Cards

Best Credit Card Bonus Offers for New Cardholders

Irina Tsymbaliuk

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 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 card 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, etc.

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

Credit Card Bonuses And Which Card to Choose

In general, cardholders usually have access to one or several of the following benefits, such as:

  • Bonuses for registration. This is a special offer for new users. Usually, you're provided with additional funds after you spend a certain amount.
  • Cashback. This offer involves returning part of the funds spent to your account.
  • Travel rewards. This allows you to earn free miles and then use them to pay for your flights. Also, owners of such cards can take advantage of favorable promotions for hotel bookings.
  • 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 do not pay for card maintenance, which allows you to save a significant amount.

Now, let's move on to considering specific proposals and analyzing top credit card deals available on the market in terms of their bonus offers.

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 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 this card attractive compared to its competitors. Overall, it is considered one of the top credit card bonus programs.

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, so you better 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 turning categories up to a specific spending limit. The main feature of this card is its special offer 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 welcome 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

How to get the best credit card offers and bonuses?

Compare current offers and choose the best credit card bonus. You can also select a card with a specific offer, for example, cashback on hotels or miles.

How do you maximize the value of your credit card offers and bonuses?

To fully unlock the potential of top credit card bonus offers, carefully read the promotion terms and give preference to cards with free service.

What are the requirements and application process for the best credit card offers and bonuses?

Requirements for the recipient differ depending on the bank, but the procedure is almost the same everywhere. In most cases, you can apply online and receive a quick response from specialists. However, for the best credit cards, you will need a high credit score.