In the world of credit card rewards, there are two ways to build your points balance: the slow-and-steady “marathon” of everyday spending, and the exhilarating “sprint” of a welcome bonus.
While both are important, nothing accelerates your journey to a dream vacation faster than a massive, one-time infusion of points.
But these lucrative offers are constantly changing.
A bonus that was amazing last month might be gone tomorrow, replaced by something new. It can be tough to keep track of which offers are truly the best and most valuable at any given moment.
That’s where this guide comes in. I’ve sifted through the noise to bring you a curated snapshot of the biggest and best publicly available welcome bonuses you can earn right now.
This guide is for those who are ready to leverage their excellent credit and responsible spending habits to earn a huge rewards windfall. This is your compass to the top-tier offers on the market this month.
The Ground Rules: A Quick Reality Check
Before we dive in, let’s be clear: these bonuses are designed for people with excellent credit who can meet the spending requirements without going into debt. Never spend money you don’t have just to earn a bonus.
Top-Tier Travel Points Bonuses
These bonuses offer the highest potential value for those who want to turn points into aspirational travel.
1. The Platinum Card® from American Express
- The Offer: A typical offer is 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months.
- Why It’s a Top Pick: This is a benchmark for premium welcome offers. 100,000 Amex points are incredibly valuable and flexible. Transferred to an airline partner, this bonus alone could be enough for a round-trip business class flight to Europe, a value of $4,000 or more.
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- The Offer: A standard, high-value offer is 60,000 Ultimate Rewards® points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Why It’s a Top Pick: This is the gold standard for a reason. Those 60,000 points are worth a minimum of $750 when redeemed for travel through the Chase portal. Transferred to a partner like World of Hyatt, their value can easily double, getting you several nights at a luxury hotel.
3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- The Offer: A typical welcome bonus is 75,000 bonus milesafter spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Why It’s a Top Pick: This is a huge, simple-to-use bonus. The 75,000 miles are worth a straightforward $750 when used to cover any travel purchase. The card also comes with an annual $300 travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles, which help offset its annual fee year after year.
Biggest Business Card Bonuses
For freelancers and business owners, the welcome bonuses can be even larger.
1. Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- The Offer: A legendary bonus of 100,000 Ultimate Rewards® points after spending $8,000 in the first 3 months.
- Why It’s a Top Pick: This is arguably one of the best public bonus offers in the entire credit card world. 100,000 Chase points are worth at least $1,250 toward travel and can be worth thousands more when transferred to partners. It’s an incredible kickstart for any business.
Anya’s Insight: Before I apply for any card, I do two things. First, I make sure I have a clear, pre-planned path to meeting the minimum spend without buying things I don’t need. Second, I double-check the issuer’s application rules, like Chase’s 5/24. A huge bonus is worthless if you get denied for the card or go into debt trying to earn it. Strategy first, application second.
Powerful Cash Back Bonuses
Sometimes, you just want cold, hard cash. These bonuses deliver.
1. Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
- The Offer: A massive $750 cash back (which is 75,000 points) after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months.
- Why It’s a Top Pick: For a card with no annual fee, this is an industry-leading cash back bonus. It provides a huge, immediate return for a new business, and the points can be converted to full travel points if you also hold a Sapphire or Ink Preferred card.
Welcome bonuses are the most powerful tool at your disposal for accumulating a large balance of points and miles quickly.
By timing your application and meeting the spending requirements responsibly, you can turn a few months of strategic spending into a trip that might otherwise have taken years to save for.
Ready to Plan Your Next Bonus?
The first step is to look at your budget and any large, upcoming planned expenses. Does your spending timeline align with one of these minimum spend requirements? If so, you could be just a few months away from a massive rewards windfall.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does the clock for the minimum spend period start?
The clock almost always starts on your date of approval, not the date you receive or activate the card. It’s crucial to start spending as soon as you are able.
What purchases typically don’t count toward the minimum spend?
Annual fees, cash advances, balance transfers, and buying cash equivalents (like gift cards, in some cases) usually do not count toward the minimum spending requirement. Always check the offer’s terms.
Can I get a welcome bonus for the same card twice?
Generally, no. Most issuers have rules that limit you to one welcome bonus per “lifetime” for a specific card. For example, American Express has a strict “once per lifetime” policy for each of its cards.
WalletAware shares education, not individualized financial advice. Always confirm current terms on the issuer’s site before applying.