Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses of December 2025

The fastest way to jump-start your credit card rewards stash is to apply for cards that feature valuable welcome bonuses for opening a new account. 

When looking for the best credit card bonus offers, consider both the bonus value and the minimum spending requirement. You should also explore the rest of the card’s perks, including bonus rewards for spending in certain categories, travel insurance, purchase protections and annual fee. 

We’ve rounded up the best credit card intro offers available right now.

Commitment to Our Readers

400+ Credit Cards

Analyzed independently across 50+ data points in 30+ product categories

Reviewed

By a team of credit card experts with an average of 9+ years of experience

Trusted by

More than one million monthly readers seeking unbiased credit card guidance

CardCritics™ editorial team is dedicated to providing unbiased credit card reviews, advice and comprehensive comparisons. Our team of credit card experts uses rigorous data-driven methodologies to evaluate every card feature, fee structure and rewards program. In most instances, our experts are longtime members or holders of the very programs and cards they review, so they have firsthand experience maximizing them. We maintain complete editorial independence — our ratings and recommendations are never influenced by advertiser relationships or affiliate partnerships. You can learn more about our editorial standards, transparent review process and how we make money to understand how we help you make informed financial decisions.

Quick Overview: Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses

	Our Choice For	Credit Range	Annual Fee	Highlights
Rates and Fees Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card 4.8 CardCritics™ Rating CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.	Premium Travel Rewards & Perks	Excellent 720 – 850*	$395	Very generous bonus and statement credit opportunities plus premium perks. Apply Now More Details
Rates and Fees | Terms Apply American Express Platinum Card® 4.0 CardCritics™ Rating CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.	Premium Perks & Benefits	Good – Excellent	$895	Massive welcome offer opportunity plus several annual statement credits, lounge access and other premium benefits You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply Now More Details
Rates and Fees | Terms Apply American Express® Gold Card 4.1 CardCritics™ Rating CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.	Elevated Rewards	Good – Excellent	$325	Access to incredible statement credit opportunities Apply Now More Details
Rates and Fees Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card 4.7 CardCritics™ Rating CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.	Elevated Travel Rewards	Excellent, Good 670 – 850*	$95	Earn a welcome bonus worth $750 and 2x – 5x rewards Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Apply Now More Details
Rates and Fees Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card 4.8 CardCritics™ Rating CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.	Travel	Good – Excellent 670 – 850*	$95	Incredible rewards redemption value and a welcome bonus worth up to $1,312 in Travel Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Your points are worth up to 75% more when you redeem them through Chase Travel, making this bonus worth up to $1,312.50. Apply Now More Details
Chase Sapphire Reserve® 4.8 CardCritics™ Rating CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.	Premium Perks	Excellent 720 – 850*	$795	Luxury travel card with airport lounge access & a bonus worth up to $2,500 in Travel Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Your points are worth up to 100% more when you redeem them through Chase Travel, making this bonus worth up to $2,500. Full Review More Details
Rates and Fees Citi Strata Elite℠ Card	Elevated Rewards and Premium Travel Perks	Excellent/Good 670 – 850*	$595	Earn 100,000 points and premium benefits For a limited time, earn 100,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. Apply Now More Details
Rates and Fees Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard®	Frequent AA Flyers	Excellent/Good 670 – 850*	$350	Statement credits and four Admirals Club passes annually Apply Now More Details
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card 4.7 CardCritics™ Rating CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.	Cash Back	Excellent/Good 670 – 850*	$0	Welcome bonus opportunity, generous intro APR, and choose your 6% cash back category 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 in combined choice category / grocery store / wholesale club quarterly purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, up to the quarterly maximum. 1% cash back on all other purchases. If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25% – 75% more cash back on every purchase. The Preferred Rewards bonus is not applied to the 3% first year bonus. Apply Now More Details

Detailed Overview: Best Credit Card Bonus Offers

Huge Bonus Miles + Premium Travel Perks

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

4.8

CardCritics™ Rating

CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.

Apply Now

On Capital One's secure site

Rates and Fees

Read Full Review

Top Feature

For a limited time, earn 100,000 bonus miles once you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening, equal to $1,000 in travel

Purchase & Balance Transfer APR

19.99% – 28.99% (Variable)

Apply Now

On Capital One's secure site

Rates and Fees

Read Full Review

CardCritics™ Opinion

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel card that not only offers a significant welcome bonus, but also lucrative bonus earning rates and valuable perks that help offset the steep annual fee. For frequent travelers this card is a no-brainer.

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent (720 – 850*)

Annual Fee

$395

Rewards

2X – 10X Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel.

Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases.

Card Details From Issuer

• LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn 100,000 bonus miles once you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening – equal to $1,000 in travel
  
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
  
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
  
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  
• Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
  
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
  
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

Apply Now

On Capital One's secure site

Rates and Fees

Huge Premium Rewards and Perks

American Express Platinum Card®

4.0

CardCritics™ Rating

CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.

Apply Now

On American Express' secure site

Rates and Fees|Terms Apply

Read Full Review

Top Feature

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Purchase APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Apply Now

On American Express' secure site

Rates and Fees|Terms Apply

Read Full Review

CardCritics™ Opinion

A large annual fee on a card often means it comes with valuable perks to make it worthwhile and that is most definitely the case for the American Express Platinum Card®. You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. This card also offers a long list of substantial statement credits that will apply to different spending categories or specific merchants. Card members who can take advantage of these credits will get the most out of this card. Select ‘Apply Now’ to learn more about the current offerings.

Recommended Credit Score

Good – Excellent

Annual Fee

$895 See Rates & Fees

Rewards

1x – 5x 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel®, on up to $500,000 spent per year.

5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®.

1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Terms apply.

Card Details From Issuer

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
  
• More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges – more than any other credit card company on the market* – enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
  
• More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
  
• More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
  
• More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  
• New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
  
• More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
  
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
  
• Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
  
• New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
  
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.*Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
  
• $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
  
• Whenever you need us, we’re here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  
• $895 annual fee.
  
• Terms Apply.

Apply Now

On American Express' secure site

Rates and Fees|Terms Apply

Huge Rewards Earnings Plus A Welcome Offer Opportunity

American Express® Gold Card

4.1

CardCritics™ Rating

CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.

Apply Now

On American Express' secure site

Rates and Fees|Terms Apply

Read Full Review

Top Feature

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Purchase APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Apply Now

On American Express' secure site

Rates and Fees|Terms Apply

Read Full Review

CardCritics™ Opinion

If you are looking to level up your credit card rewards, but aren’t quite ready to commit to platinum-level annual fees then the American Express® Gold Card is likely a great fit for you. It is geared toward travelers and foodies with elevated rewards rates and member perks and benefits tied to those categories. It also offers an incredible welcome offer opportunity and the option to choose between a Gold or Rose Gold metal design.

Recommended Credit Score

Good – Excellent

Annual Fee

$325 See Rates & Fees

Cash Back

1X – 4X Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.

Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.

Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.

Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.

Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Card Details From Issuer

• You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  
• $84 Dunkin’ Credit: With the $84 Dunkin’ Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  
• Annual Fee is $325.
  
• Terms Apply.

Apply Now

On American Express' secure site

Rates and Fees|Terms Apply

Solid Bonus & Rewards Plus Travel Perks

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

4.7

CardCritics™ Rating

CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.

Apply Now

On Capital One's secure site

Rates and Fees

Read Full Review

Top Feature

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Purchase & Balance Transfer APR

19.99% – 28.99% (Variable)

Apply Now

On Capital One's secure site

Rates and Fees

Read Full Review

CardCritics™ Opinion

Capital One has continued to improve their rewards program over the past few years, making the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card a strong contender for those who want to earn travel rewards without worrying about category restrictions and have access to simple yet rewarding travel perks .

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent, Good (670 – 850*)

Annual Fee

$95

Rewards

2x – 5x

Card Details From Issuer

• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  
• Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
  
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  
• Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
  
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Apply Now

On Capital One's secure site

Rates and Fees

75,000 Bonus Point Offer

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

4.8

CardCritics™ Rating

CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.

Apply Now

On Chase's secure site

Rates and Fees

Read Full Review

Top Feature

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Purchase & Balance Transfer APR

19.49% – 27.74% Variable

Apply Now

On Chase's secure site

Rates and Fees

Read Full Review

CardCritics™ Opinion

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the perfect card for someone who is looking to level-up their travel game. Since it comes with a substantial welcome bonus, you will be well on your way to booking your next trip once you hit the spending requirement. As you earn more rewards through this card’s travel and dining bonus categories, you can explore Chase’s hotel and airline transfer partners or redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠ for up to 75% more value. And if you take advantage of the many perks this card offers, you will quickly offset the $95 annual fee.

Recommended Credit Score

Good – Excellent (670 – 850*)

Annual Fee

$95

Cash Back

1x – 5x Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

Card Details From Issuer

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
  
• Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
  
• 10% anniversary points boost – each account anniversary you’ll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
  
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  
• Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
  
• Member FDIC

Apply Now

On Chase's secure site

Rates and Fees

125,000 bonus points

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

4.8

CardCritics™ Rating

CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.

Full Review

Read Full Review

Top Feature

Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Purchase & Balance Transfer APR

19.74% – 28.24% Variable

Full Review

Read Full Review

CardCritics™ Opinion

If you want to level up your travel rewards to luxury levels, this card may be the right fit. The ongoing rewards, annual travel credits and incredible miles transfer and redemption options are hard to beat. Add in an attractive welcome bonus and airport lounge access and it’s easy to see why this card is so popular even though the annual fee is pretty steep.

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent (720 – 850*)

Annual Fee

$795

Cash Back

1x – 8x Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases.

Card Details From Issuer

• Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  
• Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
  
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
  
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
  
• Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
  
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
  
• Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
  
• Member FDIC

Full Review

Huge welcome offer and premium perks

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

Apply Now

On Citi®'s secure site

Rates and Fees

Read Full Review

Top Feature

For a limited time, earn 100,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.

Purchase & Balance Transfer APR

20.74% – 28.74% (Variable)

Apply Now

On Citi®'s secure site

Rates and Fees

Read Full Review

CardCritics™ Opinion

Citi’s new premium credit card is a strong option for frequent travelers who prefer earning ThankYou® points and want upscale perks, such as airport lounge access (including four American Airlines Admirals Club passes annually) and travel statement credits. It offers high rewards for Citi Travel bookings, along with a unique tiered earning structure on dining worth up to 6x points. Non-bonus categories earn 1.5 points per dollar, which is above average for a travel credit card. The $595 annual fee puts the Strata Elite between other premium credit cards in terms of cost, but it could be well worth it if you can take advantage of the card’s many perks.

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent/Good (670 – 850*)

Annual Fee

$595

Rewards

1.5x – 12x Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com and 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases

Card Details From Issuer

• For a limited time, earn 100,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
  
• Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com and 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com
  
• Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time
  
• Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases
  
• Up to $300 Annual Hotel Benefit: Each calendar year, enjoy up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more when booked through cititravel.com.
  
• No Foreign Transaction Fees

Apply Now

On Citi®'s secure site

Rates and Fees

AA Perks Including Lounge Passes

Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard®

Apply Now

On Citi®'s secure site

Rates and Fees

Read Full Review

Top Feature

For a limited time, earn 90,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $5,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening.

Purchase & Balance Transfer APR

19.74% – 29.74% (Variable)

Apply Now

On Citi®'s secure site

Rates and Fees

Read Full Review

CardCritics™ Opinion

If you’re a frequent AA flyer looking for premium perks without a jaw-dropping price tag, the Citi American Airlines Globe Card could be just the ticket. It comes with excellent day-of-travel benefits, including a free first checked bag on domestic American Airlines itineraries, preferred boarding on AA flights and four Admirals Club lounge passes each year. Cardholders also receive an AA companion certificate after each card anniversary that allows them to bring a friend or family member on eligible domestic flights for just $99 plus taxes and fees. Between these perks and an array of statement credits, the card can provide over $750 in yearly value, making the $350 annual fee well worth it for AAdvantage loyalists.

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent/Good (670 – 850*)

Annual Fee

$350

Rewards

1x – 6x Miles Earn 6 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible hotels booked through aadvantagehotels.com.
Earn 3 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.
Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at restaurants, including takeout and delivery.
Earn 1 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Card Details From Issuer

• For a limited time, earn 90,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $5,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening.
  
• American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles are not available if you have received AAdvantage® bonus miles for a new AAdvantage® Globe™ account in the past 48 months or if you converted another Citi credit card account on which you earned a new account bonus in the last 48 months into a AAdvantage® Globe™ account.
  
• Every calendar year, receive four Admirals Club® Globe™ Passes.
  
• Global Entry® or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit of up to $120 every 4 years.
  
• Earn 6 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible hotels booked through aadvantagehotels.com.
  
• Earn 3 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.
  
• Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at restaurants, including takeout and delivery.
  
• Earn 1 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Apply Now

On Citi®'s secure site

Rates and Fees

Great For Choosing Your Top Category

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

4.7

CardCritics™ Rating

CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.

Apply Now

On Bank of America's secure site

Read Full Review

Top Feature

$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening

Purchase & Balance Transfer APR

0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends a 17.74% – 27.74% Variable APR will apply.

Apply Now

On Bank of America's secure site

Read Full Review

CardCritics™ Opinion

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is a top contender for those seeking cash back flexibility without an annual fee. You will earn elevated cash back rewards in the category of your choice each month though it is important to note the quarterly cap. There is also a generous intro APR and an online welcome bonus opportunity.

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent/Good (670 – 850*)

Annual Fee

$0

Cash Back

1% – 6% 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 in combined choice category / grocery store / wholesale club quarterly purchases.

After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, up to the quarterly maximum.

1% cash back on all other purchases.

If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25% – 75% more cash back on every purchase. The Preferred Rewards bonus is not applied to the 3% first year bonus.

Card Details From Issuer

• Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice: gas and EV charging stations; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
  
• Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
  
• $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
  
• With the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program, members can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means the 3% choice category could go up to 3.75%-5.25%. The Preferred Rewards bonus is not applied to the 3% first-year bonus.
  
• No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.74% – 27.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
  
• Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Apply Now

On Bank of America's secure site

How Do Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses Work? 

The credit card industry is both highly competitive and consistently profitable, so issuers are frequently willing to offer new applicants bonus points, miles or cash back when they open a new account. Typically, these offers require spending a minimum amount on the card within a specified time period. 

For example, an airline credit card may offer new account holders 50,000 bonus miles, but only after you use the card to spend $3,000 within the first three months of account opening. 

The minimum spending requirement is based on your net purchases, so any returns you make are deducted from the minimum spending required. Also, some types of transactions, such as balance transfers and cash advances, are typically excluded from the amount you must spend to receive the bonus.  

But once the minimum spending requirement is completed within the specified time period, cardholders can usually expect to receive the rewards promised by the credit card bonus offers shortly after their next statement closes. 

When I have focused on applying for just two or three cards with the best offers each year, I’ve been able to earn rewards that I could redeem for over $10,000 worth of travel, such as international business-class flights and luxury hotels.

How To Earn a Sign-Up Bonus 

Earning one of the best credit card sign-up bonus offers isn’t very hard, but you do have to comply with the terms. These terms can include:

• Not having received the bonus offer for the card or a card in the same “family” in the past, or within a specific time period
• Spending the minimum required amount
• Completing the minimum spending amount within the specified time period
• Making eligible purchases to complete the minimum spending amount (balance transfers, cash advances and purchases of cash-like instruments are almost always considered to be ineligible)
• Making your payments on time
• Usually waiting until the next billing cycle to receive your bonus

Note that the minimum spending requirements must be met within the time specified, often three to six months. 

Important: The clock starts when the account is opened, not when the card is mailed, received, activated or used. 

So it’s possible that a week or two can pass between being approved for your new account and when you are able to use the card for the first time. And once you’ve completed your minimum spending requirement, you’ll often have to wait until your next statement closes before you can receive your bonus. 

How To Maximize a Credit Card Intro Offer 

There are several ways to get the most benefit from a credit card intro offer.

Find the Rewards That Are the Most Valuable to You

The first is to find the card that grants the most valuable rewards to you. Just as you can’t compare the value of different nations’ currencies on a one-to-one basis, you can’t compare the total number of points or miles being offered without knowing their value. 

For example, 50,000 World of Hyatt points are typically worth much more than 50,000 Hilton Honors points. 

In addition, seek out cards that reward your spending patterns. For example, if you spend a lot of money at the supermarket, consider a card that offers bonus rewards for groceries. 

Look for Cards That Earn Transferable Points

I prefer credit cards that earn flexible travel rewards. These points or miles can be transferred to different airline or hotel membership programs, depending on where I’m going. Cards that earn American Express Membership Rewards®, Chase Ultimate Rewards®, Citi ThankYou® points and Capital One miles are great examples of this.

Wait for a Truly Exceptional Bonus

You’ll also want to be on the lookout for elevated credit card welcome bonuses. These can be for new cards that are being promoted, or limited-time offers on existing cards that are higher than usual. I like to hunt for the best offers and only apply when I see something truly exceptional: for example, travel rewards cards that offer 100,000+ flexible miles or travel points. This limits the number of credit cards I apply for, while maximizing the rewards that I receive from them. 

Keep an eye out for elevated welcome bonus offers from co-branded airline and hotel credit cards, too. For example, it’s not uncommon to see higher, limited-time offers on Delta credit cards, Southwest credit cards, United credit cards and Hilton credit cards pop up a couple of times each year.

Understand Annual Fees and Spending Requirements

Frequently, you’ll see bigger credit card intro offers from cards with higher annual fees than from similar cards with lower annual fees. You will have to weigh the value of the additional rewards (and perks) offered against the added cost of the card’s annual fee. 

Also, make sure that you can comfortably meet the card’s minimum spending requirements without overspending or getting into debt. The value of the bonus offer is rarely enough to justify making unnecessary purchases or incurring costly interest payments. 

What Credit Card Bonuses Are the Easiest To Earn? 

If you’re concerned about meeting the minimum spending requirement necessary to earn a card’s new account bonus, then it’s important to find cards with spending bonuses that are easy to earn. Here are some of the cards that have very low thresholds for earning the new account bonus, or none at all:

• Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: This no-annual-fee credit card offers new applicants a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. 
• Citi Double Cash® Card: The Citi Double Cash Card, an advertising partner, offers $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. There’s no annual fee for this card either.
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Chase Freedom Flex®: These no-annual-fee Chase credit cards also offer new account holders $200 in bonus cash back after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. I like to move the rewards from my Freedom Unlimited to my Chase Sapphire Reserve, so that I can transfer those points to Chase’s airline and hotel partners. 
• Amazon Prime Visa: With this intro offer, new account holders earn a $250 Amazon gift card instantly upon approval, with no minimum spending requirement at all. 

How Many Credit Card Bonuses Can I Get? 

There was a time when credit card enthusiasts exploited these new account bonus offers repeatedly in order to accumulate massive amounts of points and miles. Eventually, the major card issuers took notice and began restricting the number of times that you could get the same bonus for the same card, or for different cards that are considered to be part of the same family. 

Chase 5/24 Rule

For example, Chase has long had an undocumented rule that it won’t approve customers for a new card if they have been approved for five or more new personal credit card accounts (from any issuer) within the past 24 months. Many people refer to this as the “5/24” rule. Chase also imposes other rules for specific cards or families of cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and Sapphire Reserve. 

American Express Lifetime Limitations

American Express card applications usually include language that restricts applicants’ ability to receive a new account welcome offer if they have ever received the welcome offer before. Some people refer to this as a “lifetime” rule. 

Furthermore, American Express has an “Apply With Confidence” feature that informs applicants if they qualify for the welcome offer before they submit their application, which is a customer-friendly way to let you know in advance what to expect should your application be approved. 

Capital One Venture Cards

Capital One has also restricted eligibility on its Venture family of cards. For example, those who have a Venture X Card or received a bonus in the last 48 months are not eligible to be approved for a Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card or Venture Card. 

The information related to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Prime Visa was collected by CardCritics™ and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardCritics™ does not receive a commission for this product.