Credit card bonuses really can get you a free airline ticket or line your pocket with some extra cash. But as is the case with many rewards credit cards, the devil is in the details. Since you want to keep your credit cards active and avoid having them closed by the issuer, you should only sign up for credit cards that you want for the long term.
Here are the personal cards that will land you the biggest sign-up bonuses as measured by cash back or the value of miles or points (as calculated by Bankrate). Each card offers the top value in the categories of general travel credit cards, hotel cards, airline cards and cash back cards.
Some cards have low annual fees, while others have high fees that we have deemed worth the cost.
Best General Travel Card Bonus: $1,600 for Amex Platinum
Best Hotel Card Bonus: $1,050 from Marriott Bonvoy
Best Airline Card Bonus: $660 + free ticket from Alaska Air
Best Cash Back Card Bonus: $250 from Amex Blue Cash Preferred
Other sign-up bonus offers
- United Airlines Card Launches $1,012 Limited-Time Offer
- Capital One Venture Rewards Launches $1000 Bonus Offer
- American Airlines Card Launches $1,000 Limited-Time Offer
- Hilton Honors Bonus Offer Worth $780 (also get an annual $200 credit)
- Wyndham Bonus Offer: 13 Nights Free (worth up to $900)
- Jet Blue Credit Card Offer Worth over $650
- Best Airline Credit Card Bonuses with a Free Ticket
- Southwest Credit Cards Launch $750 Bonus Deal
- Earn Delta SkyMiles Worth up to $720
Rewards Cards Dos and Don'ts
As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees and ensure you understand how to use the card effectively. That said, cardholders who max out a card's reward benefits may offset the annual fee.
In addition, while reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely, always pay them off in full and on time each month to avoid interest, which can dwarf any rewards you earn. Don't change your spending habits to earn extra points. That's a slippery slope that can lead to overspending.
If this is your first foray into credit cards, or you just want a refresher, make sure you know how to choose a credit card. And ensure you are familiar with what counts as a good credit score.
