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The best credit card welcome bonuses of October 2024

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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

With holiday travel approaching, now may be a great time to evaluate your credit card portfolio. Credit card sign-up bonuses and welcome offers are the quickest and easiest way to rake in lots of points and miles, so we regularly update the roundup of our favorite current offers in our best credit cards guide.

But to help you keep up with an ever-changing list of bonuses, we’ve also compiled a list of the best card offers currently available — especially the ones that are worth an extra look right now because they are at all-time highs or may end soon.

Since many issuers have restrictions on how often you can earn a bonus on a card, it’s important to time your application for when there’s a good offer. Also, higher bonuses don’t always stick around for long, so if you’re considering one of these offers, you’ll want to hop on it sooner rather than later.

Finally, if you’re not ready to add a higher-end credit card, consider these great starter cards or even one with a 0% introductory annual percentage rate offer.

The best credit card offers of October 2024

Card Sign-up bonus/welcome offer Welcome offer value* Annual fee
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express Earn 150,000 points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases with the card within the first three months of card membership. $3,000 $695 (see rates and fees)
Capital One Venture X Business Earn 150,000 miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. $2,775 $395 (see rates and fees)
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card Earn five free night awards after using the card to make $8,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. Each free night award has a redemption level of up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Resort fees and terms apply. Offer ends Oct. 16. Up to $2,125 $125 (see rates and fees)
American Express® Business Gold Card Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $2,000 $375 (see rates and fees)
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months of account opening. $1,845 $95
The Platinum Card® from American Express Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first six months of card membership, though you may be able to get a higher bonus through the CardMatch tool (terms apply; offer subject to change). $1,600 $695 (see rates and fees)

 

Aeroplan® Credit Card Earn up to 100,000 bonus points: 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening; plus, 25,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months of account opening. Up to $1,500 $95
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

$1,388

$95 (see rates and fees)
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. $1,388 $395 (see rates and fees)
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card Earn 110,000 miles after spending $12,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Oct. 23. $1,320 $650 (see rates and fees)
American Express® Gold Card Earn 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of card membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible restaurant purchases (up to $100) within the first six months of card membership. You may be able to get a higher bonus through the CardMatch tool (terms apply). Offer ends Nov 6. Up to $1,300 $325 (see rates and fees)

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

$1,230 $550

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

$1,230 $95
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

 

Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Oct. 23.

$1,200 $650 (see rates and fees)
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card 

Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Oct. 23.

$1,200 $350 (see rates and fees)
Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card

British Airways Visa Signature® Card

Iberia Visa Signature® Card

Earn 85,000 Avios after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

$1,190 $95
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Offer ends Oct. 9.

$1,190 $149
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Offer ends Oct. 9.

$1,190 $69
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

$1,120 $199

United Club℠ Infinite Card

Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

$1,080 $525

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Oct. 23.

$1,080 $350 (see rates and fees)

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card

Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Oct. 23.

$1,080 $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150 (see rates and fees)

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months from account opening.

$1,063 $95
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months of card membership. Offer ends Jan 8. $1,050 $195 (see rates and fees)

*Welcome offer value is determined using TPG’s September 2024 valuations and is not provided by nor reviewed by the issuer.

American Express Business Platinum Card

This business card stands out not only for its extremely valuable welcome offer but also travel perks that can easily cover the card’s $695 annual fee (see rates and fees).

Cardholders enjoy automatic Gold status in both the Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programs, along with some of the best lounge access perks of any business card out there.

amex card
THE POINTS GUY

Cardholders also enjoy 5 points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on American Express Travel, 1.5 points per dollar on eligible purchases in select business categories and $5,000 or more on eligible purchases (up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).

On top of that, the card comes with over $1,500 in statement credits that can help offset the annual fee.

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Read our review of the American Express Business Platinum Card for more information.


Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express with 150,000 points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases with the card within the first three months of card membership.


Capital One Venture X Business

The Capital One Venture X Business is the business version of the popular Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Like its personal counterpart, it offers luxury travel perks at a reasonable annual fee and has a simple earning structure of at least 2 miles per dollar on all purchases.

a hand holds a credit card
THE POINTS GUY

This card is an excellent choice for small-business owners who prioritize simplicity. It offers benefits like airport lounge access and a valuable travel credit for a relatively affordable annual fee.

Read our review of the Venture X Business for more information.


Apply here: Capital One Venture X Business with 150,000 miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.


Marriott Bonvoy Business

The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card is a solid small-business card for Marriott Bonvoy fans. It comes with useful perks, such as an annual free night at hotels (up to 35,000 points) and the ability to boost your Marriott elite status by offering 15 elite night credits every year. Resort fees may apply.

a hand holding a credit card
THE POINTS GUY

It also includes generous bonus reward categories well suited to small-business owners.

Read our review of the Bonvoy Business for more information.


Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Business with five free night awards after using the card to make $8,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. Each free night award has a redemption level of up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Resort fees and terms apply. This offer ends Oct. 16.


American Express Business Gold

The Amex Business Gold is a fantastic card for business owners looking to maximize earnings from a single card.

It has 4-point-per-dollar earning categories that automatically reflect your highest spending areas each billing cycle (on the top two eligible spending categories each month; capped at $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).

THE POINTS GUY

The card also comes with up to $395 in annual statement credits.

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Read our review of the Amex Business Gold Card for more information.


Apply here: American Express Business Gold Card with 100,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.


Ink Business Preferred

The Ink Business Preferred is one of our favorite business cards.

According to TPG’s September 2024 valuations, this card’s welcome bonus alone is worth over $1,800, since you can take advantage of Chase’s excellent collection of airline and hotel transfer partners. Points redeemed through the Chase Travel℠ portal are worth 1.25 cents each, which isn’t bad, either.

ink visa
THE POINTS GUY

This card earns 3 points per dollar on travel, shipping purchases, internet, cable and phone services and advertising on social media sites and search engines on up to $150,000 in combined purchases (1 point per dollar thereafter).

Other benefits include cellphone protection, primary rental car coverage (when renting for business purposes), purchase protections and adding employee cards to your account for free.

Read our review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card for more information.


Apply here: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card with 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. 


American Express Platinum

Often referred to as the king of the premium travel rewards cards, the Amex Platinum offers a slew of benefits — along with a $695 annual fee (see rates and fees). Cardholders enjoy perks like automatic elite status with both Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, plus some of the best airport lounge access of any card.

amex card
THE POINTS GUY

Cardholders also enjoy 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year), and 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases.

Cardholders also receive over $1,500 in statement credits that can help offset the hefty annual fee.

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

And while the current welcome offer provides solid value, check the CardMatch Tool to see if you can receive an even higher one (offers are targeted and subject to change at any time).

Read our review of the American Express Platinum Card for more information.


Apply here: The Platinum Card from American Express with 80,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.


Aeroplan Card

The Aeroplan Credit Card is one of the best cobranded airline credit cards on the market, with redemption flexibility and valuable airline benefits.

Hand holding the Aeroplan Credit Card
THE POINTS GUY

Aeroplan points are an extremely valuable currency that allows you to book domestic flights on United or flights around the globe with Star Alliance airlines and other partner carriers. Best of all, Aeroplan still utilizes an award chart for partner award flights.

With its strong earning rate and incentives to spend on the card beyond earning the sign-up bonus, the Aeroplan credit card is worth considering for many points and miles enthusiasts — even those who don’t live in Canada.

Read our review of the Aeroplan card for more information.


Apply here: Aeroplan card with up to 100,000 bonus points — 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening plus 25,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months of account opening.


Capital One Venture Rewards

The Venture Rewards packs a good punch for a mid-tier credit card.

It earns a flat 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases worldwide, but you can earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel. The miles you earn with this card can be transferred to Capital One’s 15-plus airline and hotel partners or redeemed through the Capital One Travel portal.

THE POINTS GUY

The card stands out for offering an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck; many other cards that offer this benefit have annual fees of $400 or more.

The Venture Rewards card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees), so you can use the card overseas without paying extra.

Read our review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Card for more information.


Apply here: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card with 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.


Capital One Venture X Rewards

The Venture X card is Capital One’s personal premium rewards card, offering great earning rates and incredible perks.

The card offers a hefty welcome bonus worth about $1,388, according to our September 2024 valuations, and excellent airline and hotel transfer partners.

It also offers cardholders $300 in credits annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel, extensive lounge access and 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary.

capital one card
THE POINTS GUY

As for earning rates, the Venture X racks up 10 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked via Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked via Capital One Travel and an unlimited 2 miles per dollar on everything else.

Read our review of the Capital One Venture X card for more information.


Apply here: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card with 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.


Delta SkyMiles cards

Delta’s personal and business cards — the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and Gold Business; Platinum and Platinum Business; and Reserve and Business Reserve — are sporting elevated welcome offers, with five that provide over $1,000 in value, based on TPG’s September 2024 valuations. These offers end Oct. 23.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Many travelers love Delta due to its onboard product and loyalty program. Delta has a solid family of credit cards, offering perks like free checked bags and priority boarding to premium cards that include perks like lounge access and complimentary upgrades.

Learn more about Delta’s card offerings.


Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Business Gold with 90,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Oct. 23.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Platinum with 90,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Oct. 23.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Business Platinum with 100,000 bonus miles after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Oct. 23.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve with 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Oct. 23.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Business Reserve with 110,000 bonus miles after spending $12,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Oct. 23.


American Express Gold

The Amex Gold card was refreshed in July and is a favorite of many TPG staffers thanks in large part to its terrific earning rates on dining and groceries.

It earns 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants (first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and at U.S. supermarkets (first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).

THE POINTS GUY

The card also offers multiple dining statement credits to help offset the manageable annual fee of $325 (see rates and fees).

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Read our review of the American Express Gold Card for more information.


Apply here: American Express Gold Card with 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of card membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible restaurant purchases (up to $100) within the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Nov. 6.


Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the best rewards credit cards on the market and upgrades your travel lifestyle.

THE POINTS GUY

You’ll earn 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel℠, racking up valuable Ultimate Rewards points that can be transferred to hotel and airline partners or redeemed directly for flights at a rate of 1.5 cents per point.

You’ll also get a $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access and a host of other great perks.

Read our review of the Sapphire Reserve card for more information.


Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve with 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.


Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the best and most cost-effective travel rewards credit cards on the market.

Chase Sapphire Preferred_April 2024 Update
THE POINTS GUY

As for earning rates, the Sapphire Preferred racks up 5 miles per dollar on Lyft (through March 31, 2025) and travel purchased through Chase Travel and 2 points on other travel purchases.

These valuable points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners or redeemed directly for travel at a rate of 1.25 cents per point through Chase Travel.

Read our review of the Sapphire Preferred for more information.


Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred with 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. 


Avios cards

Chase’s three Avios-earning cards — the Aer Lingus Visa Signature Card, British Airways Visa Signature Card and Iberia Visa Signature Card — have elevated welcome offers worth $1,190, based on TPG’s September 2024 valuations.

A parked Aer Lingus plane
An Aer Lingus aircraft in Dublin. SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY

The Avios-earning cards allow you to transfer your Avios between these programs at a 1:1 ratio. You can also use Avios to book domestic flights on American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, making this a card you should consider even if you don’t live in or travel to Europe.

Learn more about the Avios card offerings.


Apply here: Aer Lingus Visa Signature Card with 85,000 Avios after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Apply here: British Airways Visa Signature Card with 85,000 Avios after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Apply here: Iberia Visa Signature Card with 85,000 Avios after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.


Southwest cards

Southwest’s personal card offerings and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card are all sporting valuable welcome bonuses. They provide at least $1,120 in value, based on TPG’s September 2024 valuations.

Southwest plane
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Many travelers love Southwest Airlines, and this love only grows if you have one of the best Southwest Airlines credit cards in your wallet. The airline has a unique value proposition, including no change fees and two free checked bags for all passengers.

When you pair those perks with a strong route network — including international destinations and Hawaii — and the easy-to-use Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program, it’s easy to see why Southwest has created a loyal customer base.

Learn more about Southwest’s card offerings.


Apply here: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card with 85,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. 

Apply here: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card with 85,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Apply here: Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card with 80,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.


United Club Infinite

The United Club Infinite Card is the best card for United lounge access — bar none. If you’re a loyal United flyer who spends a significant amount of money with the airline each year, this card will make a great addition to your wallet.

THE POINTS GUY

Its $525 annual fee sounds high until you factor in the United Club membership included with the card. Membership normally costs $650 per year for nonelite members.

Read our review of the United Club Infinite for more information.


Apply here: United Club Infinite with 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. 


Marriott Bonvoy Boundless

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless is a card with a reasonable annual fee, and it provides solid perks for both frequent and infrequent Marriott travelers. If you want a free night award and automatic elite status, this card can be a great addition to your wallet.

THE POINTS GUY
The $95 annual fee can easily be offset by the free night award and solid earnings on Marriott stays. This card is worth considering even if you don’t stay at Marriott properties frequently.

Read our review of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless for more information.


Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless with 125,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months from account opening.


Hilton Honors Business

The Hilton Honors Business has a moderate annual fee, and it provides solid perks for Hilton travelers.

THE POINTS GUY

This card is worth considering even if you don’t stay at Hilton properties frequently. You’ll get complimentary Gold status and a pathway to Diamond status via spending on the card.

Read our review of the Hilton Business Amex for more information.


Apply here: Hilton Honors Amex Business with 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months of card membership. This offer ends ends Jan 8.


Bottom line

The quickest way to earn points and miles is by signing up for a new credit card. If any of these offers interest you, act sooner rather than later, as limited-time offers may disappear.

Remember that Chase’s 5/24 rule means that it’s often best to apply for Chase cards before other issuers’ products. And here’s some help on how to choose the best credit card for you.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold card, click here.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Business, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex, click here