Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses in January 2026: Earn $200-$1,000 or More, Fast

The Chase Freedom Unlimited^® credit card is great in that it offers a solid rewards rate and consumer protections for a $0 annual fee. 

Who it’s best for: Someone who wants simple rewards plus travel and purchase protections, or needs a good card to pair with other Chase Ultimate Rewards^® cards.

Eligibility flags: Cannot have received a cardmember bonus for this card within the last 24 months. Chase may also disqualify you if you’ve opened more than five cards in the past 24 months.

When offer posts: Generally available the next billing cycle, but may take an additional billing cycle for points earned at the end of the billing cycle.

Best use tip: Pair this card with a premium Ultimate Rewards card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card and pool your rewards to maximize their value on travel redemptions.

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers an attractive sign-up bonus with a low spending threshold and is great for those who spend heavily on dining, entertainment and travel.

Who it’s best for: Anyone who spends heavily on entertainment, dining out and travel. 

Eligibility flags: Make sure your credit reports are all unfrozen before applying.  

When offer posts: Usually within 10 days of earning the rewards, but could take up to two statement cycles. 

Best use tip: Pair this with a flat-rate cash back card to earn higher rewards in categories that don’t qualify for elevated rewards. 

You can potentially earn a large amount of cash back with the Discover it^® Cash Back‘s cash match offer, depending on how much you spend. On the downside, you’ll have to spend heavily to get a good return on it, and you won’t get the welcome offer until after a year of card ownership.

Who it’s best for: Someone who doesn’t mind enrolling in quarterly categories and will use the welcome offer to its full potential. 

Eligibility flags: You may be ineligible for a welcome offer if you previously owned the card.

When offer posts: Once you’ve reached 12 consecutive billing periods (or 365 days, whichever is longer) to earn the offer, the match is automatically added to your account within two billing periods.

Best use tip: Plan your spending around the quarterly bonus categories to maximize the cash back that you earn at the end of year.

A top card for U.S. everyday purchases, the Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express offers a long window to earn the welcome offer and some of the highest cash back* rates on U.S. supermarket purchases, plus a good intro APR on purchases.

Who it’s best for: People who want a go-to card for shopping at U.S. supermarkets and those who want a single card for everyday purchases, like gas and groceries.

Eligibility flags: You may be ineligible for this welcome offer if you’ve had this card or previous version of it, or you’ve opened another American Express card in the past 90 days. Amex’s pop-up tool should notify you if you’re ineligible before you submit your application.

When offer posts: Within eight to 12 weeks after you meet the spending threshold.

Best use tip: Pair this card with the Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express to continue earning a high rate of cash back* at U.S. supermarkets after you’ve hit the $6,000 cap.
 

The generous welcome offer makes the Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card one of the best cards for earning 2% cash rewards on purchases.

Who it’s best for: Anyone who wants a high flat-rate cash rewards card without any extra effort. 

Eligibility flags: You may not be eligible for this card if you’ve opened a Wells Fargo consumer card in the past six months. The introductory APRs or welcome offer may not apply if you have had the card within the last 48 months from the date of this application.

When offer posts: Bonus rewards will post within one to two billing cycles after they are earned. 

Best use tip: Use the welcome offer along with the card’s lengthy intro APR on new purchases to finance a large purchase.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card offers one of the best sign-up bonuses you can find for a mid-range card because its points are so valuable and flexible. You’ll also get great ongoing rewards on travel and dining and strong travel protections like primary rental car insurance.

Who it’s best for: Savvy travelers who enjoy finding the best redemption options.

Eligibility flags: The new cardmember bonus may not be available to you if you currently have any other personal Sapphire cards, previously held this card or received a new cardmember bonus for this card. Chase may also disqualify you if you’ve opened more than five cards in the past 24 months.

When offer posts: Six to eight weeks after qualifying for the bonus.

Best use tip: Hyatt is one of Chase’s most valuable travel partners. You can use this bonus for a five-night stay in a standard room at a higher-end Hyatt property like The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa. 

With the Citi Strata Premier^® Card you can earn a pile of Citi ThankYou® Points and enjoy top-tier rewards, partner transfer options and an annual $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more through the Citi travel portal (excluding taxes and fees).

Who it’s best for: Occasional travelers who want a low-cost travel credit card. 

Eligibility flags: This offer is only valid on new accounts. Citi may also deny you if you’ve been approved for another personal card in the past eight days or two personal cards in the past 65 days. 

When offer posts: Bonus points may take up to three billing cycles to post. 

Best use tip: Transfer your points to a Citi travel partner like American Airlines AAdvantage®. You could score a roundtrip flight from Chicago to London on American Airlines for as little as 54,000 miles*.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a huge number of flexible miles that you can transfer to more than 20 travel loyalty programs in return for a reasonable amount of spending.

Who it’s best for: Travelers who go abroad and fly international carriers

Eligibility flags: Current cardholders or previous cardholders are not eligible if they have received a new card member bonus for this product within the past 48 months.    

When offer posts: Rewards are typically visible online within 10 days but may take up to two statement cycles to be posted to your account.    

Best use tip: Transfer miles to Aeroplan, Avianca LifeMiles or Miles & Smiles to book flights with their Star Alliance partners. For example, you can transfer miles to Avianca and book a one-way flight on United from San Francisco to Honolulu for as little as 15,000 LifeMiles*.

The American Express^® Gold Card is a great travel card since it earns Amex Membership Rewards® points at a fast pace and the various statement credits help offset the annual fee. 

Who it’s best for: Travelers who dine out frequently and can make the most of the statement credits. 

Eligibility flags: You may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer if you’ve had this card or certain other American Express cards previously or based on other factors. You also may be denied if you’ve opened another American Express card in the past 90 days. Amex’s pop-up tool should notify you if you’re ineligible before you submit your application. 

When offer posts: Points will be credited to your account within eight to 12 weeks of meeting the spending threshold. 

Best use tip: Transferring points to airline partners like KLM and Air France FlyingBlue will get the most for your miles. For example, you could book two roundtrip tickets from Houston to Paris on Air France for as little as 50,000 miles a pop with this offer*.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a top-tier travel card offering standout rewards on both travel and everyday purchases, outperforming competitors while charging a lower annual fee.

Who it’s best for: A frequent traveler who wants strong perks, easy credits and premium lounge access and doesn’t mind booking through a travel portal.

Eligibility flags: Existing or previous cardmembers are not eligible for this product if they have received a new cardmember bonus for this card within the past 48 months.

When offer posts: Earned rewards are usually visible online within 10 days, but may take up to two statement cycles to post to your account.

Best use tip: Transfer miles to travel partners like Air Canada Aeroplan and Avianca Lifemiles to stretch this bonus farther. For instance, you could score a one-way flight from Seattle to Tokyo on Aeroplan for as little as 35,000 points*.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve^® provides premium travel protections, rich rewards on travel and dining and thousands of dollars in flexible credits that can easily outweigh its high annual fee if you use them.

Who it’s best for: It’s ideal for high-earning, frequent travelers with excellent credit who are willing to actively use the travel, dining and lifestyle perks to squeeze maximum value from the card.

Eligibility flags: Unavailable to current cardholders or those who have other personal Sapphire cards open or have previously received a bonus for this card. Chase may also disqualify you if you’ve opened more than five cards in the past 24 months.

When offer posts: Allow six to eight weeks for bonus points to post to your account. 

Best use tip: Transferring points to Chase’s travel partners will generally be your best bet. You can grab a comfy seat in Business Class on Air India for a trip from New York to Singapore for as little as 65,000 Aeroplan points*.

The American Express Platinum Card^® is a luxury travel card with unmatched lounge access and over $2,000 in annual statement credits that can easily outweigh its hefty fee.

Who it’s best for: Frequent, high-end travelers who value top-tier lounge access and can use the many travel and lifestyle credits to offset the steep annual fee.

Eligibility flags: You may be ineligible for the welcome offer if you have or have previously had this card or a similar one from the issuer, or you’ve opened another American Express card in the past 90 days. Amex’s pop-up tool should notify you if you’re ineligible before you submit your application.

When offer posts: Points will be credited to your Membership Rewards® account within eight to 12 weeks of meeting the spending threshold. 

Best use tip: Get the best return on your points by transferring them to airline loyalty program partners. For example, you could score a couple Business class seats to Madrid on KLM for as little as 60,000 miles each*.

The Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card is a solid entry-level airline card offering you the opportunity to earn a large welcome offer, priority boarding, a free checked bag on Delta flights and an affordable annual fee.

Who it’s best for: Casual Delta flyers who want simple, money-saving perks like a free checked bag, priority boarding and a couple of easy travel credits

Eligibility flags: You may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer if you have or have had this card, the Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card, the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card or previous versions of these cards. Additional factors, including credit history and history with American Express, may also be considered. You also may be denied if you’ve opened another American Express card in the past 90 days. Amex’s pop-up tool should notify you if you’re ineligible before you submit your application.

When offer posts: Miles will be credited to your account eight to 12 weeks after you meet the spending threshold. 

Best use tip: Take advantage of SkyMiles Award Deals to stretch your miles farther. For instance, Delta recently offered roundtrip flights from Dallas to Orlando for some dates in January for just 12,200 miles*. You could cover a trip for four to Disney World with this offer.

The Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^® is a strong pick for American Airlines loyalists, featuring a valuable miles bonus, first-year fee waiver, solid travel perks like a free checked bag and a path to a valuable flight credit.

Eligibility flags: The new account bonus is not available if you have received a new account bonus for a Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^® account in the past 48 months or if you converted another Citi credit card account on which you earned a new account bonus in the last 48 months into a Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^® account. Citi may also deny you if you’ve been approved for another personal card in the past eight days or two personal cards in the past 65 days. 

Who it’s best for: Loyal American Airlines travelers who want steady mileage earning on everyday purchases, perks like a free checked bag and preferred boarding and flies often enough to make the annual fee worth it. 

When offer posts: Miles typically post to your AAdvantage account eight to 10 weeks after you meet the purchase requirements.

Best use tip: You can often pick up cheap trips to Europe during off-peak travel times with American-operated flights. It’s possible to find trips for under 20,000 miles each way when you travel during slower travel months. For example, you can fly from San Diego to London in January 2026 is just 17,550 miles plus $5.60 tax each way*.

A well-rounded airline card, The New United℠ Explorer Card offers generous travel perks like a free checked bag and lounge passes plus a credit for expedited airport security programs.

Who it’s best for: Frequent United flyers, value-focused family travelers and occasional travelers who want perks without a premium fee.

Eligibility flags: This card 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. Chase may also disqualify you if you’ve opened more than five cards in the past 24 months.

When offer posts: Allow six to eight weeks for bonus miles to post to your account after qualifying. 

Best use tip: United offers good deals from the West Coast to Hawaii. You can book multiple tickets from Los Angeles to Honolulu for as little as 15,000 miles, depending on the date*.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Premier Credit Card is a solid mid-tier pick for Southwest fans who want easy-to-use points, a strong sign-up bonus and a real shot at the Companion Pass without paying for premium perks.

Who it’s best for: Occasional Southwest travelers who value simple redemptions, want to fast-track A-List status or the Companion Pass, and don’t mind a modest annual fee.

Eligibility flags: Current cardmembers of any Southwest Rapid Rewards® credit card or previous card members who received a bonus within the last 24 months. This doesn’t apply to business and employee credit cards. Chase may also disqualify you if you’ve opened more than five cards in the past 24 months.

When offer posts: Bonus points usually post within eight weeks. 

Best use tip: Use your points to earn the Southwest Companion Pass, which lets a companion fly with you for just taxes and fees. Aim to qualify as early in the year as possible since it’s good for the remainder of the current year and the following one. 

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card cardholders can earn 3 Free Night Awards Earn 3 Free Night Awards worth up to 50,000 points each after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening. plus ongoing elite perks and annual free nights for a modest $95 annual fee.

Who it’s best for: Travelers who stay at Marriott at least a few times a year and want easy-to-earn rewards without paying for a premium card. 

Eligibility flags: The new cardmember bonus is not available if you have had certain Marriott or American Express cards within the past 30 days to 24 months. Chase may also disqualify you if you’ve opened more than five cards in the past 24 months.

When offer posts: Allow eight weeks for your bonus to post to your account after qualifying. 

Best use tip: Try to time this bonus toward the end of the three-month intro period so you can combine it with your annual free night award before it expires. You can combine these certificates to book a four-night stay at top-end resorts like The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa, Cancun for less than 50,000 points per night, depending on the room and date*.

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card comes with a generous welcome offer and strong hotel rewards with automatic Gold status make this a standout for Hilton loyalists.

Who it’s best for: Hilton Loyalists who can take advantage of the status and credits to make the most of the card’s perks. 

Eligibility flags: You may not be eligible for a welcome offer if you’ve had this card or previous versions. Additional factors, including credit history and history with American Express, may be taken into consideration as well. You also may be denied if you’ve opened another American Express card in the past 90 days. Amex’s pop-up tool should notify you if you’re ineligible before you submit your application.

When offer posts: Your bonus points will be credited to your account eight to 12 weeks after meeting the threshold. 

Best use tip: Save money and points by using your Hilton Honors points to book stays five nights at a time to get the fifth night free. Depending on the date, a family of four might stay at the Spark by Hilton Orlando for 30,000 points per night, or just 120,000 points for all five nights*.

Cardholders of the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card can earn an enormous amount of bonus points, an annual free night and automatic Platinum Elite status for a modest $99 annual fee.

Who it’s best for: Frequent IHG guests who want elite status, a strong welcome offer and valuable free night that covers the card’s annual fee. 

Eligibility flags: This product is available to you if you do not have a current IHG One Rewards Credit Card and have not received a new card member bonus within the last 24 months. Chase may also disqualify you if you’ve opened more than five cards in the past 24 months.

When offer posts: Allow six to eight weeks for your bonus points to post after qualifying. 

Best use tip: Book award nights in groups of four nights to get a fourth night free. For instance, you could book three nights at the Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives for as little as 45,000 points and get the fourth night free*.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card comes with a generous sign-up bonus, valuable ongoing perks for loyal Hyatt guests and complimentary status.

Who it’s best for: Hyatt loyalists who want strong point value and easy-to-earn free nights without paying a steep annual fee. 

Eligibility flags: The credit card is not available to either current cardmembers of this credit card, or previous cardmembers of this credit card who received a new cardmember bonus for this credit card within the last 24 months. Chase may also disqualify you if you’ve opened more than five cards in the past 24 months.

When offer posts: After qualifying, allow six to eight weeks for bonus points to post to your account.

Best use tip: Pair this bonus with your annual free night certificate to cover a longer vacation. For example, you could get up to seven nights at the Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki in Greece with the certificate included*.

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express is a premium business card with large welcome offer potential, rich travel benefits and $3,000+ in annual credits (terms apply).

Who it’s best for: High-spending business owners who travel frequently and can leverage the premium perks to offset the cost. 

Eligibility flags: You may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer if you have or have had this card or previous versions of this card. Additional factors, including credit history and history with American Express, may be taken into consideration as well. Amex may also deny you if you’ve opened another American Express card in the past 90 days. Amex’s pop-up tool should notify you if you’re ineligible before you submit your application.

When offer posts: Membership Rewards® points will post to your account eight to 12 weeks after you meet the spending threshold. 

Best use tip: You can find good deals on transcontinental flights in Business Class seats. For example, Amex recently offered a flight on Avianca in Business Class from Boston to Madrid for just 62,000 LifeMiles, with a 15% transfer bonus from Amex factored in*. 

The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is an exceptionally rewarding cash back card for high-spending businesses, offering a large amount in cash bonuses with large spend thresholds and a $150 annual fee refundable after $150,000 in purchases in the same year.

Who it’s best for: A high spending business owner who wants simple cash back rewards and can spend enough to unlock the welcome offer. 

Eligibility flags: Existing or previous account holders may not be eligible for the sign-up bonus.

When offer posts: Rewards are usually visible online within 10 days but may take up to two statement cycles to post to your account. 

Best use tip: Consider putting all your spending on this card in the first year. You’ll earn an additional $2,000 bonus for each $500,000 that you spend. You’ll also earn 2% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One's travel booking site on top of that.

A flexible business rewards powerhouse, the Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card lets you earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points and offers lucrative 1:1 travel transfers.

Who it’s best for: Business owners who want easily transferable points and spend heavily in common business categories like shipping, travel, advertising and internet. 

Eligibility flags: The offer may not be available if you’ve previously owned the card. Chase may also disqualify you if you’ve opened more than five cards in the past 24 months.

When offer posts: Allow six to eight weeks for your bonus points to post to your account after you meet the qualifications.  

Best use tip: You can get good deals on Business Class flights with some Chase travel partners. For example, find Business Class fares from New York to Amsterdam on KLM for as little as 60,000 miles*.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ is a top-tier business travel powerhouse that pairs massive travel rewards and lounge access with an equally massive annual fee that only pays off if you use its credits and earning structure aggressively.

Who it’s best for: Online business owners or those who spend heavily on travel and can make use of the numerous credits that offset the cost of card ownership. 

Eligibility flags: Your account must be open and in good standing to be eligible for the sign-up bonus in order to receive rewards if you meet the spending requirements. Chase may also disqualify you if you’ve opened more than five cards in the past 24 months.

When offer posts: Allow six to eight weeks for points to post to your account after you qualify.

Best use tip: Using your miles with transfer partners typically offers the most bang for your buck. A current example is Virgin Atlantic flight from New York to London in February 2026 where a business class seat uses just 39,000 points. For comparison, the same ticket using Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points required 50,000 plus over $550 in taxes*.

The Capital One Venture X Business is a premium yet affordable business travel card offering a huge sign-up bonus, ability to earn unlimited miles, strong transfer partners and luxury travel perks at a below-average annual fee.

Who it’s best for: Business owners with high monthly spending who travel often, want lounge access and valuable transfer partners

Eligibility flags: The bonus may not be available for existing or previous Spark cardholders. 

When offer posts: Credits typically post within one to two billing cycles. 

Best use tip: You can get good deals flying comfortably in Business Class with Capital One’s travel partners. For instance, you could transfer to Aeroplan to fly Air Serbia to Stockholm for as little as 70,000 miles one-way in Business Class — you could cover multiple fares with your welcome offer*.