit towards grocery store purchases. | $750 in Ultimate Rewards travel + $50 in statement credits = $800 | $95 |
Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card | Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | $1,250 in Ultimate Rewards travel | $95 |
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card | Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | $750 | $0 |
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card | Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | $750 | $0 |
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card | Earn Companion Pass® through 2/28/2022 plus 30,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. | At least $450 in Southwest airfare + a year of flying with a companion for half the price | $69 |
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card | Earn Companion Pass® through 2/28/2022 plus 30,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. | At least $450 in Southwest airfare + a year of flying with a companion for half the price | $99 |
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card | Earn Companion Pass® through 2/28/2022 plus 30,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. | At least $450 in Southwest airfare + a year of flying with a companion for half the price | $149 |
United℠ Explorer Card | Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you spend $10,000 in the first 6 months | $1,040 | $0 Intro for the First Year, then $95 |
United Gateway℠ Card | Earn 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open | $320 | $0 |
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card | Earn 75,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | $578 | $95 |
Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card | Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. | $231 | $0 |
American Express welcome bonuses
Card | Welcome bonus | Estimated value | Annual fee |
---|---|---|---|
The Platinum Card® from American Express | 75,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 6 months. | $750 in Membership Rewards travel | $550 See rates and fees |
American Express® Gold Card | 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months. | $600 in Membership Rewards travel | $250 See rates and fees |
Hilton Honors American Express Card | 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Card after you use your new Card to make $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn a $100 statement credit after your first purchase on the Hilton Honors Card within your first 3 months. | $500 | $0 See rates and fees |
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card | 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card after you use your new Card to make $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn a $150 statement credit after your first purchase on the Hilton Surpass Card within your first 3 months. | $750 | $95 See rates and fees |
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card | Earn 75,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. | $578 | $450 See rates and fees |
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. | $455 | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99. See rates and fees |
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card | 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. | $520 | $250 See rates and fees |
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. | $300 | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 See rates and fees |
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | Earn $200 back after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months. | $200 | $0 See rates and fees |
American Express Cash Magnet® Card – $150 Welcome Offer | $150 statement credit after you spend $1,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership | $150 | $0 See rates and fees |
Citibank sign-up bonuses
Card | Sign-up bonus | Estimated value | Annual fee |
---|---|---|---|
Citi Premier® Card | Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening | $600 in gift cards or travel through the Citi ThankYou portal | $95 |
Citi Prestige® Credit Card | Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within three months of account opening. | $500 in gift cards or travel through the Citi ThankYou portal | $495 |
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® | Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening | $500 | $99, waived for first 12 months |
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® | Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening | $500 | $450 |
American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card | 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 | $150 | $0 |
Capital One sign-up bonuses
Card | Sign-up bonus | Estimated value | Annual fee |
---|---|---|---|
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Enjoy a one-time bonus of 60,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $600 in travel | $600 in travel statement credits | $95 |
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card | Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel | $200 in travel statement credits | $0 |
Capital One Spark Cash for Business | Earn a one-time $500 cash bonus once you spend $4,500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | $500 | $0 intro for first year; $95 after that |
Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card | Earn a one-time $300 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | $300 | $95 |
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card | Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening | $200 | $0 |
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card | One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | $200 | $0 |
Bank of America sign-up bonuses
Card | Sign-up bonus | Estimated value | Annual fee |
---|---|---|---|
Bank of America® Cash Rewards Credit Card | $200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening | $200 | $0 |
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card | 25,000 online bonus points after at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening | $250 | $0 |
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card | 50,000 online bonus points – a $500 value – after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. | $500 | $95 |
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card | 50,000 bonus miles and Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ from $121 ($99 plus taxes and fees from just $22). To qualify simply make purchases of $2,000 or more within the first 90 days of opening your account. | At least $750 in Alaska fare | $0 introductory annual fee the first year, then $75 |
Wells Fargo sign-up bonuses
Card | Sign-up bonus | Estimated value | Annual fee |
---|---|---|---|
Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card | Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value | $200 | $0 |
Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® card | Earn a $150 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months | $150 | $0 |
How to choose the right sign-up bonus
As you compare credit card sign-up bonuses, it's crucial to make sure you know the type of rewards you're earning. While some kinds of rewards can be redeemed for statement credits only, others let you cash in your points for gift cards, merchandise, travel and more. Some rewards programs even let you turn your points into airline miles or points with a hotel loyalty program.
Can you meet the spending requirement?
In addition to researching rewards programs to find the right fit, you should also make sure you can meet the card's minimum spending requirement with normal, organic spending. If a card requires you to spend $3,000 within three months to earn a sign-up bonus, you should make sure you can charge at least $1,000 per month to your card in groceries, gas and regular bills.
Should you pay an annual fee?
You should also consider whether paying a credit card's annual fee is worth it, keeping in mind that the best credit card sign-up bonuses are typically offered by cards with annual fees. In addition, be aware that some cards offer a no-annual-fee version you can apply for if you're against paying an annual fee for a credit card.
Take the Capital One Savor credit cards, for example. With the Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card, if you're willing to pay a $95 annual fee, you can Earn a one-time $300 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening. If you’re fee-averse, however, you may consider the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card instead. There's a $0 annual fee, and you'll still Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
Chase Ultimate Rewards
American Express Membership Rewards
United MileagePlus
American Airlines AAdvantage
Delta SkyMiles
Southwest Rapid Rewards
Marriott Bonvoy
Hilton Honors
The World of Hyatt
IHG Rewards Club
Can you use the rewards?
We already mentioned how you should know the type of rewards you're earning, but this is one area where you'll definitely want to do some research. This is particularly true if you plan to earn airline miles or hotel points that may be difficult to use. We suggest spending some time comparing frequent flyer programs and hotel loyalty points before you begin collecting points with a specific travel brand.
And, if you’re in doubt, you can also consider earning flexible points with a program like Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards. All of these programs let you earn points you can redeem for travel, gift cards, merchandise or even transfers to airline and hotel partners. With these options, you could avoid getting stuck with points you can't use.
What is the bonus worth to you?
If you’re earning a bonus on a cashback credit card, then the bonus offer will be fairly cut and dry. For example, a rewards credit card that offers a $300 bonus that can only be redeemed for statement credits is obviously worth $300.
But a bonus can become increasingly more difficult to decipher when you're earning airline miles or hotel points. In either case, your rewards may be worth more or less depending on how you redeem them.
Here are the basic formulas you can use to find out how much your rewards are worth:
Hotel points formula
Cash price (including taxes and fees) / Number of points needed for hotel stay = Points value for that specific reservation
Airline miles formula
Cash price (minus taxes and fees) / Number of miles needed for fare = Miles value for that specific fare
As an example, let's say you find an international flight on United Airlines with a cash price of $1,234 or an award price of 60,000 miles plus $78.55 in airline taxes and fees. In that case, you would subtract the taxes and fees and wind up with $1,155 (the cash price of the fare with rounding). When you divide that figure by 60,000 miles, you get a value of 1.9 cents per mile.
Issuer's restrictions on sign-up bonuses
Most of the major credit card issuers set limits on how often consumers can earn a sign-up bonus on their cards. The purpose of these limits is to cut down on customers who might "churn" bonus offers — that is, sign up for new cards over and over again without any intention to use a card for the long haul.
Fortunately, issuer restrictions on credit card sign-up bonuses tend to be reasonable. The following chart highlights the rules from each of the major card issuers.
Issuer | Welcome offer limits |
---|---|
Chase | The Chase 5/24 rule says cardholders cannot get a new Chase credit card if they have five or more credit card inquiries on their credit report within the last 24 months. With consumer credit cards, you can only earn the bonus once every 24 to 48 months. |
American Express | American Express only lets you earn a bonus on each of their cards once per lifetime. |
Capital One | Capital One only lets you have two personal credit cards with them, and you can only get approved for a new credit card offer every six months. |
Citibank | You can earn a sign-up bonus on Citi credit cards every 24 to 48 months, depending on the family of cards you select from. |
Bank of America | Bank of America only lets you get approved for two new cards in a 30-day period, three new cards in a 12-month period or four new cards in a 24-month period. |
Wells Fargo | Wells Fargo limits sign-up bonuses to cardholders who have opened the same card and earned the bonus already within the last 15 months. |
Are sign-up bonuses taxable?
Credit card sign-up bonuses are considered rebates on your spending, so they're not counted as taxable income. The same is true with ongoing rewards you earn with a rewards credit card.
Tips for earning a sign-up bonus
As you decide which new credit card offer to sign up for, you should conduct due diligence and learn all you can. These tips can help you earn a credit card sign-up bonus without any problems:
- Figure out how much you spend on plastic each month: Before you set out to earn a bonus based on your spending, make sure you know how much you normally charge to a credit card each month. You can do this by getting out your past credit card statements from other issuers and tallying up your charges.
- Look for new expenses you can pay with a credit card: If you need to spend more to earn a particular sign-up bonus, see if you can add some of your regular monthly bills to your credit card. For example, you may be able to use the card to pay for your health insurance, homeowners insurance, car insurance, utility bills or daycare expenses — but you should also make sure you don't incur processing fees that exceed the value of the bonus on these charges.
- Read the fine print: Make sure you read the offer you're considering to the end, including all of the fine print. If you fail to reach the spending threshold or meet other requirements for a sign-up bonus in time, you could easily miss out.
- Have a plan to pay your balance in full each month: Finally, remember that pursuing credit card rewards is only worth it if you never pay interest on your purchases. Have a plan to pay off all your purchases each month, or else the interest you pay could wipe out your rewards.
The information related to Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card, Citi Prestige® Credit Card, Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, Capital One Spark Cash for Business, Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card, Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card, Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card, Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card , Bank of America® Cash Rewards Credit Card and Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® card has been independently collected by ValuePenguin and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication.
These responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Advertiser Disclosure: The products that appear on this site may be from companies from which ValuePenguin receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). ValuePenguin does not include all financial institutions or all products offered available in the marketplace.
How We Calculate Rewards: ValuePenguin calculates the value of rewards by estimating the dollar value of any points, miles or bonuses earned using the card less any associated annual fees. These estimates here are ValuePenguin's alone, not those of the card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer.
Example of how we calculate the rewards rates: When redeemed for travel through Ultimate Rewards, Chase Sapphire Preferred points are worth $0.0125 each. The card awards 2 points on travel and dining and 1 point on everything else. Therefore, we say the card has a 2.5% rewards rate on dining and travel (2 x $0.0125) and a 1.25% rewards rate on everything else (1 x $0.0125).