Sign up for cards you don’t want to get cards you do (2021 Edition)

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Filed under weird but true, there are situations where it makes sense to sign up for a credit card that you don’t want in order to get the card you do want. Typically the process requires signing up for a similar card and later calling to product change to the card you really want.a group of credit cards

Why in the world would you do this?  Below you’ll find reasons and examples…

Card no longer available

When credit cards are discontinued, card issuers sometimes continue to make them available via product changes.  In these cases, you can sign up for a similar card now, and later product change to the card you really want.  Here are some examples:

Chase Ritz Carlton Rewards Visa Infinite

a black card with white text

This discontinued card isn’t for everyone since it comes with a hefty $450 annual fee.  That said, it comes with a number of super high-end perks:

  • $300 in annual airline fee reimbursements.
  • Free Night Award each year upon renewal can be used to book any Marriott portfolio hotel that costs up to 50K points
  • Automatic Marriott Gold status
  • Earn Marriott Platinum status with $75K spend per account year
  • 3 Ritz club level upgrades for rooms booked at the standard rate
  • $100 hotel credit for each 2 night or longer paid stay at Ritz or St. Regis properties
  • Priority Pass Select airport lounge access with unlimited free guests
  • Free authorized users (who also get Priority Pass)
  • Global Entry fee reimbursement

This is probably the best card available for setting up yourself and your whole family with Priority Pass lounge access.  Yes, the annual fee is steep, but $300 in airline fee reimbursements plus the annual free night certificate can justify the annual fee before even considering the value of the card’s other features.

How to get it: Sign up for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, wait until the second year annual fee comes due, then call to request a product change to the Ritz card.  You may need a high credit limit ($10K or more) to be eligible.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card

Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card

The main reason to consider this $95 per year card is that it offers a Marriott free night certificate each year good for any hotel that costs up to 35,000 points.  This card is no longer available to new applicants.

How to get it: Sign up for the $450 Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, wait until the second year annual fee comes due, then call to request a product change to the $95 card.

Better signup bonus

Sometimes you can get a better signup bonus by signing up for a different card and then later product changing to the card you really want.  Here are some examples:

Chase United Gateway Card

Chase United Gateway Card

The fee-free United Gateway Card usually has a lackluster welcome bonus, but it is available as a product change from the $95 United Explorer MileagePlus Card.

This United Gateway card is special because it offers some of the best features of the $95 version for free.  Once you get this fee-free version, I recommend holding onto it forever.  It just might come in handy thanks to these features:

  • Improved economy saver award availability: As a cardholder, you’ll find more United economy saver awards (on United flights only).
  • Last seat standard economy award availability: Standard awards are the higher priced awards that United makes available on their own flights.  While I don’t usually recommend booking these, they can be a lifesaver under specific situations.  For a personal example, see: Delta delay… United last seat availability to the rescue.
  • 25% bonus on miles earned through the MileagePlus X App.  The MileagePlus X App offers bonus miles for retail purchases.  As a cardholder, you’ll get a 25% bonus.  For example, if the app offers 4 miles per dollar at Macy’s, you’ll earn a total of 5 miles per dollar.
  • The United MileagePlus Shopping portal sometimes offers better rewards for United cardholders.

Here is the current welcome bonus for the United Explorer Card:

Card Offer
$150 cash back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$150 cash back after $3K spend in first 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
This card no longer features a first-year bonus.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
70K miles ⓘ Affiliate
70K after $6K spend in first 6 months. Terms and limitations apply. (Rates & Fees)
$350 Annual Fee
80K miles ⓘ Affiliate
80k after $10K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
$650 Annual Fee
70K Miles ⓘ Affiliate
Earn 70K miles after $5K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
$650 Annual Fee
60k miles ⓘ Affiliate
60K after $4K spend in first 6 months. Terms and limitations apply. (Rates & Fees)
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
50K miles ⓘ Affiliate
50K miles after $2K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
10K miles ⓘ Affiliate
10K miles after $1000 spend in the first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
No Annual Fee
Note an unusual restriction: Welcome bonus not available if you've had another Delta consumer card in the past 90 days.
250K points after $20K spend in the first 3 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
$695 Annual Fee
Alternate Offer: Targeted online offer of 250K points after $15K spend in the first 3 months See this post for details.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
100K points + 10X on dining ⓘ Non-Affiliate
100K points after $8K spend in 6 months + 10x on dining for 6 months (on up to $25K in purchases). Terms apply.
$695 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
90K points + 20% back at restaurants ⓘ Friend-Referral
90K points after $6K in purchases in the first 6 months + 20% back at restaurants for the first 6 months up to $100 back. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
$325 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 90K after $6K in the first 6 months + 20% back at restaurants for the first 12 months up to $250 back [Expired 6/8/22]
40K after $3K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. See Rates & Fees
$150 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 60K after $3K spend in first 6 months + 20% off travel and transit purchases for first 6 months. [Expired 8/21/23]
15K points after $3K spend in first 3 months. Terms & limitations apply.
$95 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
200K points after $15K spend in 3 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
$375 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: None. This is the best we've ever seen.
Earn a $200 statement credit after each $10,000 you spend on the card, up to $30,000, in the first 3 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply. (Rates & Fees)
$250 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
This card is no longer available for new applications ⓘ Friend-Referral
This card is not currently available for new applicants.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
This card is no longer available for new applications ⓘ Friend-Referral
This card is not currently available for new applicants.
$95 Annual Fee
Alternate Offer: Some people click through and find that they are targeted for an offer of 30K points after $2K spend in 3 months.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 30K after $2K in first 3 months

$95 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
80K after $8K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply.
$695 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 125K points after 6k spend [Expired 11/8/23]
None
This card is no longer available.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: None
$350 cash back as a statement credit after $3K in the first 6 months. Terms Apply. (Rates & Fees)
$95 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
80K after $8K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
$695 Annual Fee
This card is only available to clients that maintain an eligible Schwab brokerage account.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 100K points + 10x when you Shop Small in the US & at restaurants worldwide [Expired 1/20/22]
This card is no longer available for new applications

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
15K points + 0% APR for 12 months ⓘ Affiliate
15k points after $3k spend within the first 3 months + 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.99% - 25.99%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. (Rates & Fees)
No Annual Fee
$250 back + 0% APR for 12 months ⓘ Affiliate
$250 statement credit after $3k spend within first 3 months and 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable rate, 17.99% - 25.99% depending on creditworthiness. (Rates & Fees)
No Annual Fee
$250 back ⓘ Affiliate
$250 cash back as reward dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or via Amazon.com after $3K spend in eligible purchases within the first 6 months. Terms Apply. (Rates & Fees)
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
Up to $350 back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
Up to $350 back: $200 back after $2K in the first 6 months + 10% back at restaurants for the first 6 months up to $150 back. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
This card is no longer available for new applications

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$125 Amazon Gift Card ⓘ Affiliate
Eligible Prime members get a $125 Amazon Gift Card upon approval. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
No Annual Fee
This card is not currently available for new applications

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
175K Points + free night certificate ⓘ Friend-Referral
175K after $6K spend in first 6 months. Free night certificate every year - first certificate is awarded 8-12 weeks after approval. Terms apply.
(Offer Expires 1/8/2025)
$550 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
165K points ⓘ Affiliate
165K points after $3K spend within the first 6 months. Terms apply.
(Offer Expires 1/8/2025)
$150 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: (Expired 7/31/24) 130K points + free night certificate after $3K spend within the first 6 months.
175K Points ⓘ Affiliate
175K after $8K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply.
(Offer Expires 1/8/2025)
$195 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: None
100K points ⓘ Affiliate
100K points after $2K spend within the first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
(Offer Expires 1/8/2025)
No Annual Fee
After clicking through, be sure to choose the card you want on the landing page.
Recent better offer: (Expired 7/31/24) 70K points + free night certificate after $2K spend within the first 6 months.
This card is no longer available for new applications

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
95K Points ⓘ Affiliate
95k points after $6K spend within the first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
$650 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: (Expired 10/2/24) 185k points after $6K spend within the first 6 months.
3 Free Night Awards, valued at up to 50K points each ⓘ Affiliate
Three 50k free night certificates after $6K spend in the first 6 months. Redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy(R) points for each bonus Free Night Award, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy(R). Resort fees & terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
$125 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: 5x50K free night certificates after $8K in spend (expired 10/16/24)
85K Points ⓘ Affiliate
85K points after $5K spend in the first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
$250 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: (Expired 10/2/24) 155K points after $5K spend in the first 6 months.
$200 Cash Back as a statement credit ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$200 statement credit after $1K in purchases in first 3 months
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
This card is no longer available for new applications ⓘ Friend-Referral
This card is not currently available for new applicants.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
50K miles after $500 in purchases in the first 90 days + instant Gold status with account opening & first purchae; maintain Gold status for 12 months with $3,000 in purchases within first 90 days
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
70K miles after one purchase within first 90 days. Use code 000150 for this offer
$99 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
70K miles after 1st purchase and paying the annual fee within 90 days
$99 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: Up to 75K: 60K miles after first purchase and 15K after adding an authorized user and making one purchase on that card [Expired 2/24/24]
Not currently available
It appears that this card is not available at this time.
$95 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: Expired 2/6/23: 80K miles + a $95 statement credit after $2K spend in first 90 days.
50K miles after $1K in spend in 90 days and payment of annual fee.
$99 Annual Fee
Note that the landing page prompts you to enter a mobile phone number to continue the application, but you can click "no thanks" to continue the application on your desktop device.
Up to 60K Miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate
Up to 60K miles: 50K bonus miles after spending $4K in first 90 days + additional 10K miles after a purchase is made on an employee card in the first 90 days
$99 Annual Fee
10K points after $1K spend in 90 days.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
This card is no longer available for new applications

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $89
Recent better offer: None. This is the best we've seen.
45K points after $2K spend in first 6 months
(Offer Expires 1/8/2025)
No Annual Fee
Recent better offer: Expired 7/11/24: 75K after $2K in spend
Up to 80K Points ⓘ Non-Affiliate
Up to 80K points: 40K after after $4K spend in first 90 days + 40K after $15K spend in first 365 days
(Offer Expires 1/8/2025)
$95 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: Expired 7/11/24: 100K after $15K in spend
$100 Cash back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$100 cash back after $500 spend in the first 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: Expired 10/31/22: $150 after $500 in spend
5K Points + $150 statement credit ⓘ Non-Affiliate
5K points after first purchases and 5K points after $500 spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
40K points after $2K spend in 90 days
$89 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
This card is no longer available for new applications

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
none
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$100 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$100 statement credit after $2000 spend in first 3 months
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
60K miles + Companion Fare ⓘ Non-Affiliate
60k miles + Companion Fare ($99 fare + taxes) after $3K spend in 90 days
$95 Annual Fee
Alternate Offer: There are usually better in-flight offers available that require the name and id number of an Alaska employee.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
50K miles + Companion Fare ⓘ Non-Affiliate
50K miles + Companion Fare ($99 fare + taxes) after $3K spend in 3 months
$95 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 70K after $4K in 3 months [Expired 4/23]
None
Card is currently not available to new applicants.
$90 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
70K miles + 40XP + 60XP ⓘ Non-Affiliate
70K miles + 40 XP after $3K in the first 90 days + 60 XP upon approval
$89 Annual Fee
Alternate Offer: Going through the steps to make a dummy booking at the Air France website may result in an offer that only gives 60K miles but also includes a $150 statement credit.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
This card is no longer available for new applications

$49 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
30K miles
30K after $3K spend in 90 days
$99 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
10K miles
10K after after first purchase
$80 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Up to 125K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate
Up to 125K points: 120K points after $2K spend in 90 days plus 5K points for adding an authorized user within first 90 days
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $75
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
25K points worth $250 ⓘ Non-Affiliate
25K after $1K spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$200 cash bonus ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$200 cash rewards bonus after $1K spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$500 statement credit ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$500 statement credit after $5K spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$300 statement credit ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$300 statement credit after $3K spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
This card is no longer available
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
60K after $4K spend in 90 days
$95 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.

$95 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
75K after $5K spend in 90 days
$550 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.

$550 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$200 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$200 after $1000 spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available for new applicants.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is not currently available
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$300 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$300 after $3000 spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
30K after $3K spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
10K after $500 spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
60K Points + $100 Voucher ⓘ Non-Affiliate
60K points plus $100 companion voucher after $1K spend in 90 days (enter any random five-digit number as "employee code")
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $79
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available to new applicants
$59 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
25K after $1K in first 90 days
$59 Annual Fee
Alternate Offer: You may be targeted for an offer including a $100 statement credit during a dummy booking.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$200 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$200 after $1000 spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
75K Miles ⓘ Affiliate
75k miles after $4k spend within first 3 months. (Rates & Fees)
$95 Annual Fee
Alternate Offer: Airport Kiosk offer of 80K miles after $4K spend in the first 3 months See this post for details.
Recent better offer: Expired 9/9/24: 75K after $4K spend in 3 months + $250 Capital One Travel credit in first cardholder year
75K Miles ⓘ Affiliate
75k miles after $4k spend within first 3 months. (Rates & Fees)
$395 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: Expired 3/14/22: 100K after $10K spend in 6 months + $200 credit for vacation rental spend in first year
150K Miles ⓘ Affiliate
Earn a one-time bonus of 150K miles after $30K spend in the first 3 months
$395 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: Expired 3/31/23: 250K Miles after $50K in spend.
20K miles ⓘ Affiliate
Earn 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. (Rates & Fees)
No Annual Fee
$200 Cash Back ⓘ Affiliate
One time bonus: $200 after $500 spend in 3 months from account opening. (Rates & Fees)
No Annual Fee
$250 Cash Back ⓘ Affiliate
One time bonus: $250 after $500 spend in 3 months from account opening. (Rates & Fees)
No Annual Fee
$250 Cash Back ⓘ Affiliate
One time bonus: $250 after $500 spend in 3 months from account opening. (Rates & Fees)
No Annual Fee
This card is currently unavailable for new applications
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
50K Miles ⓘ Affiliate
Earn a one-time 50K miles bonus when you spend $4,500 in the first 3 months. (Rates & Fees)
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
50K after $4,500 spend in 3 months from account opening
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$750 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
Earn a $750 cash bonus when you spend $7,500 within the first 3 months.
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$2,000+ Cash Back ⓘ Affiliate
Earn a $2K cash bonus when you spend $30K in the first 3 months + earn an additional $2K bonus for every $500K spent within the first year.. (Rates & Fees)
$150 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: Expired 3/14/22: $3K after $50K spend in 6 months
Earn a $750 bonus after you spend $6K in 3 months from account opening. (Rates & Fees)
$150 Amazon Gift Card ⓘ Affiliate
$150 Amazon gift card upon approval. Terms apply.
No Annual Fee
$100 Amazon Gift Card
Earn up to a $100 Amazon gift card instantly upon approval. Log in to your Amazon account to see what offer you qualify for. Note that you may be offered the Amazon Prime Visa if you are a Prime member.
No Annual Fee
$200 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$200 statement credit after $500 in purchases in first 3 months
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$400 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$400 statement credit after $1000 in purchases within first 3 months
$49 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Earn 100K Avios after $7.5K spend in 6 months
$95 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: Expired 7/4/22: 100K after $5K spend
Earn 100K Avios after $7.5K spend in 6 months
$95 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: Expired 7/4/22: 100K after $5K spend
Earn 100K Avios after $7.5K spend in 6 months
$95 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: Expired 7/4/22: 100K after $5K spend
50K points ⓘ Affiliate
50K points after $1K spend in the first 3 months.
$69 Annual Fee
After clicking through, be sure to manually select the exact Southwest card in which you are interested. This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
60K points ⓘ Affiliate
60K points after $3K spend within first 3 months your account is open
$99 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
80K points ⓘ Affiliate
80K points after $5K spend within first 3 months your account is open
$199 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
50K points after $1K spend in the first 3 months.
$99 Annual Fee
This card is known to be subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
50K points ⓘ Affiliate
50K points after $1K spend in the first 3 months.
$149 Annual Fee
This card is known to be subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.
75K Miles ⓘ Affiliate
75K miles after $5K spend in first 3 months.
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
After clicking through, be sure to click the link at the top that says, "Are you a small business owner?" to see the business card offers that include this card. You are not eligible for the bonus if you have received the bonus on this card within the past 24 months. Please note that the United EXPLORER Business card (no longer available) is a different product and does not affect your ability to get the bonus on this card.
80K Miles ⓘ Affiliate
80k miles after $5k spend in first 3 months
$525 Annual Fee
This card is available to you if you do not have any United Club card and have not received a new Cardmember bonus for any United Club card in the past 24 months.
Recent better offer: Expired 1/27/23: 100K after $5K spend
50K Miles + 1,000 PQP ⓘ Non-Affiliate
50K miles + 1,000 Premier Qualifying Points after $5K spend in first 3 months.
$450 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Up to 65k miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate
60K miles after $3K spend in 3 months + 5k miles when adding authorized user
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: Expired 8/11/22: 70K after $3K spend
60K Miles + 500 PQPs ⓘ Affiliate
60K miles and 500 PQPs after $4K spend in the first 3 months
$250 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
20K Miles ⓘ Affiliate
20K miles after $1K spend in first 3 months
No Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Recent better offer: Expired 8/11/22: 30K after $1K spend
Up to 100K Points ⓘ Affiliate
75K points after $4K spend in the first 3 months and an additional 25K after spending a total fo $20K within first 12 months
$95 Annual Fee
This card is likely subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
60K Points ⓘ Affiliate
60K after $4K spend in 3 months
$550 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: Expired 12/1/22: 80K after $4K spend
60K Points + $300 Chase TravelSM Credit ⓘ Affiliate
60K + $300 Chase TravelSM credit after $4K spend in 3 months
$95 Annual Fee
Alternate Offer: There may be elevated offers available by applying in-branch
A similar offer with the first year annual fee waived may be found in-branch. YMMV.
None
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Earn 20,000 points (worth $200 cash back) after spending $500 in the first 3 month
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Up to 30K points / $300 cash back ⓘ Affiliate
Earn an additional 1.5% on all purchases (up to $20K spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back.
No Annual Fee
This card is likely subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Recent better offer: Unlimited Double Cash Back for 12 month (expired 1/11/24)
0% Intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.24% - 28.999%.
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.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
90K points ⓘ Affiliate
90K after $6K spend in 3 months
No Annual Fee
Alternate Offer: You may be able to get an offer of 120,000 points after $6,000 in purchases via a Business Relationship Manager.
Up to 75K points ⓘ Affiliate
35K after $3K spend in 3 months and an additional 40K points after $6K spend in 6 months. In addition, 10% Business Relationship bonus if you have the Ink Business Cash and a Chase Business Checking account on your first anniversary.
No Annual Fee
Alternate Offer: If you have a household member with an Ink card, you may prefer the referral offer whereby the referrer can earn 40,000 points and the new account holder can earn 75,000 points after $6,000 in purchases in the first 3 months since it will yield more total points.
Recent better offer: 90K after $6K spend in 6 monthd (expired 1/17/24
$1,000 Cash Back ⓘ Affiliate
$1K after $10K Spend in 3 Months
$195 Annual Fee
Alternate Offer: Some have been targeted for 150K after $10K spend via mailer or in the "Just for You" section of their online account.
Up to 45K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate
30K points after $3K in spend within the first 3 months, plus an exta 1 point/dollar on up to $15K spend within first 6 months.
$95 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 5x Category 1-4 free night certificates after $15K spend within first 3 months. (Expired 10/31/24)
60K points ⓘ Affiliate
60K after $5,000 spend in 3 months.
$199 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.
None
This card is currently unavailable for new applications
No Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Free DashPass ⓘ Non-Affiliate
Receive 12 months of DashPass for free upon approval
No Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$100 Cash Back
$100 after $500 spend in 3 months
No Annual Fee
This card is believed to not be subject to Chase's 5/24 rule
Recent better offer: $200 after $500 spend in 3 months
None
This card is no longer available
$49 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
140k points ⓘ Affiliate
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
$99 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Recent better offer: Five 60K free night certificates after $4K spend in 3 months (expired 9/4/24)
Up to 200K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate
Earn up to 200K points: 140K points after $4K spend within the first 3 months + an additional 60K points after $9K total spend in the first 6 months
$99 Annual Fee
This card is expected to be subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: None. This is the best offer we've seen on this card.
100K Points ⓘ Affiliate
Limited time offer - 100K points after $2K spend in 3 months
No Annual Fee
Recent better offer: 120K after $2K spend (expired 7/4/22)
85K points after $4K spend in 3 months
$250 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available
$450 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available
$85 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
125K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate
Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months.
$95 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Recent better offer: 5 x 50K free night certificates after $5K in spend (expired 1/9/24)
60K points + Free Night Certificate ⓘ Friend-Referral
60K points + 50K free night certificate after $2K in the first 3 months. Terms apply.
No Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Recent better offer: 50K points after $1K in the first 3 months and 50K points after 6 eligible paid nights at Bonvoy hotels. (expired 8/9/23)
None
This card is no longer available
$99 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
50K miles after $2,500 spend in first 3 months
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 75K miles after $3,500 spend in 3 months (ended 10/14/24)
75K miles after $5K spend in first 5 months
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
Alternate Offer: There is an alternative offer of 30K + $400 credit that can be found when doing a dummy booking on aa.com.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
75K miles after $7,500 spend in first 3 months
$595 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
This card is available in-branch only and is not available online. The bonus may vary by region and can be as high as 40K.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available
$495 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
20K points after $1.5K spend in 3 months
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available
$95 Annual Fee
This card is no longer available to new applicants.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$200 cash back after spending $1.5K in first six months. Note: $200 is awarded as 20,000 ThankYou® Points.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
20K points after $1500 spend in the first 6 months
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: Expired 9/13/22 - 20,000 points after $750 spend in first 3 months
$75 statement credit after spending $1,500 within the first three months
No Annual Fee
Requires Costco membership. Cash back provided annually with February billing statement as rewards coupon redeemable for cash or merchandise at Costco
No Welcome Bonus ⓘ Non-Affiliate

No Annual Fee
Requires Costco membership. Cash back provided annually with February billing statement as rewards coupon redeemable for cash or merchandise at Costco

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
No bonus at this time.
$400 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Waitlist only ⓘ Non-Affiliate
This card is currently available by waitlist only
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
No standard bonus ⓘ Friend-Referral
This card is currently unavailable to new applicants.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$100 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$100 statement credit after $500 spend in first 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$100 + First Year Double ⓘ Friend-Referral
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
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is currently unavailable to new applicants.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$100 Back + First Year Double ⓘ Friend-Referral
Get $100 after first purchase. All cashback earned in first 12 months will be doubled including 5% earned in rotating categories.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$50 + First Year Double + $20/year ⓘ Friend-Referral
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
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
There is currently no welcome bonus offered.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Up to 50K Avios
30K Avios after first transaction, then an additional 20K after $3,000 spend within the first 90 days
$99 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Up to 70K Avios + 150 Qpoints ⓘ Non-Affiliate
45K Avios after first transaction, then an additional 25K and 150 Qpoints after $5,000 spend within the first 90 days
$499 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Limited time offer: earn 58K bonus miles after $2.5K in first 3 months
$79 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
No Welcome Bonus ⓘ Non-Affiliate
This card currently features no welcome offer, but it does offer 5% back on up to $10K in purchases per year at Simon Malls, Simon Mills, and Simon Premium Outlets.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Earn 40K bonus miles after $3K in first 90 days
$99 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Up to 100K miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate
Up to 100K miles: Earn 60K bonus miles after $4.5K spend in first 90 days + 40K miles after $25K total spend in first 12 months
$249 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
40K points after "qualifying spend" (we saw $1,500) in 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
80K points after "qualifying spend" (we saw $3,000) in 90 days
$89 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$200 cash back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
20K points (worth $200) after $3K spend in the first 60 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
12K points after $1K spend in the first 3 billing cycles
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
35K points after $2K spend in the first 3 billing cycles
$99 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 30K points after $1K spend in the first 3 billing cycles + 2 companion certificates, 2 upgrade certificates and 2 lounge passes
$200 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$200 in rewards (20K points) after $1K in purchases in first 3 billing cycles.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$200 back after $1K spend in 3 months
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers after account is opened. After that, a variable rate will apply.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
10K points + 10K Tier Credits ⓘ Non-Affiliate
10K points + 10K Tier Credits after $1,500K spend in the first 3 billing cycles
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Not currently accepting new applications.
$89 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
25K points after $1,500 spend in the first 3 billing cycles
$69 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
10K miles
10K miles after $5K spend in first 3 billing cycles with promo code SPG2020
$70 Annual Fee
Note: Basic card earns 1 mile per $2 spent and has a $20 annual fee. To earn 1 mile per $1 spent, choose the "Premium" rewards for $70 annual fee.
50K points after $4K in 3 months
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
Note that the ongoing annual fee is $0 if you maintain an HSBC Premier checking account (which requires $5K per month in direct deposits to remain fee-free)
40K miles after $4K spend within 90 days of account opening
$99 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
No Welcome Bonus ⓘ Non-Affiliate

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
Note that the card is only currently available with an M1 Plus membership (membership is free the first year, then $125 per year). The credit card's $95 annual fee is waived with an M1 Plus membership. Note also that the fine print says that the bonus will be paid out within 120 days of the end of the intro offer period. This means the welcome offer could be paid out as late as July 29, 2022.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$150 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$150 in rewards (15K points) after $1000 in purchases in first 120 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
50K Points ⓘ Affiliate
50K points after $3K spend in 90 days
$95 Annual Fee
15K Points ⓘ Affiliate
15K points after $1,500 spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
No Welcome Bonus
This card is currently not available to new applicants.
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $85
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
0% APR on balance transfers ⓘ Non-Affiliate
0% APR on balance transfers for first 12 billing cycles following account opening when balance is transferred within the first 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
3% back for 12 months ⓘ Non-Affiliate
3% cash back for 12 months on up to $20K in purchases
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
There is currently no welcome bonus offered.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
No Annual Fee
After $10K in purchases in the elevated categories each anniversary year, you only earn 1% back (or 2% through the end of 2021). Note that you can only apply in the Venmo app.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
35K after $3K spend in 90 days
$95 Annual Fee
Note that some have received a targeted email offer for 65K miles after $5K spend in 90 days.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
No Welcome Bonus ⓘ Non-Affiliate

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
No Welcome Bonus ⓘ Non-Affiliate

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
40K after $3K spend in 90 days + 2.5k for adding an authorised user (up to 4)
$99 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Up to $200 in statement credits ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$100 credit with 5G phone offer and $100 statement credit after first purchase
within 90 days of account opening.
No Annual Fee
$200 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$200 cashback after $1,000 spend within first 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None (call to apply) ⓘ Non-Affiliate
This card does not currently have a welcome offer
No Annual Fee
Bonus offer is not available to either current or previous UBS credit cardmembers
None (call to apply) ⓘ Non-Affiliate
This card does not currently have a welcome offer
$495 Annual Fee
Bonus offer is not available to either current or previous UBS credit cardmembers
None (call to apply) ⓘ Non-Affiliate
This card does not currently have a welcome offer
No Annual Fee
Bonus offer is not available to either current or previous UBS credit cardmembers. Note: UBS Business cards DO add to Chase's 5/24 Rule.
None (call to apply) ⓘ Non-Affiliate
This card does not currently have a welcome offer
$550 Annual Fee
Bonus offer is not available to either current or previous UBS credit cardmembers. Note: UBS Business cards DO add to Chase's 5/24 Rule.
None (call to apply) ⓘ Non-Affiliate
This card does not currently have a welcome offer
$150 Annual Fee
Bonus offer is not available to either current or previous UBS credit cardmembers. Note: UBS Business cards DO add to Chase's 5/24 Rule.
None
This card is no longer available
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $55
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $49
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$250 cash back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$250 after $2K spend in 120 days
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
$85 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
50K after $4.5K spend in 90 days
$400 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
75K after $10K spend in 120 days
$195 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
20K after $1K spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
20K after $1K spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 50K after $2K spend in 120 days (Ended 9/9/24)
60K after $6K spend in 180 days
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
Note that only spend on the Account Owner's card (not including purchases made on employee cards) counts toward minimum spending requirements.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
20K miles
20K miles after first use.
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $75
US Bank may also approve you for their non-Signature Visa which comes with a 15K bonus and lesser benefits.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
40K miles after $4K spend in 90 days
$95 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
60K miles after $5K spend in 90 days
$450 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
50K miles after $5K in 90 days
$95 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$250 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$250 back as a statement credit after $1000 spend in 120 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$750 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$750 cash back after $6000 spend on the account owner's card in first 150 days
No Annual Fee
Keep in mind that only spend on the Account Owner's card counts toward minimum spending requirements, spend on employee cards does not count.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
none
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
20K after $1,000 spend in first 3 months.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$500 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$500 after $5,000 spend in first 3 months.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$100 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$100 after $500 spend in first 3 months.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
60K after $4,000 spend in first 3 months.
$95 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
There is no official welcome bonus, but this card offers the opportunity to earn 1x points on rent when you make at least 5 transactions per billing cycle. Terms apply.
No Annual Fee
Note that some people see a targeted offer in the Bilt Rewards app to earn 5x points for the first 5 days after being approved and receiving and activating the card. This is not guaranteed, but rather is targeted. Select 'Click Here to Apply' to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions.

How to get it: Wait for a great offer for the United Explorer MileagePlus Card (e.g. wait for a 60K offer) and sign up.  Next, wait until the 2nd year annual fee comes due, then call to product change to the United Gateway Card.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

a close-up of a credit card

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card in my opinion is the single best travel rewards card on the market.  It offers excellent category bonuses (3X travel & dining), valuable rewards, and excellent travel protections.  With the Sapphire Reserve card, Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be cashed out at 1.5 cents each via Chase’s Pay Yourself Back feature. or used to purchase travel at a rate of 1.5 cents per point, or transferred to airline and hotel partners for even more potential value.  When you purchase travel with this card, you’re automatically protected in many ways (see: Ultra-Premium Credit Card Travel Insurance).  At $550 per year, this card is far from cheap, but it offers $300 per year in automatic travel rebates which go a long way towards minimizing your net cost.

The standard offer for this card has long been 50,000 points after $4K spend in 3 months.  That’s an excellent offer, but you can do even better by first signing up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card which has a slightly higher standard offer (60K points after $4K spend in 3 months).

How to get the better bonus: Sign up for the $95 Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, wait until the second year annual fee comes due, then call to request a product change to the Sapphire Reserve card.

Citi Double Cash

a close up of a credit card

Citi’s fee-free Double Cash card was always worth considering since it offers 2% cash back on all spend.  Now, however, it’s even more exciting: Cash rewards can now be converted to ThankYou Rewards points and used for much more value when paired with a Citi Premier or Citi Prestige card.  See our Citi Double Cash Complete Guide to learn more.

The Double Cash card usually doesn’t have a signup bonus.  So, a good alternative is to sign up for another consumer Citibank Mastercard that offers a nice signup bonus.  Then, later, you can product change to the Double Cash card.  Here are the current signup offers for several Citi cards worth considering:

Card Offer
50K miles after $2,500 spend in first 3 months
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 75K miles after $3,500 spend in 3 months (ended 10/14/24)
75K miles after $7,500 spend in first 3 months
$595 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available
$495 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.

How to get the better bonus: Sign up for one of the above cards, wait until the second year annual fee comes due, then call to request a product change to the Double Cash card.  Note that in many cases Citi has rules that prevent you from obtaining a signup bonus for a card that is in the same product family as a card that you closed or earned the signup bonus within the past 24 months (48 months for the AA cards).  When you product change from another card to the Citi Double Cash, you will most likely be assigned a new card number.  As a result, Citi will count this as having closed the previous account and you’ll therefore have to wait longer to get a card within the same product family.

You are ineligible for the signup bonus

There are plenty of reasons that you may be ineligible for a signup bonus for a card you want.  Amex presents the most obvious example thanks to their lifetime rules, but there are similar situations to be found due to various bank’s 24 month or 48 month rules against getting a signup bonus again…

American Express Cards

a group of credit cards on a table

American Express has a tough “lifetime rule” on most of their welcome bonus offers.  You are eligible for the welcome offer only if you’ve never had the same card before.  One way around this is to sign up for a card in the same product family that you are eligible for.  For example, suppose you want the Hilton Surpass card, but you’ve had it before.  You could instead sign up for the Hilton Aspire or the fee-free Hilton card and then later product change to the Hilton Surpass.  Amex will generally allow product changes within product families: change from one Hilton card to another, or from one Delta card to another, or from one Membership Rewards card to another.  Limitations: you cannot product change from a consumer card to a business card or vice versa.  You also cannot product change from a credit card to a charge card or vice versa.

How to get a new welcome bonus with an Amex card you’ve had before: Sign up for a card you’ve never had before which is in the same product family as the one you want.  Wait until the second year annual fee comes due, then call to request a product change to the card you want.

Conclusion

Above are a number of situations where it can make sense to sign up for a card other than the one you really want.  I presented a number of examples that occurred to me in the course of writing this post, but I don’t at all consider it to be a complete list.  So, here’s a challenge to readers: who can come up with the best example that I didn’t present above? Please comment below.

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O.S.

How to get it: Sign up for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, wait until the second year annual fee comes due, then call to request a product change to the Ritz card.

What about the Bonvoy Bold card? Couldn’t you hold this card for 12 months, and then product change to the Ritz card?

Captain Greg

Is it possible to upgrade to the Ritz card just before 1 year so that a 50k night posts instead of a 35k night?

Nick Reyes

Do you mean the first year? Doubtful that you’ll be able to upgrade until a year has passed since opening the card because the provisions in the CARD act about not increasing fees during a consumer’s first year. And actually, as I recall, you may reset your anniversary date when you make that upgrade and thus won’t get a certificate until your anniversary comes around again. If I’m right about that, you would want to wait until after you get your 35k cert and then upgrade as soon as possible in order to not miss out on getting a certificate and reset your anniversary year to about the same date next year.

Captain Greg

Yes, I meant the end of the first year. The moment the 35k cert posts, we (P2) will upgrade. Thanks Nick!

[…] to how you might be able to get a card that’s no longer open to new applicants. It turns out it may be as simple as signing up for a different card in the same family. For example, you can no longer apply for the American Express Bonvoy card; but if you apply for […]

Amy

Excellent and helpful article! Let us know when you think up more swaps!

Can you really PC from an AA card to a non-AA card? I was originally told it had to stay in the AA family.

Troy

I would add the US Bank Cash+ card to this list. Its $150 (sometimes $200) signup offer is not worth a hard pull in my opinion, but its ongoing 5% back on 2 categories you choose quarterly (up to $2000 per quarter for $100 cashback) is well worth making this a keeper card with no AF. 5% back on utilities is a phenomenal category option that earns me hundreds more each year than a next-best card would offer. I’d therefore recommend first applying for another US Bank card that you don’t plan to keep long term past the signup bonus, like the Altitude Reserve, and then product change to this before paying the annual fee in the 2nd year.

Jan W

This sounds like a fascinating option. I had no idea there was a card that bonused home utilities. Are the categories stationary or do they change each quarter? If I was able to keep Utilities for one year, that category alone would yield over $270 CB. The others aren’t as strong, but could be useful if you had a large planned expense (like Furniture). I have no experience with US Bank so I don’t know their system and I don’t see too much on FM. Gregg–possible post on this option?

Troy

Their categories have remained fairly consistent for several years. I believe they removed a donations category and maybe another one at some point, but nothing drastic. For no annual fee, it should easily be a keeper for almost everyone. On occasions you have a big expense you know is coming you can change up to furniture, electronics stores, etc. Even better when Player 2 has the card, as you can cover more categories by choosing different options.

Jan W

Thanks, Troy! I will definitey be putting this one of the list when I go over 5/24 again.

Last edited 3 years ago by Jan W
Jan W

Also, Troy mentioned the charity bonus category. I would love a card for this as so many places are now offering CC donations with no added fees. Is there a card for this (or some better way of making charitable donations?).

Jan W

Yes! I actually used that bonus (along with the 2500 bonus MR for spending over $2000) four times last month for charitable donations. Used the other six on a window pane replacement bill done in $500+ increments. Unrelated question: when I get subscription updates now, they include the email address but not in link (blue) form, which I means I have to cut and paste to reply. Is this an intentional change on FM’s part? I miss the link. Thanks, Greg.

Anita

Sorry if this has been covered elsewhere (I can’t find the answer).

If I downgrade an AMEX card, thinking Hilton Surpass to the NF card, do the AMEX offers apply to the new card? Thanks.

traveler80

Greg,
Can you speak to credit card strategy this year for Marriott if you’re starting out without any cards, want to get 30 elite nights for status, and still qualify for sign up bonuses? Is Amex business card and Amex Brilliant the only play? Does it matter which to apply for first?

Kelly

Isn’t there still a Chase personal card you can apply for and get 15 nights instead of the Amex Brilliant? Ever since they changed everything a couple of years ago I can’t keep track.

Michael

How can I get multiple Blue Business Amex cards? The $50000 limit is an issue for
Me

NK3

Great article. A few additions:

  1. The 48 month Citi/American rule only relates to the signup bonus; when you close the account does not matter. The Citi Premier does have the 24 month language for both sign up bonuses or closing the account. While it is widely repeated that a change in card number determines whether a Citi account is closed for the purpose of a signup bonus, that is not an official rule and there are data points indicating that may not always be true.
  2. Just to emphasize, if you sign up for the United Explorer and covert after 1 year to the Gateway, or do the same with AA Platinum to Citi Double Cash, you won’t pay an annual fee, since the first year AF is waived on these cards.
  3. United Gateway also gives you access to United Visa Rewards, which has earned me thousands of miles (much more than added portal earnings or the MPX bonus).
  4. Helpful tip on the Marriott Bonvoy Amex card–don’t switch from Bonvoy Brilliant to the $95 card right when your AF posts. Wait 2 months, use your Marriott credit (gift cards work), and let your free night cert post. The AF will be prorated and will be about $154 (($450 x 2/12) + ($95 x 10/12)), and you will get the $300 Marriott credit and a better 50K night cert.
Joel Alejandrino

thanks for the advise! this is awesome information especially marriott bonvoy amex card.

Last edited 3 years ago by Joel Alejandrino
HoKo

Very useful nugget about the Chase card…wish i had known that before I cancelled it.

With regards to Citi’s product change rules:

  1. So they allow you to PC between families (i.e. switching from an AA card to a Double cash)?
  2. If I PC from a TYP card to double cash would that count as product family change?

I am about ~8 months away from being eligible for another TYP sign up bonus with Citi so I am trying to be very careful about accidentally resetting the clock.

Justmeha

1. Yes
2. Yes

MSer

Looks like Chase no longer offers the no-fee United Mileage Plus. They now push you to the United “Gateway” card that doesn’t offer access to award space (as far as I can tell)

Captain Greg

Was just on the phone with a chase rep to downgrade my United explorer mileage plus and was using this article as my guide. When he wouldn’t allow me to downgrade to just the “united mileage plus” and was only offering the “united gateway mileage plus” I was scrambling to look into the details of that card to try to figure out if they allowed the enhanced award availability. After a few minutes I found this comment and made the switch. It would be great to update this article with that info if you get the chance. It seems like there are a few things that could be updated (you can’t get the freedom card via downgrade anymore, right?). Thank you for this info and all the hard work!

[…] written before about signing up for cards you don’t want in order to get the cards you do. Product changing can be a valuable tool for your belt, whether in order to downgrade to a no-fee […]

Jacinto

I was considering downgrading the $95 United Explorer to the no-fee United mileage Plus. But since I’ve used up all my AAA free car towing for this year, I decided that the $95 card’s Roadside Assistance Plan was still worth the price.

P-kolo

Nice but I can’t get approved for any of these cards

K Johnson

For the ‘Card no longer available’ category, the Barclay AAdvantage Aviator Silver card with solid perks for the $199 annual fee is only available by upgrading the Barclay Aviator Red card that has a $99 annual fee. The Silver was never available to apply for on its own though so maybe it gets its own category.