Article updated on Sep 25, 2024
A credit card's welcome offer could add to your emergency fund, give you a head start on your next trip, or just add to your rewards balance.
Why You Can Trust CNET Money
Our Experts
Written by Evan Zimmer has been writing about finance for years. After graduating with a journalism degree from SUNY Oswego, he wrote credit card content for Credit Card Insider (now Money Tips) before moving to ZDNET Finance to cover credit card, banking and blockchain news. He currently works with CNET Money to bring readers the most accurate and up-to-date financial information. Otherwise, you can find him reading, rock climbing, snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors. Joe Van Brussel Contributor Joe Van Brussel is a freelance writer for CNET Money, where he deciphers obfuscatory credit card offers and breaks them down so consumers actually know what belongs in their wallet. He also covers other aspects of personal finance, from life insurance and loans to tax software and the impact of broader economic trends on individuals. Joe believes the United States will win the World Cup in his lifetime, and wishes New York City apartments came standard with thick, noise-reducing windows.
Edited by Raina He is a contributor to CNET Money. She previously worked as an editor at CNET, focusing on credit cards, banking and loans. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Media and Journalism. Before coming to CNET Money, she was an editor at NextAdvisor, a personal finance news site that shared a parent company with CNET Money. Courtney Johnston Senior Editor Courtney Johnston is a senior editor leading the CNET Money team. Passionate about financial literacy and inclusion, she has a decade of experience as a freelance journalist covering policy, financial news, real estate and investing. A New Jersey native, she graduated with an M.A. in English Literature and Professional Writing from the University of Indianapolis, where she also worked as a graduate writing instructor.
Reviewed by Julia Menez Credit card expert and host of the Geobreeze Travel Podcast Julia Menez is a points strategy coach, speaker, and host of the Geobreeze Travel Podcast. Through her podcast and social media channels, she distills the strategies from top award travelers around the world and creates step-by-step tutorials for how you can make the most out of your points and miles.
CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid.
Reviews ethics statement
Written by
Evan Zimmer has been writing about finance for years. After graduating with a journalism degree from SUNY Oswego, he wrote credit card content for Credit Card Insider (now Money Tips) before moving to ZDNET Finance to cover credit card, banking and blockchain news. He currently works with CNET Money to bring readers the most accurate and up-to-date financial information. Otherwise, you can find him reading, rock climbing, snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors.
Joe Van Brussel Contributor Joe Van Brussel is a freelance writer for CNET Money, where he deciphers obfuscatory credit card offers and breaks them down so consumers actually know what belongs in their wallet. He also covers other aspects of personal finance, from life insurance and loans to tax software and the impact of broader economic trends on individuals. Joe believes the United States will win the World Cup in his lifetime, and wishes New York City apartments came standard with thick, noise-reducing windows.
Edited by
Raina He is a contributor to CNET Money. She previously worked as an editor at CNET, focusing on credit cards, banking and loans. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Media and Journalism. Before coming to CNET Money, she was an editor at NextAdvisor, a personal finance news site that shared a parent company with CNET Money.
Courtney Johnston Senior Editor Courtney Johnston is a senior editor leading the CNET Money team. Passionate about financial literacy and inclusion, she has a decade of experience as a freelance journalist covering policy, financial news, real estate and investing. A New Jersey native, she graduated with an M.A. in English Literature and Professional Writing from the University of Indianapolis, where she also worked as a graduate writing instructor.
Reviewed by:
Julia Menez Credit card expert and host of the Geobreeze Travel Podcast Julia Menez is a points strategy coach, speaker, and host of the Geobreeze Travel Podcast. Through her podcast and social media channels, she distills the strategies from top award travelers around the world and creates step-by-step tutorials for how you can make the most out of your points and miles.
Article updated on Sep 25, 2024
Best welcome bonus value for your spending
Chase Freedom Flex®
4.1/5
Rating Breakdown 4.1
Welcome Bonus 3.0
Rewards Program 5.0
Value for Money 5.0
Benefits 3.0
Fees and APR 3.5
Rewards / Travel
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card's reward potential, the value you get compared to the card's cost, the benefits and the card's rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Annual Fee $0
Rewards Rate
1% - 5% 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!; 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.; 3% cash back on dining and drugstores.; 1% cash back on all other purchases.
4.2/5
Rating Breakdown 4.2
Welcome Bonus 5.0
Rewards Program 4.0
Value for Money 3.8
Benefits 4.0
Fees and APR 3.0
Rewards / Travel
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card's reward potential, the value you get compared to the card's cost, the benefits and the card's rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Annual Fee $0
Intro offer available Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
Learn More
Flat cash rewards with an easy-to-reach bonus
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
4.4/5
Rating Breakdown 4.4
Welcome Bonus 4.0
Rewards Program 5.0
Value for Money 5.0
Benefits 3.0
Fees and APR 3.5
Rewards / Travel
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card's reward potential, the value you get compared to the card's cost, the benefits and the card's rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Annual Fee $0
Rewards Rate
2% Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
4.3/5
Rating Breakdown 4.3
Welcome Bonus 3.5
Rewards Program 5.0
Value for Money 5.0
Benefits 4.0
Fees and APR 3.5
Rewards / Travel
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card's reward potential, the value you get compared to the card's cost, the benefits and the card's rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Annual Fee $95
Intro offer available Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠ value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.
Learn More
A large payout for a small annual fee
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
3.6/5
Rating Breakdown 3.6
Welcome Bonus 3.5
Rewards Program 3.5
Value for Money 4.0
Benefits 3.5
Fees and APR 3.0
Rewards / Travel
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card's reward potential, the value you get compared to the card's cost, the benefits and the card's rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Annual Fee $95
Rewards Rate
2x - 5x 5 Miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
Unlimited Cashback Match™ at the end of your first year
Discover it® Cash Back
4.1/5
Rating Breakdown 4.1
Welcome Bonus 5.0
Rewards Program 4.0
Value for Money 4.0
Benefits 2.0
Fees and APR 3.5
Rewards / Travel
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card's reward potential, the value you get compared to the card's cost, the benefits and the card's rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Annual Fee $0
Rewards Rate
1% - 5% Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.; Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
3.9/5
Rating Breakdown 3.9
Welcome Bonus 4.0
Rewards Program 4.0
Value for Money 4.0
Benefits 4.25
Fees and APR 3.0
Rewards / Travel
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card's reward potential, the value you get compared to the card's cost, the benefits and the card's rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Annual Fee $325
Intro offer available Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
Learn More
A good bonus with no foreign transaction fees
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
3.3/5
Rating Breakdown 3.3
Welcome Bonus 3.5
Rewards Program 2.5
Value for Money 4.0
Benefits 3.0
Fees and APR 3.5
Rewards / Travel
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card's reward potential, the value you get compared to the card's cost, the benefits and the card's rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Annual Fee $0
Rewards Rate
1.5% - 5% Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply; Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Earn free stays at Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
3.5/5
Rating Breakdown 3.5
Welcome Bonus 3.5
Rewards Program 3.5
Value for Money 3.5
Benefits 4.0
Fees and APR 3.0
Rewards / Travel
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card's reward potential, the value you get compared to the card's cost, the benefits and the card's rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Annual Fee $95
Rewards Rate
2x - 17x Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.; Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.; 2X points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Our Experts
Written by Evan Zimmer has been writing about finance for years. After graduating with a journalism degree from SUNY Oswego, he wrote credit card content for Credit Card Insider (now Money Tips) before moving to ZDNET Finance to cover credit card, banking and blockchain news. He currently works with CNET Money to bring readers the most accurate and up-to-date financial information. Otherwise, you can find him reading, rock climbing, snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors. Joe Van Brussel Contributor Joe Van Brussel is a freelance writer for CNET Money, where he deciphers obfuscatory credit card offers and breaks them down so consumers actually know what belongs in their wallet. He also covers other aspects of personal finance, from life insurance and loans to tax software and the impact of broader economic trends on individuals. Joe believes the United States will win the World Cup in his lifetime, and wishes New York City apartments came standard with thick, noise-reducing windows.
Edited by Raina He is a contributor to CNET Money. She previously worked as an editor at CNET, focusing on credit cards, banking and loans. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Media and Journalism. Before coming to CNET Money, she was an editor at NextAdvisor, a personal finance news site that shared a parent company with CNET Money. Courtney Johnston Senior Editor Courtney Johnston is a senior editor leading the CNET Money team. Passionate about financial literacy and inclusion, she has a decade of experience as a freelance journalist covering policy, financial news, real estate and investing. A New Jersey native, she graduated with an M.A. in English Literature and Professional Writing from the University of Indianapolis, where she also worked as a graduate writing instructor.
Reviewed by Julia Menez Credit card expert and host of the Geobreeze Travel Podcast Julia Menez is a points strategy coach, speaker, and host of the Geobreeze Travel Podcast. Through her podcast and social media channels, she distills the strategies from top award travelers around the world and creates step-by-step tutorials for how you can make the most out of your points and miles.
CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid.
Reviews ethics statementWhy You Can Trust CNET Money
Before applying for a card with a flashy welcome bonus, make sure the card is the right fit for your spending habits. Look at the card’s annual fee, rewards rate and other cardholder perks to see if it aligns well with your everyday spending.
You also want to make sure you can meet the welcome bonus spending requirement without overspending. Otherwise, the interest you’ll accrue when carrying a balance could quickly wipe away any rewards you’ve earned.
Table of Contents
- The best credit card welcome bonuses of 2024
- How do credit card bonuses work?
- How to find the best credit card welcome bonus for you
- What the experts say about credit card welcome bonuses
- When does applying for a credit card with a welcome bonus make sense?
- How to calculate the value of a welcome bonus
- How to apply and receive your bonus
- FAQs
- Other credit cards we researched
- Our methodology
Written by
Evan Zimmer
Staff Writer
Evan Zimmer has been writing about finance for years. After graduating with a journalism degree from SUNY Oswego, he wrote credit card content for Credit Card Insider (now Money Tips) before moving to ZDNET Finance to cover credit card, banking and blockchain news. He currently works with CNET Money to bring readers the most accurate and up-to-date financial information. Otherwise, you can find him reading, rock climbing, snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors.
Written by
Joe Van Brussel
Contributor
Joe Van Brussel is a freelance writer for CNET Money, where he deciphers obfuscatory credit card offers and breaks them down so consumers actually know what belongs in their wallet. He also covers other aspects of personal finance, from life insurance and loans to tax software and the impact of broader economic trends on individuals. Joe believes the United States will win the World Cup in his lifetime, and wishes New York City apartments came standard with thick, noise-reducing windows.