Highest Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses Right Now: Top Welcome Offers

Looking for the highest credit card sign-up bonuses right now? This fast, rule-first Points and Perks Guide highlights the largest current welcome offers, their spending requirements and timelines, and the smart way to sequence applications for maximum approvals and first-year value. A sign-up bonus is a one-time reward you earn after you spend a required amount in the first months of opening an account; most offers require hitting that threshold within 3–6 months, and the bonus typically posts after you meet the requirement (definition aligned with NerdWallet’s overview of bonus offers). We focus on simple rules and sequencing that protects approvals.

At-a-glance comparison (best current/recurring offers)

Note: Offers change frequently; verify details on the issuer’s page before applying. Timelines for welcome offers commonly run 3–6 months from account opening.

Points and Perks Guide Quick Rules

Five-minute decision flow:

• Map your new personal card accounts from the last 24 months.
• If you want a Chase Sapphire/United/Marriott/Southwest card, check Chase 5/24 before anything else.
• Confirm you can meet the credit card bonus spending requirement within the 3–6 month window without overspending.
• Choose your path: travel rewards vs cash back. Pick transferable points only if you’ll use transfer partners.
• Apply in sequence; don’t shotgun applications.

Quotable guidance:

• “Many issuers tie welcome offers to spending thresholds within the first 3–6 months.” (see NerdWallet’s overview of bonus offers)
• “Pick the card that best fits your spending and goals—there’s no single ‘best’ card.” (Bankrate’s bonus guide)

Value yardstick for first-year returns (Bankrate):

• No annual fee: around $200
• Premium: roughly $600–$750
• Luxury: roughly $600–$1,300

The American Express Platinum Card

Credit Karma values the Amex Platinum welcome offer at roughly $1,995, reflecting both a sizable points haul and outsized travel utility when you redeem well (Credit Karma’s valuations). The headline number looks high because Membership Rewards can transfer to multiple airline and hotel partners, and the card layers on premium travel credits and lounge access. Real value depends on how you redeem and which credits you’ll actually use. Points and Perks Guide recommends tallying only credits you’ll realistically redeem before comparing offers.

Good fit if:

• You travel frequently enough to maximize lounge access and multiple annual travel credits.
• You can comfortably meet the minimum spend in 3–6 months without changing your budget.
• You prefer transferable points and premium perks over simple cash back (remember: most bonuses require spend within 3–6 months, as NerdWallet notes).

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Credit Karma estimates the Sapphire Reserve’s sign-up bonus value around $1,450, driven by a large points bonus, the $300 annual travel credit, and strong redemption rates through Chase’s transfer partners.

Quick snapshot:

• Welcome offer: Large Ultimate Rewards points bonus (typical windows ~3 months)
• $300 annual travel credit offsets much of the $550 annual fee in year one
• No foreign transaction fees; robust travel protections

Chase 5/24 note: If you’re under 5/24, sequence Sapphire before other non-Chase applications to protect eligibility. Chase bonuses typically require hitting spend within about 3 months (consistent with NerdWallet’s timing guidance).

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Credit Karma pegs the Sapphire Preferred’s bonus value around $870, making it the strongest mid-fee gateway to transferable points for many readers under 5/24. If you want meaningful value with a lower annual fee, CSP is a classic first “transferable” pick. Travel-card bonuses can be larger than cash back but hinge on optimized redemptions; cash back is simpler and predictable (NerdWallet).

Capital One Venture Rewards

CNBC Select highlights a limited-time Capital One Venture offer framed as $250 plus 75,000 miles after $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months (CNBC Select’s current bonus roundup). Venture miles are easy for beginners: erase travel purchases at a fixed rate or transfer to partners when you want more upside. The 3-month window is standard for hitting the minimum spend (as NerdWallet notes). Venture also has no foreign transaction fees, making it a solid everyday travel pick.

Capital One Venture X Rewards

Venture X is the premium sibling: big welcome offers when available, a $300 annual travel credit (Capital One Travel), airport lounge access, and no foreign transaction fees. Issuers often pair higher bonuses with annual fees—compare raw bonus size vs real-world redemption value and credits you will actually use (Bankrate’s bonus guide).

Venture X at a glance:

IHG One Rewards Premier

Credit Karma estimates IHG Premier’s sign-up value at around $1,078, which can beat general travel points if you reliably stay with IHG. Pick hotel cards only if you’ll redeem within that brand’s ecosystem; otherwise, flexible currencies offer broader options. Like most offers, expect a 3–6 month window to meet the spend (per NerdWallet).

Best for:

• Frequent IHG stays and easy use of the annual free-night certificate
• Getting value from included Platinum status and 4th-night-free redemptions
• Travelers who prefer hotel-specific perks over transferable flexibility

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless

Select offers have granted five free nights after $3,000 in purchases in 3 months (CreditCards.com’s bonus tracker). The real-world value of free nights depends on nightly caps and availability. To estimate conservatively, assign a realistic nightly value (e.g., $125–$175), multiply by 5, then subtract the annual fee for a net first-year figure.

United Club Card

A recent example shows 90,000 miles after $5,000 in 3 months (CreditCards.com). This can be compelling for frequent United flyers who’ll also use the included United Club lounge membership, free checked bags, and Premier upgrade space. Remember: United co-brands are subject to Chase 5/24—sequence applications accordingly.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus

Southwest’s simpler program structure makes value easier to estimate against typical domestic fares. A common example is 50,000 points after $1,000 in 3 months (CreditCards.com). If you’re under 5/24 and want a Sapphire later, time Southwest applications after locking in your Sapphire approval.

Wells Fargo Active Cash

If you want predictable value, Active Cash earns flat 2% unlimited cash rewards with a $0 annual fee and often features an intro APR window (CNBC Select). Motley Fool cites a $200 welcome after $500 in 3 months on many offers (Motley Fool’s bonus list). Balance transfer terms frequently include a 3% intro fee for 120 days, then up to 5% thereafter (CNBC Select).

Chase Freedom Unlimited

A straightforward starter: $200 bonus after $500 in purchases in the first 3 months on many offers (CreditCards.com). Note the balance transfer fee (often $5 or 3% for transfers in the first 60 days) and that many no-fee rewards cards carry a 3% foreign transaction fee—use a travel card abroad (terms generally aligned with CNBC Select’s card coverage). Pair Freedom Unlimited with a Sapphire later to unlock point transfers for higher travel value.

How to choose the right welcome offer

Use this 4-step checklist:

1. Confirm your monthly spend fits the threshold within the required window. 2) Choose travel points vs cash back. 3) Estimate your redemption value. 4) Subtract annual fee and add only the credits you’ll truly use to get net first-year value. “There’s no single ‘best’ card—fit matters most” (Bankrate). Travel-card bonuses are usually larger; cash back is simpler and easier to use (NerdWallet). With good redemptions, optimized sign-up bonuses can yield 20%+ returns on the spending required—don’t overspend to chase them (U.S. Credit Card Guide). Points and Perks Guide favors conservative estimates so your plan holds up in the real world.

Application sequencing and rules to know

Chase 5/24 definition: A practical rule where Chase typically denies new card approvals if you’ve opened 5 or more personal credit cards across all issuers in the last 24 months. Map your last 24 months of accounts and prioritize Chase applications first if you plan to pursue Sapphire or Chase co-brands. Also note: big bonuses can be time-limited or targeted, and many issuers exclude prior cardholders who received a bonus recently (guidance consistent with Bankrate and NerdWallet). Our simple sequencing flow: Chase (if under 5/24) → a premium transferable pick (CSP/CSR or Venture/Venture X) → the hotel/airline card that matches near-term travel plans.

Ways to meet the minimum spend without overspending

• Move recurring bills (utilities, mobile, streaming), prepay insurance, and time big planned purchases during the window.
• Buy grocery or household gift cards you’ll use anyway; coordinate household expenses on one card.
• Most bonuses require spend within 3–6 months—plan your monthly budget accordingly (NerdWallet).
• What not to do: avoid manufactured spend or carrying interest to hit a threshold; align with Bankrate’s advice to match normal spending, not inflate it.

Mini calculator: monthly budget x months in window ≥ required spend. If you come up short, pick a lower-threshold offer. Points and Perks Guide emphasizes real expenses—no tricks or risky tactics.

Frequently asked questions

What is a credit card sign-up bonus and how does it work?

It’s a one-time reward after spending a set amount within the first months of opening the card—typically 3–6 months—and it posts after you meet the requirement. Points and Perks Guide uses this definition throughout.

How do I estimate the real value of a welcome offer?

Add the bonus’s dollar value to any credits you’ll actually use, subtract the annual fee, and confirm you can meet the spend without changing your budget. At Points and Perks Guide, we use conservative estimates and count only credits you’ll actually use.

Which should I pick: travel points or cash back?

Choose travel points if you’ll use transfer partners for high-value trips; choose cash back for simple, predictable value you can use anywhere. Points and Perks Guide favors simplicity unless you’ll leverage partners.

How many new cards can I open without hurting approvals?

Track the past 24 months of new accounts; some banks are sensitive to frequent openings and commonly apply 5/24-style limits. Points and Perks Guide recommends mapping your last 24 months before applying.

What if I can’t meet the minimum spend in time?

Pick a lower-threshold offer or wait until your upcoming expenses align; never overspend or carry interest just to chase a bonus. Points and Perks Guide recommends waiting until your normal expenses fit the window.