Best Card Sign-Up Bonuses Updated August 2026

7 best travel credit card offers ranked by first-year value.

By Award Optimizer · August 2026 · See full card comparison →

Welcome bonuses shown are typical/public offers as of August 2026. Actual offers vary (Amex Platinum can be as high as 175,000 pts after spend for targeted applicants). Apply on the issuer site to see your personalized offer. Numbers and availability change frequently.

1

Amex Platinum Card

Amex Membership Rewards · 20 transfer partners
Welcome Bonus80,000 pts
Annual Fee$895
Bonus Value~$1,440
✈️ $200 airline credit 🏨 $200 hotel credit 🌐 Global Entry/TSA Pre✓ 🛋️ Centurion Lounge access
Apply Now →
2

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Chase Ultimate Rewards · 14 transfer partners
Welcome Bonus75,000 pts
Annual Fee$95
Bonus Value~$1,350
✈️ 3× on travel 🍽️ 3× on dining 🏨 $100 hotel credit 💳 No foreign transaction fees
Apply Now →
3

Capital One Venture X

Capital One Miles · 22 transfer partners
Welcome Bonus75,000 mi
Annual Fee$395
Bonus Value~$1,350
✈️ $300 travel credit 🌐 10,000 bonus miles/year 🛋️ Priority Pass lounge access 💳 2× on all purchases
Apply Now →
4

Amex Gold Card

Amex Membership Rewards · 20 transfer partners
Welcome Bonus60,000 pts
Annual Fee$325
Bonus Value~$1,080
🍽️ 4× on dining worldwide 🛒 4× on U.S. supermarkets ✈️ 3× on flights 🍕 $120 dining credit
Apply Now →
5

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase Ultimate Rewards · 14 transfer partners
Welcome Bonus100,000 pts
Annual Fee$795
Bonus Value~$1,800
✈️ $300 travel credit 🍽️ $300 dining credit 🏨 $300 The Edit hotel credit 🛋️ Priority Pass + Sapphire Lounge
Apply Now →
6

Citi Strata Premier Card

Citi ThankYou · 20+ transfer partners
Welcome Bonus60,000 pts
Annual Fee$95
Bonus Value~$990
✈️ 3× on air travel 🏨 3× on hotels ⛽ 3× on gas 🛒 3× on groceries
Apply Now →
Best for: Turkish Miles&Smiles, Avianca LifeMiles
7

Bilt Palladium Card

Bilt Points · 26 transfer partners · $495 annual fee
Welcome Bonus50,000 pts
Annual Fee$495
Unique PerkRent + Priority Pass
🏠 Up to 1.25× on housing (no fee) ✈️ 4× hotels / 3× flights via Bilt Travel 🍽️ Up to 5× Bilt dining 🛡 Priority Pass + $400 hotel credit
Apply Now →
Best for: renters who also want a travel card with lounge access

How we rank these offers

Cards are ranked by estimated first-year value: welcome bonus value + annual benefits − annual fee. Bonus point values use our tracked cents-per-point rates based on real award redemptions. Offers are snapshots — always verify current terms and your personalized welcome offer directly with the issuer.

For a deeper comparison including partner networks and Optimizer Scores, see the full card comparison →

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