Ellen B. Kennedy
This article reviews our picks of the best rewards credit cards. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship with advertisers. Rates and bonuses checked as of October 31, 2025.
Credit card bonuses really can get you a free airline ticket or line your pocket with some extra cash. But as is the case with many rewards credit cards, the devil is in the details. Since you want to keep your credit cards active and avoid having them closed by the issuer, you should only sign up for credit cards that you want for the long term.
Here are the personal cards that will land you the biggest sign-up bonuses as measured by cash back or the value of miles or points (as calculated by Bankrate). Each card offers the top value in the categories of general travel credit cards, hotel cards, airline cards and cash back cards.
Some cards have low annual fees, while others have high fees that we have deemed worth the cost.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Best general travel card bonus: Up to $1,750 for Amex Platinum
Best free stays: Earn three nights with Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
Best airline card bonus: $660 + free ticket from Alaska Air
Best cash back card bonus: $250 from Amex Blue Cash Preferred
Other sign-up bonus offers
- Southwest Credit Cards Launch $750 Bonus Deal
- Earn Delta SkyMiles Worth up to $1,200
- Capital One Venture Rewards Launches $1,020 Bonus Offer
- Hilton Honors Bonus Offer Worth $990 (also get an annual $200 credit)
- Jet Blue Credit Card Offer Worth over $650
- Best Airline Credit Card Bonuses with a Free Ticket
Rewards cards dos and don'ts
As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees and ensure you understand how to use the card effectively. That said, cardholders who max out a card's reward benefits may offset the annual fee.
In addition, while reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely, always pay them off in full and on time each month to avoid interest, which can dwarf any rewards you earn. Don't change your spending habits to earn extra points. That's a slippery slope that can lead to overspending.
If this is your first foray into credit cards, or you just want a refresher, make sure you know how to choose a credit card. And ensure you are familiar with what counts as a good credit score.
All information about the Platinum Card from American Express and the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express has been collected independently by Kiplinger. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.
Read more
-
Does My Car Insurance Cover Rental Cars?Is it safe to decline the extra coverage car rental companies offer you when booking? Here's what you need to know.
-
Outsmarting the AI Job Algorithm: Why Older Women Need a StrategyWhen you're job hunting, AI may undermine your best efforts. Here's how older women can throw a wrench in the algorithm.
-
Does My Car Insurance Cover Rental Cars?
Is it safe to decline the extra coverage car rental companies offer you when booking? Here's what you need to know.
-
Outsmarting the AI Job Algorithm: Why Older Women Need a Strategy
When you're job hunting, AI may undermine your best efforts. Here's how older women can throw a wrench in the algorithm.
-
I'm Embarrassed to Ask: What Is a Life Insurance Trust?Life insurance trusts, particularly irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs), can minimize estate taxes and protect your heir's inheritance.
-
Are Your Employees Quietly Cracking? How to Repair the Cracks Before Everything BreaksSome employees who are unable to change jobs due to economic conditions are doing only the bare minimum, leading to decreased work quality and team morale.
-
I'm 61 and need $50,000 for home repairs. Should I borrow given today's rates or take a withdrawal from my $950,000 401(k)?We asked financial experts for advice.
-
Credit Score News Could Help First-Time HomebuyersLenders who sell mortgages to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac used to only be able to use FICO for loan qualification. Now there's VantageScore, owned by the three major credit bureaus.
-
Smart Strategies for Paying Your Child an AllowanceBy giving your kids money to spend and save, you’ll help them sharpen their financial skills at an early age.
-
My First $1 Million: Retired Educator/Administrator, 67, Greenville, S.C.Ever wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
