Best Credit Cards with Sign-up Bonuses

Are you looking for the Best Credit Cards with Sign-up Bonuses? If yes, you are in the right place.

In this article, We are sharing all the information about Best Credit Cards with Sign-up Bonuses.

There is no better way to earn a lot of rewards right away than by signing up for a credit card with a good sign-up bonus. The only requirement is to meet a minimum spending requirement within a specified time period. These bonuses may also include free flights or accommodations, which can total up to $1,000 or more. Your rewards program depends on how you decide to earn them and how you redeem them.

The rewards journey starts with comparing more than 80 of the best credit cards available to help you decide which is right for you. The bonuses we include below range in value from $200 to $1,250. It comes with reasonable requirements and allows for some flexibility when redeeming.

What Are Sign-up Bonuses on Credit Cards?

Sign-up bonuses, also known as sign-up offers, welcome offers, or welcome bonuses, are rewards some card issuers offer in exchange for signing up. A sign-up bonus is more generous than what cardholders earn if they spend money on the card regularly because it’s designed to attract new customers. There can be a cash offer, points, miles, or anything else a card offers as a welcome bonus.

Sign-up bonuses are usually offered if you meet a minimum spending requirement within a certain timeframe after opening a new account. Some issuers offer tier-based sign-up bonuses, starting with an upfront bonus after spending a certain amount and continuing with a bonus after a certain amount of spending has been met.

What are the Best Credit Cards with Sign-up Bonuses?

Credit card issuers offer sign-up bonuses to encourage prospects to join the card program through competitive incentives. Sign-up bonuses can be cash back, points, travel miles, or other perks the credit card company provides. A sign-up bonus is usually earned after a cardholder spends a certain amount within a certain period (usually three months, but sometimes longer). 

The right credit card sign-up bonus can offer great rewards for those who take the time to research and compare offers. You should read the terms and conditions of a credit card before you apply to ensure you understand what kind of bonus you’ll receive and the spending requirement. Sign-up bonuses can be used to your advantage if you plan carefully and budget accordingly.

If you meet the issuer’s spending requirements, the sign-up bonus will be credited to your account within six to 12 weeks. If you haven’t received your sign-up bonus despite meeting the requirements, you can contact your issuer.

How Does Credit Cards with Sign-up Bonuses Work?

Some credit cards offer sign-up bonuses to attract new cardholders who meet eligibility requirements. Most welcome offers reward you for making a certain number of purchases, up to a specified dollar amount, within a certain amount of time. Additionally, you may be required not to hold another similar credit card from the same issuer or to purchase from a specific merchant or category.

The sign-up bonuses can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the card. Since the offers are designed to attract new customers, they are usually restricted to one per person and per card per year.

A welcome offer may differ over time, so today’s offer may differ from what was offered in the past (or what will be available in the future).

How Can I Sign Up for Credit Cards with Sign-up Bonuses?

Applying for a credit card can help you start building your credit score, but it’s not a decision you should make lightly. Choosing the right credit card requires some research. Below are examples of our lists, which can help you compare benefits, rewards, interest rates, and fees between cards.

Once you’ve decided on a card, the credit card issuer will let you know whether to apply online or in person. You will need to provide a few pieces of personal information, such as your Social Security number and income. If you have any debts, you may be asked to list them as well. When the issuer reviews your application, they will decide if you are eligible for the credit card. When you activate your card, you can start using it immediately after receiving it.

What are the Types of Best Credit Cards with Sign-up Bonuses?

Here are the Best Credit Cards with Sign-up Bonuses –

• Cash back: Credit cards sometimes award cashback bonuses after cardholders reach a minimum spend threshold within a specified period.
•  Points. Some credit card issuers have their own points systems (like Chase Ultimate Rewards® and American Express Membership Rewards, for instance). Using these currencies allows you to earn a variety of rewards. Bonus points are usually earned after spending a certain amount within the first few months of opening your account.
•  Travel points and miles. Many credit cards offer sign-up bonuses with points and miles in the loyalty programs of relevant hotels and airlines, such as Marriott Bonvoy and Air Canada’s Aeroplan.
•  Elevated rewards rates. There is also the possibility of cards offering higher reward rates for the first year, with limitations.

Best Credit Cards with Sign-up Bonuses

Here are the Best Credit Cards with Sign-up Bonuses–

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

There is a substantial sign-up bonus and a lengthy list of rewards with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. In addition to the benefits, there is no need to pay the annual fee if you are an occasional traveler.

If you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months as a new cardholder, you will earn 75,000 miles, equivalent to $750. The Capital One Travel program also rewards you 10x miles on hotels and rental cars, 5x miles on flights, and 2x on all other purchases.

Additionally, you will receive a $300 travel statement credit for Capital One Travel bookings and a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. You’ll be eligible for a bonus whenever you earn 10,000 miles (equal to $100 in travel) after your first year.

Details of Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Rewards rate: 10x miles on hotel and rental car reservations through Capital One Travel; 5x miles on flight bookings through Capital One Travel; 2x miles on all other purchases
•  Welcome offer: You can earn 75,000 miles after you spend $4,000 in your first three months.
•  Annual fee: $395

Pros & Cons of Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Pros:

• The welcome offer is worth $1,500.
•  Travel and other spending rewards are generous.
•  An annual travel credit of $300 is included.
•  Access to airport lounges is included.
•  Airline and hotel points can be transferred.
•  There are no foreign transaction fees.
•  There is no spending limit set.

Cons:

• A very high minimum spending requirement is required to earn the bonus.
•  The borrower must pay the charge card balance in full each month.
•  The annual fee is $395.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card offers one of the best sign-up bonuses available on the market today. In the first three months, you can earn 60,000 points with a $4,000 spend. This is in addition to a $300 annual travel credit, which is equivalent to $900 when used to book travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. 

You can earn points in different tiers based on the rewards you receive. The Chase Ultimate Rewards portal earns 10x points for hotel reservations, dining reservations, and car rentals. In contrast, the Chase portal earns 5x points for flight bookings (both rates apply after earning a $500 travel credit). After earning your $300 travel credit, you will earn 3x points on all other travel and dining purchases. 

The Chase Sapphire Lounges will be included in the list of more than 1,300 airport lounges you can use worldwide. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry applications are eligible for up to $100 in statement credit.

There is an annual fee to consider, but if you travel frequently enough, the cost of this card is more than offset by the rewards and benefits it offers. However, it does have no foreign transaction fees.

Details of Citi Premier Card

• Rewards rate: Chase Ultimate Rewards members earn 10x points on hotel stays, car rentals, dining purchases, and Lyft purchases (through March 2025); 5x points on flights; 3x points on restaurants and travel; and 1x points on everything else.
•  Welcome, offer: Earn 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 within three months.
•  Annual fee: $550

Pros & Cons of Citi Premier Card

Pros:

• You can earn 3x to 10x points when you spend money on eligible travel and dining expenses.
•  The redemption options for rewards are flexible.
•  Traveling is more comfortable and luxurious with these benefits.
•  Redeeming points through the Chase portal gives you 50% more value.
•  The package includes complimentary travel insurance.
•  There are no foreign transaction fees.

Cons:

• Purchases with a high APR.
•  You must spend a lot to earn your welcome bonus.
•  The fee is $550 per year (not waived in the first year).
•  The regular purchase rate is 1 point per dollar.

Citi Premier Card

The Citi Premier Card offers a great sign-up bonus without the need for international travel. Spend $4,000 within three months to earn 60,000 bonus points.

You can earn 10x points by booking hotels and renting cars through Citi Travel until June 30, 2024. There are also several categories where you can earn rewards, such as 3x points for restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and other hotels. Rewards earned with Citi ThankYou Points do not expire.

You can redeem ThankYou Points for Amazon gift cards or use them to shop directly. The points you earn with participating loyalty programs can be transferred free of charge. Additionally, you’ll get a $100 discount off any hotel stay paid for through thankyou.com worth $500 or more. There are no foreign transaction fees with the Citi Premier Card, whereas other travel cards have higher annual fees.

Details of Citi Premier Card

• Rewards rate: 10 points per dollar spent on hotels and car rentals through the Citi Travel portal (through June 30, 2024); 3 points per dollar spent on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels; 1 point on everything else.
•  Welcome offer: Receive 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in three months (worth $600 in gift cards)
•  Annual fee: $95

Pros & Cons of Citi Premier Card

Pros:

• You can earn 3x points in a variety of popular categories.
•  Redemption options are available, including travel, gift cards, and point transfers.
•  The annual fee is reasonable at $95 per year.
•  The hotel will credit you $100 if you stay at an eligible hotel.
•  There are no foreign transaction fees.

Cons:

• Purchases with a high APR.
•  Spending requirements for welcome bonuses are high.
•  Regular purchases only earn you 1 point per dollar.

Wells Fargo Active Cash card

Sign-up bonuses that are easy to qualify for can sometimes be the best. Wells Fargo Active Cash is a great card for those who are just getting started with credit cards or still need to qualify for a premium card. Upon spending $500 in the first month, you’ll receive a $200 sign-up bonus. You’ll also get 40% cashback on spending you’ve already made.

After that, you’ll earn 2% cashback on all purchases – that’s the highest flat-rate cashback rate we’ve seen. The benefits of flat-rate rewards are that they are much simpler and easier to manage than rotating bonus programs. Wells Fargo ATMs offer cashback options such as statement credits, gift cards, and cash back on purchases. 

The Active Cash also offers cellphone insurance up to $600 per claim (maximum two claims per year, $25 deductible). It is one of the few credit cards without an annual fee that offers a sign-up bonus. You can earn the $200 bonus for free if you pay off your full balance.

Details of Wells Fargo Active Cash card

• Rewards rate: All purchases earn 2% cashback
•  Welcome offer: Spend $500 in your first three months and get $200
•  Annual fee: $0

Pros and Cons of Sign-up Bonus Credit Cards

Using a credit card with a sign-up bonus has advantages and disadvantages. The following advantages and disadvantages should be considered before you apply:

Pros

• Competitive Offers: There are many credit cards available, but the market is highly saturated, which is good for consumers since card issuers are willing to offer strong sign-up bonuses to attract new customers to their cards.
•  Versatile Redemptions: Card sign-up bonuses can include lump sums of cash back, points, or miles. Using the right credit card can reduce your debt and cut your future shopping costs.
•  Added Value: When used responsibly, credit cards can help you build or maintain a good credit score and history. When you sign up for a credit card with a sign-up bonus, you can earn hundreds of dollars in rewards.

Cons

• Spending Requirements: Your sign-up bonus will depend on how much you spend on the credit card within a certain period. Ensure the spending requirement is within your budget before you apply.
•  Higher Interest Rates: Credit cards with rewards typically have higher interest rates. Your rewards and sign-up bonuses will become less valuable if you carry a balance every month.
•  Requires Good Credit: There are a lot of credit cards with sign-up bonuses that require good or excellent credit. Aren’t you there yet? The most important thing you can do to build credit fast is to make on-time payments and keep your account balances low.

Tips On Choosing the Best Sign-up Bonus Card for You

Consider the expenditure requirement when considering a credit card with a sign-up bonus. When it comes to welcome offers, you should keep these questions in mind:

• The Spending Requirement Must be Met: It may be a good idea to think twice before applying if the sign-up bonus requires you to spend more than you normally would. The more you spend on a credit card to meet a welcome offer requirement, the more debt you incur and, as a result, the less valuable your sign-up bonus.
•  Check Out Your Redemption Options: A sign-up bonus can help cover the cost of an annual fee, but you should consider how the rewards you receive can be used. When redeeming your bonus with certain issuers, consider evaluating their list of transfer partners to maximize your value. Using the proceeds to cover a balance with others may be more beneficial.
•  Consider How Long You Plan to Keep: This Card in Your Wallet: If you intend to cancel the card after receiving the sign-up bonus, ensure you understand the terms and conditions of your card’s issuer. If you cancel the card within a specified period, the issuer may take back the bonus, so keep it open for at least that long.
•  Determine Your Spending Style: Consider your spending habits and lifestyle before applying for a card and strategize accordingly. If you travel frequently, apply for a new travel card months in advance of your trip so that you can put your sign-up bonus toward your travel expenses. 

Alternatives to Consider

Getting quite a bit of value from the best credit card sign-up bonus is possible. Depending on your situation, you may be able to get even more value from other types of credit cards. You can save money by looking at some of these alternatives instead of bonus points or statement credits while comparing credit cards.

0% Intro APR Credit Cards

0% intro APR credit cards offer 0 percent interest on purchases for an introductory period. A card like this can save you a lot of money if you have major expenses you cannot pay off in full. Many 0% intro APR cards don’t charge interest for the first year or longer. The 0% intro APR can be used to make big purchases upfront and gradually pay off before it expires.

Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Balance transfer credit cards offer 0% interest on balance transfers during an introductory period. It can be an excellent deal if you are paying off high-interest debt. You can transfer balances between balance transfer credit cards and other credit cards, which is a great way to eliminate debt while saving money. You can also transfer over debt of other types in some cases.

Rewards Credit Cards

A rewards card is a credit card that earns rewards for purchases. Several types of credit cards are available, such as cashback, travel, and store credit cards. A reward credit card with an introductory bonus is available, but rewards cards without one are also available. You should consider rewards cards that offer sign-up bonuses and those that don’t. Some rewards cards don’t give you a bonus but offer big gas and grocery rewards.

FAQs

Can I Receive the Sign-up Bonus More Than Once?

Some rewards credit cards let you earn the sign-up bonus more than once, but they usually require you to wait a while before you can do so. The sign-up bonuses you are eligible for are usually limited to once every 48 months on most Chase credit cards. The Amex welcome bonus comes with an unwritten “once-per-lifetime rule,” but after seven years, the clock usually starts over.

Are Credit Card Sign-up Bonus Offers Worth It?

There are several advantages to signing up for a credit card, including the ability to earn up to a thousand dollars back immediately despite having to spend money to earn it. Sign-up bonuses are generally non-taxable, as you must pay money to qualify. A welcome bonus should only be pursued if you can meet the spending requirements without overspending or stretching yourself too thin. Carrying a balance to earn a bonus is not wise since the interest charges could outweigh the bonus.

Will the Sign-up Bonus Affect My Credit Score?

Your credit score will not be impacted by earning a credit card sign-up bonus. It is possible to have your credit score temporarily lowered if you sign up for a new credit card and have a hard inquiry put on your credit report.