1.American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card
American Express
- 3%Points via Amex Travel
- 2%Points on airlines/overseas
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend £5,000 in your first six months.
Earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every £1 spent, 2x points on airlines/overseas, and 3x via Amex Travel.
86.3% APR variable
The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card stands out as the top choice because it offers a generous welcome bonus and high rewards on travel-related spending, making it ideal for frequent travelers who can maximize point transfers.
Pros:
- Waived first year annual fee
- High rewards on travel spending
Cons:
- High APR
- Requires monthly balance clearance
2.Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card
Virgin Atlantic
- 1.5%Virgin Points on all purchases
Earn 18,000 bonus points with your first card purchase, made within 90 days.
Earn 1.5 Virgin Points for every £1 spent.
69.7% representative APR
What sets the Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card apart is its ability to earn 1.5 Virgin Points per £1 spent, along with a significant welcome bonus, making it a strong choice for those who frequently fly with Virgin Atlantic.
Pros:
- Bonus points on first purchase
- Reward voucher after £10,000 spend
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Limited to Virgin Atlantic rewards
3.American Express Rewards Credit Card
American Express
- 1%Membership Rewards points on all purchases
N/A
Earn Membership Rewards points on all purchases.
29.4% APR variable
The standout feature here is that the American Express Rewards Credit Card is permanently free, allowing cardholders to earn Membership Rewards points on every purchase without the burden of an annual fee.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Earn points on all spending
Cons:
- High APR
- Limited redemption options
4.Amex Cashback Everyday Credit Card
American Express
- 5%Cashback for first 5 months
- 1%Cashback on spend over £10,000
- 0.5%Cashback on spend up to £10,000
Earn 5% cashback on spending for the first 5 months, capped at £125.
Earn tiered cashback with 5% for the first 5 months, then 0.5% on up to £10,000 annual spend, and 1% on spend over £10,000.
29.4% APR variable
This card shines for its high introductory cashback rate of 5% for the first five months, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maximize their rewards on everyday spending without an annual fee.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- High introductory cashback rate
Cons:
- Lower ongoing rewards
- Requires minimum spend for cashback
5.Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card
Virgin Atlantic
- 0.75%Virgin Points on all purchases
Earn 3,000 bonus points with your first card purchase within 90 days.
Earn 0.75 Virgin Points for every £1 spent.
26.9% variable APR
A key differentiator is that the Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card offers a straightforward way to earn Virgin Points on everyday spending without an annual fee, making it accessible for casual users.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Bonus points on first purchase
Cons:
- Lower earn rate
- Limited to Virgin Atlantic rewards
6.British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card
British Airways
- 3%Avios on British Airways purchases
- 1.5%Avios on all other purchases
Collect 50,000 Avios when you spend £6,000 in the first three months.
Earn 1.5 Avios per £1 spent, 3x on British Airways purchases.
136.4% representative APR
The British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card earns the #1 spot due to its high Avios earning potential and the valuable Companion Voucher, making it ideal for frequent British Airways flyers looking to maximize their rewards.
Pros:
- High earn rate on BA purchases
- Valuable Companion Voucher
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires significant spending for benefits
Final Words
As you explore the best credit card signup bonuses this January, remember that the right card can enhance your rewards and benefits significantly. Take time to compare your options, considering factors like fees and potential earnings, to make informed decisions that align with your financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend £5,000 in your first six months.
Earn 1.5 Virgin Points for every £1 spent.
The American Express Rewards Credit Card has an annual fee of £0, making it a low-cost option for earning Membership Rewards points.
This card offers 1 Membership Rewards point for every £1 spent, 2x points on airlines/overseas, and 3x via Amex Travel. Additionally, you can earn annual spending bonuses up to 10,000 points.
When selecting a credit card, consider the annual fee, welcome bonus, and how the rewards align with your spending habits. Also, evaluate the card's reward rate and any additional perks that may benefit you.
To apply for a credit card with a signup bonus, you typically need to complete an online application form, providing personal and financial details. Ensure your credit score is in good standing and check the eligibility criteria before applying.
Interest rates vary by card; for instance, the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card has an APR of 86.3% variable. It's essential to review the APR to avoid high interest charges if you carry a balance.
