- 5%Points on travel booked through Chase Travel
- 3%Points on dining, online groceries, streaming, gas, EV charging, and vacation rentals
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3x points on dining, online groceries, streaming, gas, EV charging, and vacation rentals.
19.24%-27.49% Variable APR
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card stands out as the top choice because of its generous welcome bonus and high earning potential on travel and dining purchases, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
Pros:
- High welcome bonus
- Flexible point transfers to travel partners
Cons:
- Annual fee
- High spending requirement for bonus
2.American Express Platinum Card®
American Express
- 5%Points on prepaid hotels and flights
- 1%Points on other purchases
Earn 175,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership.
Earn 5x Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com and flights purchased directly from airlines.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
What sets this card apart is its luxury travel benefits and high earning potential, making it a premier choice for frequent travelers who can maximize its perks.
Pros:
- Extensive travel benefits
- High earning potential on travel purchases
Cons:
- Very high annual fee
- Complex rewards structure
3.IHG One Rewards Premier Card
Chase
- 26%Points at IHG Hotels and Resorts
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Earn up to 26x total reward points per $1 spent at IHG Hotels and Resorts worldwide.
19.24%-27.74% Variable APR
This card shines for its strong rewards structure at IHG properties and valuable perks like automatic Platinum Elite status, making it a great choice for loyal IHG guests.
Pros:
- Automatic Platinum Elite status
- Anniversary free night
Cons:
- Annual fee
- Limited to IHG properties for maximum rewards
- 26%Points at IHG Hotels and Resorts
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn up to 26x total points per $1 spent at IHG Hotels and Resorts worldwide.
19.24%-27.74% Variable APR
A key differentiator is its strong welcome bonus and benefits tailored for business travelers, making it an excellent choice for those who frequently stay at IHG properties.
Pros:
- Automatic Platinum Elite status
- Anniversary free night
Cons:
- Annual fee
- Limited to IHG properties for maximum rewards
5.Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase
- 5%Cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
- 3%Cash back on dining and drugstores
- 1.5%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn a $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel.
18.24%-27.74% Variable APR
The standout feature here is its straightforward cash back structure, making it an excellent choice for those who want a simple, no-fee card that still offers solid rewards.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- High cash back on dining and travel
Cons:
- Lower rewards on non-category spending
- Limited bonus categories
Did you know?
Before you apply, look up credit card basics like APR and fees in our Financial Dictionary. Rewards pay off most when your real spending already hits the card's bonus categories.
Final Words
As you explore the best credit card signup bonuses this September, remember that the right card can significantly enhance your rewards and savings. Take time to compare your options, consider your spending habits, and make informed decisions to maximize your benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
The welcome bonus for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
With the American Express Platinum Card®, you can earn 5x Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com and flights purchased directly from airlines, and 1% on other purchases.
You can earn up to 26x total reward points per $1 spent at IHG Hotels and Resorts worldwide with the IHG One Rewards Premier Card, and 1% on all other purchases.
Consider your spending habits and the types of rewards you value most. Look for cards that offer higher rewards rates in categories where you spend the most and assess the annual fees in relation to the potential rewards you can earn.
Yes, many of the top reward credit cards come with annual fees. For instance, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a $95 annual fee, while the American Express Platinum Card® has a significantly higher fee of $895.
The application process typically involves filling out an online form with your personal and financial information. Once submitted, the issuer will review your creditworthiness, which can take just a few minutes to a few days.
To maximize your credit card rewards, focus on using your card for purchases in the categories that earn the most points. Additionally, pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges, and always be aware of any promotional offers or bonus point opportunities.
