Brittney is a Credit Strategist and Finance Expert who has spent years honing her knowledge of the credit industry both personally and professionally. Brittney applies her more than a decade of research experience to crafting in-depth consumer guides designed to help CardRates readers make better, more informed financial decisions.
Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Gwinnett Daily News, Gainesville Sun, and The New York Times, where she covered demographics, consumer issues, and the business and financial sectors. Lillian has a degree in journalism and communications from Georgia State University and brings her fact-checking expertise to ensure Digital Brands content is accurate and engaging.
Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.
Every time you use your favorite credit card to make a purchase, the merchant must pay the credit card issuer a fee for the pleasure of collecting your money. While the specific fee varies by issuer, it’s generally around 2% of your purchase price — and that adds up quickly.
Because these purchasing fees are a big part of how many issuers make their money, it’s in each one’s best interest to encourage you to use its brand of card over its competitors. As the credit card market becomes increasingly saturated, however, issuers have needed to incentivize the use of their particular cards.
It was then that credit card rewards were born — and so, too, was their supersized sibling: the signup bonus. Fairly brimming with potential points and cash back, cards with succulent signup bonuses can be found from nearly every major bank. Let’s take a look at some of our experts’ top picks for the best bank bonus cards on the market today, including cash back bonuses, travel bonuses, and points bonuses.
The simplest of the credit card rewards, the cash back bonus is exactly what it sounds like: the bank or issuer gives you a portion of your spending back.
While this is usually a statement credit, not actual paper currency, cash back rewards are essentially like having a rebate coupon that’s good everywhere your credit card is accepted.
When it comes to finding the best cash back welcome bonus, you’ll want to look at the minimum spending requirement; most welcome bonuses have it. Make sure you can afford to pay off your purchases, or you may spend more on interest payments than what you receive in cash back rewards. You’ll also want to look out for annual fees, which can put a dent into any bonus.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Redeem cash back for any amount. No annual fee.
Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Then 17.49% to 26.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
The Discover it® Cash Back did away with the spending requirement, instead offering a unique first anniversary bonus that can really add up. This puts the amount of your rewards in your hands, and there’s no limit to how much you can earn.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.
No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
Member FDIC
Intro (Purchases)0% Intro APR on Purchases 15 months
Intro (Transfers)0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers 15 months
Regular APR18.99% - 28.49% Variable
Annual Fee$0
Credit NeededGood/Excellent
Additional Disclosure: Non-Monetized. The information related to Chase Freedom Unlimited® was collected by CardRates 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. CardRates does not receive commission for this product.
With a minimum spending requirement attainable by most credit card users, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® has a solid signup bonus offer. You’ll also get an introductory 0% APR on new purchases, giving you a little more wiggle room to repay your purchases.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
For a limited time, earn a one-time $250 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
$0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months; 18.49% - 28.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
If your monthly spending is enough to hit the minimum requirement, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card signup bonus is a good choice. Not only is it one of the larger cash back signup offers, but the card also offers 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, and groceries.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
$0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 18.49% - 28.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card has a good-sized signup bonus with a very attainable minimum spending requirement, making it a top choice for cash back signup bonus offers.
Top “Travel” Bank Welcome Bonuses
Although cash may be king in many respects, when it comes to credit card rewards, it’s not always the best. Anyone who travels regularly may prefer to earn miles, which often give you a greater dollar value per mile when redeemed for travel expenses like airline flights or hotel stays.
Travel rewards signup bonuses will have similar minimum spending requirements as those required for cash back bonuses, so be sure you can meet them if the bonus is your goal.
You’ll also want to make sure you can redeem your travel rewards with the specific airlines or hotel chains you use while traveling, as well as investigating availability restrictions.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
The rewards from your Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card signup bonus can be redeemed in a few ways. You can redeem through Capital One® to cover eligible card purchases with any airline or hotel, so you can use your favorite brands. Or, transfer miles to a qualifying airline loyalty program to turn them into branded frequent flyer miles. The minimum spending requirement might be a little hefty for some, so make sure you don’t get in over your head.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
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
Intro (Purchases)N/A
Intro (Transfers)N/A
Regular APR19.99% - 28.24% Variable
Annual Fee$95
Credit NeededGood/Excellent
Additional Disclosure: Non-Monetized. The information related to Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card was collected by CardRates 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. CardRates does not receive commission for this product.
With a whopping signup bonus worth up to $0.0125 per mile when redeemed for travel, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a stellar choice and the best value of the bunch. Of course, that’s provided you comfortably meet the large spending requirement without getting stuck with a bundle of interest charges.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
For those who like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card but don’t feel they can meet the large spending requirement, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a good alternative. You can get the same blackout-free redemption through Capital One, but with a slimmed-down signup bonus and spending requirement.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
UNLIMITED BONUS: Unlimited mile-for-mile match for all new cardmembers. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a mile-for-mile match. You could turn 35,000 miles into 70,000 miles.
Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x miles on every dollar of every purchase
No annual fee.
Turn miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants, and more.
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Then 17.49% to 26.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
The Discover it® Miles comes with the same twist on the welcome bonus as the Discover it® Cash Back discussed above. It’s a generous offer that can provide a lot of miles that translate to free travel accommodations in the future.
Top “Points” Bank Signup Bonuses
Don’t want to be limited to cash back rewards, but not really into travel? Don’t fret, you still have tons of options for quality signup offers, including cards offering flexible points and unique bonuses.
Points and rewards cards offer greater versatility in the types of goodies you can redeem your rewards for, with options ranging from gift cards to your favorite stores and restaurants to brand-name merchandise direct from the issuer.
As always, keep an eye on minimum spending requirements and potential annual fees that can cut into your bonus. You’ll also want to make sure the individual rewards program offers the type of redemption options for which you’re looking.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
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
Intro (Purchases)N/A
Intro (Transfers)N/A
Regular APR20.24% - 28.74% Variable
Annual Fee$795
Credit NeededGood/Excellent
Additional Disclosure: Non-Monetized. The information related to Chase Sapphire Reserve® was collected by CardRates 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. CardRates does not receive commission for this product.
This is a newer offer, but it pays up to 3 points per dollar spent in a category of your choosing. It also has an attainable signup bonus, not to mention even higher earning rates on travel purchases. The different reward tiers can be a bit complicated, but for no annual fee, it’s worth figuring out.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on everyday purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants, including takeout.
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 17.49% - 27.49% 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 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Intro (Purchases)0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Intro (Transfers)0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 5%)
Regular APR17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Annual Fee$0
Credit NeededExcellent/Good
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card not only offers a solid signup bonus, but it also comes with an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend — making it a simple way to earn points every day.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
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
Intro (Purchases)N/A
Intro (Transfers)N/A
Regular APR19.99% - 28.24% Variable
Annual Fee$95
Credit NeededGood/Excellent
Additional Disclosure: Non-Monetized. The information related to Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card was collected by CardRates 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. CardRates does not receive commission for this product.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
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
Intro (Purchases)N/A
Intro (Transfers)N/A
Regular APR20.24% - 28.74% Variable
Annual Fee$795
Credit NeededGood/Excellent
Additional Disclosure: Non-Monetized. The information related to Chase Sapphire Reserve® was collected by CardRates 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. CardRates does not receive commission for this product.
Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® earn the popular Ultimate Rewards. And while you may get top dollar when you use your points for travel purchases, that’s not the only way to redeem your points. Your Ultimate Rewards® points can also be used for things like gift cards or even be redeemed for cash.
The Best Way to Earn While You Spend
In today’s world, many of us would rather use plastic than paper — at least when it comes to how we make our purchases. And while rewards programs and signup bonus offers aren’t the only reasons we like to swipe when we buy, they certainly seem to be the effective incentives the issuers intended them to be.
Regardless of how sweet the deal may appear, however, remember that interest payments can add up quickly, so never spend more than you can afford to pay back in a timely manner. Signup bonuses are little good if you spend more than they’re worth trying to pay off your credit card.
Advertiser Disclosure
CardRates.com is a free online resource that offers valuable content and comparison services to users. To keep this resource 100% free, we receive compensation for referrals for many of the offers listed on the site. Along with key review factors, this compensation may impact how and where products appear across CardRates.com (including, for example, the order in which they appear). CardRates.com does not include the entire universe of available offers. Editorial opinions expressed on the site are strictly our own and are not provided, endorsed, or approved by advertisers.
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