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23 Highest Sign-Up Bonuses for Credit Cards
- card finder
- 4 days ago
- 24 min read
Did you know that credit card sign up bonus history shows offers as high as 150,000 points? That's what the American Express® Business Platinum Card once offered to new cardholders who spent $20,000 in just 3 months.
Many people actually miss out on thousands of dollars in value by applying at the wrong time. When tracking the highest sign up bonus credit card offers, we've found that patience often pays off. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has reached bonuses of 100,000 points - a significant jump from its standard offer. Similarly, the Chase Sapphire Reserve bonus history shows it once peaked at 100,000 points when spending just $4,000 in 3 months.
We've meticulously tracked the biggest credit card sign up bonus offers across major issuers including American Express, Chase, Capital One, and Citi. From the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® hitting 185,000 points to the Blue Cash Preferred® offering a $350 statement credit, these historical highs give us valuable benchmarks.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll share the all-time highest bonuses for 23 popular credit cards, compare them to current offers, and help you determine when to apply for maximum value. Let's dive into these record-breaking offers to ensure you never settle for less than you deserve.
Highest Sign-Up Bonuses for Credit Cards:
The Platinum Card® from American Express stands as one of the most prestigious travel cards in the market, with a rich history of valuable welcome offers throughout the years.
Best-Ever Bonus for The Platinum Card® from American Express
The highest recorded welcome bonus for the Amex Platinum reached an impressive 175,000 Membership Rewards points. This extraordinary offer appeared intermittently through targeted referrals and CardMatch prequalifications. According to valuations, this massive bonus was worth approximately $3,500, making it one of the most valuable credit card offers ever available. And is one of the Highest Sign-Up Bonuses for Credit Cards.
Current Offer for The Platinum Card® from American Express
The current publicly available welcome offer stands at 80,000 Membership Rewards points, which still represents significant value for new cardholders. This offer is available after meeting the specified spending requirement.
The Platinum Card® from American Express Spending Requirement
To qualify for the 80,000-point welcome bonus, you must spend $8,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. Previously, higher bonuses sometimes required similar or even lower spending thresholds, as seen with the 125,000-point bonus that required just $6,000 in spending.
The Platinum Card® from American Express Annual Fee
The card carries a substantial $695 annual fee, placing it among the highest annual fees in the premium card market. Additional Platinum Cards cost $195 each for up to three authorized users.
The Platinum Card® from American Express Key Benefits
The card's benefits help offset the annual fee through numerous statement credits:
$200 airline fee credit for incidentals on one selected airline
$200 in Uber Cash ($15 monthly plus $20 in December)
$200 hotel credit for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings
$240 digital entertainment credit for eligible subscriptions
$100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit ($50 semi-annually)
$199 CLEAR Plus membership credit
Access to 1,400+ airport lounges across 140 countries
Automatic hotel elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy programs
Consequently, while the annual fee is high, the cumulative value of benefits exceeds $1,500 annually for cardholders who maximize these perks.
The American Express® Gold Card remains a top contender for foodies and travelers seeking strong rewards on everyday spending.
Best-Ever Bonus for American Express® Gold Card
The highest recorded welcome bonus for the Amex Gold Card reached 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first six months. This exceptional offer occasionally included additional value through 20% back on restaurant purchases (up to $100). Furthermore, Amex has historically offered targeted bonuses of 90,000 points plus $200 back in March 2023, making it one of the most valuable iterations of this card's signup bonus.
Current Offer for American Express® Gold Card
As of May 2025, the standard public welcome offer stands at 60,000 Membership Rewards points after meeting the spending requirement. Based on The Points Guy's February 2025 valuations, this bonus is worth approximately $1,200. Although this is significantly lower than the historical high, it still represents substantial value for new cardholders.
American Express® Gold Card Spending Requirement
To qualify for the current 60,000-point welcome bonus, you must spend $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. This extended timeframe provides more flexibility compared to the typical three-month window offered by many competitors.
American Express® Gold Card Annual Fee
The card carries a $325 annual fee. Nevertheless, this cost can be fully offset through various statement credits:
Up to $120 in dining credits ($10 monthly) at Grubhub, Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys
Up to $120 in Uber Cash ($10 monthly) for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders
Up to $100 in Resy credits ($50 bi-annually) for restaurant reservations
Up to $84 in Dunkin' Donuts credits ($7 monthly)
In essence, these benefits provide over $400 in annual value, making the Gold Card potentially profitable despite its annual fee.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card stands as one of the most sought-after travel rewards cards, offering substantial value through its sign-up bonuses throughout its history.
Best-Ever Bonus for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The highest recorded welcome bonus for the Chase Sapphire Preferred reached 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening. This exceptional offer appeared most recently from April to May 2025, and previously in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on point valuations, this massive bonus was worth approximately $2,050, making it one of the most valuable mid-tier credit card offers ever available.
Current Offer for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The standard publicly available welcome offer currently stands at 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $5,000 in the first three months. This offer is worth approximately $1,230 when redeemed through travel partners. Additionally, cardholders receive a $50 Chase Travel Hotel credit each card anniversary year, valid for eligible hotel reservations through Chase Travel℠.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Spending Requirement
To qualify for the current 60,000-point welcome bonus, you must spend $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of card membership. Notably, the spending requirement has fluctuated over time – during previous offers, Chase required only $4,000 in spending for the same timeframe.
When to Apply for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The ideal time to apply is during promotional periods when the bonus exceeds the standard 60,000 points. Before applying, however, consider these important eligibility factors:
You cannot currently have any Sapphire card
You cannot have received a Sapphire card bonus within the past 48 months
You need to fall under Chase's 5/24 rule (fewer than 5 new credit cards opened in the last 24 months)
A good to excellent credit score (670+) is typically required for approval
Furthermore, historical patterns suggest limited-time offers typically last 1-2 weeks after "ending soon" messages appear, so acting promptly during elevated bonus periods is essential.
Since its launch in 2016, the Chase Sapphire Reserve has been a heavyweight in the premium travel card market with its substantial welcome bonuses and robust travel perks.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Sign Up Bonus History
The Chase Sapphire Reserve debuted with an extraordinary 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points welcome bonus from August 2016 through March 2017. This remains the highest offer ever available for this card, valued at approximately $2,050 at the time. Subsequently, the bonus fluctuated:
March 2017-June 2021: 50,000 points ($4,000 spend in 3 months)
June 2021-October 2021: 60,000 points ($4,000 spend in 3 months)
October 2021-June 2022: 50,000 points ($4,000 spend in 3 months)
October 2022-December 2022: 80,000 points ($4,000 spend in 3 months)
December 2022-May 2024: 60,000 points ($4,000 spend in 3 months)
May 2024-June 2024: 75,000 points ($4,000 spend in 3 months)
Current Offer for Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Presently, Chase offers 60,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. This represents a value of approximately $1,230 based on point valuations. Additionally, cardholders receive 50% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel™, making the 60,000 points worth $900 toward travel.
The card features impressive earning rates, particularly:
5X points on flights purchased through Chase Travel
10X points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel
3X points on other travel and dining purchases
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Annual Fee
Initially launched with a $450 annual fee, the card's fee increased to $550 in August 2021. Furthermore, rumors indicate a potential increase to $795 in the future with additional benefits like a $500 Edit Credit, $300 dining credit, and various other perks.
Currently, the $550 annual fee is partially offset by a $300 annual travel credit that automatically applies to travel purchases. Cardholders also receive benefits like Priority Pass™ Select lounge access and a $120 application fee credit for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every four years.
Capital One entered the premium travel card market in 2021 with the Venture X, quickly establishing itself as a formidable competitor through generous sign-up bonuses.
Capital One Venture X Sign Up Bonus History
The Venture X debuted with its highest-ever welcome offer of 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 within six months. This inaugural bonus ran from November 2021 through March 2022. Following this period, Capital One adjusted the offer to the current structure, making the initial launch period particularly valuable for early adopters.
Current Offer for Capital One Venture X
As of May 2025, the standard welcome offer stands at 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. This bonus equals approximately $750 in travel value when redeeming through Capital One Travel Portal. Moreover, cardholders receive a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus (worth $100 toward travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary.
The card carries a $395 annual fee, which is partially offset by various benefits:
Complimentary access to Capital One Lounges and 1,300+ lounges worldwide
Up to $300 annual travel credit for Capital One Travel bookings
Up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Capital One Venture X Spending Requirement
To earn the current 75,000-mile bonus, you must spend $4,000 within the first 3 months of account opening[212]. This requirement represents a reduction from the initial offer's $10,000 spending threshold, making it more attainable for most households. Nonetheless, the $4,000 requirement remains "all or nothing" – you must meet the full amount within the specified timeframe to receive any bonus miles.
Forthwith, the card offers compelling earning rates:
10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
2X miles on all other eligible purchases
Unlike many premium travel cards, the American Express® Green Card offers a mid-tier option with bonus opportunities that have fluctuated substantially over time.
Best-Ever Bonus for American Express® Green Card
The highest recorded welcome offer for the Amex Green reached 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 in the first six months of card membership. This exceptional offer was available from May 2023 through August 2023. What made this offer truly valuable was the additional 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases during the first six months (up to $200 back as statement credits). Based on valuations at the time, this combined offer was worth approximately $1,520, marking it as significantly higher than the card's standard offering.
Current Offer for American Express® Green Card
As of May 2025, the standard welcome offer stands at 40,000 Membership Rewards points after spending the same $3,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership. According to recent valuations, this current bonus is worth approximately $800.
The extended six-month timeframe to meet the spending requirement (versus the typical three months on most cards) makes this an accessible offer, especially for those with lower incomes. In fact, this extended period means you need to spend just $500 monthly for six months to qualify for the bonus.
The card carries a $150 annual fee but offers valuable ongoing benefits including:
$189 annual CLEAR Plus credit for expedited airport security
$100 LoungeBuddy credit for airport lounge access
3X points on restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the US)
3X points on all travel purchases including flights, hotels, transit, and more[232]
Ultimately, though the Amex Green rarely offers elevated welcome bonuses, its current offer represents solid value for a moderate annual fee.
For shoppers seeking cash back rewards, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express has historically offered substantial welcome bonuses that make it a standout among cash-back credit cards.
Best-Ever Bonus for Blue Cash Preferred® Card
The highest recorded welcome bonus for the Blue Cash Preferred Card reached $350 cash back after spending $3,000 in the first six months of card membership. This peak offer appeared between June 2022 and October 2022. Remarkably, this represents a significant premium over the standard welcome bonus typically available to new cardholders.
Throughout its history, the card has maintained relatively consistent welcome offers, generally ranging between $250-$350. Prior to the current offer, from September 2021 through June 2022, American Express offered a $300 statement credit after meeting the same spending requirement.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card Spending Requirement
To qualify for the welcome bonus, cardholders must spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of account opening. This extended timeframe (compared to the typical 3-month window on many competitors) translates to just $500 monthly spending, making it accessible for most households.
Beyond the welcome bonus, cardholders earn impressive ongoing rewards:
6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%)[242]
6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit
1% cash back on all other purchases
Blue Cash Preferred® Card Annual Fee
The card features a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, after which it becomes $95. Indeed, this first-year fee waiver adds considerable value to the initial welcome bonus, effectively increasing its worth.
For most households, the generous 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets easily offsets the annual fee after the first year. According to spending analyzes, the average consumer can earn approximately $623 in cash back during the first year (including the welcome bonus), with about $323 in annual value thereafter.
Ultimately, while not offering the massive point totals seen with premium travel cards, the Blue Cash Preferred Card's cash back structure and substantial welcome bonus make it an excellent option for everyday spenders focused on practical categories.
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express stands out as a compelling no-annual-fee option for consumers seeking everyday rewards without ongoing costs.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card Bonus History
In terms of historical welcome offers, this card's highest bonus reached $250 cash back after spending $2,000 in the first 6 months of card membership. This peak offer represents a significant improvement over previous iterations of the card's welcome bonus.
Looking at the bonus trajectory over time:
January 2023 - Present: $200 statement credit after $2,000 spend in first 6 months
October 2022 - January 2023: Combined offer of 20% back on PayPal purchases (up to $150) plus $100 statement credit after $2,000 spend
September 2021 - October 2022: $200 statement credit after $2,000 spend in first 3 months
The card's best-ever welcome offer allowed new cardmembers to earn up to $250 in combined value through a 20% PayPal purchase rebate (up to $150) plus a $100 statement credit. This structure made it particularly valuable for online shoppers who frequently used PayPal.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card Key Benefits
In addition to its welcome bonus, the card offers remarkable ongoing value through:
Triple 3% cash back categories: U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases (each up to $6,000 annually, then 1%)
Statement credits worth over $264 annually:
$180 Home Chef credit ($15 monthly) for meal kit delivery
$84 Disney Bundle credit ($7 monthly) for Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+
Introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months
Amazon.com checkout integration allowing direct redemption of cash back
What makes these benefits particularly impressive is that they come with a $0 annual fee. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars redeemable for statement credits.
One limitation to note is that the 3% supermarket category excludes purchases at Walmart, Target, and Costco. Meanwhile, each 3% category has a $6,000 annual spending cap, providing up to $180 in bonus cash back per category if maximized
The American Express Business Gold Card has historically featured some of the most generous welcome bonuses in the business card market, making it a standout option for entrepreneurs seeking valuable rewards.
Best-Ever Bonus for American Express® Business Gold Card
In mid-2024, the Business Gold Card reached its highest recorded welcome offer of 200,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $15,000 within the first three months. This exceptional bonus represented a potential value of approximately $3,200 based on a point valuation of 1.6 cents per point. Besides the 200k bonus, Amex has offered various elevated welcome bonuses throughout 2024-2025, including 175,000 points and 150,000 points with similar spending requirements.
Current Offer for American Express® Business Gold Card
As of May 2025, the standard welcome offer stands at 100,000 Membership Rewards points after meeting the required spending threshold. With points typically worth about 2 cents each when transferred to travel partners, this welcome bonus carries a potential value of $2,000 in travel rewards. Even though this represents a significant decrease from the all-time high, it remains a substantial offer compared to many competing business cards.
American Express® Business Gold Card Spending Requirement
To qualify for the current 100,000-point welcome bonus, cardholders must spend $15,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. This substantial requirement may be challenging for smaller businesses, yet remains more accessible than the Business Platinum's $20,000 threshold.
For those struggling to meet the spending requirement, cardholders have reported success with strategies like:
Prepaying monthly expenses such as utilities, insurance, and phone bills
Using the card for all sourcing and inventory purchases
Considering services like Plastiq to pay rent, mortgage, or other bills that typically don't accept credit cards
In essence, the card's $375 annual fee can be offset by its generous welcome bonus and ongoing benefits, including 4X points on your top two spending categories (up to $150,000 annually).
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express stands among the most benefit-packed business cards available today, with a history of extraordinarily generous welcome offers.
Best-Ever Bonus for Business Platinum Card
The highest recorded welcome bonus for the Business Platinum Card reached a staggering 300,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 within three months. This unprecedented offer appeared briefly in April 2025 as a targeted promotion. Previously, the card offered 250,000 points after $15,000 spend, representing an estimated value of over $5,000 based on common point valuations.
Current Offer for Business Platinum Card
As of May 2025, the current publicly available welcome offer includes 150,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 in purchases within the first three months, plus a $500 statement credit after spending $2,500 on eligible airfare booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel within the same period. This limited-time offer expires June 30, 2025.
Business Platinum Card Spending Requirement
The $20,000 minimum spending requirement presents a challenge for some businesses. Practically speaking, cardholders have successfully met this threshold through:
Prepaying expenses several months in advance
Adding authorized users to increase spending
Paying taxes (with nominal processing fees)
Utilizing services like Plastiq for rent or mortgage payments
For the additional $500 statement credit, the $2,500 airfare requirement can be met through any combination of airlines when booked directly or via Amex Travel.
Business Platinum Card Key Benefits
Given the $695 annual fee, the card offers substantial ongoing value through:
Airport lounge access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and Priority Pass Select (enrollment required)
Elite status with Hilton, Marriott, and rental car partners
Statement credits totaling over $1,500 annually, including:
$200 airline fee credit
$200 Dell technology purchases credit
$200 Hilton statement credit
$199 CLEAR Plus credit
$360 Indeed hiring credits
$150 Adobe purchase credits
Alongside these benefits, cardholders earn 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels through AmexTravel.com, and 1.5X points on electronics, hardware, shipping, and purchases over $5,000 (up to $2 million annually).
Small business owners consistently rank the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card among the most valuable business cards, primarily due to its exceptional bonus history and reasonable annual fee.
Best-Ever Bonus for Ink Business Preferred®
The highest recorded welcome bonus for the Ink Business Preferred reached 120,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first three months. This limited-time offer delivered approximately $1,500 in value when redeemed through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents per point. In addition, cardholders could extract even more value by transferring points to Chase's travel partners or to a Chase Sapphire Reserve card, boosting redemption value to 1.5 cents per point.
Current Offer for Ink Business Preferred®
Presently, Chase offers 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. Based on The Points Guy's May 2025 valuations of 2.05 cents per point, this welcome bonus represents approximately $1,845 in value. Correspondingly, this positions the current offer below the all-time high but still makes it one of the most valuable business card offers available.
Ink Business Preferred® Spending Requirement
To qualify for the 90,000-point bonus, you must spend $8,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. This substantial threshold requires careful planning, specifically for smaller businesses or self-employed individuals with limited expenses.
Evidently, successful strategies for meeting this requirement include:
Moving all business expenses to your new card
Prepaying utilities, bills, or rent (potentially using services like Plastiq)
Paying quarterly taxes (with a 1.82%-1.98% fee)
Booking business travel in advance (earning 3X points simultaneously)
The card features a reasonable $95 annual fee and offers valuable ongoing benefits including 3X points on shipping, internet, cable, phone services, travel, and advertising purchases with social media and search engines (on the first $150,000 in combined annual spending).
Ultimately, while this card requires significant initial spending, its generous welcome bonus and ongoing category bonuses make it an outstanding value for business owners who can meet the requirements.
The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card has established itself as a valuable no-annual-fee option for small business owners, with its welcome bonus fluctuating significantly over time.
Best-Ever Bonus for Ink Business Cash®
The highest recorded welcome bonus for the Ink Business Cash reached $900 cash back after spending $6,000 within the first three months of account opening. This exceptional offer represented a substantial $150 increase over the previous bonus structure while maintaining the same spending requirement. At the time, this made it arguably one of the most valuable no-annual-fee business card offers on the market.
What made this offer particularly appealing was its potential value when paired with premium Chase cards. Businesses holding an Ultimate-Rewards-earning card like the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card could convert this cash back into transferable points, potentially worth up to $1,800 when transferred to travel partners.
Current Offer for Ink Business Cash®
Presently, Chase offers a two-tiered welcome bonus structure totaling $750 cash back. This consists of:
$350 cash back after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
An additional $400 cash back after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months
Chase internally converts this to 75,000 bonus points (redeemable for $750 cash back). After qualifying, you'll need to wait 6-8 weeks for the bonus points to post to your account.
Beyond the welcome bonus, the card features impressive ongoing value with $0 annual fee.
Cardholders earn elevated rewards in common business spending categories:
5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent annually at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services
2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent annually at gas stations and restaurants
1% cash back on all other purchases
Undoubtedly, the card also offers a 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases, after which a variable APR of 17.49%–25.49% applies. This combination of substantial welcome bonus, category bonuses, and no annual fee makes it an excellent choice for small business owners looking to maximize their everyday spending.
Image Source: US Credit Card Guide
With its straightforward earnings structure and strong bonus history, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card stands as Chase's answer for business owners seeking simplicity without sacrificing value.
Ink Business Unlimited® Bonus History
The welcome bonus for this no-annual-fee business card has fluctuated significantly over time. In fall 2022, the bonus reached its all-time high of $900 cash back after spending $6,000 within three months. This peak offer returned again from September 2023 through January 2024.
In contrast to its early years when the card offered $500 after $3,000 spend, Chase has maintained higher bonus levels during recent years—rarely dropping below $750 cash back.
Ink Business Unlimited® Key Benefits
At the same time, the card's ongoing value comes from its flat-rate 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no category restrictions or spending caps. This straightforward structure eliminates the need to track bonus categories.
Furthermore, cardholders receive:
0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases
$0 annual fee
Free employee cards with customizable spending limits
Purchase protection against damage or theft
Extended warranty protection
Ultimately, what makes this card particularly valuable is its flexibility with redemptions. Business owners who pair it with premium Chase cards like the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card can convert cash back rewards into transferable Ultimate Rewards points, potentially doubling their value.
The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card offers valuable ThankYou® Points that can be transferred to over 18 partner programs, making it a versatile option for travelers seeking flexibility with their rewards.
Best-Ever Bonus for Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
The highest recorded welcome bonus for the Citi Strata Premier reached 80,000 ThankYou bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. This exceptional offer was available twice—first from October to December 2021 and later from July 2022 to January 2023. Based on The Points Guy's valuations of ThankYou points at 1.8 cents each, this historic high represented a potential value of approximately $1,440 in travel rewards.
Throughout its history, the card has featured consistent spending requirements of $4,000 within three months, regardless of the bonus amount. Yet, the bonus itself has fluctuated considerably:
April 2023 to November 2024: 70,000 bonus points (worth $1,260)
December 2024 to April 2025: 75,000 bonus points (worth $1,350)
Current Offer for Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
As of May 2025, the publicly available welcome offer stands at 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. This bonus can be redeemed for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
Beyond the points, the card offers several valuable benefits that enhance its appeal:
$100 off a single hotel stay of $500+ (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com, once per calendar year
No foreign transaction fees for international travelers
Comprehensive travel protections including Trip Delay Protection, Common Carrier Trip Cancelation and Interruption Protection, Lost Baggage coverage, and car rental insurance
Additionally, cardholders can transfer ThankYou® Points to participating airline loyalty programs including TrueBlue®, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer with no fees and a minimum transfer of just 1,000 points.
As per expert recommendations, the ideal time to apply for this card is when the bonus offer reaches 70,000 points or higher.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card serves as a mid-tier travel card that has traditionally offered substantial value through its signup bonuses and straightforward rewards structure.
Capital One Venture Rewards Bonus History
Throughout its history, the Venture Rewards card has maintained competitive welcome offers, alongside fluctuating bonus structures. The highest recorded welcome bonus reached 100,000 miles after meeting specific spending requirements. This peak offer occurred during special promotion periods, markedly increasing the card's value proposition for new applicants.
Historical data reveals several significant bonus iterations over time:
May 2022 - May 2024: 75,000 miles after $4,000 spend in 3 months
February 2025 - May 2025: 75,000 miles plus $250 Capital One Travel credit
September 2021 - March 2022: 100,000 miles (tiered: 50,000 after $3,000 spend, additional 50,000 after $20,000 total spend)
The most valuable past offer essentially combined 75,000 miles with a $250 Capital One Travel credit, creating a compelling package worth over $1,000 in potential travel value.
Capital One Venture Rewards Current Offer
Presently, Capital One offers 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Based on recent valuations, this welcome bonus is worth approximately $1,388 when maximized through transfer partners.
Beyond the welcome bonus, the card features a consistent earning structure: 2X miles on every purchase with no limit on how many miles you can earn. Cardholders also receive 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
The card carries a $95 annual fee, ultimately positioning it between no-annual-fee options like the VentureOne and premium cards like the Venture X. Primary benefits include:
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit (up to $120)
No foreign transaction fees
Transferable miles to 15+ airline and hotel partners
Flexible redemption options including travel purchases, gift cards, and shopping
Ultimately, for applicants with excellent credit, this card offers substantial value relative to its moderate annual fee.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card represents the premium option for Marriott loyalists, offering extraordinary welcome bonuses throughout its history.
Best-Ever Bonus for Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant®
As of 2025, this premium hotel card hit its historic high with an unprecedented 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points welcome offer. This remarkable offer launched in early 2025 and runs through May 14, 2025. In comparison, previous iterations of this card's welcome offer typically ranged between 95,000-150,000 points.
Before this record-setting bonus, the card offered a two-tiered structure of 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points—100,000 points initially plus an additional 50,000 points after meeting higher spending thresholds. Based on valuations of Marriott points at approximately 0.7 cents each, the current best-ever bonus represents potential value exceeding $1,295 in hotel stays.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® Spending Requirement
To earn the historic 185,000-point bonus, cardholders must spend $6,000 on eligible purchases within 6 months of card membership. This extended timeframe provides flexibility for meeting the requirement without excessive monthly spending pressure.
The card's substantial $650 annual fee is partially offset through numerous valuable benefits:
$300 in dining statement credits ($25 monthly)
Free Night Award (redemption level at or under 85,000 points) annually after card renewal
Up to $100 property credit at The Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties on qualifying two-night minimum stays
Complimentary Platinum Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy
25 Elite Night Credits annually toward higher status tiers
Priority Pass Select membership with unlimited access for the cardholder and two guests
Henceforth, cardholders earn rewards at the following rates:
6X points at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
3X points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines
2X points on all other purchases
Among mid-tier hotel credit cards, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has featured fluctuating welcome bonuses that reward strategic timing for new applicants.
Hilton Surpass® Bonus History
Throughout its history, this card has offered diverse welcome bonuses ranging from simple point structures to combination offers. The all-time highest bonus reached an impressive 180,000 Hilton Honors points in March 2024, structured as 130,000 points after spending $2,000 in three months, plus an additional 50,000 points after spending $10,000 within six months.
Looking at recent trends, the card's bonus has typically hovered around 130,000 points with occasional peaks and special offers. In terms of enhanced value periods, from February to April 2025, American Express offered 130,000 bonus points plus a free night reward after spending $3,000 in six months. Earlier, from September 2024 to January 2025, the bonus climbed to 165,000 points with the same spending requirement.
Annual fee changes are worth noting as well. In 2024, the fee increased from $95 to $150, representing a significant shift in the card's value proposition.
Hilton Surpass® Key Benefits
The card delivers substantial ongoing value beyond its welcome bonus:
Automatic Hilton Gold status with room upgrades and food credits
Up to $200 annual Hilton credit ($50 per quarter) for hotel stays and incidentals
Free Night Reward after spending $15,000 in a calendar year [524]
Earning structure:
12X points on eligible Hilton purchases
6X points at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations
4X points on U.S. online retail purchases
3X points on other eligible purchases [524]
Complimentary National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status with guaranteed upgrades
Important to note, the card previously offered 10 Priority Pass Select lounge visits annually, but this benefit has been discontinued. For frequent Hilton guests, the "fifth night free" benefit on award redemptions effectively provides a 20% discount on longer stays.
Ultimately, ideal timing for applications would be during periods offering more than the standard 130,000 points, especially when free night rewards or statement credits are included.
Comparison Table
Card Name | Best-Ever Welcome Bonus | Current Welcome Bonus | Spending Requirement | Annual Fee | Key Benefits/Rewards |
175,000 points ($3,500 value) | 80,000 points | $8,000 in 6 months | $695 | $200 airline fee credit, $200 Uber Cash, $200 hotel credit, $240 digital entertainment credit | |
100,000 points | 60,000 points ($1,200 value) | $6,000 in 6 months | $325 | $120 dining credits, $120 Uber Cash, $100 Resy credits | |
100,000 points ($2,050 value) | 60,000 points ($1,230 value) | $5,000 in 3 months | Not mentioned | $50 Chase Travel Hotel credit | |
100,000 points ($2,050 value) | 60,000 points ($1,230 value) | $5,000 in 3 months | $550 | $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access | |
100,000 miles | 75,000 miles ($750 value) | $4,000 in 3 months | $395 | $300 travel credit, 10,000-mile anniversary bonus | |
$900 cash back | $750 cash back | $6,000 in 6 months | $0 | 5% back on office supplies and internet/cable/phone services | |
$900 cash back | $750 cash back | $6,000 in 3 months | $0 | 1.5% cash back on all purchases | |
80,000 points ($1,440 value) | 60,000 points ($600 value) | $4,000 in 3 months | Not mentioned | $100 hotel credit, no foreign transaction fees | |
185,000 points ($1,295 value) | Not mentioned | $6,000 in 6 months | $650 | $300 dining credits, Free Night Award, Platinum Elite status | |
180,000 points | 130,000 points | $3,000 in 6 months | $150 | $200 annual Hilton credit, Gold status, Free Night Reward |
Conclusion
Finally, as we've seen throughout this comprehensive review of credit card sign-up bonus history, timing your application strategically can potentially earn you thousands of dollars in additional value. The difference between standard offers and all-time highs is substantial – just look at the American Express Business Gold Card with its record 200,000-point bonus versus the standard 100,000 points.
Above all, patience typically pays off when hunting for premium welcome bonuses. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve have historically offered 100,000-point bonuses, representing an additional $800-$1,000 in value compared to their standard offers. Business cards generally offer the most generous bonuses, with the Business Platinum Card reaching a staggering 300,000 points.
When evaluating these offers, you should consider three essential factors beyond just the bonus amount. First, assess whether you can comfortably meet the spending requirement without overextending financially. Second, determine if the card's annual fee aligns with the value you'll receive from its benefits. Third, ensure the rewards currency matches your travel goals and spending habits.
Though some premium cards carry hefty annual fees, many provide statement credits and benefits that effectively offset these costs. The Platinum Card from American Express offers over $1,500 in annual credits despite its $695 fee, while the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant includes benefits far exceeding its $650 annual fee.
I recommend tracking historical bonuses for cards that interest you and acting quickly when elevated offers appear. These limited-time promotions typically last only a few weeks, and waiting too long might mean missing out on thousands of dollars in potential value. For those just starting out, the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Blue Cash Everyday provide excellent no-annual-fee options with substantial welcome bonuses.
Remember that credit card rewards constantly evolve, with issuers frequently adjusting their offers to compete for new customers. The record-breaking bonuses we've documented might be surpassed in the coming years as banks continue to vie for valuable long-term cardholders.
FAQs
Q1. What is the highest credit card welcome bonus ever offered? The highest recorded welcome bonus was 300,000 Membership Rewards points for the American Express Business Platinum Card after spending $20,000 within three months. This offer appeared briefly in April 2025 as a targeted promotion.
Q2. How often do credit card sign-up bonuses change? Credit card sign-up bonuses frequently change, often multiple times per year. Many cards offer elevated bonuses for limited periods, typically lasting a few weeks to a few months before reverting to standard offers.
Q3. Is it worth applying for a credit card with a high annual fee? It can be, depending on your spending habits and travel goals. Many premium cards with high annual fees offer substantial statement credits and travel benefits that can offset or exceed the fee. For example, the Platinum Card from American Express provides over $1,500 in annual credits despite its $695 fee.
Q4. What should I consider before applying for a credit card with a large welcome bonus? Consider three key factors: 1) Can you comfortably meet the spending requirement without overextending financially? 2) Does the card's annual fee align with the value you'll receive from its benefits? 3) Does the rewards currency match your travel goals and spending habits?
Q5. Are business credit cards only for business owners? While business credit cards are designed for business expenses, many card issuers allow individuals to apply if they have any form of business income, including freelance work or selling items online. However, you should always be honest about your business status when applying.
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