In a past Frequent Miler on the Air episode, Nick and I discussed an amazing Marriott Bonvoy Boundless 5 free nights offer (now expired). By some measures, this was one of the best credit card offers we’ve ever seen. But we agreed that we wouldn’t recommend it to most people. It was a great offer for those who knew they would be traveling within the next year, but terrible for everyone else. We also discussed the likelihood that other great offers would appear. For example, we argued that we’d likely soon see improved offers for the Bonvoy Brilliant and World of Hyatt cards. In both cases, time proved us right.
Our Best Credit Card Offers page always shows the best offers sorted by estimated first year value. This is a great non-biased way to compare credit card offers, but it misses nuances like those described above. That’s why I introduced this monthly series where I list my favorite credit card offers, but with a dash of analysis. With each offer, I point out who should care about it and who shouldn’t. I also include a “Wait for better” section with the cards that I think may soon have better offers.
Table of Contents
Greg’s Top Picks: Fantastic Offers
Amex Platinum: 100K + 10X + $200
| Card Offer |
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This offer is astoundingly good! 100K points alone is a great offer, but now it also includes 10X points at U.S. grocery stores & gas stations AND $200 back in statement credits at select “home furnishing stores” (places like Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Bed, Bath & Beyond)
You can also try to get the 125K + 10X version of the offer (without the $200 statement credit) by filling out the CardMatch Tool. Unfortunately, that version of the offer is very rare.
Who should get it: Pretty much anyone who hasn’t been the primary cardholder of the Amex Platinum card in the past 7 years should at least consider this offer in my opinion. This is especially good for those who will spend a lot at US gas stations and supermarkets in the first 6 months. Read my full analysis here.
Who shouldn’t get it: The Amex Platinum card will add to your 5/24 count (but this one is worth it anyway).
Timing your application: Get it soon so that you can maximize the $30 per month Paypal rebate valid through June 2021 (details here). Also, I recommend signing up before May 5th: The $200 statement credit portion of the offer is set to expire May 5th. It wouldn’t surprise me if the 100K + 10X aspect also expired then.
See also:
- Sign up now for the Platinum 100K + 10X offer (here’s why)
- My plan for maximizing the incredible Amex Platinum offer
- Amex Membership Rewards Points Complete Guide
- Amex Platinum Complete Guide
Sapphire Preferred: 80K + $50
| Card Offer and Details |
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This is probably the best ever offer for the Sapphire Preferred card. If you’re eligible, I highly recommend jumping on this deal.
Who should get it: If you’ve never had a Sapphire card or if it’s been more than 48 months since you last received a welcome bonus for the Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve card and if you’re under 5/24, then this is a great choice. If you currently have the Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve card, you’ll have to first product change it to a Freedom card then wait a day or two before signing up for this one.
To determine your 5/24 status, see: 3 Easy Ways to Count Your 5/24 Status. The easiest option is to track all of your cards for free with Travel Freely.
Who shouldn’t get it: If you love the higher-end Sapphire Reserve card’s features and don’t want to go without that card for a year (you have to wait a year before upgrading the Sapphire Preferred), then skip the Sapphire Preferred.
Timing your application: Sign up before going over 5/24.
See also: Chase Ultimate Rewards Complete Guide
Ink Business Cash: 75K + great 5X categories
| Card Offer and Details |
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This fee-free card belongs in every point collector’s wallet. It offers 5X for office supplies and 5X for phone service, cable TV, and internet (on up to $25,000 in total purchases in 5X categories annually). Many families would do well to setup their phone, TV, and internet bills to autopay from the Ink Business Cash card in order to earn 5X rewards without any effort whatsoever. Those willing to do a little bit of work will find that stores like Staples and Office Depot sell lots of gift cards in-store; and Staples.com sells them online. In both cases, you’ll earn 5X buying gift cards so that you can ultimately buy what you really want.
The 75K offer does require $7,500 spend, but imagine if you spent all of that within 5X categories… you would earn 37,500 points to add to the 75K for a total of 112,500!
Who should get it: Anyone with a premium Ultimate Rewards card (Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred) in the household should consider getting the Chase Ink Business Cash. The Ink Cash makes it easy to earn points quickly and the premium cards (especially the Sapphire Reserve) make your points more valuable.
More:
You must have a business (but you probably do): In order to sign up for a business credit card, you must have a business. That said, it's common for people to have businesses without realizing it. If you sell items at a yard sale or on eBay, for example, then you have a business. Similar examples include: consulting, writing (e.g. blog authorship, planning your first novel, etc.), handyman services, owning rental property, renting on airbnb, driving for Uber or Lyft, etc. In any of these cases, your business is considered a Sole Proprietorship unless you form a corporation of some sort.When you apply for a business credit card as a sole proprietor, you can use your own name as your business name, use your own address and phone as the business' address and phone, and your social security number as the business' Tax ID / EIN. Alternatively, you can get a proper Tax ID / EIN from the IRS for free, in about a minute, through this website.
Is it OK to use business cards for personal expenses? Anecdotally, almost everyone I know uses business cards for personal expenses. That said, the terms in most business card applications state that you should use the card only for business use. Also, some consumer credit card protections do not apply to business cards. My advice: don't use the card for personal expenses if you're not comfortable doing so.
To determine your 5/24 status, see: 3 Easy Ways to Count Your 5/24 Status. The easiest option is to track all of your cards for free with Travel Freely.
Who shouldn’t get it: Don’t apply if you don’t have a business or if you’re over 5/24.
Timing your application: Sign up soon as we don’t know how long this will last. The usual offer is 50K.
See also: Chase Ink Business Cash Complete Guide
Ink Business Unlimited: 75K + 1.5X everywhere
| Card Offer and Details |
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This isn’t as much of a “must have” card as the Ink Cash, but the welcome bonus is similarly awesome. It is possible to get both cards even if you have only one business.
Who should get it: Anyone with a business who can qualify for this offer should consider it.
More:
You must have a business (but you probably do): In order to sign up for a business credit card, you must have a business. That said, it's common for people to have businesses without realizing it. If you sell items at a yard sale or on eBay, for example, then you have a business. Similar examples include: consulting, writing (e.g. blog authorship, planning your first novel, etc.), handyman services, owning rental property, renting on airbnb, driving for Uber or Lyft, etc. In any of these cases, your business is considered a Sole Proprietorship unless you form a corporation of some sort.When you apply for a business credit card as a sole proprietor, you can use your own name as your business name, use your own address and phone as the business' address and phone, and your social security number as the business' Tax ID / EIN. Alternatively, you can get a proper Tax ID / EIN from the IRS for free, in about a minute, through this website.
Is it OK to use business cards for personal expenses? Anecdotally, almost everyone I know uses business cards for personal expenses. That said, the terms in most business card applications state that you should use the card only for business use. Also, some consumer credit card protections do not apply to business cards. My advice: don't use the card for personal expenses if you're not comfortable doing so.
To determine your 5/24 status, see: 3 Easy Ways to Count Your 5/24 Status. The easiest option is to track all of your cards for free with Travel Freely.
Who shouldn’t get it: Don’t apply if you don’t have a business or if you’re over 5/24.
Timing your application: Sign up soon as we don’t know how long this will last. The usual offer is 50K.
See also: Chase Ink Business Unlimited Complete Guide
Amex Gold Card: 75K + $200
| Card Offer and Details |
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The Amex Gold Card has been a favorite of ours since it debuted with its 4X dining and grocery categories (see above for details), but until recently the best offer for this card topped out at 45K points. Obviously 60K points is much better. And 75K is amazing.
In order to see the 75K version of the offer, try our link from a “clean browser”.
If you can’t get the 75K offer to show, I’d recommend going for the Resy offer (see the alternate offer) which offers 60K plus the ability to earn $250 back at restaurants (where you’ll also earn 4X). Consider that you’ll likely use this card at restaurants and food delivery services anyway (for 4X rewards), so you should be able to earn the full $250 rebate through regular dining spend over the next 12 months.
Who should get it: Pretty much everyone. As long as you haven’t had this card or the old Premier Rewards Gold card in the past 7 years, you should qualify for this one.
Who shouldn’t get it: The Amex Gold card will add to your 5/24 count, so if you’re trying to stay under 5/24 you won’t want this one.
Timing your application: If you can get the 75K offer to show, go for it.
See also: Amex Membership Rewards Points Complete Guide.
Delta Business Cards: 70K to 90K plus cash
| Card Offer |
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The three Delta business cards shown above are offering best ever mile bonuses plus cash back. If you’re interested in picking up a Delta card, this is a great time to do so.
Those interested in pursuing Delta elite status would do well with the Delta Reserve card (see: Delta Platinum elite status without flying). Most others will want to choose between Gold or Platinum cards. The Platinum card offers more miles but at a higher cost.
Who should get it: If you have any interest in flying Delta, this is a great time to pick up some easy miles and cash back. Or, if you’re interested in pursuing Delta elite status, this is a fantastic time to sign up for the Delta Reserve card.
Who shouldn’t get it: Don’t bother if you don’t expect to fly Delta or one of Delta’s partners.
Timing your application: These offers expire April 28th, 2021.
Delta Consumer Cards: 70K to 90K plus cash rebates
| Card Offer |
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The three Delta business cards shown above are offering best ever mile bonuses plus $200 in statement credits for home furnishings spend (including Bed, Bath & Beyond & Lowe’s & Home Depot).
Those interested in pursuing Delta elite status would do well with the Delta Reserve card (see: Delta Platinum elite status without flying). Most others will want to choose between Gold or Platinum cards. The Platinum card offers more miles but at a higher cost.
Who should get it: If you have any interest in flying Delta, this is a great time to pick up some easy miles. Or, if you’re interested in pursuing Delta elite status, this is a fantastic time to sign up for the Delta Reserve card.
Who shouldn’t get it: Don’t bother if you don’t expect to fly Delta or one of Delta’s partners. Additionally, if you’re trying to get or stay under 5/24 so that you can apply for Chase cards, then skip these consumer card offers and look only at the business card offers, above.
Timing your application: These offers expire April 28th, 2021.
Hilton Cards: 150K + $150 (or 100K + $100)
| Card Offer |
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The three Amex Hilton cards shown above are offering best ever point bonuses plus cash back. If you’re interested in picking up a Hilton card, this is a great time to do so.
Who should get it: If you have any interest in staying at Hilton hotels, this is a great time to pick up some easy points and cash back.
Who shouldn’t get it: If you’re trying to get or stay under 5/24 so that you can apply for Chase cards, then skip the consumer card offers and look only at the business card offer.
Timing your application: My guess is that these offers will stick around for a couple of months, but we don’t know for sure. If you’re interested, sign up soon.
Greg’s Top Picks: Very Good Offers
United Business Card: 75K + 1st Year Free
| Card Offer and Details |
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This is a good bonus, but what I really like is that this card is potentially worth keeping for those who fly United a few times per year. Consider these perks:
- Improved saver award availability
- Last seat standard award availability
- Free first checked bag
- Priority boarding
- No foreign exchange fees
- 2 United Club passes per year at anniversary
- Primary auto rental collision damage waiver
- 5,000 bonus miles at anniversary when you have this card and also a personal Chase United credit card
- 25% back on United in-flight purchases
Those who also have a fee-free United card like the United Gateway card will recoup most of the business card’s annual fee each year from the 5,000 bonus miles perk. And once travel returns to some semblance of normal, the United Club passes could come in handy as well. Free checked bags can also be valuable, but note that United is one of the few airlines that require that you pay for the flight with your airline card in order to use the feature (see: Free Checked Bags via Credit Card Complete Guide).
Who should get it: Anyone with a business who flies United semi-regularly should consider this card not just for the signup bonus but also for keeping long term. If you already have the United MileagePlus consumer card, consider downgrading that to a no-fee card and adding this card to your portfolio.
More:
You must have a business (but you probably do): In order to sign up for a business credit card, you must have a business. That said, it's common for people to have businesses without realizing it. If you sell items at a yard sale or on eBay, for example, then you have a business. Similar examples include: consulting, writing (e.g. blog authorship, planning your first novel, etc.), handyman services, owning rental property, renting on airbnb, driving for Uber or Lyft, etc. In any of these cases, your business is considered a Sole Proprietorship unless you form a corporation of some sort.When you apply for a business credit card as a sole proprietor, you can use your own name as your business name, use your own address and phone as the business' address and phone, and your social security number as the business' Tax ID / EIN. Alternatively, you can get a proper Tax ID / EIN from the IRS for free, in about a minute, through this website.
Is it OK to use business cards for personal expenses? Anecdotally, almost everyone I know uses business cards for personal expenses. That said, the terms in most business card applications state that you should use the card only for business use. Also, some consumer credit card protections do not apply to business cards. My advice: don't use the card for personal expenses if you're not comfortable doing so.
To determine your 5/24 status, see: 3 Easy Ways to Count Your 5/24 Status. The easiest option is to track all of your cards for free with Travel Freely.
Who shouldn’t get it: Don’t apply if you don’t have a business or if you’re over 5/24.
Timing your application: Good bonuses for this card are common, so there’s probably no need to hurry.
Amex Business Platinum: 110K + 5X
| Card Offer |
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You won’t get the 110K offer by clicking our affiliate link, but if you click a refer-a-friend link like this one, you might find yourself targeted for a 110,000 point version of the offer. If interested, try different browsers and devices. I couldn’t replicate this finding on my laptop, but my cell phone brings up the 110K offer every time.
Who should get it: This is a very good offer for the Business Platinum card but it still requires $15K spend. Sign up for this offer only if you’re sure you will meet that spend requirement.
Who shouldn’t get it: If $15K spend is too steep for you, skip this offer.
Timing your application: While this is a very good offer, it’s common to see similar offers but for 100K points for this card. In other words, I don’t think this offer is so great that you need to hurry.
See also:
IHG Premier: 140K
| Card Offer and Details |
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This is a great bonus for a card with decent perks but poor earnings on spend. Those who don’t have the (no longer available) IHG Club card may like the IHG Premier for its annual free night certificate and automatic Platinum Elite status. The Fourth Night Free on award stays is a great feature too, but that’s also available on the IHG Traveler card. For those who don’t want to pay this card’s annual fee, a great option is to sign up for this bonus and then downgrade to the IHG Traveler card a year later.
Who should get it: Anyone under 5/24 who does not yet have this card may find it worth getting.
To determine your 5/24 status, see: 3 Easy Ways to Count Your 5/24 Status. The easiest option is to track all of your cards for free with Travel Freely.
Who shouldn’t get it: Anyone who has no use for IHG points or is trying to get or stay under 5/24.
Timing your application: If you are in “two player mode”, it’s a good idea for you and your partner to sign up around the same time so that the annual free night certificates have the same expiration dates and can therefore be used for two night stays each year.
Wyndham Business Card: 45K points + Diamond
| Card Offer and Details |
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It’s not just the 45K welcome bonus that excites me about this new Wyndham card, but rather a combination of cool things:
- 15K annual point bonus: The annual point bonus alone is worth the card’s $95 annual fee.
- Wyndham Diamond status: With this status you can get suite upgrades (including on free nights), welcome amenity, and ability to gift Gold status to others. Even better, Wyndham Diamond status freely matches to Caesar’s Diamond which offers perks like waived resort fees, free $100 Celebration dinner (read Nick’s Celebration Dinner trip report here), and much more.
- Strong earnings for gas station purchases (8X), Wyndham hotels (8X), and utilities (5X)
- Won’t add to your 5/24 Count: Business cards from most issuers (including Barclays) do not show as accounts on your personal credit reports and therefore do not add to your Chase 5/24 count.
Who should get it: I think this one makes sense for pretty much anyone who is eligible to apply for business cards.
More:
You must have a business (but you probably do): In order to sign up for a business credit card, you must have a business. That said, it's common for people to have businesses without realizing it. If you sell items at a yard sale or on eBay, for example, then you have a business. Similar examples include: consulting, writing (e.g. blog authorship, planning your first novel, etc.), handyman services, owning rental property, renting on airbnb, driving for Uber or Lyft, etc. In any of these cases, your business is considered a Sole Proprietorship unless you form a corporation of some sort.When you apply for a business credit card as a sole proprietor, you can use your own name as your business name, use your own address and phone as the business' address and phone, and your social security number as the business' Tax ID / EIN. Alternatively, you can get a proper Tax ID / EIN from the IRS for free, in about a minute, through this website.
Is it OK to use business cards for personal expenses? Anecdotally, almost everyone I know uses business cards for personal expenses. That said, the terms in most business card applications state that you should use the card only for business use. Also, some consumer credit card protections do not apply to business cards. My advice: don't use the card for personal expenses if you're not comfortable doing so.
Who shouldn’t get it: Anyone who doesn’t foresee any good use for Wyndham points should stay away. Wyndham points expire 4 years after they’re earned.
Timing your application: The 45K offer is probably temporary. My bet is that the offer will drop down to 30K at some point in the future, but I don’t know when. If it’s important to you to get the 45K bonus then sign up soon.
See also: New Wyndham Earner credit cards review: Surprisingly strong
Citi Premier: 60K
| Card Offer and Details |
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The Citi Premier card offers excellent earnings on spend (3X grocery; 3X dining; 3X gas stations; 3X flights, hotels, travel agencies) and unlocks the ability to transfer ThankYou points to airline programs. 60K is the standard welcome bonus for this card, but it’s a good one.
Who should get it: The Premier card is a good choice for those who value points transferrable to airline programs. If you also have the Citi Double Cash and Rewards Plus combination, then the Premier card is a fantastic add-on. See: Citi’s awesome trio –Double Cash, Premier, Rewards+.
Who shouldn’t get it: If you prefer easier to use rewards and/or hotel rewards, then you may want to skip this one.
Timing your application: This offer is unlikely to go away anytime soon. Take your time.
See also: Citi ThankYou Rewards Complete Guide
Wait for better
Hilton Aspire
| Card Offer |
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This is a tough one. I almost put this card in the top list. This card already has a great offer. Plus, the free nights earned from this card prior to the end of 2021 will be valid at least until the end of 2022 and for any day of the week, not just weekends (see this post for details).
On the other hand, I still think it is likely that we’ll see a sweeter offer come out this year for this card.
Sapphire Reserve
| Card Offer |
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Personally, I think the Sapphire Reserve is a great travel card. If you’re a frequent traveler, you should at least consider obtaining this card. That said, the welcome bonus for the Sapphire Preferred card is better. If you don’t need the Sapphire Reserve’s perks right away, a better play may be to sign up for the cheaper Sapphire Preferred and then upgrade to the Sapphire Reserve a year later
