I receive compensation for content and many links on this blog. Be aware that websites may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. Citibank is an advertising partner of this site, as is American Express, Chase, Capital One, and others. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by my advertising partners. I do not write about all offers that are available -- instead focusing on miles, points, and cash back (and currencies that can be converted into the same). Terms apply to the offers and benefits listed on this page.
Credit card bonuses boost your balances quickly, in some cases a single credit card can get you more than one flight or a premium cabin flight. Get one yourself, get one for your travel companion, and you’re booking award travel in no time.
One way to think about which cards to sign up for is to look at the travel you want to do, and consider the cards:
- with the biggest or much better than usual signup bonuses
- where it’s not expected the bonuses will stay around long
Here are 5 cards you should consider getting now, because the offers are fantastic and in some cases may be temporary and won’t last.
- Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card has an 80,000 point signup bonus after $5000 spend within 3 months. That can even be enough for a roundtrip business class award ticket between the US and Europe. (Chase points are super valuable because they transfer directly to a variety of airlines and hotels.)
I mention this card first because it’s my favorite big card bonus right now and because it’s a business card — and a new one at that — so it’s not one most people have had already.
The card earns 3 points per dollar on travel — that’s airlines, hotels, rental cars, tolls, even Uber — and 3 points per dollar on shipping and advertising on social media and search engines, so great for anyone who advertises on Facebook or Twitter, or who spends money advertising with Google. It also comes with $600 protection against theft or damage when you use it to pay your cell phone.
- IHG® Rewards Club Select Credit Card has increased its signup bonus to let you earn 80,000 points after $1,000 spend on purchases in the first three months after account opening. (Offer expired) You also get 5000 bonus points when you add an authorized user and make a purchase within the same three-month period.
5/24 reportedly doesn’t apply folks with 5 or more new credit card accounts in the past 24 months should still be eligible for this card.
This is a $0 annual fee the first year card, and $49 thereafter. This is arguably the best hotel credit card to get for the signup bonus and to keep for its ongoing benefits. You get an annual free night at card renewal and a 10% rebate on the points you spend up to 100,000 points per year.
It was a great offer last year when they were offering 70,000 points with a higher spend requirement. This new offer is fantastic.
Intercontinental Boston - Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard® 75,000 bonus miles after spending $7,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. (offer expired)
The card comes with Admirals Club membership and lets you earn 10,000 elite qualifying miles after $40,000 spend in a year. That’s why I have the card.
You also get priority check-in, screening, and boarding as well as first checked bag free on domestic itineraries (benefits apply to up to 8 travel companions on the same reservation as well). And there’s a $100 statement credit for Global Entry TSA PreCheck.
- British Airways Visa Signature® Card was the first US credit card I’m aware of to ever offer a 100,000 point bonus in 2009.
Their big bonus is back, and it’s structured as follows: 50,000 after $3,000 spend on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening; 25,000 after $10,000 total spend on purchases within your first year of account opening — for a total of 75,000 bonus Avios ($7000 additional spend on top of the first $3000 for 50,000 Avios.); an additional 25,000 after a total of $20,000 spend within your first year from account opening — for a total of 100,000 bonus Avios. (Offer expired)
And best of all Chase’s 5/24 reportedly does not apply.
British Airways First Class - Citi ThankYou® Premier Card is offering a 50,000 point signup bonus after $4000 in purchases on the card within your first 3 months of account opening. That’s up from what’s been a usual offer of 30,000 point bonus (and for some time the main public offer had no signup bonus). (Offer expired)
The Citi ThankYou Premier card has a $0 annual fee the first year, $95 thereafter. It’s a stronger points-earning card than the $450 annual fee Citi Prestige Card since it doesn’t just earn triple points on air and hotel (Prestige) but on all travel in addition to double points on dining out and entertainment. Points transfer one-to-one to a variety of frequent flyer programs or can be spent directly at 1.25 cents apiece towards airfare on any airline or at a penny apiece towards gift cards.
Etihad A380 First Apartment, Etihad is a Citi Transfer Partner
Gary, whenever I am having a hard time on the recon line with the agent, I just tell them “but Gary has recommended these cards this month. That is a good enough reason to get them. They check your blog and quickly approve them. ” has worked every single time I have tried it. Every single time.
Can you get an IHG card if you currently have one?
Gary, you might have mentioned the Citi/AA Executive World Elite card comes with the $450 annual fee (as does competing cards from Chase and AMEX).
To clarify this benefit:
“It also comes with $600 protection against theft or damage when you use it to buy your cell phone.”
Is it when you buy the phone with the card and/or pay the monthly bill? I keep seeing different details.