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.
Top “Cash Back” Bank Signup 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 signup bonus, you’ll want to look at the minimum spending requirement; most signup bonuses have them. 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.
- INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
- Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
- After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back 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 19.49% - 28.24%.
- No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
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Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% Intro APR on Purchases 15 months
|
0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers 15 months
|
19.49% - 28.24% Variable
|
$0
|
Good/Excellent
|
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.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. 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 each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- Every $1 you earn in cash back is $1 you can redeem.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 16.49% to 27.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- No annual fee.
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Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% Intro APR for 15 months
|
0% Intro APR for 15 months
|
16.49% - 27.49% Variable APR
|
$0
|
Excellent/Good
|
The Discover it® Cash Back did away with the spending requirement, instead offering a a unique year-end bonus that can really add up. This puts the amount of your signup bonus in your hands, and there’s no limit to how much you can earn.
3. Chase Freedom Flex℠
This card is currently not available.
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Intro (Purchases)
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Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Additional Disclosure: The information related to Chase Freedom Flex℠ credit card has been collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.
Those interested in the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, but whose spending fits into a few key categories, should instead look at the Chase Freedom Flex℠. The Chase Freedom Flex℠ has the same solid signup bonus offer, as well rotating bonus cash back categories such as groceries and gas.
4. Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card
This card is currently not available.
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Intro (Purchases)
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Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
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|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
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 up to 4% cash back.
- 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
- Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- 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
|
Intro (Purchases)
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Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% for 15 months
|
0% for 15 months
|
19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
|
$0
|
Excellent, Good
|
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 Signup Bonuses
Although cash may be king in many respects, when it comes to credit card rewards, it’s not always 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 the blackout dates or other availability restrictions.
- 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
- 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 $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Enjoy two complimentary visits per year to Capital One Lounges or to 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges through the Partner Lounge Network
- Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
20.24% - 28.24% (Variable)
|
$95
|
Excellent, Good
|
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.
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Enjoy benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
20.49% - 27.49% Variable
|
$95
|
Good/Excellent
|
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.
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn a bonus of 40,000 miles once you spend $1000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $400 in travel
- Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
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Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% for 18 months
|
0% for 18 months
|
19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
|
$0
|
Excellent, Good
|
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.
- UNLIMITED BONUS: Only Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 Miles, you get 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
- Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase - with no annual fee.
- Redeem Miles to pay any part of your monthly bill, including your minimum payment.
- Turn Miles into cash in any amount, any time. Or redeem as a statement credit for travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more with no blackout dates. However you redeem, Miles keep the same value. And Miles never expire.
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 16.49% to 27.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% Intro APR for 15 months
|
0% Intro APR for 15 months
|
16.49% - 27.49% Variable APR
|
$0
|
Excellent/Good
|
The Discover it® Miles comes with the same twist on the signup bonus as its cash back card. It’s a generous offer that can provide a lot of miles that translate to free travel accommodations in the future.
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
20.49% - 25.49% Variable
|
$95
|
Good/Excellent
|
With a good-sized signup bonus, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card can get you the most rewards when you redeem for travel through the Ultimate Rewards® portal or transfer to an eligible hotel or airline partner.
Top “Points & Rewards” 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.
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Enjoy benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
20.49% - 27.49% Variable
|
$95
|
Good/Excellent
|
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
21.49% - 28.49% Variable
|
$550
|
Good/Excellent
|
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 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.
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
20.49% - 25.49% Variable
|
$95
|
Good/Excellent
|
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card card not only earns Ultimate Rewards® points, but the card also offers a significant signup bonus for those who can meet the spending requirement.
14. Citi Rewards+® Card
This card is currently not available.
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Intro (Purchases)
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Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Additional Disclosure: The information related to Citi Rewards+® Card has been collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.
Another incredibly flexible rewards program, the signup bonus you get from meeting the moderate spending requirement on the Citi Rewards+® Card can be redeemed for travel, entertainment, or retail purchases. You can even make a contribution to your favorite charity using ThankYou points.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire.
- 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.
- 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% Introductory APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
- If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
- 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.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases
|
0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
|
17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
|
$0
|
Excellent/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 everyday.
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 incentive 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.
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Editorial Note: Our site content is not provided or commissioned by any credit card issuer(s). Opinions expressed on CardRates.com are the author's alone, not those of any credit card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by credit card issuers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information; however, all credit card offer details, including information about rewards, signup bonuses, introductory offers, and other terms and conditions, is presented without warranty. Clicking on any offer on CardRates.com will direct you to the issuer's website, where you can review the current terms and conditions of the offer.
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