Best Credit Card Bonus Offers for New Cardholders

Finding great deals and actively using bonuses shows financial literacy and a reasonable financial attitude. However, the number of credit cards you can choose from on the market can make your head spin. Even one bank has several types of credit cards, and dozens of such banks and credit card companies exist. You can't just apply for the first card you come across, as you may overpay on the loan or fees.

You should consider many factors, like service fees, transaction fees, new credit card offers, fees for cash withdrawals, etc. Even annual maintenance can be organized in different ways: the fee can be charged once a year or monthly, the first year can be free of charge or discounted, etc. Still, the most interesting part for most people is the best credit card offers in the form of cashback, grace periods, and others.

Therefore, in this article, we'll name the best credit card deals that will benefit you most in terms of special offers and fees. Read on and choose your new credit card wisely.

Credit Card Bonuses

Credit card bonuses encompass a wide range of incentives designed to attract and retain cardholders. Whatever your expectations, there is likely an option out there tailored to your needs and spending habits.

Usually, cardholders gain access to one or several bonuses. Let's delve into these features to understand how they work and how they can benefit you:

• Bonuses for registration. Also known as a signup bonus or welcome bonus, this is a special offer for new users. Usually, you're provided with additional points or get a cash bonus after you spend a certain amount within the set period of time on opening your account.
• Cashback. This is a straightforward incentive where cardholders earn a percentage of their purchases back in cash, which can range from 1% to 5% or more. Cashback can often be redeemed as a statement credit, direct deposit into a bank account, or sometimes as a physical check.
• Travel rewards. This allows you to earn free points or miles and then use them to pay for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel-related expenses. Above that, they often provide additional perks such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, and waived foreign transaction fees.
• Low interest rates. This point does not need any special explanation. You simply pay less after the grace period expires.
• No annual fees. This bonus is also quite simple. You won’t have to pay for maintenance and will be able to use it without incurring additional costs. It allows you to save a significant amount annually.

In addition to primary benefits, many credit cards also offer a variety of supplementary extras, such as purchase protection and extended warranties on eligible purchases, zero liability for unauthorized transactions, and access to exclusive events, experiences, or discounts.

WHICH CARD TO CHOOSE

To make the most of these bonuses while avoiding potential pitfalls requires careful comparison of existing offers. With numerous options available, it's essential to assess features and benefits to find the one that aligns most closely with your needs. Here is a quick guide to follow to spot the best new credit card offers that will work for you.

• Evaluate your spending habits: Determine which categories of your monthly expenses you spend the most on and where you’d like to maximize rewards.
• Decide on the type of rewards: Consider which bonuses will best suit you. Assess the flexibility of redemption options and how well they match your lifestyle.
• Compare rewards structures: Look for cards with high earning rates in categories relevant to your spending habits. Check for extra rewards provided during specific promotional periods.
• Check the fees: Make sure the rewards and benefits justify its annual fee.
• Look for flexibility: Opt for cards with flexible redemption options that allow you to redeem rewards in various ways, such as statement credits, travel bookings, gift cards, or merchandise.
• Consider long-term value: Evaluate the value proposition beyond the initial signup bonus to see if it will align with your evolving needs and preferences.

Now, let's review specific proposals and analyze the best credit card bonus offers available on the market.

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Seamlessly earn 2% cash back on every purchase with this credit card. It also has no annual fee and offers new cardholders a 0% interest fee on purchases and qualified balance transfers for 15 months from account opening, then 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR.

Its starting rewards are $200 in cash after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening, making it attractive compared to its competitors. Overall, it is considered one of the top credit card bonus programs and one of the best new credit card offers.

Annual fee: $0.

Rewards rate: 2% cashback.

Intro offer: $200

Recommended credit score: 670 or higher.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

If you enjoy traveling, whether it’s for relaxing or going on business trips, this card will be perfect for you. The bonus program allows you to get points for hotel bookings and maximum benefits from travel. The current welcome offer for the Chase Sapphire Preferred is 60,000 points ($750). However, to get it, you should spend at least $4,000 in the first three months of using this card. At the same time, it can become one of the best credit card intro offers for those who issue it before large spending. When redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, this adds up to $1,000 toward travel.

Annual fee: $95.

Rewards rate: 1–5 points per dollar.

Intro offer: 60,000 points.

Recommended credit score:  700 and above.

Chase Freedom Flex℠

The Freedom Flex card's name says it all — you'll have more flexibility when it comes to earning cashback rewards, but you'll need to be flexible with it as some categories will come and go on the rotating quarterly calendar. Key benefits include unlimited rewards of 5% on travel, 3% on drugstore and restaurant purchases, and 1% on all other purchases, as well as a $200 sign-up bonus after spending $500 within three months. Additionally, points have no expiration date.

Annual fee: $0.

Rewards rate: 1%-5% cashback.

Intro offer: $200

Recommended credit score: 670 or higher.

U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card

Product details: the card offers a flexible reward system that allows you to earn big cash back at your favorite retailers in your chosen eligible spend category, plus flat cashback on all other purchases. If you shop at certain stores frequently but want to avoid the plethora of retail credit cards, this card could be a great alternative. It's also helpful if you frequently shop in qualifying categories, as it can help you maximize your cashback. This card also has no annual fees for the first year (after which it's $95), and you can get the best credit card sign-up bonus of $250 after you spend $2,000 in the first four months of card opening.

Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $95.

Rewards rate: 1.5%-6% cashback.

Intro offer: $250.

Recommended credit score: 620 or higher.

Discover it® Cash Back

Discover it Cash Back is one of the top credit card offers with 5% cashback on popular changing categories up to a specific spending limit. Something that makes this card a leader among the best credit card promotions is its special offer for the first 12 months — all the rewards are doubled. This means that your 5% rewards are worth 10% cash back in the first year. The card also has no annual fees. However, it doesn't offer a traditional opening bonus. Discover it Cash Back card is a fantastic choice for newcomers.

Annual fee: $0.

Rewards rate: 1%-5% cashback.

Intro offer: increased cashback under the Cashback Match™ program.

Recommended credit score: 670 or higher.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is one of the best cards for Hilton fans who travel in moderation. With an extensive rewards system and tempting bonuses, you can score several free stays in hotels. The rewards program with this card acts as an extension of the complimentary Hilton Honors program. You'll earn more points than a free member just for being a cardholder.

Annual fee: $150.

Rewards rate: 3–12 points per dollar spent.

Intro offer: 170,000 points.

Recommended credit score: 670–850

Final Thoughts

If you make purchases frequently and pay for them mainly by non-cash method, we recommend paying attention to credit cards with cashback, using which you can get up to 30% of the check amount back in the form of points. Credit cards that bring bonuses to their owners are a very attractive and valuable banking product. If you can't live without traveling, then points and miles will be useful. In any case, rely on your preferences and lifestyle. As you can see, the conditions and bonuses differ significantly for credit cards, even those described in this article.

FAQ