16 best credit card sign-up bonuses of September 2024 (2024)

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visitamericanexpress.comto learn more.

Credit card welcome bonus offers are an easy way to earn extra rewards when you open an account. While these deals can be lucrative, you should consider your budget before signing up for a card and only take advantage if you're able to pay off your balance on time and in full. You don't want to pay interest charges because you were hoping to earn extra points.

CNBC Select analyzed hundreds of cards that offer welcome bonuses and rounded up the best deals.

Who's this for? The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers the best of both worlds, with a generous 0% intro APR offer and one of the strongest welcome bonuses you can find with a no-annual-fee credit card.

Welcome bonus: Once approved, you can earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months from account opening. That averages out to only about $167 in spending per month to earn the bonus.

Standout benefits: You have the opportunity to receive an intro 0% APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for the first 12 months from account opening, then a variable 20.24%,25.24%or29.99% APR applies; There's an intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3%, whichever is greater, for 120 days from account opening, then a standard balance transfer fee of up to 5% of the amount you transfer ($5 minimum). For balance transfers to qualify for the intro APR and intro transfer fee, you must make the transfer within 120 days from account opening.

[ Jump to more details ]

Who's this for? The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has a loyal following among travelers looking for a travel-centric rewards program and a robust suite of perks.

Welcome bonus: You can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. That's worth $750 toward travel when you redeem those points through Chase Travel℠.

Standout benefits: You can get more value from the rewards you earn by taking advantage of Chase's airline and hotel transfer partners, including United Airlines MileagePlus, British Airways Executive Club, World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy and more. These partners unlock the ability to book luxury hotels and business-class flights for fewer points.

[ Jump to more details ]

Pro tip: You can pair this card with a Chase bank account

When you open a Chase Total Checking® account, you can earn a $300 bonus after you make at least $500 in direct deposits within 90 days of opening the account. You can also waive the monthly maintenance fee with qualifying activities.

Who's this for? The Platinum Card® from American Express is for those looking to travel in luxury and benefit from high rewards on eligibleairfareandhotelexpenses.

Welcome bonus: The Amex Platinum Card is currently offering a phenomenal welcome bonus of 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 within six months of card membership.

Standout benefits: The card comes with asteep annual fee (see rates and fees) but the perks help offset it. Every year, you can earn over $1,000 in statement credits for purchases such as airline fees, digital entertainment (enrollment required), hotels and much more. Terms apply.

[ Jump to more details ]

Pro tip: You can pair this card with an Amex bank account

An American Express® Rewards Checking account comes with a 1.00% APY and no monthly maintenance fees. Plus, you'll earn Membership Rewards points on eligible debit card purchases (one point for every $2 in eligible spending).

Who's this for? The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card has one of the simplest welcome bonuses that provides a high return for a low spending requirement.

Welcome bonus: The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. That's like earning 40% cash back.

Standout benefits: This card offers extremely generous bonus cash-back categories, especially for foodies, entertainment gurus. It also earns bonus cash back at grocery stores and on hotel and rental car bookings made through Capital One Travel.

[ Jump to more details ]

Who's this for? The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great choice for those looking for a no-annual-fee credit card that has a generous welcome bonus.

Welcome bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Standout benefits: You can finance purchases or transfer debt with a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months from account opening. After that, a 19.99% to 29.99% variable APR applies. There is an introductory 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months (4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time).

[ Jump to more details ]

Who's this for? The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers a unique limited-time welcome bonus without a specific spending requirement.

Welcome bonus: You will 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.

Standout benefit: You have access to travel protections such asauto rental collision damage waivers, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and travel and emergency assistance.

[ Jump to more details ]

Who's this for? The Discover it® Cash Back offers valuable rotating bonus categories and a uniquely generous welcome bonus.

Welcome bonus: Discover will match all the cash back new card members earn at the end of the first year. There is no limit to how much cash back you can earn with this offer, so it essentially doubles the value you receive from purchases for your first year.

Standout benefits: New Discover it® Cash Back accounts receive an intro 0% APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 months. After the intro-APR ends, a 18.24% - 28.24% variable APR applies. An intro 3% balance transfer fee applies and up to a 5% fee on future balance transfers.

[ Jump to more details ]

Pro tip: You can pair this card with a Discover bank account

If you want to do all your banking in one place, the Discover® Cashback Debit Checking account offers a debit card that earns 1.00% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month. You can also earn a generous return on your cash with a Discover® Online Savings Account.

Who's this for? The Chase Sapphire Reserve® has a great rewards rate for travel purchases and top-tier built-in travel protections.

Welcome bonus: You can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

Standout benefits: The card comes with an annual travel credit worth up to $300. It's incredibly easy to use since any travel purchase automatically triggers the credit.

[ Jump to more details ]

Who's this for? The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is for people who want luxury benefits without paying the high annual fee of a premium credit card.

Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that's equal to $750 in travel

Standout benefits: You can transfer your miles to any of Capital One's travel partners. This includes useful airlines such as Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and Air France/KLM Flying Blue and hotels such as Choice Privileges and Wyndham Rewards.

[ Jump to more details ]

Who's this for? The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers a range of benefits that can enhance your hotel stays with the IHG umbrella of brands, including Holiday Inn, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo and more.

Welcome bonus: Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Standout benefits: Every account anniversary year, you receive a free night that's valid at IHG hotels costing up to 40,000 points.

[ Jump to more details ]

Who's this for? The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card can help Marriott loyalists earn status and boost their points balance.

Welcome bonus: Earn 125,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening

Standout benefits: For every account anniversary, you'll receive a Free Night Award valid for one night costing up to 35,000 points.

[ Jump to more details ]

Who's this for? The United Club℠ Infinite Card can help you earn loads of United miles and unlock premium benefits like free checked bags and access toUnited Clubs.

Welcome bonus: You can earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Standout benefits: United Club Infinite Card members receive a United Club membership each year they have the card. Other perks include complimentary first and second checked bags when you fly with United, 25% back on in-flight purchases and priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling.

[ Jump to more details ]

Who's this for? The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is ideal for small business owners looking to earn a Southwest Companion Pass more easily.

Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening and an additional 40,000 points when you spend $15,000 in 9 months.

Standout benefits: The points you earn from the welcome bonus count toward earning a Southwest Companion Pass, which allows you to bring along a guest on every flight for only the taxes and fees. Plus, just having the card gives you a 10,000 qualifying point boost each year, so you'll only have to earn 125,000 qualifying points (instead of 135,000 qualifying points) to earn a Companion Pass.

[ Jump to more details ]

Who's this for? The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is great if you want to make your Hilton stays more rewarding and don't want to pay a high annual fee.

Welcome bonus: 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms apply.

Standout benefits: You get up to $200 back annually on eligible Hilton purchases (up to $50 in statement credits each quarter). This card also comes with automatic Hilton Gold status, granting upgrades to preferred rooms, free breakfast or daily food and beverage credit.

[ Jump to more details ]

Who's this for? The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is geared toward small business owners who regularly stay at Hilton properties.

Welcome bonus: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership.

Standout benefits: Every year, Hilton Honors Business Card members can receive up to $240 back on eligible Hilton purchases they make with their card (up to $60 in statement credits each quarter). They also receive complimentary mid-tier Hilton Honors Gold status.

[ Jump to more details ]

Who's this for? The Prime Visa, issued by Chase, is one of few cards that automatically award a welcome bonus after account approval.

Welcome bonus: If you get approved for this card, you'll get a $2

00 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval. This offer is exclusively for Prime members.

Standout benefits: As a Visa Signature card, you also enjoy perks like travel and emergency assistance, lost luggage reimbursem*nt, baggage delay insurance, purchase protection and extended warranty protection.

[ Jump to more details ]

TheWells Fargo Active Cash® Cardis a no annual fee card that earns straightforward rewards and can be helpful if you're trying to reduce your credit card debt.

Rewards

• Unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn $200 in cash rewards after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

The biggest benefit this card offers new members is an intro-APR offer on purchases and eligible balance transfers, both of which qualify for a 0% intro APR for 12 months. After that, a variable 20.24%, 25.24% or 29.99% APR applies. You have 120 from account opening to complete a balance transfer and qualify for the intro APR. The intro balance transfer fee is 3% of the amount of each transfer ($5 minimum) for the first 120 days. After that, the balance transfer fee is 5% of the amount of each transfer ($5 minimum).

You also get cell phone insurance for damage, theft and loss of a cell phone. This coverage has a $25 deductible. You can be reimbursed up to $600 per claim (max of two claims every 12 months).

[ Return to card summary ]

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular travel card that earns valuable transferable points and has many built-in travel protections.

Rewards

• 5X points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 5X points per dollar on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025
• 5X total points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (earn a maximum of 25,000 through March 31, 2025)
• 3X points per dollar on dining
• 3X points per dollar on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).
• 3X points per dollar on select streaming services.
• 2X points per dollar on all other travel purchases
• 1X points per dollar on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee

$95

Notable perks

This card has many helpful benefits, such as a $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, no foreign transaction fees and a 10% points boost every account anniversary.

It also offers exceptional travel and purchase protections, including baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursem*nt, rental car collision coverage, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, purchase protection and extended warranty protection.

You can also enroll to receive 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, 2027.

For redemptions like gift cards or cash back, your Chase Ultimate Rewards points are typically worth one cent each. You can boost the value ofyour points by 25% (to 1.25 cents each) when you use this card to book travel through Chase Travel℠. The Sapphire Preferred also gives you access to all of Chase's airline and hotel transfer partners. You can transfer points to Emirates, United Airlines,Southwest Airlines, Air Canada, Hyatt,Marriott and more.

[ Return to card summary ]

The Platinum Card from American Express is a premium card with a long list of annualstatement credits,entertainmentbenefits, extensiveairport lounge access, elite status perks and other benefits.

Rewards

• 5X points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year)
• 5X points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
• 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership.

Annual fee

$695 (see rates and fees)

Notable perks

If this card's annual fee (see rates and fees) is giving you pause, first consider the potential value of its benefits before walking away. You can earn over $1,500 in credits every year, including:

• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Up to $200 annual airline fee credit (enrollment required)
• Up to $300 per calendar year Equinox credit (enrollment required)
• Up to $100 annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit (Enrollment required)
• $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Up to $240 annual digital entertainment credit (enrollment required)
• Up to $155 annual Walmart+ credit. (Plus Ups are not eligible. Subject to auto renewalUp to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee)

You can enroll to receive gold elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy (enrollment required). You can also receive rental car privileges such as free upgrades and discounts with Hertz, Avis and National. When you're flying, you can take advantage of this card's top-tier airport lounge access, which includes free visits to American Express Centurion Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Delta Sky Clubs and Lufthansa Lounges.

You never have to worry about overseas spending with this card because it has no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees). You can also enjoy peace of mind when traveling and shopping with a huge variety of coverages that include:

• Rental car insurance* (Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.)
• Trip delay insurance* (Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.)
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance* (Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.)
• Cell phone protection* (Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.)
• Return protection*
• Purchase protection* (Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.)
• Extended warranty coverage* (Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.)
• Terms apply.

* Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

This card also earns American Express Membership Rewards points, which can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards and retail purchases. However, you also have the option of transferring Amex points to airline and hotel partners, including Delta SkyMiles, British Airways Executive Club, Marriott Bonvoy and more.

[ Return to card summary ]

The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a cash-back card that earns bonus rewards on a large number of everyday purchases.

Rewards

• 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars you book Capital One Travel
• 3% cash back at grocery stores
• 3% cash back on dining
• 3% cash back on entertainment
• 3% cash back on popular streaming services
• 1% cash back on every other purchase

Welcome bonus

Earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

There is no foreign transaction fee associated with this card, and you can benefit from 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then a 19.99% to 29.99% variable APR applies. The balance transfer fee is 3% for the first 15 months and 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time.

[ Return to card summary ]

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a simple, yet rewarding no annual fee option.

Rewards

• 1.5% cash back on every purchase

Welcome bonus

Earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within three months from account opening.

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

The card has no foreign transaction fee and may include travel accident insurance*, 24-hour travel assistance, extended warranty protection and access to premier culinary, entertainment and sports event experiences.

If you want to save on credit card interest, this card offers new card members 15 months of intro 0% APR for both purchases and balance transfers. Once the intro APR expires, a 19.99% to 29.99% variable APR applies. The intro balance transfer fee is 3% of the amounts you transfer within the first 15 months (4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time).

*Terms, conditions and exclusions apply.Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details.

[ Return to card summary ]

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a top cash-back card that earns a generous return on everyday purchases and doesn't charge an annual fee.

Rewards

• 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 5% back on Lyft rides (through March 2025)
• 3% back at drugstores
• 3% back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
• 1.5% on all other purchases.

Welcome bonus

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on every purchase on up to $20,000 spent in the first year.

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

In addition to earning rewards, new card members receive a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months from account opening on balance transfers and purchases. After that, a 20.49% to 29.24% variable APR applies. The intro balance transfer fee is3%of the amount of each transfer ($5 minimum) on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, it's either5%of the amount of each transfer with a $5 minimum.

The Freedom Unlimited provides travel insurance such as rental car collision coverage, trip cancellation/interruption insurance and travel and emergency assistance. It also offers purchase protection and extended warranty protection.

It also has a straightforward cash-back program that doesn't require activating bonus categories, making it a good choice for those seeking simplicity. Plus, on up to $20,000 spent in the first year, you'll earn:

• 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery service)
• 3% on all other purchases

If you want cash back, those rates are hard to beat.

You can enroll to receive three free months of DoorDash DashPass, but you have to activate this offer by Dec. 31, 2024.

[ Return to card summary ]

The Discover it® Cash Back is a no annual fee card with useful rotating bonus categories and a welcome bonus that has a high potential value.

Rewards

• 5% cash back for up to $1,500 in purchases in rotating quarterly bonus categories you activate (then 1% cash back)
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

For new card members, Discover will match the cash back you earn during the first year with no minimum spending requirement or cap on the match.

Annual fee

$0

Notableperks

As a new card member, you can receive an introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (after that, a 18.24% - 28.24% variable APR). An intro 3% balance transfer fee applies and up to a 5% fee on future balance transfers. This card also has no foreign transaction fees.

[ Return to summary ]

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a standout card with luxury perks, travel insurance and a valuable rewards program.

Rewards

• 10X total points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠*
• 10X points on Lyft purchases through March 2025
• 10X points on Chase Dining purchases
• 10X total points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (earn a maximum of 50,000 total points through March 31, 2025)
• 5X total points on flights purchased through Chase Travel℠*
• 3X points on other travel*
• 3X points on dining
• 1X points on all other purchases

*After the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually

Welcome bonus

You'll earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee

$550

Notable perks

Card members have access to statement credit offers, which can help to make the Chase Sapphire Reserve's annual fee worth it. You can earn up to $300 in annual travel credits and up to $100 in application fee credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS (once every four years).

When you're flying, you can relax in style with airport lounge access. You are granted unlimited complimentary Priority Pass airport lounge visits, including to Sapphire airport lounges. This card has no foreign transaction fees and an incredible amount of insurance protections, including:

• Purchase protection
• Extended warranty protection
• Return protection
• Primary rental car collision coverage
• Trip delay protection
• Trip interruption/cancellation insurance
• Baggage delay protection
• Lost luggage reimbursem*nt
• Travel accident insurance
• Emergency medical and dental insurance
• Emergency evacuation and transportation

You'll also have access to several limited-time benefits including two years of free Lyft Pink All Access membership (worth $199 a year), you need to activate this by Dec. 31, 2024. You can also enroll to receive 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, 2027.

The Chase Ultimate Rewards points you earn with this card are worth one cent each when you redeem them for things like cash and gift cards. You can boost that value by 50% (to 1.5 cents a point) when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠.

For anyone who wants to maximize the value they receive, you'll want to look at Chase's airline and hotel partners. With the Sapphire Reserve, you can transfer Chase points at a 1:1 ratio to any travel partner program, including Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Emirates Skywards, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards and JetBlue TrueBlue.

[ Return to card summary ]

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a solid rewards rate for all purchases and a reasonable annual fee.

Rewards

• 5X miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2X miles per dollar on every other purchase

Welcome bonus

Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual fee

$95

Notable perks

Benefits include aGlobal Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee creditevery four years worth up to $120 and no foreign transaction fees.

The card also comes with extended warranty protection, travel accident insurance, and rental car collision coverage. You can get access to Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment, which grants you access to exclusive sports, music and culinary experiences.

Capital One miles are worth one cent each when you use them to book travel throughCapital One Travel. You can also use your miles to offset travel purchases you make with your card and receive the same one cent per mile value. Perhaps the best feature of this card is that it gives you access to Capital One's hotel and airline transfer partners. You can transfer the miles you earn to a long list of travel loyalty programs including Accor live Limitless, Air Canada Aeroplan, Etihad Guest, Qantas and others.

**Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details.

[ Return to card summary ]

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card comes with automatic elite status and a free night reward every year, which makes it easy to hold onto for the long term.

Rewards

• 10X points at IHG hotels and resorts
• 5X points on travel
• 5X points at gas stations
• 5X points at restaurants
• 3X points on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Annual fee

$99

Notable perks

If you want to upgrade your next IHG hotel stay, this card can help you climb the elite status ladder. You'll receive free IHG Platinum status and you can earn Diamond Elite status after spending $40,000 on the card in a calendar year. Along the way to earn Diamond status, you can earn a $100 statement credit and 10,000 IHG points after spending $20,000 on your card in a calendar year.

If you also travel with United Airlines, you'll appreciate the up to $50 in United TravelBank Cash you get each year ($25 deposited twice per year). Plus, you can breeze through airport security or customs after signing up for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS and having your application fee reimbursed (up to $100, once every four years; $120 starting 10/1/24).

Your IHG points become more valuable just by having the card because of its fourth-night free benefit. With this feature, if you use points to book a stay of at least four consecutive nights, the fourth night is free.

On top of all that, every year card members receive a free night award that's valid at IHG hotels costing 40,000 points or less. You can also purchase IHG points with a 20% discount with this card.

It also has no foreign transaction fees, purchase protection and trip cancellation/interruption coverage.

[ Return to card summary ]

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is Marriott's mid-tier cobranded card and offers helpful benefits for occasional Marriott guests.

Rewards

• 6X Marriott points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• 3X Marriott points on the first $6,000 spent each year on grocery stores, dining and gas stations
• 2X Marriott points on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn 125,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening

Annual fee

$95

Notable perks

Every year after the account anniversary, you'll receive a Free Night Award valid at properties costing up to 35,000 points per night. A useful feature of Marriott's Free Night Awards is that you can top them off with up to 15,000 points. This allows you to use the annual award night for rooms that cost up to 50,000 points, which gives you more options.

You'll receive Marriott Bonvoy Silver status just for having the card and you receive Gold status after spending $35,000 on purchases in a calendar year. Each calendar year, you'll also receive 15 Elite Night Credits and one Elite Night Credit for every $5,000 you spend on the card.

You won't pay any foreign transaction fees with this card. It also comes with baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursem*nt, trip delay reimbursem*nt and purchase protection.

[ Return to card summary ]

The United Club℠ Infinite Card is United's most premium co-branded card and offers unlimited United Club airport lounge access.

Rewards

• 4X miles on United purchases
• 2X miles on all other travel
• 2X miles on dining
• 1X miles on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

You'll earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual fee

$525

Notable perks

The biggest reason to get this card is the United Club membership you receive each year. Depending on your elite status level, a United Club membership would normally cost $550 to $650 per year (or 75,000 to 85,000 miles), so it's cheaper to just get this card.

This card also has lots of travel perks that make it worthwhile, even after you've left the United airport lounge. It comes with:

• First and second checked bags for free on United flights (for you and a companion when you pay for the flight with the card)
• Priority check-in, boarding, baggage handling and security screening
• Up to $100 back for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS
• 25% back on inflight United purchases and premium United Club drink purchases
• Earn up to 10,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) per calendar year (earn 25 PQP for every $500 you spend on the card)
• Save 10% on economy Saver Awards within the continental U.S. or between the continental U.S. and Canada
• IHG One Rewards Platinum status
• Up to $75 in IHG statement credits each year
• Avis President's Club status (enrollment required)
• Car rental collision coverage
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• Purchase protection
• No foreign transaction fees

[ Return to card summary ]

The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is designed for small business owners who frequently travel with Southwest.

Rewards

• 4X points on Southwest Airlines purchases
• 3X points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental bookings
• 2X points on social media and search engine advertising
• 2X points on internet, cable and phone services
• 2X points on local transit
• 1X points on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening and an additional 40,000 points when you spend $15,000 in 9 months.

Annual fee

$199

Notable perks

Every account anniversary, you'll receive 9,000 bonus points, which is worth roughly $117 as points and miles experts generally value Southwest points at around 1.3 cents each.

You also receive a 10,000-qualify-point boost each year you keep the card. These aren't redeemable Southwest miles, but instead, reduce the number of qualifying points you need to earn to receive a Southwest Companion Pass from 135,000 to 125,000 during that year.

You can also take advantage of:

• Four upgraded boardings per year (when available)
• Earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points toward A-List elite status for every $5,000 you spend with no limit
• Up to 365 in-flight Wi-Fi credits per year when flying with Southwest Airlines
• Up to $100 credit forGlobal Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS every four years
• The chance to
• Up to $500 in fee credits each anniversary year for Rapid Rewards points transfers
• No additional fee for employee cards
• No foreign transaction fees

[ Return to card summary ]

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is a mid-tier hotel card that provides exceptional value for Hilton fans.

Rewards

• 12X points on eligible purchases charged on your card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio
• 6X points on dining at restaurants in the U.S.
• 6X points at U.S. gas stations
• 6X points at U.S. supermarkets
• 4X points on U.S. online retail purchases
• 3X points on all other eligible purchases

Welcome bonus

You'll receive 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms apply.

Annual fee

$150 (see rates and fees)

Notable perks

This card pays for itself with up to $200 in statement credits for eligible Hilton purchases each year (up to $50 in credits per quarter). This card is also amazing for big spenders because you can earn a Free Night Reward after spending $15,000 on purchases with the card in a calendar year. Plus, it comes with automatic Hilton Honors Gold status with the ability to upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond status after spending at least $40,000 on the card in a calendar year.

Other benefits include:

• National Emerald Club Executive status (enrollment required)
• Baggage insurance*
• Rental car damage and loss coverage
• No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees)
• Purchase protection*
• Extended warranty protection*
• Terms apply

*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

[ Return to card summary ]

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is Hilton's co-branded business card and offers many benefits that can make it easily pay for itself each year.

Rewards

• 12X points on eligible Hilton purchases
• 5X pointson thefirst$100,000 in purchases eachcalendar year, then 3X points thereafter.

Welcome bonus

Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership.

$195 annual fee (see rates and fees)

Notable perks

If you enjoy the perks that come with hotel elite status, you'll love this card's complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status. It also allows you to earn Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the calendar year when you spend $40,000 or more on the card in a calendar year.

In addition, every year card members can receive up to $240 in statement credits for eligible Hilton purchases. You get up to $60 in credit per quarter on eligible Hilton purchases. This card also has no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees), National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status, purchase protection* and extended warranty coverage*.

*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company

[ Return to card summary ]

The Prime Visa card is ideal for Amazon Prime members who are looking to earn more cash back on their purchases.

Rewards

• 5% cash back at Amazon.com
• 5% cash back at Amazon Fresh
• 5% cash back at Whole Foods
• 5% cash back on Chase Travel purchases
• 2% cash back at gas stations
• 2% cash back at restaurants
• 2% cash back on local transit
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

You can get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval (exclusively for Amazon Prime members).

Annual fee

$0 (Amazon Prime membership is required)

Notable perks

This card has no foreign transaction fees and insurance perks that matter, such as:

• Purchase protection
• Extended warranty protection
• Baggage delay insurance
• Rental car collision coverage
• Lost luggage reimbursem*nt
• Roadside dispatch
• Travel accident insurance
• Travel and emergency assistance

You also have the option to earn cash back or receive a 0% intro APR for six months or 12 months on eligible Amazon Pay purchases or $50 or more (then a variable 19.49% to 27.49% APR applies).

[ Return to card summary ]

A credit card's welcome bonus is often the most valuable benefit. However, it's only a one-time perk, so you'll want to carefully consider everything else the card offers before applying.

As you're analyzing intro bonus offers, it's important to pay attention to two factors: Bonus value and requirements.

Bonus value

For certain types of cards, it's simple to estimate the bonus value. For example, a cash bonus of $500 is worth $500, but how much are 50,000 points or miles worth?

The answer depends on the type of rewards and how you intend to use them. If you want to earn hotel points or airline miles, you can only redeem those points within that program, which limits your options. However, when you earn transferrable points, you typically can move those rewards to many different airlines or hotels. This added flexibility can increase the value of flexible rewards, so 50,000 transferrable points are generally worth more than 50,000 hotel points.

Bonus requirements

If you're approved for a card, you'll still need to meet the spending requirement before you're awarded any bonus points, miles or cash.

To ensure you can hit the spending threshold without overspending, look at your credit card statement for the past few months or the year. This should give you a good idea of how much you can expect to spend on your new card. If you usually spend $1,500 on your credit card(s) each month, then any card with a spending requirement of $4,500 or less within three months should be achievable for you.

You can also plan your credit card application around bigger, but less frequent expenses. If you're paying your annual insurance premiums or booking lodging for your yearly vacation, it might make sense to apply for a card beforehand.

Card credit intro bonuses can help you collect loads of miles, points or other rewards.

However, these are one-time bonuses, and you need to look at a card's benefits and perks to get the full picture of whether it's a worthy addition to your wallet. Welcome bonuses also typically have spending requirements that need to be met within a certain timeframe and these requirements aren't always easy to meet.

Pros

• Welcome bonuses can be exceptionally valuable, even when you factor in the spending requirement. The best offers may provide 10X to 20X points per dollar on the spending you need to make to earn the bonus.
• Intro bonuses allow you to quickly earn enough rewards to book more valuable redemptions, such as business-class flights or luxury hotels that typically have higher point or mile requirements.

Cons

• A card's welcome bonus could entice you to spend more than you otherwise would have. In this scenario, you may end up paying interest if you can't afford to pay off the balance.
• Intro bonuses are one-off card benefits, so you need to make sure the card's ongoing perks are worth it or offset the annual fee (if there is one).

Subscribe to the CNBC Select Newsletter!

Money matters —so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.Sign up here.

To determine which cards offer the best value, CNBC Select analyzed over 250 major credit cards issued through FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions that are widely available in the U.S. and offer welcome bonuses.

We compared each card on a range of features, including rewards (e.g., cash back, points and miles), annual fees, welcome bonuses, introductory and standard APR and balance transfer fees and foreign transaction fees. We also considered additional perks (e.g., ongoing travel or merchant statement credits), cardholder protections (e.g., purchase protection, $0 liability protection and travel insurance), the application process when available (e.g., is there a credit pull or required credit score) and how easy it is to redeem points (e.g., are rewards are tied to a specific brand; if transferable, to how many/which partners, can you redeem for straight cash back).

We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.

For the cards that offered a rewards program, we considered consumer spending data forecasts from location intelligence firm Esri to determine where U.S. consumers are spending the most money, like on dining and travel. We used this to help determine what bonus categories are most useful for consumers. Since the value of a point or mile varies based on what they can be redeemed for, we also considered things like transferability and the ability to redeem for cash-back.

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage ofcredit cards,bankingandmoney, and follow us onTikTok,Facebook,InstagramandTwitterto stay up to date.

Read more

For rates and fees of the Discover it® Cash Back, click here.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.

For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, click here.

For rates and fees for the Hilton Honor Surpass Card, click here.

Information about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card and Prime Visa Card has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

*For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply