Welcome bonuses are the fastest way to stockpile enough points for a major trip. Here are the best offers available right now.
Tier 1: Premium Flexible Points (Highest Value)
These cards earn transferable points — the most valuable currency in travel hacking.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
- Bonus: 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after $4,000 spend in 3 months
- Value: ~$900–$1,200 in travel
- Annual fee: $95
- Why it wins: Transfers to 14 airline and hotel partners. No foreign transaction fees. Trip cancellation insurance.
American Express Gold Card
- Bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 spend in 6 months
- Value: ~$900–$1,500 in travel
- Annual fee: $250 (largely offset by $240/year in dining credits)
- Why it wins: 4x on dining and groceries — great for ongoing earning.
Tier 2: Airline-Specific Cards
These earn miles with a single carrier but can offer outsized value on partner awards.
United Explorer Card
- Bonus: 60,000 United miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months
- Value: ~$900 for economy, much more for business class on partners
- Annual fee: $95 (waived first year)
- Why it wins: United miles book Star Alliance partners like ANA, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines at excellent rates.
Tier 3: Hotel Cards
Hotel points are generally worth less than airline miles but are great for luxury stays.
World of Hyatt Card
- Bonus: 30,000 Hyatt points after $3,000 spend in 3 months
- Value: 1–5 free nights depending on category
- Annual fee: $95
- Why it wins: Hyatt has the best points value of any major hotel program.
How to Maximize a Sign-Up Bonus
- Time big purchases — apply when you have a known expense coming (insurance renewal, a home repair, tax bill)
- Add an authorized user — their spending counts toward your minimum spend
- Never carry a balance — interest erases all reward value immediately
Check back monthly — these offers change frequently.