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Few credit card rewards and perks are more valuable than sign-up bonuses – also known as welcome offers, early spend bonuses, or new cardmember bonuses, depending on the issuer.
Every month, we sift through dozens of new and existing credit card sign-up bonus offers – some worth $1,000 or more – and present the very best here.
If you’re looking for a credit card that rewards you from the moment you sign up, or at least within a few months, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with these great new cardmember bonuses for the month of March 2021.
Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses (March 2021)
These are the best credit card sign-up bonuses, welcome offers, and early spend bonuses available right now.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
60,000 Bonus Points (Worth Up to $750 on Travel and Pay Yourself Back Redemptions) When You Spend $4,000 in Purchases in the First 3 Months
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The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a fixture on our best travel credit cards list. In large part, that’s down to its generous sign-up bonus: 60,000 bonus Ultimate Rewards points when you spend at least $4,000 within 3 months, enough to buy $750 in travel (hotels, airfare, car rentals, and cruises) through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards travel portal or a comparable amount in general redemptions using Chase’s Pay Yourself Back tool. This card also offers up to $50 in statement credits against eligible grocery store purchases.
Going forward, dining and travel purchases earn 2 points per $1 spent, with no spending caps or restrictions. All other purchases earn 1 point per $1 spent.
The best way to redeem is for travel through the Ultimate Rewards portal – you’re guaranteed to extract $0.0125 per point there, turning (for example) 50,000 points into $625 in airfare, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel items.
Through April 30, 2021, you’ll get the same 25% points boost when you use the Pay Yourself Back tool to redeem for statement credits against certain other types of purchases: grocery stores, dining (including restaurants and takeout), home improvement stores, and eligible delivery services.
You can also redeem for gift cards, cash (statement credits, direct deposits, or checks), and merchandise, mostly at a $0.01-per-point rate.
One of the best features of this card is a 1-to-1 point transfer arrangement that counts about a dozen participating travel loyalty programs as partners – including household names like Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards and United MileagePlus. This is an extremely powerful benefit that can multiply the value of your points on long-haul flights and other redemption options for which points tend to have higher values.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus Ultimate Rewards points when you spend at least $4,000 within 3 months. That’s worth up to $750 when redeemed for qualifying travel and Pay Yourself Back redemptions and $600 when redeemed for cash. Plus, get up to $50 in statement credits against eligible grocery store purchases.
- Ongoing Rewards: Earn unlimited 2 points per $1 spent on dining and travel. Most other purchases earn unlimited 1 point per $1 spent. Lyft purchases earn 5 points per $1 spent through March 2022. And, from Nov. 1, 2020, through April 30, 2021, earn 2 points per $1 spent on qualifying grocery store purchases, up to $1,000 in eligible purchases per month.
- Key Fees: There’s a $95 annual fee. There is no foreign transaction fee. Cash advances cost the greater of $10 or 5%. Balance transfers cost the greater of $5 or 5%.
- Introductory APR: None.
- Other Perks: Cardholders get VIP packages, early access, exclusive deals, and concierge treatment at entertainment and sporting events, including the PGA Championship. There’s also a slew of purchase and travel benefits here, including price protection, trip cancellation/interruption coverage, rental car coverage, baggage delay insurance, extended warranty protection, purchase protection (reimbursement for lost or damaged purchases), and return protection (reimbursement for certain refused returns).
See our Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Review for more details. Learn more about this card and find out how to apply here.
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2. Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
50,000 Ultimate Rewards Points (Worth Up to $750 in Travel) When You Spend $4,000 in Purchases in the First 3 Months
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The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card is an ultra-exclusive travel rewards card for frequent travelers who like to jet, stay, and play in style. When you spend $4,000 in qualifying purchases within 3 months of opening your account, you get 50,000 bonus Ultimate Rewards points. That’s good for up to $750 in travel purchases when redeemed through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards travel portal, or up to $500 in cash back.
Chase Sapphire Reserve’s steep $550 annual fee is enough to give frugal cardholders pause. However, if you can take full advantage of its ongoing rewards program and travel benefits, that’s a small price to pay. You earn unlimited 3 Ultimate Rewards points per $1 spent on travel and dining, plus 1 point per $1 spent on everything else.
Points are worth $0.015 when redeemed for travel – 50% better than most general-purpose travel rewards cards. Through April 30, 2021, you’ll get the same 50% points boost when you redeem for statement credits against certain other types of purchases: grocery stores, dining (including restaurants and takeout), home improvement stores, and eligible delivery services. Plus, you can transfer your points at a 1-to-1 ratio to about a dozen travel loyalty programs, including Southwest Rapid Rewards and United MileagePlus.
Still not convinced? Sapphire Reserves comes with free entry privileges at more than 1,000 airport lounges worldwide thanks to your complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, a $300 annual travel credit redeemable against travel purchases charged to your card, and exclusive discounts and perks at major car rental companies. Plus, through June 30, 2021, eligible gas station and grocery store purchases count toward your annual travel credit.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 50,000 Ultimate Rewards points, good for up to $750 in travel purchases redeemed through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards travel portal, when you spend at least $4,000 within 3 months of opening your account.
- Ongoing Rewards: Unlimited 3 points per $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and 1 point per $1 spent on most other purchases. Purchases made with Lyft earn 10 points per $1 spent through March 2022. And, from Nov. 1, 2020, through April 30, 2021, earn 2 points per $1 spent on qualifying grocery store purchases, up to $1,000 in eligible purchases per month.
- Key Fees: The annual fee is $550. Each additional authorized user costs $75 per year. There is no foreign transaction fee. Cash advances cost the greater of $10 or 5%. Balance transfers cost the greater of $5 or 5%.
- Introductory APR: None.
- Other Perks: This card has too many value-added benefits to name. Highlights include 1-to-1 transfer arrangements with about a dozen other travel loyalty programs, complimentary Lyft Pink and DoorDash DashPass subscriptions (combined value over $300), airport lounge access at more than 1,000 lounges worldwide (Priority Pass), a $100 TSA Precheck or Global Entry fee application waiver, and special rental car discounts and privileges with National and other major companies.
See our Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Review for more details. Find out how to apply for this card here.
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3. Platinum Card® from American Express
75,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points (Worth Up to $750 on Travel and Online Purchases) When You Spend $5,000 in Purchases in the First 6 Months
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If you’re fortunate enough to join the ranks of proud Platinum Card from American Express members, you’ll get 75,000 bonus Membership Rewards points when you make $5,000 in purchases within 6 months. Plus, you’ll earn 10 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases at U.S. gas stations and U.S. supermarkets during the first 6 months your account is open (up to $15,000 in combined purchases).
Depending on how they’re redeemed, Membership Rewards points are worth up to $0.01 apiece. You can redeem points for statement credits, Uber rides, and online purchases (including gift cards and airfare) through AmEx’s e-commerce portal or Amazon.
Once your account is open, this card earns unlimited 5 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on airfare purchased directly with the airline, as well as prepaid hotel and airfare purchases made through the American Express Travel portal. All other purchases earn an unlimited 1 point per $1 spent.
The Platinum Card does have a glaring drawback for frugal consumers: a hefty $550 annual fee. However, the fringe benefits are enormous: a $200 annual credit for incidental airline expenses, up to $200 in annual Uber credits, complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide, and more.
- Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 Membership Rewards® points (worth up to $750) when you spend $5,000 in 6 months. Plus, earn 10 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases at U.S. gas stations and U.S. supermarkets during the first 6 months your account is open (up to $15,000 in combined purchases).
- Ongoing Rewards: Unlimited 5 points per $1 spent on airfare purchased directly with the airline, and on prepaid hotel and airfare purchases made through American Express Travel. Unlimited 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Key Fees: The annual fee is $550. There is no foreign transaction fee.
- Introductory APR: None.
- Other Perks: You receive a $200 credit (payable as a statement credit to your Platinum Card) for incidental expenses, such as meals and drinks, with an airline of your choice. You also get complimentary or reduced-price access to more than 1,000 airport lounges worldwide. You get up to $200 in Uber credits each year. You enjoy complimentary Gold/Gold Elite Status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy as long as your account remains open and in good standing. You qualify for a Global Entry application fee credit ($100 value) every 5 years. And you qualify for special perks and discounts at properties in the Fine Hotels & Resorts® program, among many other benefits.
See our American Express Platinum Card Review for more details. Learn more about this card and find out how to apply here.
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4. American Express® Gold Card
60,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points (Worth Up to $600 on Travel and Online Purchases) When You Spend $4,000 in Purchases in the First 6 Months
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The American Express® Gold card has an excellent welcome offer worth 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you open your account and spend $4,000 in purchases on your card within the first 6 months. That’s worth up to $600 when redeemed for travel and other items.
Amex Gold has a great ongoing rewards program that favors restaurant (including takeout and delivery) and supermarket purchases too, along with a host of perks and benefits worth hundreds each year. One highlight is up to $120 in annual Uber Cash, good against Uber Eats purchases and rideshare spending.
- Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you open your card account and spend $4,000 in purchases on your card within the first six months.
- Ongoing Rewards: Earn 4 points per $1 spent on U.S. restaurant purchases (including takeout and delivery) and 4 points per $1 spent on eligible Uber Eats purchases. Earn 4 points per $1 spent on U.S. supermarket purchases, up to $25,000 in annual supermarket spending. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on airfare purchased directly with the airline and at amextravel.com. All other eligible purchases earn 1 point per $1 spent. Redeem for travel bookings, Uber rides, gift cards, statement credits, and more at the American Express Membership Rewards portal.
- Introductory APR: None. For specific rates and fees of the American Express® Gold card, see its terms and conditions.
- Key Fees: The annual fee is $250. There is no foreign transaction fee.
- Other Perks: Get up to $10 in Uber Cash (up to $120 per year, good against Uber Eats and Uber rideshare purchases) when you add your Gold Card as a payment method in the app, plus $10 in dining credits per month (up to $120 per year) with select participating chains and apps, including Seamless.
See our American Express® Gold card review for more information. Learn more and find out how to apply for this card here.
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5. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
130,000 Honors Points (Up to 26 Free Nights) When You Spend $2,000 in Purchases in the First 3 Months
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The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card has a generous welcome offer, and a surprisingly attainable one to boot, that more than makes up for its $95 annual fee. When you spend at least $2,000 on qualifying purchases within the first 3 months, you get 130,000 bonus Honors points. That’s worth up to 26 free nights at participating Hilton hotels and resorts, though most properties require significantly more points per award night – 20,000 and up, depending on where you’re staying.
Going forward, this card has a generous rewards program that offers 12 points per $1 spent at participating Hilton properties, 6 points per $1 spent on select everyday purchases, and 3 points per $1 spent on everything else. There’s a small but helpful bonus for every online, paid-in-full Hilton booking made with the card. Plus, you enjoy complimentary Honors Gold status for as long as your account remains open and in good standing. Gold benefits include a hefty bonus on base Honors point earnings, complimentary room upgrades where available, welcome gifts at check-in, late check-out, and more.
- Welcome Offer: Earn 130,000 bonus Honors points when you spend at least $2,000 in qualifying purchases during the first 3 months. That’s worth up to 26 free nights at the lowest-tier Hilton properties, though most hotels and resorts require significantly more.
- Ongoing Rewards: Earn 12 Honors points per $1 spent at Hilton properties; 6 points per $1 spent at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations; and 3 points per $1 spent on everything else.
- Key Fees: The annual fee is $95. There is no foreign transaction fee.
- Introductory APR: None.
- Other Perks: Cardholders automatically get Hilton Honors Gold status and can upgrade to Diamond status with $40,000 in total annual card spending. As long as your account remains open and in good standing, you’ll earn a free weekend night award every year.
See our American Express Hilton Honors Surpass Card Review for more information. Learn more about this card and find out how to apply here.
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6. World of Hyatt Credit Card
Earn More Than 30,000 Bonus Points in the First 6 Months
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The World of Hyatt Credit Card’s $95 annual fee is more than offset by an impressive two-part sign-up bonus worth up to 10 award nights with qualifying spending in the first 6 months.
First, you’ll earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months. Then, earn another 2 bonus points per $1 spent on purchases that earn 1 bonus point up to $15,000 in the first 6 months of account opening.
This card has a nice ongoing rewards program too: unlimited 4 bonus Hyatt points per $1 spent at Hyatt properties, redeemable beginning at 5,000 points per award night at basic Category 1 properties. This card comes with complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status too.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 30,000 points after you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months. Plus, earn 2 bonus points per $1 spent on purchases that earn 1 bonus point up to $15,000 in the first 6 months of account opening.
- Rewards Rate: Earn unlimited 4 bonus Hyatt points per $1 spent at Hyatt properties. Earn unlimited 2 bonus points per $1 spent at on purchases at restaurants, of local transit and commuting fares, of fitness and gym memberships, and of airfare and other airline services made directly with the airline. All other eligible purchases earn an unlimited 1 bonus point per $1 spent.
- Important Fees: The annual fee is $95. There is no foreign transaction fee.
- Introductory APR: None.
- Other Perks: Enjoy automatic Hyatt Discoverist status, with benefits including a 10% bonus on Hyatt stays, complimentary Internet access where available, and late check-out. Also, you’ll get a free award night at participating Category 1 through 4 properties after your cardmember anniversary, and another free award night after spending at least $15,000 in eligible purchases in any cardmember anniversary year.
See our Chase World of Hyatt Card Review for more information. Find out how to apply for this card here.
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7. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card from Chase
75,000 Bonus Points After You Spend $3,000 in Eligible Purchases in the First 3 Months
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The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card’s limited-time sign-up bonus is very generous: Spend $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months to earn 75,000 bonus points to redeem at participating properties. That’s this card’s best free night offer yet.
Moving forward, you’ll earn 6 points for every $1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels worldwide and unlimited 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases, with no spending caps in either category. Regular season award night redemptions begin at 7,500 points for low-cost Category 1 properties, but redemption values may be even lower during periods of low demand. As a cardholder in good standing, you’ll automatically qualify for Silver Elite Status too.
- Sign-Up Bonus: After you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months, you’ll earn 75,000 bonus points to redeem at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties.
- Rewards Rate: Earn unlimited 6 Bonvoy points per $1 spent on all eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties. Earn unlimited 2 points per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Important Fees: The annual fee is $95, and there’s no foreign transaction fee. Balance transfers cost the greater of $5 or 5% and cash advances cost the greater of $10 or 5%.
- Other Perks: Each year after your account anniversary, you’ll receive a credit for 1 free night’s stay at Marriott hotels with redemption thresholds up to 35,000 points per night. All cardholders in good standing qualify for Silver Elite Status, with benefits such as a 10% boost to base point earnings on eligible stays and guaranteed reservations where available. Spend at least $35,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year to qualify for Gold Elite Status, with benefits including flexible check-out and a 25% boost to base point earnings on paid stays.
See our Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card from Chase Review for more information. Find out how to apply for this card here.
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8. IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card
140,000 Bonus IHG Rewards Points When You Spend $3,000 in Eligible Purchases in the First 3 Months
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The IHG Rewards Club Premier Card has an easily attainable sign-up bonus worth more than 10 award nights at participating IHG hotels. To earn its 140,000-point haul, simply spend $3,000 or more on eligible purchases during the first 3 months your account is open.
Not satisfied with your initial score? Moving forward, this card earns up to 25 IHG Rewards points total per $1 spent at Intercontinental Hotel Group hotels, including Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites. Eligible purchases at restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations earn 2 points per $1 spent. All other eligible purchases earn 1 point per $1 spent, with no spending caps or restrictions. Redeem points for award nights at participating IHG properties, starting at 10,000 points.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending at least $3,000 on eligible purchases during the first 3 months your account is open. This bonus is worth more than 10 award nights at lower-priced IHG properties.
- Rewards Rate: You’ll earn up to 25 IHG points total per $1 spent on all eligible purchases at IHG hotels. This earning rate includes 10 points per $1 spent with your card and 15 base points per $1 spent as an IHG Rewards Club member (earned regardless of cardmember status). You’ll earn unlimited 2 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases at restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores. You’ll earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Introductory APR: There’s no intro APR promotion.
- Important Fees: There’s an $89 annual fee and no fees for foreign transactions.
- Other Perks: Get 1 reward night per year at select IHG hotels after your account anniversary, plus 10,000 bonus points when you spend at least $20,000 and make an additional purchase in a calendar year. As long as your account remains open and in good standing, you’ll qualify for Platinum Elite status, with benefits including a 50% bonus to base point earnings, priority check-in where available, and complimentary room upgrades where available.
See our IHG Rewards Club Premier Card Review for more information. Find out how to apply for this card here.
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9. Citi Premier® Card
60,000 Bonus ThankYou® Points When You Spend $4,000 in Eligible Purchases in the First 3 Months
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The Citi Premier® Card‘s sign-up bonus is worth up to $600 when redeemed for eligible travel purchases in Citi’s expansive ThankYou Rewards portal. You do have to spend $4,000 in eligible purchases within 3 months to qualify for this bonus, but that shouldn’t be an insurmountable lift for cardholders resolved to temporarily use Premier as their primary credit card.
There’s more. Citi Premier is among a minority of travel cards that counts gas station purchases as travel purchases, so you can count on earning 3 points per $1 spent on every fill-up. This is great news for cardholders with long commutes, as well as frequent road trippers.
If you don’t want to redeem your accumulated points for travel purchases in the ThankYou Rewards portal, transfer them to Citi’s dozen-plus travel loyalty partners for direct redemptions. Most partners honor point transfers at 1-to-1 ratios, potentially magnifying their value when it’s time to redeem. Major travel partners include JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic, and Turkish Airlines. Don’t miss out on the $100 annual hotel savings credit, applicable on eligible hotel stays of $500 or more once per year.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou points after making $4,000 in purchases with your card within the first 3 months your account is open. That’s worth up to $600 when redeemed for travel booked through the ThankYou Rewards portal.
- Rewards Rate: Earn unlimited 3 points per $1 spent on all eligible purchases at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airlines, and hotels. Earn unlimited 1 point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases. Points don’t expire when your account remains open and in good standing.
- Important Fees: There is a $95 annual fee. There is no foreign transaction fee.
- Other Perks: Enjoy exclusive or priority access to thousands of shows and events across the U.S.
See our Citi Premier Card Review for more information. Learn more about this card and find out how to apply here.
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10. U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
20,000 Bonus Points When You Spend $1,000 in Eligible Purchases in the First 90 Days
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The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is an annual-fee-free rewards card with excellent incentives for frequent restaurant-goers and solid rewards at the supermarket and gas station. Streaming services make out well here as well, earning 2 points per $1 spent on all eligible purchases and qualifying for a $15 credit after 11 months of purchases.
But the sign-up bonus is where Altitude Go really shines. It’s worth up to $200 toward cash, gift cards, merchandise, or travel redemptions, one of the best new cardmember values for a no-annual-fee card.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases in the first 90 days. That’s a $200 value towards any redemption option.
- Rewards Rate: Earn 4 points per $1 spent on takeout, food delivery, and dining purchases. Earn 2 points per $1 spent on grocery store, grocery delivery, streaming service, and gas station purchases. All other eligible purchases earn 1 point per $1 spent.
- Introductory APR: Enjoy 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles. Thereafter, variable regular APR applies (currently 14.99% to 23.99%, depending on your creditworthiness when you open your account).
- Important Fees: There is no annual fee or foreign transaction fee.
- Other Perks: On top of 2x points on eligible streaming purchases, you’ll earn a $15 streaming service credit after making 11 months of streaming service purchases. Plus, enjoy a range of potentially valuable Visa Signature benefits.
- See terms and conditions
Find out how to apply for this card here.
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11. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
$300 Statement Credit After You Spend $3,000 in Purchases in the First 6 Months
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The American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card has a generous welcome offer: a $300 statement credit after you spend at least $3,000 in eligible purchases within 6 months of account opening.
Going forward, Blue Cash Preferred has a great cash-back rewards program. You earn 6% cash back on select digital media and streaming services, plus 6% cash back on supermarket purchases up to $6,000 in total purchases per year. You also get 3% cash back on purchases at U.S. gas stations, and 1% on everything else. Redeem your cash back as a statement credit, starting at $25, and for gift cards and general merchandise.
- Welcome Offer: Earn a $300 statement credit after you spend at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 6 months.
- Ongoing Rewards: Earn 6% cash back on select streaming and digital media services, including Netflix and HBO; 6% cash back on supermarket purchases up to $6,000 per year; earn 3% cash back on purchases at U.S. gas stations and transit operators (including rideshare); unlimited 1% on everything else.
- Key Fees: The annual fee is $0 for the first year, then $95 each year thereafter. The foreign transaction fee is 2.7%.
- Introductory APR: 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 billing cycles from account opening. After that, variable regular APR applies.
- Other Perks: Card membership has a host of fringe benefits, including access to cardholder-only entertainment events and Return Protection, which compensates you up to $300 per item for attempted returns rejected by merchants.
See our American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card Review for more information. Learn more about this card and find out how to apply here.
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12. Chase Freedom® Unlimited Credit Card
$200 Bonus Cash When You Spend $500 in Eligible Purchases in the First 3 Months
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The Chase Freedom Unlimited Card pairs an attractive sign-up bonus with a solid cash-back program. You’ll kick off your card membership with $200 bonus cash when you spend $500 in eligible purchases during the first 3 months.
This card’s regular cash-back rate is respectable too: 1.5%, with no caps or restrictions. You don’t have to worry about rotating categories here either – although certain purchases from the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal can fetch up to 10% cash back in certain cases.
You can redeem your points for a statement credit, bank account deposit, gift cards from select retailers, and merchandise purchases made through the Ultimate Rewards portal. For new cardholders, there’s a 15-month, 0% APR promotion for purchases, after which regular variable APR applies.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn $200 bonus cash when you spend at least $500 in eligible purchases during the first three months your account is open.
- Ongoing Rewards: All regular qualifying purchases earn unlimited 1.5% cash back. Certain purchases made through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards portal can earn up to 10% back. Through March 2022, earn 5% cash-back total on eligible Lyft purchases. Travel purchases made through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal also earn 5% cash back every day, and drugstore and dining purchases (including takeout and delivery) earn 3% cash back.
- Key Fees: There is no annual fee. Cash advances cost the greater of $10 or 5%. The foreign transaction fee is 3%.
- Introductory APR: 0% APR on purchases for the first 15 billing cycles from account opening. Then, variable regular APR applies.
- Regular APR: Following the end of the introductory period, variable regular APR applies, currently 14.99% to 23.74% APR.
- Other Perks: Chase’s Purchase Protection, an insurance policy, covers all purchases made with your Chase Freedom card for 120 days, up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account. Other benefits include extended warranties up to 1 year, complimentary fraud protection, and three months’ complimentary subscription to DoorDashs DashPass, followed by nine months at 50% off (activate by Dec. 31, 2020).
See our Chase Freedom Unlimited Card Review for more information. Find out how to apply for this card here.
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13. Chase Freedom Flex℠ Card
$200 Bonus Cash When You Spend $500 in Eligible Purchases Within the First 3 Months
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Chase Freedom Flex is a new-and-improved version of the beloved Chase Freedom Credit Card, known by consumers everywhere for its 5% quarterly rotating cash-back categories. Freedom Flex preserves those 5% categories and adds some new bonus cash back opportunities, but it’s the sign-up bonuses where Flex really shines. New cardholders have the opportunity to earn $200 bonus cash back when they spend at least $500 in qualifying purchases within 3 billing cycles of account opening.
On the cash back front, all Freedom Flex purchases earn at least 1% cash back, with no caps or restrictions. Purchases up to $1,500 in quarterly rotating categories earn 5% cash back. Travel purchases made through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards portal earn 5% cash back every day. Drugstore and dining (including takeout and delivery) purchases earn 3% cash back every day too. Redeem for a statement credit, bank account deposit, gift cards for select retailers, travel purchases, and general merchandise purchases in any amount.
Be warned: You do have to manually activate your Chase Freedom Flex card’s rotating 5% cash back by the last month of each quarter. The process isn’t super time-consuming, but it does require action on your part.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn $200 bonus cash when you spend $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Ongoing Rewards: All purchases earn unlimited 1% cash back. You can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in certain rotating spending categories each quarter. Travel purchases made through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal also earn 5% cash back every day, and drugstore and dining purchases (including takeout and delivery) earn 3% cash back.
- Key Fees: There is no annual fee. The foreign transaction fee is 3%.
- Introductory APR: Enjoy 0% APR on purchases for the first 15 billing cycles from account opening. Then, variable regular APR applies.
- Regular APR: Following the end of the introductory period, variable regular APR applies, currently 14.99% to 23.74% APR.
- Other Perks. This card has a host of value-added benefits, including limited-time opportunities with DoorDash and Lyft.
See our Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card Review for more information. Find out how to apply for this card here.
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14. American Express Cash Magnet® Card
Up to $150 Bonus When You Spend $1,000 in Purchases in the First 12 Months
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The American Express Cash Magnet Card has one of the most generous welcome offers in the cash-back space: a $150 cash bonus when you spend at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Moving forward, all purchases earn unlimited 1.5% cash back, with no spending caps, rotating rewards categories, restrictions on how much you can earn. Cash back accrues as Reward Dollars, which you can redeem for statement credits, gift cards from select retailers, merchandise purchases, and other items. Redemption minimums vary – for instance, gift cards require at least $25. For the first 15 months, you’ll enjoy 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers.
- Welcome Offer: Earn $150 when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Ongoing Rewards: All eligible purchases earn unlimited 1.5% cash back, with no caps or restrictions on how much you can earn.
- Key Fees: There is no annual fee. The foreign transaction fee is 2.7%.
- Introductory APR: 0% APR on purchases for the first 15 billing cycles from account opening.
- Other Perks: Fringe benefits include complimentary rental car coverage for rental cars purchased in full with the card, roadside assistance, travel accident insurance, extended warranties, cell phone protection, and more.
See our American Express Cash Magnet Card Review for more information. Learn more about this card and find out how to apply here.
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15. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
35,000 Bonus SkyMiles in Your First Year of Cardmembership
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The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card has a very good welcome offer: Up to 35,000 bonus SkyMiles when you spend at least $1,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months.
In addition to award travel, you can redeem SkyMiles for class upgrades and non-airfare merchandise.
Once your account is open, all Delta airfare and incidental purchases earn 2 SkyMiles per $1. Restaurant purchases worldwide and U.S. supermarket purchases earn 2 SkyMiles per $1 spent as well. All other purchases earn 1 SkyMile per $1. There aren’t any spending caps or restrictions. Plus, you get an excellent menu of traveler-friendly perks when you fly Delta, including priority boarding (Main Cabin 1).
- Welcome Offer: Earn 35,000 bonus SkyMiles after you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Ongoing Rewards: Earn 2 SkyMiles per $1 spent on Delta purchases, restaurant purchases worldwide, and U.S. supermarket purchases. All other purchases earn 1 SkyMile per $1 spent on everything else. Spend $10,000 or more in purchases on your card in a calendar year to earn a $100 Delta flight credit.
- Key Fees: The $99 annual fee is waived during the first year. There is no foreign transaction fee.
- Introductory APR: None.
- Other Perks: Cardholders enjoy Main Cabin 1 boarding privileges and 20% certain in-flight purchases.
See our Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card Review for more information. Learn more about this card and find out how to apply here.
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16. TD Cash Visa Credit Card
$150 Cash Bonus When You Spend $500 in Eligible Purchases in the First 90 Days
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The TD Cash Visa Credit Card is a straightforward cash-back credit card with a straightforward sign-up bonus and no annual fee. When you open your account and spend at least $500 in purchases within the first 3 months, you get $150 bonus cash back. Easy!
Going forward, this card earns unlimited 3% cash back on dining purchases, unlimited 2% cash back on grocery store purchases, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. Needless to say, it’s a great way to save money at restaurants and trips to the supermarket. Thanks to a 15-month interest-free balance transfer and purchase promotion, it’s also useful for folks dealing with existing high-interest credit card debt or planning to finance major purchases. Otherwise, what you see is pretty much what you get.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn $150 bonus cash back when you spend at least $500 in purchases in the first 90 days your account is open.
- Ongoing Rewards: Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining purchases, 2% cash back on grocery store purchases, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Key Fees: There is no annual fee or foreign transaction fee
- Introductory APR: 0% APR on balance transfers and purchases for the first 15 billing cycles.
- Other Perks: You get a free VantageScore credit score and credit-building tools in your online account dashboard.
Read our TD Cash Visa Credit Card review for more information. Learn more about this card and find out how to apply here.
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17. Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® Card
$150 Cash Bonus When You Spend $500 in Eligible Purchases in the First 3 Months
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The Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Card has no annual fee and healthy sign-up bonus that promises $150 when you spend at least $500 in eligible purchases during the first 3 months.
Following the end of the sign-up bonus period, all purchases made with this card earn unlimited 1.5% cash back, with no caps or restrictions on how much you can earn. New cardholders also enjoy an unusually generous 0% APR introductory period: 15 months on balance transfers and purchases, plus overdraft protection for Wells Fargo banking customers.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn $150 bonus cash when you spend at least $500 in eligible purchases during the first 3 months your account is open.
- Ongoing Rewards: All purchases earn unlimited 1.5% cash back, with no caps or restrictions on how much you can earn.
- Key Fees: There is no annual fee. The foreign transaction fee is 3%.
- Introductory APR: 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles.
- Other Perks: Wells Fargo deposit account customers can opt into overdraft protection transfer service, which draws on the card’s cash advance line to protect against checking account overdrafts, subject to a fee. Other benefits include special access to ticketed events, a free FICO score with your monthly account statement, and cell phone protection (subject to a modest deductible).
Read our Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Card Review for more information. Learn more about this card and find out how to apply here.
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Final Word
Unlike cash-back credit card rewards, new cardmember bonuses are effectively single-use. Once you sign up for a credit card and take whatever action is required to obtain the bonus, that’s it for a while, possibly forever.
It’s not a good idea to apply for too many credit cards with new cardmember bonuses at once either. Applying for multiple credit cards over a short period can harm your credit profile, lower your credit score, and make it harder to obtain affordable financing.
Credit card sign-up bonuses are more volatile and shorter-lived than most other types of credit card rewards too. Many credit card issuers offer sign-up bonuses only in the first few months or quarters of a card’s existence, then discontinue the program and hope that their cards’ other benefits and rewards will be enough to keep new customers coming.
This isn’t to say that new cardmember bonuses shouldn’t factor into your choice of credit card. Far from it. Some of the best credit cards around have attractive bonuses that complement generous cash-back rewards programs, low APRs, VIP treatment, and other perks.
What’s the best credit card sign-up bonus you’ve ever gotten?
Editorial Note: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Source: moneycrashers.com
