If you’re thinking of getting a travel card, this is a good time to get one. With over two thirds of of Americans planning to travel later this year, credit companies have stepped up efforts to capture new cardholders this spring and are offering record-setting (or at least record-tying) welcome bonuses. Here’s a look at some of the best deals running.
Capital One Venture
You can earn a record-setting welcome bonus of 100,000 miles (worth $1,400), if you spend $20,000 on purchases within the first 12 months of account opening. Alternatively, you can earn 50,000 miles if you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of the account opening.
ANNUAL FEE: $95
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
This card is currently offering its best-ever sign-up bonus of 80,000 points (worth $1,650) after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
ANNUAL FEE: $95
Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
The Reserve card comes with a hefty fee but offers even more perks, and is currently offering its best-ever sign-up bonus of 60,000 points (worth $1,200) after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
ANNUAL FEE: $550
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
This premium hotel credit card will earn you a best-ever rewards bonus of 130,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $2,000 (worth $780) on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
ANNUAL FEE: $95
American Express Gold Card
The Amex Gold offers a bonus of 60,000 points (worth $1,200) after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
ANNUAL FEE: $250
Amex Business Platinum Card
This is a business card, not a personal card, but it’s worth mentioning as the welcome bonus is pretty good. You can earn 125,000 bonus points (worth $2,500) after spending $15,000 on qualifying purchases within your first three months of card membership.
ANNUAL FEE: $595
One note on welcome bonuses: you should only spend the cash to qualify for a welcome bonus if you can pay off the balance right away—otherwise you’ll lose out on the interest payments, making the reward less valuable. All points-to-dollar valuations are based on The Points Guy estimates.
