While this might not be a good time to travel, it is a good time to earn rewards towards future travel. The best way to earn points & miles quickly is through credit card welcome bonus offers. If you meet the minimum spend requirements and pay your bill in full each and every month, then you can get far more value from the credit card than the credit card company will ever get from you.
One catch: most of the best offers have high spend requirements. Requiring $5K spend in 3 months is common. And some cards have tiered offers that require far more spend than that to get the maximum bonus.
What if you don’t spend that much on credit cards? One option is to look for ways to increase credit card spend (and get most of it back). For details about these techniques, see:
Another option is to only sign up for offers with low spend requirements.
Below you’ll find current offers with low spend requirements. Offers are sorted by our formula for estimated first year value. Of course, you should use your judgment. A card may offer valuable Amtrak rewards, for example, but if you don’t plan to ride Amtrak it doesn’t make sense to sign up.
As a reminder, we always strive to show the best public offers even if it means that we will not earn any commission for those cards.
Best Offers that require $0 to $500 Spend
First 5 offers are shown. Press “Next” to see more.
| Card Offer and Details |
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AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite MasterCard Alternate offer: There is an in-flight offer for 60K after first purchase with the 1st year fee waived. See this link; code 999999 may work for the promo code. Card Type: Mastercard World Elite Earning rate: ⚬ 2X AA ⚬ 1X everywhere else Big spend bonus: Starting May 2019: Earn $99 + tax domestic companion certificate with $20K membership year spend. Noteworthy perks: First checked bag free ⚬ Preferred boarding for the primary cardmember and up to 4 companions traveling on the same reservation ⚬ Reduced mileage awards ⚬ 25% off in-flight purchases ⚬ $25 wifi credit per membership year ⚬ Flight cents: round up purchases to earn more miles |
Frontier Airlines World MasterCard® Card Type: Mastercard World Earning rate: 5X at FlyFrontier.com ⚬ 3X restaurants Big spend bonus: $100 discount voucher after $2,500 in annual spend. ⚬ Elite 20K status (free bag & seat selection) w/ $20K calendar year spend ⚬ Elite 50K (adds family seating & free seat selection for up to 8 companions) with $50K calendar year spend ⚬ Elite 100K status (adds "theWORKS" bundle for primary cardmember & up to 8 traveling companions) with $100K calendar year spend Noteworthy perks: ⚬ Keep miles from expiring with one purchase every six months. ⚬ No award redemption fee when taxes/fees are paid for with the card. |
Avianca Vuela Visa Card FM Mini Review: Avianca LifeMiles are useful for Star Alliance awards. Miles are valuable for short distance United Airlines flights and for international flights on partners that usually charge high fuel surcharges (such as Lufthansa). Card Type: Visa Platinum or Signature Earning rate: ⚬ 3X Avianca ⚬ 2X gas & grocery ⚬ Free bag for travel between US & South America Big spend bonus: ⚬ 50% off one award ticket to Colombia or Central America after $12K spend ⚬ 50% off a 2nd award ticket to Colombia or Central America after $24K spend Noteworthy perks: 15% discount on the purchase of miles |
Chase Freedom Unlimited 20K points Earn 20,000 points (worth $200 cash back) after spending $500 in the first 3 months. 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%. No Annual Fee This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details). Even though this card is marketed as a cash back card, it actually earns Ultimate Rewards points which are redeemable for 1 cent each, or can be combined with other Ultimate Rewards-earning cards to get even more value. This product is available to you if you do not have this card and have not received a new cardmember bonus for this card in the past 24 months. Recent better offer: 20K points + 5x on up to $12K in groceries for first year [Expired 1/13/21] FM Mini Review: Great for 3x categories and 1.5X everywhere else. Excellent companion card to Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Preferred, or Ink Business Preferred. Card Type: Visa Signature or Platinum Earning rate: 5x travel booked through Chase ⚬ 5X Lyft ⚬ 3x dining ⚬ 3x drugstores ⚬ 1.5X everywhere else Noteworthy perks: Free DashPass for up to 3 months upon activation See also: Chase Ultimate Rewards Complete Guide |
Chase Freedom Flex 20K points Earn 20,000 points (worth $200 cash back) after $500 spend in 3 months. 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%. No Annual Fee This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details). Even though this card is marketed as a cash back card, it actually earns Ultimate Rewards points which are redeemable for 1 cent each, or can be combined with other Ultimate Rewards-earning cards to get even more value. This product is available to you if you do not have this card and have not received a new cardmember bonus for this card in the past 24 months. Recent better offer: 20K points + 5x on up to $12K in groceries for first year [Expired 1/13/21] FM Mini Review: Great for 5X and 3x categories and World Mastercard benefits. Excellent companion card to Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Preferred, or Ink Business Preferred. Card Type: Mastercard World Earning rate: 5x travel booked through Chase ⚬ 5X Lyft ⚬ 3x dining ⚬ 3x drugstores ⚬ 5X in rotating categories on up to $1,500 spend per quarter. Q2 2021: 5X Gas Stations & Home Improvement Stores Noteworthy perks: Free DashPass for up to 3 months upon activation ⚬ Cell phone protection ⚬ Lyft credits See also: Chase Ultimate Rewards Complete Guide |
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card FM Mini Review: Decent welcome bonus for a fee-free card, but other cards offer better rewards for ongoing spend. Card Type: Visa Signature or Platinum Earning rate: 1.25X everywhere. Noteworthy perks: Redeem miles for travel at value of 1 cent per mile ⚬ Convert "miles" to airline miles at varying ratios: some partners are 1:1, others at a lower ratio ⚬ No foreign transaction fees |
Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® Card Alternate offer: Some people are targeted (in their online Wells Fargo account or via snail mail) for 3% cash rewards for the first year up to $30,000 spent) FM Mini Review: Not bad for a cash bonus with a low spend threshold and/or cell phone insurance, but this card is not very rewarding for ongoing spend. Card Type: Visa Base 1.5X (2.25%) Earning rate: 1.5% cash back everywhere in the form of Go Far Rewards ⚬ 1.8% back on Google Pay or Apple Pay purchases for the first 12 months |
Capital One Quicksilver FM Mini Review: While you can do better with a no-fee 2% cash back card, the Quicksilver card often offers excellent discounts with popular services such as Uber or Spotify. Card Type: Mastercard Base 1.5% Earning rate: 1.5% everywhere Noteworthy perks: No foreign transaction fees |
Disney Premier Visa Card FM Mini Review: This card only earns 1% back in the form of "Disney Dream Dollars" and the meet & greet is also available on the Disney debit card. However, the current signup bonus makes it worth a look. Card Type: Visa Signature or Platinum Base 1% Dine 2% Gas 2% Grocery 2% Brand 2% Earning rate: 2X grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and most Disney locations ⚬ 1X everywhere else Noteworthy perks: ⚬ Redeem rewards dollars toward a statement credit for air travel (book any airline / any destination and redeem rewards dollars at a minimum of $50 in rewards dollars) ⚬ Character meet & greet at a private cardmember area ⚬ 10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at Disney Store and DisneyStore.com |
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card Card Type: Mastercard Base 1% Dine 3% Grocery 2% Other 3% Earning rate: ⚬ 3% on dining & entertainment ⚬ 2% on purchases at grocery stores ⚬ 1% everywhere else Noteworthy perks: No foreign transaction fees |
American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card FM Mini Review: Not bad for grocery spend if you highly value AA miles Card Type: Mastercard World Elite Earning rate: 2X grocery ⚬ 2X AA ⚬ 1X everywhere else Noteworthy perks: Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases |
Upromise World MasterCard® issued by Barclays FM Mini Review: This card could be decent for an easy cash back bonus, but there are much more rewarding options for ongoing everyday spend. Card Type: Mastercard Base 1.25% Earning rate: Earn 1.529% back on your purchases when your Upromise Program account is linked to an eligible College Savings Plan or 1.25% if it is not. Noteworthy perks: When your Upromise Program account is directly linked to an eligible 529 College Savings plan, you'll receive a 1.529% cash back (otherwise, you get 1.25% back) |
TD Cash Visa Credit Card Card Type: Visa Signature Base 1% Dine 3% Grocery 2% Earning rate: ⚬ 3% dining ⚬ 2% grocery stores |
U.S. Bank Cash+ FM Mini Review: Useful for its 5% categories, but you can do better for all other spend. Card Type: Visa Signature Base 1% Travel 5% Dine 2% Gas 2% Grocery 2% Shop 5% Phone 5% Other 5% Earning rate: Each quarter, choose two 5% cash back categories (capped at $2K spend per quarter combined) and one 2% category (uncapped). 1% cash back everywhere else. 5% Categories: Home Utilities ⚬ Ground Transportation ⚬ Select Clothing Stores ⚬ Cell Phone Providers ⚬ Electronic Stores ⚬ TV, Internet & Streaming Services ⚬ Gyms/Fitness Centers ⚬ Fast Food ⚬ Sporting Goods Stores ⚬ Department Stores ⚬ Furniture Stores ⚬ Movie Theaters. 2% Categories: Gas Stations ⚬ Restaurants ⚬ Grocery Stores |
LATAM Visa Signature issued by US Bank Card Type: Visa Signature Earning rate: 2X on spending with LAN & TAM Noteworthy perks: ⚬ 4,000 Bonus Miles (6,437 kms) every year at renewal ⚬ 25% flight bonus when flying on LAN ⚬ 3 upgrade coupons each year on LAN ⚬ 20% off (up to $1,000) your first LATAM Airlines purchase one time per year |
Discover it® for Students $50 + First Year Double + $20/year Get $50 after first purchase. All cashback earned in first 12 months will be doubled including 5% earned in rotating categories. Plus, get $20 cash back each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to the next 5 years. No Annual Fee FM Mini Review: In my opinion this is the single best "starter card" for students. It offers great rewards and no annual fee. Card Type: Discover Earning rate: 5X in rotating categories, up to $1500 spend per quarter. 2021 Q2: 5% Gas stations, Wholesale Clubs, and streaming services Noteworthy perks: Discover Cash Back is worth more than face value when redeemed for partner gift cards |
Free Spirit Travel Mastercard Card Type: Masrercard World Earning rate: 2X Spirit Big spend bonus: ⚬ 5K bonus miles each anniversary when you spend $10K within prior year Noteworthy perks: Points Pooling ⚬ 25% in-flight food & beverage rebate ⚬ No points expiration ⚬ No foreign transaction fees ⚬ Zone 2 priority boarding |
Delta SkyMiles® Blue Credit Card from American Express 10K miles 10K miles after $500 spend in the first 3 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees) No Annual Fee Recent better offer: 10K miles after $500 spend in the first 3 months + up to $200 in statement credits for purchases at select US home furnishings stores in the first 3 months. [Expired 5/5/21] FM Mini Review: This card offers an OK welcome offer for a no-fee card, but many/most other cards offer better return for spend. Card Type: Amex Credit Card Earning rate: 2X restaurants worldwide ⚬ 2X Delta ⚬ 1X on all other eligible purchases Noteworthy perks: 20% statement credit on in-flight purchases of food, beverages, and headsets Terms and limitations apply. (Rates & Fees) |
Disney Visa Card FM Mini Review: This card only earns 1% back in the form of "Disney Dream Dollars" and the meet & greet is also available on the Disney debit card. However, the current signup bonus makes it worth a look. Card Type: Visa Signature or Platinum Noteworthy perks: ⚬ Character meet & greet at a private cardmember area ⚬ 10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at Disney Store and DisneyStore.com |
Discover it Miles - Double Miles your first year $100 + First Year Double Get $100 after first purchase. All "miles" earned in first 12 months will be doubled. This makes this a 3% cash back card for the first year. No Annual Fee FM Mini Review: Great card to get for its first year 3% cash back. Card Type: Discover Base 1.5% Earning rate: 1.5 miles per dollar for all spend. Noteworthy perks: ⚬ No foreign transaction fees ⚬ Redeem miles for travel or for cash back (1 cent per mile either way) See also: Discover introduces a new card and a potentially VERY lucrative 1st year offer |
Verizon Visa Card Card Type: Visa Signature Earning rate: Earn Verizon Dollars: 4% grocery & gas ⚬ 3% dining ⚬ 2% Verizon (including monthly wireless bill) ⚬ 1% everywhere else Noteworthy perks: $10 per month savings per line (up to 10 lines) by using card for Autopay ⚬ No foreign transaction fees. |
AARP® Travel Rewards Mastercard® Card Type: Mastercard Base 1% Travel 3% Dine 2% Earning rate: 3% airfare, hotel stays, and car rentals ⚬ 2% restaurants ⚬ 1% everywhere else |
AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® Card Type: Mastercard Base 1% Gas 3% Other 3% Earning rate: 3% drugstores and gas stations ⚬ 2% medical expenses ⚬ 1% everywhere else |
Discover it® $50 + First Year Double Get $50 after first purchase. All cashback earned in first 12 months will be doubled including 5% earned in rotating categories. No Annual Fee FM Mini Review: This is a great choice for its rotating 5% categories Card Type: Discover Earning rate: 5X in rotating categories, up to $1500 spend per quarter. 2021 Q2: 5% Gas stations, Wholesale Clubs, and streaming services Noteworthy perks: Discover Cash Back is worth more than face value when redeemed for partner gift cards |
CNB Crystal Visa Infinite Credit Card FM Mini Review: This card's value is hobbled by an inferior Priority Pass membership (as of 1/1/20). Card Type: Visa Infinite Earning rate: ⚬ 3X airline, hotel, taxi, limousine, rental car, train bus, restaurant, fast food and takeout food and dining purchases ⚬ 1X everywhere else Big spend bonus: Get reimbursed up to $550 for airline lounge club membership after $50K calendar year spend. Noteworthy perks: ⚬ Up to $350 a year in statement credits for airline incidental fees (as of 1/1/20) ⚬ 12 Gogo In-Flight Wifi passes per card ⚬ $100 Global Entry fee reimbursement ⚬ Priority Pass lounge membership for 2 cardholders (guests are not free as of 1/1/20) See also: CNB Crystal Visa Infinite loses valuable perks as of Jan 1 2020 |
Marvel MasterCard from Synchrony FM Mini Review: Good option if used only in 3% categories (e.g. dining and entertainment) Card Type: Mastercard Base 1% Brand 3% Other 3% Earning rate: ⚬ 3% cash back for dining, select entertainment, and Marvel purchases Noteworthy perks: 10% off and other discounts at Marvel.com |
Rakuten (formerly Ebates) Cash Back Visa issued by Synchrony Bank FM Mini Review: Incredible value for online purchases. Don't sign up for this card until you have first established a Membership Rewards Rakuten account. Card Type: Visa Base 1% Brand 3% Earning rate: 3% cash back on qualified purchases made through the Ebates portal ⚬ 1% cash back everywhere else. See also: Ebates Visa with Membership Rewards. Everything you need to know. |
Costco Anywhere Visa Card Type: Visa Signature Base 1% Travel 3% Dine 3% Gas 4% Earning rate: ⚬ 4% gas (up to $7K spend / year) ⚬ 3% restaurant & travel; 2% Costco ⚬ 1% everywhere else |
Costco Anywhere Business Visa Card Type: Visa Signature Base 1% Travel 3% Dine 3% Gas 4% Brand 2% Earning rate: ⚬ 4% gas (up to $7K spend / year) ⚬ 3% restaurant & travel ⚬ 2% Costco ⚬ 1% everywhere else |
Discover it Business - Double cash back your first year First Year Double All cash back earned in first 12 months will be doubled. This makes this a 3% cash back card for the first year. No Annual Fee FM Mini Review: Great card to get for its first year 3% cash back. Card Type: Discover Base 1.5X (1.5%) Earning rate: 1.5% cash back for all spend. Noteworthy perks: ⚬ No foreign transaction fees ⚬ Redeem cash back in any amount See also: New Discover Business card: effective 3% back first year |
Fidelity Rewards Visa Recent better offer: $100 back after $1K in first 3 months Card Type: Visa Signature Base 2% Earning rate: 2X everywhere Noteworthy perks: 2% cash back on all purchases |
Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Card FM Mini Review: Good cash back card for everyday spend as long as your expenses do not exceed $10K per month. Lack of foreign transaction fees is a positive. Card Type: Visa Signature Base 2.5% Earning rate: 2.5% cash back everywhere up to $250 back per billing cycle (Note that some purchases, like those from GiftCards.com, are not eligible for cash back) Noteworthy perks: No foreign transaction fees |
Huntington Voice FM Mini Review: With most of this card's category bonuses, you can do better with other cards. If you do find a useful category and max out the $2K spend each quarter, you'll come out only $80 ahead per year compared to using a 2% cash back card. Card Type: Mastercard Base 1% Travel 3% Dine 3% Gas 3% Grocery 3% Shop 3% Office 3% Biz 3% Other 3% Earning rate: 3% cash back on up to $2K in spend in the category you choose each quarter: gas stations, travel & entertainment, restaurants, discount & warehouse stores, grocery stores, utilities & office supply stores, electronics and computer and camera stores, department and apparel and sporting good stores, auto parts & service, and home improvement stores |
Citi Double Cash Card FM Mini Review: 2X rewards for all spend with no annual fee makes this card a winner. Earn 2X everywhere and redeem for the equivalent of 2% cash back or 2X ThankYou points. Pair with the Premier or Prestige card to make points transferrable to airlines. Card Type: Mastercard World Elite Base 2X (2.9%) Earning rate: 2% cash back everywhere (1% cash back for each purchase + 1% when paying your credit card bill for that purchase) Noteworthy perks: 1X when you make a purchase + 1X when you pay for those purchases |
Best Offers that require $1,000 Spend
First 5 offers are shown. Press “Next” to see more.
| Card Offer and Details |
|---|
AAdvantage® AviatorTM Business MasterCard® Up to 75K miles Up to 75K miles: 65k miles after $1K in purchases within 90 days and 10K miles when a purchase is made on an employee card that is added to the account at the time of application or within 30 days of the account open date $95 Annual Fee Recent better offer: Up to 75K miles: 65k miles after $1K in purchases within 90 days and 10K miles when a purchase is made on an employee card that is added to the account at the time of application or within 30 days of the account open date Card Type: Mastercard Earning rate: ⚬ 2X AA, office supply, telecommunications services, and at car rental agencies ⚬ 1X everywhere else Big spend bonus: $99 companion certificate with $30K account year spend; $3K elite qualifying dollars (EQDs) with $25K calendar year spend Noteworthy perks: ⚬ First checked bag free ⚬ Preferred boarding ⚬ 5% bonus on miles earned the previous year after AF is paid ⚬ Reduced mileage awards ⚬ 25% statement credit on in-flight purchases |
JetBlue Business Card Up to 60K Miles Up to 60K miles: 50K after $1K spend in 90 days plus 10K after a purchase is made on an employee card within 90 days $99 Annual Fee Recent better offer: None. This is the best we've seen. FM Mini Review: This card is almost identical to the JetBlue Plus card except that this one earns 2X at office supply stores rather than grocery stores. Both cards are great choices for JetBlue flyers. Card Type: Mastercard Earning rate: ⚬ 2X restaurants and office supply stores ⚬ 6X JetBlue ⚬ 1X everywhere else Big spend bonus: Earn Mosaic elite status with $50,000 calendar year spend. Mosaic status good for rest of calendar year and all of next year. Noteworthy perks: ⚬ Free checked bag ⚬ 5000 bonus points every anniversary ⚬ 10% point rebate on awards ⚬ $100 statement credit w/ purchase of travel package ⚬ 50% savings on in-flight purchases See also: Barclaycard JetBlue offers are live and worth a look |
Free Spirit Travel More Mastercard 40K Points + $100 Voucher 40K points plus $100 companion voucher after $1K spend in 90 days No Annual Fee First Year, Then $79 Card Type: Masrercard World Elite Earning rate: 3X Spirit ⚬ 2X dining & grocery ⚬ 1X everywhere else Big spend bonus: ⚬ $100 Companion Flight Voucher EACH anniversary after making at least $5,000 in purchases within the prior year Earn ⚬ 1 SQP (towards elite status) for each $10 of spend Noteworthy perks: Waived redemption fees ⚬ Points Pooling ⚬ 25% in-flight food & beverage rebate ⚬ No points expiration ⚬ No foreign transaction fees ⚬ Zone 2 priority boarding |
Delta SkyMiles® Gold Credit Card from American Express 40K miles + $50 statement credit 40K miles after $1K spend in the first 3 months + up to $50 in statement credits for purchases at select US restaurants in first 3 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees) No Annual Fee First Year, Then $99 70k Amex Delta Gold Offer With $200 Statement Credit When Making A Dummy Booking Alternate offer: Some are targeted for an offer of 75K miles after $2K in purchases in the first 3 months. See this post for details. Recent better offer: 70K miles after $2K spend in the first 3 months + up to $200 in statement credits for purchases at select US home furnishings stores in first 3 months.[Expired 5/5/21] FM Mini Review: Priority boarding, and free checked bag make this a reasonably good option for Delta flyers who do not have elite status. However, those who can make use of an annual companion certificate would do better with the Delta Platinum card. Card Type: Amex Credit Card Earning rate: 2X Delta ⚬ 2x restaurants worldwide ⚬ 2x US supermarkets Big spend bonus: $100 Delta flight credit after $10K in purchases in a calendar year Noteworthy perks: Priority boarding and first checked bag free on Delta flights. Terms and limitations apply. (Rates & Fees) |
Chase Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards® Plus Card 40K points + 3x dining for 1 year 40K points after $1K in purchases in the first 3 months + 3x dining including eligible takeout and delivery for first year. $69 Annual Fee FM Mini Review: This card can be great for its new cardmember bonus, but it has limited ongoing value. Card Type: Visa Signature or Platinum Earning rate: 2X at at participating Rapid Rewards® hotel and rental car partners ⚬ 2X Southwest Big spend bonus: If you earn 125,000 points in one calendar year, you'll get a companion pass good for the rest of that calendar year and all of the next year. Noteworthy perks: 3000 bonus points each year upon card renewal. |
Sonesta World Mastercard 65K points 60K points after $1K spend in 90 days plus 5K points for adding an authorized user No Annual Fee First Year, Then $75 FM Mini Review: Best for those who stay often at Sonesta hotels Card Type: Mastercard World Earning rate: 2X airfare, car rental and dining ⚬ 3X Sonesta Big spend bonus: 30K bonus points with $7.5K cardmember year spend Noteworthy perks: Instant upgrade to Sonesta Travel Pass Elite (free club access or continental breakfast plus other perks) |
Chase Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card 40K points + 3x dining for 1 year 40K points after $1K in purchases in the first 3 months + 3x dining including eligible takeout and delivery for first year. $149 Annual Fee FM Mini Review: Great for frequent Southwest flyers - this card could easily be a long-term keeper. Card Type: Visa Signature or Platinum Earning rate: 2X at at participating Rapid Rewards® hotel and rental car partners ⚬ 2X Southwest Big spend bonus: If you earn 125,000 points in one calendar year, you'll get a companion pass good for the rest of that calendar year and all of the next year ⚬ Earn 1,500 TQPs for each $10K in purchases up to $100K Noteworthy perks: ⚬ 7,500 anniversary points each year ⚬ $75 Southwest annual travel credit ⚬ Four A1-15 boardings every year ⚬ 20% back on in-flight drinks, Wi-Fi, messaging, and movies |
Chase Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card 40K points + 3x dining for 1 year 40K points after $1K in purchases in the first 3 months + 3x dining including eligible takeout and delivery for first year. $99 Annual Fee FM Mini Review: This card can be great for its new cardmember bonus, but it has limited ongoing value. Card Type: Visa Signature or Platinum Earning rate: 2X at at participating Rapid Rewards® hotel and rental car partners ⚬ 2X Southwest Big spend bonus: If you earn 125,000 points in one calendar year, you'll get a companion pass good for the rest of that calendar year and all of the next year. Noteworthy perks: 6000 bonus points each year upon card renewal. |
Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard Recent better offer: 40K + $100 statement credit after $2.5K spend in 3 months Card Type: Mastercard World Earning rate: ⚬ 3X Amtrak ⚬ 2X qualifying travel ⚬ 1X elsewhere Big spend bonus: Earn 1,000 Tier Qualifying Points towards elite status for each $5K spent in a calendar year. Limit 4,000 TQPs per year. Ability to transfer up to 25,000 points to hotel partners after $20K calendar year spend. Noteworthy perks: ⚬ 5% Amtrak Guest Rewards point rebate on redemptions ⚬ Complimentary companion coupon ⚬ One-Class Upgrade and a single-day ClubAcela pass each year. See also: Amtrak Guest Rewards credit card review |
Barclays JetBlue Plus Mastercard Recent better offer: Expired 2/4/21: 100K after $6K spend FM Mini Review: Frequent JetBlue travelers should seriously consider this card for its terrific perks. The combination of the 10% rebate on awards and the annual 5,000 point bonus make this card a keeper. Card Type: Mastercard World Elite Earning rate: 2X restaurants and grocery ⚬ 6X JetBlue ⚬ 1X everywhere else Big spend bonus: Earn Mosaic elite status with $50,000 calendar year spend. Mosaic status good for rest of calendar year and all of next year. Noteworthy perks: ⚬ Free checked bag ⚬ 5000 bonus points every anniversary ⚬ 10% point rebate on awards ⚬ $100 statement credit w/ purchase of travel package ⚬ 50% savings on in-flight purchases See also: Barclaycard JetBlue offers are live and worth a look |
The Hawaiian Airlines® Business MasterCard® issued by Barclays Up to 70K miles Up to 70K miles: 60K after $1K in the first 90 days + 10K after a purchase is made on an employee card $99 Annual Fee Recent better offer: 60K after $1K in the first 90 days + 10K after first purchase on an employee card [Expired 8/19] Card Type: Mastercard World Elite Earning rate: 3X Hawaiian Airlines ⚬ 2x gas, dining, and office supply stores ⚬ 1x everywhere else Big spend bonus: Earn up to 40,000 annual bonus miles — 20k miles with $50-$99k annual spend or 40k miles with $100k or more annual spend; Noteworthy perks: One-time 50% off a companion discount on roundtrip coach travel between Hawaii and North America on Hawaiian Airlines |
Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard Card Type: Mastercard World Elite Earning rate: 3X Virgin Atlantic ⚬ 1.5X everywhere else Big spend bonus: Companion award ticket with $25K annual spend ⚬ 7,500 bonus points with $15K cardmember year spend + an additional 7,500 points with $25K cardmember year spend ⚬ 25 tier points towards elite status per $2,500 spend (max 50 tier points per month). See also: Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard Deep Dive: Maximize Earnings and Status |
Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card FM Mini Review: The best use for this card is probably to downgrade from the Ritz or Boundless card to avoid the annual fee. That way, you can always upgrade again when you need the annual free night or other perks Card Type: Visa Signature Earning rate: ⚬ 3X Marriott Bonvoy ⚬ 2X travel ⚬ 1X everywhere else Noteworthy perks: Automatic Silver status ⚬ 15 nights of elite credit each year See also: Marriott Bonvoy Complete Guide |
Amtrak Guest Rewards Platinum Mastercard Card Type: Mastercard Platinum Earning rate: ⚬ 2X Amtrak ⚬ 1X elsewhere Noteworthy perks: ⚬ 5% Amtrak Guest Rewards point rebate on redemptions. See also: Amtrak Guest Rewards credit card review |
Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card FM Mini Review: Not bad, but the business version is better. Card Type: Visa Signature or Platinum Earning rate: 6X Wyndham & gas ⚬ 4X restaurants & grocery ⚬ 1X everywhere else Noteworthy perks: 7,500 points each anniversary year ⚬ Platinum status ⚬ 10% discount on free night awards ⚬ Cardmember discount on paid stays ⚬ No foreign transaction fees See also: Wyndham Earner credit cards review: Surprisingly strong |
Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card FM Mini Review: Excellent earning rate at gas stations and Wyndham hotels. Diamond status plus 15K annual bonus makes this card a keeper. Card Type: Visa Signature Earning rate: 8X Wyndham & gas ⚬ 5X marketing, advertising, and utilities (telecommunications, cable, satellite, electric, gas, heating oil and water) ⚬ 1X everywhere else Noteworthy perks: 15,000 points each anniversary year ⚬ Diamond status ⚬ 10% discount on free night awards ⚬ Cardmember discount on paid stays ⚬ No foreign transaction fees See also: Wyndham Earner credit cards review: Surprisingly strong |
JetBlue Card Recent better offer: 9/2017: 15K after $1K spend FM Mini Review: Not bad for a fee-free airline card. Card Type: Mastercard World Earning rate: ⚬ 2X restaurants and grocery ⚬ 3X JetBlue ⚬ 1X everywhere else⚬ Noteworthy perks: 50% savings on eligible inflight purchases including cocktails, food and movies. See also: Barclaycard JetBlue offers are live and worth a look |
United Gateway Card 20K Miles + 3X Grocery 20K miles after $1K spend in first 3 months; Plus earn 3X at grocery stores, on up to $1,500 per month through 9/30/2021 No Annual Fee Card Type: Visa Signature Earning rate: 2X United ⚬ 2X gas stations ⚬ 2X local transit and commuting Noteworthy perks: No foreign exchange fees ⚬ 25% back on United in-flight purchases |
Bank of America Travel Rewards Card Type: Visa Signature Earning rate: 1.5X everywhere; 3X for travel booked through BOA's travel center Noteworthy perks: Up to 75% bonus for Preferred Rewards banking customers See also: Up to 2.625% back for timeshares, fortune tellers and more |
Wyndham Rewards Earner Card FM Mini Review: Sign up for the bonus. Keep for the 10% award discount. Card Type: Visa Signature or Platinum Earning rate: ⚬ 5X Wyndham & gas ⚬ 2X restaurants & grocery ⚬ 1X everywhere else Big spend bonus: 7,500 points each anniversary year after $15K spend Noteworthy perks: Gold status ⚬ 10% discount on free night awards ⚬ Cardmember discount on paid stays ⚬ No foreign transaction fees See also: Wyndham Earner credit cards review: Surprisingly strong |
Citi Rewards+ Card FM Mini Review: 10% points rebate (up to 10K rebate per year) make this a great choice to pool with ThankYou Premier, Prestige, and/or Double Cash Card Type: Mastercard World Earning rate: 2X at supermarkets and gas stations on up to $6,000 per year ⚬ Round up to nearest 10 TY points on all purchases Noteworthy perks: Round up to the nearest 10 points on all purchases with no cap. ⚬ get 10% of your points back on the first 100K redeemed each year See also: Citi ThankYou Rewards Complete Guide |
AT&T Access Card 15K points + $100 statement credit 15K ThankYou Points after $1K Spend in 3 Months + $100 statement credit after $250 in AT&T purchases in the first 3 months No Annual Fee FM Mini Review: This card may be worth it for a welcome bonus, but it would be worth considering a product change to the Double Cash down the road..Unforunately, it seems it is no longer possible to product change to the AT&T Access More card. Card Type: Mastercard World Earning rate: ⚬ 2 points per $1 on products and services that are purchased directly from AT&T ⚬ 2 points per $1 on all purchases at online retail and travel sites ⚬ 1 point per $1 on all other purchases See also: Citi ThankYou Rewards Complete Guide |
American Express Cash Magnet® Card Card Type: Amex Base 1.5% Earning rate: 1.5% on all eligible purchases Noteworthy perks: See rates & fees. |
Avianca Vida Visa Card FM Mini Review: Avianca LifeMiles are useful for Star Alliance awards. Miles are valuable for short distance United Airlines flights and for international flights on partners that usually charge high fuel surcharges (such as Lufthansa). Card Type: Visa Platinum or Signature Earning rate: 2X Avianca Noteworthy perks: 15% discount on the purchase of miles |
Major League Baseball® BankAmericard Cash Rewards™ MasterCard® credit card Card Type: Mastercard World Base 1% Travel 3% Dine 3% Gas 3% Grocery 2% Shop 3% Other 3% Earning rate: 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 3% on one category of your choice between gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings (can choose a new category monthly) up to the first $2,500 in combined 2% and 3% category purchases each quarter, then 1%. Noteworthy perks: Up to 75% bonus for Preferred Rewards banking customers |
U.S. BANK ALTITUDE® GO VISA SIGNATURE® CARD FM Mini Review: This card offers solid return on dining - including takeout & delivery - and no annual or foreign transaction fees. That makes it a great option for those who prefer cash back. Card Type: Visa Earning rate: 4X take out, food delivery (including apps like GrubHub, UberEATS, etc), and dining ⚬ 2X grocery (including meal kit delivery), gas stations, and streaming services Noteworthy perks: $15 credit for annual streaming services ( after 11 months of consecutive streaming service charges, the 12th month will get the $15 credit) |
Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard® FM Mini Review: Points are worth $0.01 each toward onboard credit or cruise purchase with Norwegian. Note that points expire 5 years after they are earned regardless of activity. This card offers very poor value for ongoing spend after meeting the welcome bonus requirements. Interestingly, it appears to be eligible for Bank of America Preferred Rewards, which would increase the bonus categories by as much as 75% for those with Bank of America's top-tier Platinum Honors. Card Type: Mastercard World Earning rate: 3x Norwegian cruise line purchases ⚬ 2x air and hotel |
Celebrity Cruises® Visa Signature® Credit Card 10K points + $100 statement credit 10K points after first purchase in 90 days plus $100 statement credit after $1K in purchases in 90 days No Annual Fee FM Mini Review: Points are worth $0.01 each toward onboard credit or cruise purchase with Celebrity. You can earn a max of 540,000 points per year. Points expire 5 years after the month in which they are earned regardless of acivity. This card offers very poor value for ongoing spend and you may earn a more valuable welcome bonus with less required spend with other cards. Card Type: Visa Signature Earning rate: 2x Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara |
Bank of America Cash Rewards Recent better offer: $200 back after $500 spend in 90 days [Expired 1/19] Card Type: Visa Signature Base 1% Travel 3% Dine 3% Gas 3% Grocery 2% Shop 3% Other 3% Earning rate: 3% back on your choice of the following: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores, home improvement & furnishings (can choose a new category monthly). ⚬ 2% back at grocery stores & wholesale clubs ⚬ 1% back everywhere else. 2% and 3% rewards are capped at $2500 in combined purchases per quarter Noteworthy perks: Up to 75% bonus for Preferred Rewards banking customers |
AAA Member Rewards Visa Signature Card Card Type: Visa Signature Base 1% Travel 3% Gas 2% Grocery 2% Shop 2% Brand 3% Other 2% Earning rate: 3% travel & AAA ⚬ 2% gas, grocery store, wholesale club and drugstore purchases ⚬ 1% back everywhere else Noteworthy perks: No foreign transaction fees |
The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express FM Mini Review: Great choice for keeping Membership Rewards points alive if you choose to cancel other Membership Rewards earning cards. Card Type: Amex Credit Card Earning rate: ⚬ 2x points at US supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1x) ⚬ 1x on other purchases Noteworthy perks: ⚬ Make 20 or more purchases in a billing period and get 20% more points, less returns and credits ⚬ Points transferrable to many airline programs (unusual feature for no-fee card) ⚬ Low intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable rate, currently 13.99% to 24.99% ⚬ $0 balance transfer fee. Balance transfers must be requested within 60 days from account opening. Terms apply. See Rates & Fees |
The Morgan Stanley Credit Card from American Express FM Mini Review: Decent no-fee card thanks to its 2X category bonuses, but you do need to have a Morgan Stanley account to apply. Card Type: Amex Credit Card Earning rate: ⚬ 2X U.S. Restaurants ⚬ 2X select U.S. Department Stores ⚬ 2X Car Rentals Purchased Directly from Select Car Rental Companies ⚬ 2X Airfare Purchased Directly from Airlines Big spend bonus: $100 after $25K card membership year spend Noteworthy perks: Invest with rewards (1 point = 1 cent) |
The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express Recent better offer: 30K after $2K in first 3 months FM Mini Review: Thanks to the 50% bonus on points earned, this is, in my opinion, one of the strongest mile-earning cards available. Card Type: Amex Credit Card Earning rate: ⚬ 3x points at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1x) ⚬ 2x points at US gas stations ⚬ 1x points on other purchases. Noteworthy perks: Earn 50% more points: Use your Card 30 or more times on purchases in a billing period and get 50% more points on those purchases less returns and credits. Terms apply. See Rates & Fees |
Hotels.com Rewards Visa Credit Card $125 Reward Night Get a reward night worth $125 when you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Excludes taxes and fees. If your reward night costs less than $125, you won't get the difference. No Annual Fee FM Mini Review: Most people would be better off with a fee-free 2% cash back card like the Citi Double Cash. Card Type: Visa Base 0.002X (2.2%) Earning rate: Collect 1 $110 stamp for every night you stay at any eligible property booked on Hotels.com and collect 1 stamp each time you spend $500 on purchases with your card. Collect 10 stamps, get 1 reward night. Noteworthy perks: Cell phone protection ($25 deductible, $600 max per claim) ⚬ No foreign transaction fees |
Citi® Expedia Rewards Credit Card 10K points + $50 statement credit 10K after $1K spend in 3 months + $50 statement credit for 1st purchase of $50 or more from Expedia within 3 months No Annual Fee Card Type: Mastercard World Earning rate: 3X Expedia purchases Big spend bonus: One elite night towards Gold status for each $2.5K in spend each year Noteworthy perks: Free Expedia+ Silver status |
Schwab Investor Card® from American Express FM Mini Review: The Schwab Investor card offers a decent return via the intro offer, but it isn't very rewarding for ongoing spend. Card Type: Amex Credit Card Base 1.5% Earning rate: 1.5% on all eligible purchases Noteworthy perks: Cash back is automatically deposited into your eligible Schwab account. |
Allegiant World Mastercard® Credit Card FM Mini Review: Points are worth $0.01 each toward airfare and do not expire unless you cancel the card. If you cancel the card, you forfeit all points. Between that policy and the annual fee, this card probably isn't worth it in most scenarios. Card Type: Mastercard World Earning rate: 3x Allegiant ⚬ 2x dining Noteworthy perks: Priority Boarding and one free beverage every time you fly Allegiant and show your card. ⚬ BOGO airfare when you use your card to buy a vacation package with at least a 4-night hotel stay or 7-day car rental on a single itinerary |
