The best credit card sign-up bonuses of September 2024

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Want to earn hundreds of dollars in rewards just for signing up for a new credit card? You’re in luck — 2024 has some of the most lucrative credit card sign-up bonuses. These sign-up bonuses can significantly boost your rewards balance, allowing you to unlock valuable perks like free travel, statement credits, and more.

Here are the best credit card bonuses for 2024, helping you maximize your rewards and get the most value from your everyday spending.

Best credit card sign-up bonuses

• Best for travel: Chase Sapphire Reserve® 
• Best for beginner travelers: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best for flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Best for miles: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Best for luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Best for no annual fee: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
• Best for cash back: Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Best for flat-rate cash back: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
• Best for rotating categories: Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
• Best for dining: American Express® Gold Card
• Best for groceries: Blue Cash Preferred® from American Express
• Best for dining and entertainment: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
• Best for building credit: Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Best for travel: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is our top pick for travel due to its impressive sign-up bonus, flexible redemption options, and wide range of travel benefits. With this welcome bonus, you can easily offset the card's $550 annual fee and still have points left over for future travel.

Rewards: 

• 10X points on hotel stays, car rentals, and Chase Dining purchases through Chase Travel℠, plus on Lyft purchases (through March 2025) (after earning your $300 travel credit)
• 5X points on air travel through Chase Travel℠ (after earning your $300 travel credit)
• 3X points on restaurant and general travel purchases (after earning your $300 travel credit)
• 1X points on all other purchases

Annual fee: $550 

One of the standout features of the Chase Sapphire Reserve is its 50% bonus when redeeming points for travel through the Chase Travel℠ portal. 

This means your 60,000-point sign-up bonus is worth $900 in travel when redeemed this way. You can also transfer points to Chase's airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio, potentially getting even more value for your points.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve also offers a host of valuable travel perks, including a $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, and comprehensive travel protections. These benefits can make your travels more comfortable and save you money.

Best for beginner travelers: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular travel rewards card with a substantial sign-up bonus, valuable travel perks, and a lower annual fee than premium travel cards.

This card is a great option for those just getting started with travel rewards. Its $95 annual fee is much more manageable than that of premium travel cards.

Rewards 

• 5X points on travel through Chase Travel℠
• 5X total points on Lyft rides (through March 2025) 
• 3X points on dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2X points on all other travel purchases
• 1X points on all other purchases

Annual fee: $95 

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an excellent choice for travelers who want a solid sign-up bonus and valuable travel perks without the high annual fee of premium travel cards. When you redeem your points for travel through the Chase portal, you'll get a 25% bonus, making your points even more valuable.

The Sapphire Preferred offers valuable travel protections, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary rental car insurance, and baggage delay insurance. It also has no foreign transaction fees, making it a great card for traveling abroad.

Best for flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening — that’s equal to up to $750 in travel.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great choice for those who want a simple, straightforward travel rewards card. Its welcome bonus is relatively easy to earn, allowing you to quickly earn enough miles for a significant travel redemption.

Rewards: 

• 5X miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2X miles per dollar on all other purchases

Annual fee: $95

What makes the Venture Rewards Card stand out is its earning structure—you'll earn 2X miles per dollar on every daily purchase. This makes it easy to rack up rewards without keeping track of bonus categories. 

When redeeming your miles is time, you can use them to book travel through Capital One Travel or transfer them to airline and hotel partners. The Capital One Venture Rewards Card also offers a few key benefits for travelers, including up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees and no foreign transaction fees.

Best for miles: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Welcome bonus: 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel card with a substantial sign-up bonus, unlimited 2x miles on every purchase, and a range of luxury travel perks.

Rewards:

• 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• 2X miles on all other purchases

Annual fee: $395

In terms of benefits, the Venture X Rewards really shines. Cardholders get up to $300 annual travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel, 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, unlimited access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges, up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and complimentary Hertz President's Circle status.

While the Venture X Rewards does have a $395 annual fee, the card's benefits can easily outweigh this cost for frequent travelers.

The Venture X Rewards is best suited for frequent travelers who can take advantage of the card's travel benefits and high rewards rate on travel bookings through Capital One Travel.

Best for luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Welcome bonus: 80,000 points after $8,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership

If you're looking for a card that offers unparalleled luxury travel perks, the Platinum Card from American Express is hard to beat. While its welcome bonus is certainly enticing, it's the card's extensive benefits that really set it apart.

Rewards: 

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

Annual fee: $695. See rates and fees. 

With this card, you'll get access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta). 

You'll also receive up to $200 annual airline fee statement credit, up to $200 annual Uber Cash, up to $100 annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit, and complimentary elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.

You can use points to book travel through Amex, transfer points to airline and hotel partners, or use Pay with Points to cover charges on your card. Remember that while the Platinum Card offers some impressive perks, it also comes with a hefty $695 annual fee. See rates and fees. 

Best for no annual fee: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Welcome bonus: $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within three months from account opening

If you're looking for a solid rewards card with no annual fee, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a top contender. It offers a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 in the first three months – a relatively low spending threshold compared to many other cards.

Rewards:

• 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day

Annual fee: $0 

The Quicksilver Cash Rewards earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, making it a great option for those who want a simple rewards structure. You can redeem your cash back in any amount, either as a statement credit or check.

The card offers a solid 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 19.74%-29.74% variable APR. It also has travel accident insurance, extended warranty protection on eligible purchases, and no foreign transaction fees.

Best for cash back: Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Welcome bonus: Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back 

Do you love cash back rewards? Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases and even more in certain categories. 

Rewards: 

• 5% cash back on Lyft purchases (through March 2025)
• 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
• 3% cash back on dining at restaurants 
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases
• 1.5% cash back on all other purchases

Annual fee: $0 

The card is one of best cash back cards on the market and a great option for everyday spending. The Freedom Unlimited also offers an intro APR on purchases, making it a solid choice if you need to make a large purchase and pay it off over time.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a great choice for those who want a simple, rewarding cash back card with no annual fee and a solid welcome bonus.

Best for flat-rate cash back: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Welcome bonus: $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is an excellent choice for those who want a simple cash back card with no annual fee and a solid welcome bonus.

Rewards 

• Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Annual fee: $0 

One of the standout features of the Active Cash Card is its simplicity. You don't have to worry about activating bonus categories or keeping track of different earning rates. With this card, you'll earn 2% cash rewards on every purchase, every day. 

You can redeem cash rewards as a statement credit, through a Wells Fargo ATM, or a direct deposit into a Wells Fargo savings or checking account.

The Active Cash Card also offers benefits like cell phone protection and Visa Signature Concierge service. It has no annual fee, making it a great option for those who want to earn strong cash rewards without paying for the privilege.

Best for rotating categories: Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

Welcome bonus: 20,000 ThankYou Points (worth $200 in cash back) after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months. 

The Citi Custom Cash Card offers a unique take on bonus categories. It automatically adapts to your spending habits, earning 5% cash back on your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to $500 spent, then 1%). This makes it a great choice for those whose spending varies from month to month.

Rewards:

• 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent (then 1%) 
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• 4% on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through June 2025

Annual fee: $0 

Eligible 5% categories include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel and transit, and drugstores. 

The Custom Cash also has a solid intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, making it a good option for financing a large purchase or transferring high-interest debt.

The Custom Cash Card doesn't offer a ton of extra benefits. Still, it does have a few notable perks, including Citi Entertainment (which provides special access to tickets and experiences) and no annual fee.

Best for dining: American Express® Gold Card

Welcome bonus: New cardholders can earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases in your first six months of card membership. Plus, for a limited time, you can receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first six months (up to $100 back). Offer ends on November 6, 2024. 

The American Express® Gold Card is a top choice for foodies and travelers. It offers 4X points on dining and supermarket purchases, a solid welcome bonus, and various dining and travel benefits.

Rewards: 

• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on purchases at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points)
• Earn 4X points at US supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points)
• Earn 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X points spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com
• Earn 1X points on all other purchases 

Annual fee: $325. See rates and fees. 

American Express offers various redemption options for points. You can book travel directly through Amex Travel, transfer points to airline and hotel partners, or redeem gift cards, merchandise, or statement credits (though these options typically provide less value per point).

The Amex Gold Card also offers several dining-related perks, including up to $120 annual dining credit at select restaurants and food delivery services, including Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, and more. Additionally, you'll get up to $120 annual Uber Cash for Uber Eats and Uber rides in the U.S. 

To earn up to $120 in Uber Cash, you must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible American Express Gold Card must be a method of payment in your Uber account. The Amex benefit may only be used in United States.

Best for groceries: Blue Cash Preferred® from American Express

Welcome bonus: $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in purchases within the first six months

The Blue Cash Preferred from American Express is hard to beat if you spend a lot on groceries. Even though it has a higher spending threshold than other cash back cards, it’s still a solid offer. Where the Blue Cash Preferred shines, though, is in its ongoing rewards structure. 

Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or on Amazon.com at checkout.

Rewards: 

• 6% cash back on up to $6,000 per year in purchases at U.S. supermarkets (then 1%) 
• 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
• 3% cash back on transit purchases, including taxis, ridesharing services, parking, trains, buses, and more
• 3% cash back on purchases at U.S. gas stations
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Annual fee: $0 intro fee for the first year, then $95. See rates and fees. 

The Blue Cash Preferred has a $95 annual fee after the first year, but for many people, the high rewards rates will more than compensate for this cost. See rates and fees. The card also offers additional perks, such as secondary car rental loss, an annual entertainment credit, and more. 

Best for dining and entertainment: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Welcome bonus: For a limited time, earn a $250 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great choice for those who spend a lot on dining and entertainment. It offers a solid welcome bonus with a relatively low spending requirement.

Rewards:

• 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber and Uber Eats (through November 14, 2024) 
• 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
• 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked using Capital One Travel
• Unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

The Savor Cash Rewards earns unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores. It also earns 1% cash back on all other purchases, making it a great card for everyday spending.

This card also offers no foreign transaction fees, extended warranty protection, and access to premium experiences and events through Capital One Entertainment. The card also boasts a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then 19.74%-29.74% variable APR. 

The Savor Cash Rewards card has no annual fee, making it a great option for those who want to earn solid cash back without paying for the privilege.

Best for building credit: Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Welcome bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year

The Discover it Secured Credit Card is one of the best options for those looking to build or rebuild credit. It's one of the few secured credit cards that offer a rewards program, even if you are at the starting point of your credit-building journey. 

Rewards: 

• 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%) plus 1% back on all other purchases
• 1% back on all other purchases

Annual fee: $0 

The Discover it Secured card offers a unique sign-up bonus. At the end of your first year, Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned. So if you earn $200 in cash back in your first year, Discover will give you an additional $200.

To get the Discover it Secured card, you must put down a refundable security deposit. This deposit will also serve as your credit limit. The card has no annual fee and will automatically review your account after eight months to see if you can transition to an unsecured line of credit and get your deposit back.

How do credit card sign-up bonuses work? 

Credit card sign-up bonuses, or welcome offers, are incentives card issuers provide to encourage new customers to apply for their credit cards. You can earn a bonus by meeting a minimum spending requirement within a specified timeframe after opening the account.

For example, a card may offer a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Once you've met the spending requirement, the bonus rewards are usually credited to your account within a few weeks. Depending on the card and the issuer, these rewards can come in the form of points, miles, or cash back.

Tips to maximize your credit card bonus

To make the most of your credit card sign-up bonus, consider the following tips:

1. Plan your application timing: Apply for a new card when you have upcoming large purchases or expenses that can help you meet the minimum spending requirement without overspending.
2. Use your card for everyday spending: Put as much of your regular spending as possible on your new card to work towards the bonus. But be sure to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
3. Add authorized users: Some cards offer bonus rewards for adding an authorized user and purchasing within a specified timeframe. Just be sure to trust the person you're adding, as you'll be responsible for their charges.
4. Make the most of bill payments: If you have upcoming bills that accept credit cards without a fee, use your new card to help meet the spending requirement.
5. Keep track of your progress: Monitor your spending closely to ensure you're on track to meet the bonus requirements within the specified timeframe.

Remember, the key is to meet the minimum spending requirement without purchasing items you wouldn't normally buy. Avoid overspending just to earn the bonus, as the interest charges and potential debt can quickly outweigh the value of the rewards.

Frequently asked questions

The bottom line

Credit card sign-up bonuses can significantly boost your rewards-earning potential, allowing you to unlock valuable perks like free travel, statement credits, and more. The best credit cards offer a range of benefits to suit different spending habits and financial goals, from premium travel perks to simple cash back rewards.

When choosing a card based on its sign-up bonus, consider factors like the bonus value, spending requirements, annual fee, and ongoing rewards structure. By selecting a card that aligns with your needs, you can maximize your rewards and get the most value from your everyday spending.

Editorial disclosure: Opinions expressed are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.