Buzz
Post-pandemic travel has brought an interesting trend: Businesses are raising airfare and hotel prices due to high demand, but they're also offering exceptional sign-up bonuses for loyalty cards. These bonuses could help counterbalance the higher travel costs, so consider a travel-specific credit card before making your next booking. Here’s a glimpse at some of the best welcome offers currently available.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Card
Cardholders can earn 65,000 points (valued at $975, according to The Points Guy) after making $2,000 in purchases within the first three months of opening a Priority, Premier, or Plus version of the card. The Priority card is the premium option, costing a $149 annual fee, but it offers additional benefits, such as four complimentary seat upgrades each year.
This is just 35,000 points away from qualifying for the Companion Pass, which lets you bring a companion on your flights at no additional cost (aside from taxes and fees). The pass is valid for the remainder of the current year and the entire following year.
IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card
IHG stands for International Hotel Group, which includes popular hotel chains such as Holiday Inn, Intercontinental, Crowne Plaza, Regent Hotels, and Kimpton. With this card, you can earn a welcome bonus of 150,000 points (valued at $750, according to The Points Guy) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months. You’ll also get one free night at IHG hotels annually on your account anniversary. Another major benefit is the 25 points per dollar spent on IHG hotels, making it a great option for frequent business travelers.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Earn up to 200,000 points ($1,200 value, according to The Points Guy) by spending $2,000 in the first three months (earning 150,000 points) and then spending an additional $8,000 within the first six months (earning 50,000 points). If you spend over $15,000 in a calendar year, you'll also receive a free weekend night at any Hilton hotel (including luxury locations like the Waldorf Astoria in New York). The card earns 12 points per dollar spent at Hilton hotels and resorts, and offers six points per dollar for gas and dining. The annual fee is $95, so this card is most beneficial for regular Hilton guests.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card now offers a groundbreaking welcome bonus of 80,000 points ($1,000 value, according to The Points Guy). These points can be used to book flights and hotel stays through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. To earn this bonus, you must spend $4,000 in the first three months after opening your account. The card also provides a variety of benefits, including two points per dollar spent on travel and dining. The annual fee is $95.
Only apply for bonuses you can fully pay off
Welcome bonuses are a fantastic way to save on flights and hotel stays, but it's important to remember that you should only spend what you can afford to pay off immediately. Failing to do so can result in high-interest charges on a debt balance that will quickly wipe out any savings from the welcome bonus.
