After getting requests in the Facebook Group, I’ve begun putting together a monthly list of what I think are the best credit card offers available right now.
If you’re brand new to miles and points, make sure you understand Chase’s 5/24 rule and the first cards to get because of it.
You can learn more about the fundamentals in my free miles and points basics course, as well.
As always when applying for credit cards, think of your travel goals. Look not only at the card’s welcome bonus but also the bonus categories. Do they match up with your spending habits?
And, are there other credit card perks that come with the card, like lounge membership or hotel status that make sense for what you’re looking for in a travel rewards credit card?
Finally, know how you’re going to meet the minimum spend to earn the welcome offer. Travel rewards credit cards can add a ton of long-term value to your wallet but, initially, there’s no denying how lucrative a welcome bonus can be, particularly when the offer is increased or notable in some way.
Which Travel Rewards Credit Cards to
Look At Right Now (June 2022)
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Current Welcome Bonus: 75,000 Capital One Miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months from your account opening.
Favorite Card Features:
- 2x on every $1 spent
- $300 annual statement credit for bookings made in the Capital One Travel Portal
- Get unlimited complimentary access for you and 2 guests to 1,400+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and our Partner Lounge Network
- Earn 10x Capital One Miles for hotels and rental car bookings in the portal
- Earn 5x Capital One Miles for flight bookings in the portal
- Receive 10k Capital One Miles each year for your card anniversary
- No foreign exchange fees
- Up to a $100 Global Entry or TSA Precheck credit
- Redeem your Capital One Miles with their airline and hotel transfer partners at a 1:1 ratio.
Annual Fee: $395
Reasons to Consider It:
The premium Capital One Venture X is a stellar card with a great offer! You can use this card for your everyday spending to earn 2x the Capital One miles for every dollar spent.
And with Capital One adjusting the transfer ratio for their airline and hotel transfer partners to 1:1, the value proposition on the miles you’re earning has significantly increased.
The benefits on this card from the lounge privileges to the annual travel credit all at a lower annual fee than its competitors make this Capital One Venture X offer extremely compelling. I was happy to be approved for this card when it debuted.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Current Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months from your account opening.
Favorite Card Features:
- $50 annual Ultimate Rewards hotel credit
- 5x on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards Portal
- 3x on dining (including eligible delivery services)
- 3x on select streaming services & online grocery purchases
- 2x on other travel purchases
- 1x on all other purchases
- No foreign exchange fees
- Transfer Ultimate Rewards points to airline and hotel partners like United, Flying Blue, and Hyatt
- 1.25 cents per point value if you redeem points for travel in the Chase Ultimate Rewards Portal
- Get a 10% Anniversary points boost calculated by how much you spent on the card during the year
- Complimentary DashPass which comes with no delivery fees and lower service charges on DoorDash orders for a minimum of a year (activate by 12/31/24)
Annual Fee: $95
Reasons to Consider it:
This revamped credit card should be one of the first cards anyone new to miles and points considers adding to their wallet. It’s subject to the 5/24 rule and will add to your overall card count.
But, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are a flexible currency that can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio to airline and hotel transfer partners for high-value redemptions. In addition, when you pay for a car rental with the Sapphire Preferred, you get primary collision damage waiver coverage.
Sapphire Preferred is arguably one of the best travel rewards credit cards out there and a perfect starter travel rewards card with a great offer!
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa Signature Credit Card
Current Welcome Bonus: Earn 3 Free Night Awards (up to 50k points per night value!) after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months of opening your account.
Favorite Card Features:
- Earn up to 17x the Marriott points at Marriott hotels
- 3x on gas, grocery purchases, and dining up to a combined $6,000 every year
- 2x on all other purchases
- Earn a free night each year at hotels up to 35k points per night for your account anniversary
- Get 1 Elite Night for every $5,000 spent on the card
- Silver Elite Status
- Trip protection for delays and lost baggage
- No foreign Exchange Fees
Annual Fee: $95
Reasons to Consider It:
In my opinion, this is one of the best ever welcome offers on the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card. Free nights, valued up to 50k points per night each, open up a range of upscale award night redemption options around the globe. Not to mention, it’s now possible to top the free nights off with up to 15k Marriott points each, for award nights up to 65k Marriott points!
But what really makes this card worthy of a place in your wallet is the annual free night award for hotel redemptions up to 35k Marriott points. Combine this with the card’s bonus earnings on gas, dining, and grocery purchases and it’s easy to offset the annual fee.
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is a great card, and with the generous welcome offer right now, it’s the perfect time to add it to your points and miles strategy.
American Express® Gold Card
Current Welcome Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months from your account opening
Favorite Card Features:
- 4x on restaurants worldwide
- 4x on U.S. supermarkets up to $25,000 each calendar year
- 3x on flights booked with an airline directly or through Amex Travel
- $120 statement credits ($10 per month) for Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and participating Shake Shack locations.
- $120 statement credits ($10 per month) in Uber Cash for rides
- No foreign exchange fees (See rates & fees details)
- Transfer Membership Rewards points to airline and hotel partners like Delta, Eithad, and Aeroplan
- Terms Apply
Annual Fee: $250
Reasons to Consider it:
This is a great offer on the American Express Gold card, especially given the generous 6-month time frame to satisfy the minimum spend requirement. It will add to your 5/24 count.
The card earns flexible Membership Rewards points that can be transferred to a variety of Amex airline and hotel transfer partners. These partners include airlines like Aeroplan, ANA, Delta, British Airways, Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic, and more.
American Express also offers periodic bonus transfers upwards of 40% for specific airline partners, further increasing the value of points earned with this card. Additionally, American Express cards come with Amex Offers, which allow you to add promotions and deals to your card for extra statement credits and/or bonus points.
The American Express Gold card is arguably one of the best travel rewards cards available given the fantastic bonus categories, the high value of Amex Membership Rewards points, and the strong line-up of available airline transfer partners.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Current Welcome Bonus: 100,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months from your account opening. Plus, choose the metal card design you like best!
Favorite Card Features:
- Get Uber VIP Status + $200 each year in Uber rides with monthly statement credits
- 5x on flights booked with an airline directly or through Amex Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year
- 5x on prepaid hotels with Amex Travel
- Statement credits for things like airline incidentals, CLEAR Membership, Digital Entertainment, Walmart+, Fine Hotels and Resorts bookings, and Saks Fifth Avenue purchases
- Lounge privileges with Priority Pass, Centurion, and others around the globe
- No foreign exchange fees (See rates & fees details)
- Transfer Membership Rewards points to airline and hotel partners like Delta, Air France/KLM Flying Blue, and Choice
- Terms Apply
Annual Fee: $695
Reasons to Consider it:
The Platinum card earns Membership Rewards points and has access to the same transfer partners as mentioned above with the Gold card.
With the Platinum Card, you get access to the Global Lounge Collection which includes American Express Centurion Lounges. Card benefits like the $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit, $240 Digital Entertainment credit, and $200 in Uber credits help to offset the card’s annual fee.
I love using American Express Membership Rewards points to redeem for award flights. I’ve used them to fly to Europe and Asia and especially love when I can combine a redemption with an airline partner transfer bonus. With this stellar Platinum Card offer, you can do the same!
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
Current Welcome Bonus: Earn 140,000 IHG points + 1 Free Night after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Favorite Card Features:
- Earn a free night each card anniversary at eligible hotels up to 40k points per night
- 26x on IHG purchases
- 5x on restaurants, gas, and travel
- 3x on all other purchases
- 4th night free on award stays
- $100 Credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
- Platinum Elite status
- No foreign Exchange Fees
Annual Fee: $99
Reasons to Consider it:
This is one of the highest welcome offers ever for the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card. In addition, IHG has made some positive announcements about changes to its loyalty program. These improvements included how status is earned, as well as added free night flexibility and earning potential, prompting a fresh look at their loyalty program.
This combined with the free anniversary night every year means this card deserves a spot in your wallet. IHG hotels include brands like Holiday Inn Express, Crowne Plaza, & InterContinental. This IHG Premier card is subject to and will add to your 5/24 count. However, it’s totally worth one of those slots.
I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Springdale, Utah for a trip to Zion National Park. Especially in peak season, IHG redemptions can help save a ton. This Holiday Inn Express is nearly $300 a night in summer!
Keep in mind, IHG has moved to a dynamic pricing model. This means award night prices fluctuate based on demand, time of year, etc. However, award nights can still be booked for a reasonable number of points and, with a little flexibility in your plans, you might even lower your overall cost by tens of thousands of IHG points.
If you’re planning a trip with IHG hotels nearby and/or building out your hotel points portfolio, the IHG premier is worth a good look.
ProTip: If you’re looking for a no-fee way to earn IHG points, take a look at IHG Rewards Traveler Credit Card. It’s gotten a fresh revamp, along with a fantastic welcome offer! Not to mention, the card comes with some of the same benefits as the IHG Rewards Premier mentioned above.
Capital One Venture Rewards
Current Welcome Bonus: 75,000 Capital One Miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months from your account opening
Favorite Card Features:
- 2x on every $1 spent
- Get 2 complimentary visits each year to Capital One Lounges or to 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges, Capital One's Partner Lounge Network
- Use your miles to offset travel purchases on your statement or transfer them to one of the Capital One transfer partners like Flying Blue or Aeroplan.
- Up to a $100 Global Entry or TSA Precheck credit
Annual Fee: $95
Reasons to Consider it:
The Capital One Venture card is noteworthy because of its earning potential and its redemption convenience and flexibility.
For travel redemptions outside traditional airline and hotel loyalty programs, as well as for deals on cheap flights, Capital One miles return a ton of value. And when you’re looking to redeem for a premium flight, Capital One’s transfer partners will help you pay fewer miles compared to the cent per point value of using your miles to offset travel charges on your statement.
Earn 5x the miles on hotel and rental car bookings using Capital One Travel when paying with your Venture or VentureOne card.
Capital One offers arguably one of the best travel rewards credit cards out there and one that many people start with. Just remember, it will take a 5/24 slot.
For those of you who already have a travel rewards portfolio, the Capital One Venture Rewards card adds terrific value.
Aeroplan® Credit Card
Current Welcome Bonus: Earn a Welcome Flight Reward valued up to 50,000 Aeroplan Miles after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months of opening your account. Plus, earn up to 51,000 Aeroplan Miles with10x on travel and dining within your first 6 months.
Favorite Card Features:
- 3x for purchases made with Air Canada directly for every $1 spent
- 3x on grocery and dining purchases for every $1 spent, including takeout and delivery services
- 1x on all other purchases
- Earn 500 bonus Aeroplan Miles every month when you spend at least $2,000 monthly on your card
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free first checked bag
- Get Aeroplan 25k Status for the first calendar year when you spend at least $15,000 in a calendar year
Annual Fee: $95
Reasons to Consider it:
The new Aeroplan Card comes with a fantastic debut offer. This Aeroplan card is subject to and will add to your 5/24 count. However, when you consider the 2 Flight Reward Certificates and that they can be used in combination with additional Aeroplan miles, the possibilities for a high-value award ticket are limitless.
Aeroplan miles can be used to book Star Alliance and non-alliance partner flights. In fact, this is one of the strengths of the program, the sheer number of partners that can be booked with Aeroplan miles.
Combine this with Aeroplan eliminating all fuel surcharges on award tickets and you now have the ability to take advantage of all partners without negating the value of an award flight booking.
Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express points, and Capital One Miles transfer 1:1 to Aeroplan. So, it’s easy to earn points and miles to top off your Aeroplan account should you need more miles for a redemption.
With the chance to earn Aeroplan Flight Rewards, get the card’s benefits, and enjoy Aeroplan’s generous stopover rules with a wide range of partners, the Aeroplan Card easily shows its value.
United Quest℠ Card
Current Welcome Bonus: Earn 80,000 United miles after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months from your account opening.
Favorite Card Features:
- 3x on United purchases
- 2x on all other travel purchases
- 2x on all dining and select streaming services
- Each year, get a $125 United Statement Credit for United purchases & 2 5,000-mile anniversary award flight credits (Terms Apply)
- No foreign exchange fees
- A free checked bags and priority boarding when you fly with United
- $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Fee Credit
Annual Fee: $250
Reasons to Consider it:
The United Quest card comes with a fantastic offer. This United Quest card is subject to and will add to your 5/24 count. However, for the return value it offers, it’s more than worth considering.
United miles can be used to book United and Star Alliance partner flights. You’ll be able to book United flights to Hawaii, as well as Swiss Air business class to Europe.
By maxing out this particular welcome offer, you could fly a family of 4 round trip domestically or be nearly able to redeem miles for 2 round-trip business class tickets to Europe.
And remember, Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer 1:1 to United. So, it’s quick and easy to top off your United mileage account should you need more miles for a redemption.
The opportunity to earn a fantastic United welcome bonus and get the card’s benefits like the $125 United statement credit and free checked bags, the United Quest Card will easily bring outsized value.
United Club℠ Infinite Card
Current Welcome Bonus: Earn 100,000 United miles when you spend $5,000 in 3 months.
Favorite Card Features:
- 4x on United purchases
- 2x on travel and dining and eligible food delivery services
- 1x on all other purchases
- Get 25% off United inflight purchases for things like drinks and wifi
- United Club Membership for access to United and Star Alliance lounges around the world
- No foreign exchange fees
- 2 free checked bags when you fly with United
- Priority boarding and security screening
Annual Fee: $525
Reasons to Consider It:
This United card is not only good for United loyalists but also for anyone wanting to take advantage of the vast range of routes United and its Star Alliance partners fly around the globe.
Earn bonus United miles in categories like United purchases, dining, and travel. You can also add to your United mileage balance with Chase Ultimate Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio.
United award itineraries can include a free stopover and 2 open-jaws courtesy of the airline’s Excursionist Perk. This makes it possible to use your United miles for a high-value award itinerary where you can see more than 1 place for no extra cost. Not to mention, United cardholders see exclusive award space that non-cardholders don’t have access to, which makes booking a complex itinerary even easier.
The United Club Infinite Card with its perks will only enhance your United flying experience.
Avios Earning Credit Cards
Current Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 100,000 Avios. Earn 75,000 Avios after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months from opening your British Airways Visa Signature, Iberia Visa Signature, or Aer Lingus Visa Signature card. Then, earn another 25,000 Avios after spending $20,000 in the first 12 months as a cardholder.
Favorite Card Features:
- 3x for purchases on British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL
- 2x on hotel bookings made directly with the hotel
- 1x on all other purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- Depending on the Avios card you choose, receive benefits like 10% off on eligible paid flights or priority boarding
Annual Fee: $95
Reasons to Consider them:
These are stellar welcome offers on the British Airways Visa Signature® Card, Iberia Visa Signature® Card, and Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card. They come with a flat minimum spend to earn a lot Avios!
Avios are the currency for British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus loyalty programs. These airlines also participate in popular flexible points programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards. So, it’s easy to add to your Avios balance.
In addition, it’s possible to move Avios between the 3 Avios airlines. This can be hugely beneficial considering all 3 airlines have different award charts and even peak and off-peak pricing dates.
The important thing to remember with the Avios programs is that their award pricing is based on distance flown. As a result, there are long-haul and short-haul sweet spots, like flying Iberia’s business class to Madrid from the eastern U.S. for just 34k Avios one-way or using British Airways Avios to book flights operated by American or Alaska Airlines from the west coast to Hawaii for just 25k round trip.
Given this, the 100k Avios welcome bonuses on these cards are enough to fly a family of 4 round-trip to Hawaii from the west coast!
It’s well worth looking at how Avios earned with the British Airways Visa Signature, Iberia Visa Signature, and the Aer Lingus Visa Signature can help you target a specific redemption or book a partner airline award for less than what the partner airline might charge.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Consumer Credit Cards
Current Welcome Bonus: Earn 50,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards points when you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months of being a cardholder.
Favorite Card Features:
- All 3 Southwest personal cards earn multiple Rapid Rewards points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases, commuting and local transit costs, as well as on internet, wireless phone, and eligible streaming services. Plus, 1x on all other purchases.
Southwest Personal Card Differences:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus has a $69 annual fee and earns 3k Rapid Rewards Points each year on your card anniversary.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier has a $99 annual fee, no foreign exchange fees, and earns 6k Rapid Rewards Points on your card anniversary.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority comes with a $149 annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, a $75 Southwest travel credit, and up to 4 upgraded boarding positions every year. In addition, cardholders earn 7.5k Rapid Rewards Points each year for their card anniversary.
Reasons to Consider it:
Southwest Rapid Rewards points are always useful for domestic travel, as well as for those trips to Mexico, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and Hawaii.
Award pricing is tied to the cash price so when Southwest has a fare sale, award flights can be booked for as little as a few thousand points. Rapid Rewards points earned can also go towards earning the Southwest Companion Pass.
Southwest doesn’t cap award seat availability, either. So, if there’s a seat available on the flight, you can book it with your Rapid Rewards points. Southwest doesn’t charge for changes or impose cancel fees and lets you fly up to 2 bags for free.
Each of Southwest’s 3 consumer credit cards comes with its own tier of benefits. These limited-time offers make it a great time to add either the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, or the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premie Credit Card to your travel rewards-earning wallet.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Current Welcome Bonus: Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.
Favorite Card Features:
- 7x on Hilton purchases
- 5x on U.S. grocery and U.S. gas spending
- 3x on other eligible purchases
- Hilton Silver status
- No foreign Exchange Fees (See rates & fees details)
- Terms Apply
Annual Fee: $0
Reasons to Consider it:
This is a solid welcome offer for a no-fee hotel credit card!
Hilton Hotel brands include Hampton by Hilton, DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Waldorf Astoria, and Conrad, to name a few. Hilton has a large geographic footprint so it’s likely wherever you’re traveling, you’ll find a Hilton property.
The Hilton Honors points welcome bonus is enough for several award nights at thousands of properties around the globe…all with a no-fee card.
Just like with the Hilton Honors Surpass, the Hilton Honors American Express Card stands out for its grocery and gas bonus categories. Earning 5x the Hilton points on these categories makes a lot of sense for most people.
With the Hilton Honors card, you’ll get instant Hilton Silver status, which allows you to earn even more per dollar for paid Hilton stays and the 5th night free on award stays.
Hilton Honors American Express Card offer is an excellent deal for a no-fee hotel card!
Business Credit Cards
Applying for a business credit card is another great way for business owners to earn miles and points. The great thing about business credit cards, aside from the additional earnings, is they don’t add to your 5/24 count. So if you’re 4/24 and you get approved for a business credit card with Chase or another bank, you’ll still be 4/24 even after getting the card.
Most people wonder, though, if they can even apply for a business credit card. The biggest thing to understand is a business can be a side hustle. It doesn’t need to be your primary source of income. This might include teachers who tutor, anyone who consults or sells a service, selling on eBay, and even someone who bakes and sells trays of cookies from home.
However, the economic climate of 2020 has made business cards harder to be approved for as banks have tightened credit lending.
You can apply for a business credit card as a sole proprietor, using your name as the business name. A social security number is fine to use if you don’t have an EIN.
Business cards are even for new businesses whose earnings just starting, although newer businesses right now may need to answer additional questions or wait until they can show enough revenue.
Use this guide to answer all your questions about how to apply for a business credit card.
Just remember to be honest about your business. If it’s your first time applying for a business credit card, a bank may naturally have some additional questions for you about your application.
American Express® Business Gold Card
Current Welcome Bonus: 70,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $10,000 in the first 3 months from your account opening.
Favorite Card Features:
- 4x on 2 bonus categories that make sense for your business on up to $150k in spending each calendar year. Choices include advertising, U.S. gas, restaurants, or shipping, flights booked directly with the airline, and technology costs involving cloud services and software.
- No foreign exchange fees (See rates & fees details)
- Transfer Membership Rewards points to airline and hotel partners like Aeroplan, Delta, ANA, and Etihad.
- Get a 25% point rebate when you book a flight with American Express Travel on your selected airline or on any premium class flight
- Terms Apply
Annual Fee: $295
Reasons to Consider It:
This card gives you the opportunity to earn valuable Membership Rewards Points that can be transferred to fantastic airline partners to book award flights for destinations around the globe. Personally, American Express Membership Rewards Points are among my most favorite points to earn and redeem.
The flexible bonus categories allow you to earn the most from your company’s biggest areas of spending like gas, restaurants, shipping, or advertising.
And, the ability to get 25% of your points back when using the pay with points option for business class seats or for flights in any class with your selected airline is a definite plus when you’re looking to keep award flight redemptions hassle-free.
With this American Express Business Gold Card welcome offer, this card is worth serious consideration for any business looking to get a return on their spending by earning Membership Rewards Points.
ProTip: Pair it with my all-time favorite American Express business card, the Blue Business Plus Credit Card. Together, you’d have 2 selected bonus categories earning 4x and everything else earning 2x with the Blue Business Plus.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Current Welcome Bonus: 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $15,000 in the first 3 months from your account opening.
Favorite Card Features:
- 3x on travel, shipping costs, internet, phone & cable services, and advertising with social media sites and search engines on the first $150k in combined category spending
- No foreign exchange fees
- Transfer Ultimate Rewards points to airline and hotel partners like United, Flying Blue, and Hyatt
1.25 cents per point value if you redeem points for travel in the Chase Ultimate Rewards Portal
Annual Fee: $95
Reasons to Consider it:
This top-notch welcome bonus on the Ink Preferred can return at least $1,250 in value for your travel redemptions.
It has the same 1:1 transfer to airline and hotel transfer partners like the Sapphire Preferred. These transfer partners can help you redeem for award travel all over the globe whether you’re dreaming of Rome or an African Safari.
In addition, Ink Preferred comes with solid cell phone protection. Get up to $600 per claim for cell phone theft or damage when you use your card to pay for your phone bill.
The Ink Preferred, like all Chase business credit cards, is subject to 5/24, but it won’t add to your overall count. If you’re a business owner who’s new to miles and points, the Ink Preferred should be one of the first credit cards you consider.
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Current Welcome Bonus: Earn $750 after spending $7,500 in the first 3 months from opening your account.
Favorite Card Features:
- 5% on office supply stores and internet, phone & cable services on the first $25k in combined category spending
- 2% on gas stations and dining on up to a combined $25k in spending
- Paired with an Ink Preferred or Sapphire, the $750 welcome bonus becomes 75k Ultimate Rewards points that have access to valuable airline and hotel transfer partners like United, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Hyatt.
Annual Fee: $0
Reasons to Consider it:
This no-fee business card is offering its highest welcome bonus ever. Ink Cash Ultimate Rewards points can be combined with Ultimate Rewards earned with cards like the Ink Business Preferred or a Sapphire card. Pairing an Ink Cash with one of these cards also gives you access to Chase’s airline and hotel transfer partners.
The 5%/5x back on internet, cable, and phone, and office supply expenses up to $25k each year offers the opportunity to earn 125k Ultimate Rewards annually, which puts the Ink Cash at the top of the list of small business cards to add to your wallet.
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Current Welcome Bonus: $750 after spending $7,500 in the first 3 months from opening your account.
Favorite Card Features:
- 1.5x on all purchases with no spending cap.
- Paired with an Ink Preferred or Sapphire, the $750 welcome bonus becomes 75k Ultimate Rewards points that have access to valuable airline and hotel transfer partners like United, Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic, and Hyatt.
Annual Fee: $0
Reasons to Consider it:
Another no-fee business card that is offering its highest welcome bonus ever. The Ink Unlimited is a great card for everyday purchases earning 1.5%/1.5x for every dollar spent with no annual limit.
Like with Ink Cash, Ultimate Rewards points can be combined with Ultimate Rewards earned with cards like the Ink Business Preferred or a Sapphire card. An Ink Unlimited with one of these cards also gives you access to Chase’s airline and hotel transfer partners.
The Ink Unlimited is a great addition for small business owners looking to target all categories of their spending in order to earn Ultimate Rewards points.
World of Hyatt Business Card
Current Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 Hyatt points after spending $5,000 on your card within the first 3 months of opening your card.
Favorite Card Features:
- $100 in Hyatt credits on Hyatt purchases each year you renew your card ($50 2x a year)
- 9x on Hyatt purchases
- 2x on your top 3 spending categories. Choose from dining, shipping, airline tickets, transit & commuting, social media & search engine advertising, car rentals, gas, and telecommunication services
- 2x on gym memberships
- 1x on all other purchases
- Hyatt Discoverist status + 5 qualifying night credits every year
- Get 10% of your redeemed points back each year when you spend $50k on your card, on up to 200,000 points redeemed
- No foreign Exchange Fees
Annual Fee: $199
Reasons to Consider it:
This is a brand new business card and a solid addition to the World of Hyatt credit card portfolio. Hyatt points are among the most valuable points, particularly in the world of hotel loyalty programs.
World of Hyatt has consistently grown its footprint, particularly acquiring upscale boutique brands that combine for a ton of value with Hyatt-branded properties.
Hyatt recently adjusted their award pricing to include off-peak, standard, and peak rates. Even still, award nights are reasonably priced and typically return 2+ cents of value on a per-point basis.
Consider that this welcome bonus is enough for 5 nights in New York City or 3 nights at the All-Inclusive Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall in Jamaica.
In addition, Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer to Hyatt and can be used to top up your Hyatt point balance for award nights. If you’re a Hyatt loyalist or have Hyatt stays in your upcoming travel plans, consider this great inaugural offer on the World of Hyatt Business Card.
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
Current Welcome Bonus: Earn 80,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months of your account opening.
Favorite Card Features:
- 4x on Southwest purchases
- 3x on Rapid Rewards Hotels and Car partner bookings
- 2x on Rideshares
- 2x on internet, cable, and cell phone costs, as well as advertising purchases for social media and search engines
- Perks include a Global Entry fee credit and 4 upgraded boarding positions
- Get 9k Rapid Rewards points each year you renew your card
Annual Fee: $199
Reasons to Consider it:
This is Southwest’s premium business card. It comes with Global Entry/TSA Pre-Check credits which can be super useful when flying from any of Southwest’s international locations.
Speaking of which, Southwest has routes to Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean, which can be some of the best uses of Southwest points. Southwest award flights also come with a no-fee change or cancellation policy. If your plans change, simply change dates or have your points refunded.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business card is subject to 5/24 but won’t add to your overall count. A great option for mainly domestic travelers!
You can book Southwest award flights for as little as a few thousand points and there are no blackout dates or award seat caps. If there’s an available seat on the flight you want, the points you earn with your Southwest Performance Business Card can help you book it.
IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
Current Welcome Bonus: Earn 140,000 IHG points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Favorite Card Features:
- Earn a Reward Night each card anniversary at eligible hotels around the globe
- 26x on IHG purchases
- 5x on restaurants, gas, travel, and eligible advertising purchases
- 3x on all other purchases
- 4th night free on award stays
- $100 Credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
- Platinum Elite status
- No foreign Exchange Fees
Annual Fee: $99
Reasons to Consider it:
This is the brand new IHG Premier Rewards Business Credit Card with a fantastic launch welcome offer! IHG announced positive changes to its award program a couple of months ago making this IHG business card one to look at.
IHG has thousands of properties around the globe and has gradually added to the types of hotels under the loyalty program’s umbrella. For example, some Mr. & Mrs. Smith’s boutique luxury accommodations can be booked with the Reward Night you’ll earn with this card, like the one I stayed at in Florence, Italy.
The IHG Rewards Premier Business card is subject to 5/24 but won’t add to your overall count.
The earning potential that comes with the IHG Rewards Premier Business Credit Card combined with the 4th-night free benefit on consecutively booked award nights makes this card a great option for getting a return on your spending.
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Current Welcome Bonus: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months from your account opening.
Favorite Card Features:
- 12x on Hilton purchases
- 6x on U.S. gas stations, restaurants, cell phone service, shipping costs, flights booked with the airline directly, and rental cars booked with the car rental company directly.
- No foreign exchange fees
- Hilton Gold Status
- Earn 1 free weekend night after spending $15k in a calendar year. Earn an additional free weekend night by spending an additional $45k in the same calendar year
- Terms Apply
Annual Fee: $95
Reasons to Consider It:
This is one of the best welcome offers we’ve seen for this card, which includes a free night.
Having Hilton Gold status allows you to earn even more per dollar for Hilton stays, potential upgrades, free food credits for U.S. stays and free breakfast internationally, as well as the 5th night free on award stays.
If you spend $15k in a calendar year, your Hilton weekend night reward is valid for a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday stay and can be used at just about any Hilton property.
Hilton has hotels all over the globe, so you’re likely to find a Hilton no matter where you travel. American Express limits you to 1 welcome offer on individual credit cards per lifetime. This offer on the Hilton Honors Business Card would be a great time to add this card to your wallet.
Bottom Line
Which travel rewards credit card is right for you depends on your travel plans and whether you’re just starting out with miles and points or not. Applying for new credit cards helps you earn valuable miles, points, and perks that’ll up your travel game.
Just remember, to pace yourself according to which credit card offers make sense for your travel goals. And, always pay off that bill in full at the end of the month to avoid high-interest fees that’ll negate the value of the miles and points you’re earning.
So, which travel rewards credit card offers do you think are the best right now?
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Great information here! I have some large expenses in the next month. Ofcourse, i could use one of the cards I already have or I could apply for another card, meet the minimum spend and get the sign up bonus. The spend I have isn’t hotel, car, office supply, etc. I would love to find a good card that would give me more than 1 point/mile per dollar spent. We have most hotel cards and airline cards. We don’t have a Southwest card because Southwest doesn’t fly out of our airport. I don’t know if that is a great reason or not. If you have any advise, I’d love to hear it. Thanks for all the great content on your site.
Thanks for reading, Kathy. It’s always a good idea to look at using a big purchase to meet a minimum spend. Many of the cards that earn more than 1x per dollar are cards that don’t always have the highest welcome bonus. They include cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited, the Blue Business Plus from Amex, and the Citi DoubleCash. These cards earn flexible points and can be combined with any other points balances you have in these currencies (Chase, Amex, Citi). That being said, though, I’d look for an opportunistic offer to take advantage of the big purchase you have coming up and then look to get or product change to one (or more) of the cards I just mentioned to improve your longterm earning strategy. Hope that helps!