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The best credit card welcome bonuses of September 2024


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 jump on 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 September 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)
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Offer ends Sept. 5. $2,460 $95
American Express® Business Gold Card

Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership.

$2,000 $375 (see rates and fees)
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Earn up to 120,000 points: Earn 80,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and an additional 40,000 points after spending $15,000 in nine months.

$1,680 $199
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card 

Earn up to 120,000 points: Earn 60,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and an additional 60,000 points after spending $15,000 in nine months.

$1,680 $99
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening, plus a $250 Capital One Travel credit in the first cardholder year. Offer ends Sept. 9. $1,638 $95 (see rates and fees)
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)
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Earn 185,000 points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. Offer ends Oct. 2.

$1,573

$650 (see rates and fees)
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card Earn five free nights (each night valued up to 60,000 points) after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. $1,500 $99
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. $1,388 $395 (see rates and fees)
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card 

Earn 155,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. Offer ends Oct. 2.

$1,318

$250 (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). $1,300 $325 (see rates and fees)
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card Earn three free night awards after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. The redemption level is up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, for a total potential value of up to 150,000 points, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Resort fees may apply. $1,275 $125 (see rates and fees)
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

Earn up to 75,000 points. Earn 60,000 points after spending $5,000 within the first three months from account opening, plus 15,000 points after spending $12,000 in the first six months from account opening.

$1,275 $199

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

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
Aeroplan® Credit Card Earn 70,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open. $1,050 $95

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

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

This business card stands out not only for its extremely valuable welcome offer but thanks to 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 access to a wide variety of airport lounges — including Amex Centurion, Priority Pass and Delta Sky Club (when traveling on same-day Delta flights; limited to 10 annual visits from Feb. 1, 2025)*. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

THE POINTS GUY

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

Related: Amex refreshes Business Platinum Card with new perks, higher annual fee and a 150,000-point bonus

On top of that, the card comes with up to $200 in annual airline fee statement credits and a 35% points bonus for flights booked through amextravel.com in first or business class on any airline (up to 1 million points back per calendar year), or in any class on the U.S. airline of your choice each year. Non-travel benefits include up to $400 in annual statement credits toward U.S. Dell purchases (up to $200 semi-annually), up to $360 in statement credits toward Indeed (up to $90 quarterly), up to $150 in statement credits toward select auto-renewing Adobe subscription purchases and up to $120 in statement credits toward U.S. wireless telephone services (the first three credits are slated to end on Dec. 31.)

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Enrollment is required for select benefits.

*Visits are non-transferable and may only be used by the Eligible Platinum Card Member.

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 luxurious perks at a reasonable annual fee and has a simple earning structure of at least 2 miles per dollar on all purchases.

THE POINTS GUY

This card is an excellent choice for small-business owners who prioritize simplicity. It offers benefits such as 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.


Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Then there’s the Ink Business Preferred. According to TPG’s August 2024 valuations, this card’s welcome bonus alone is worth over $2,400 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.

THE POINTS GUY

Another factor in this card’s favor? Its tremendous earning rates. You’ll earn 3 points per dollar across the following categories on up to $150,000 in combined purchases (1 point per dollar thereafter):

  • Travel
  • Shipping purchases
  • Internet, cable and phone services
  • Advertising on social media sites and search engines

Depending on which categories you spend in, you could earn a whopping 450,000 bonus points per year if you maxed out that $150,000 cap.

Among the Ink Business Preferred’s unsung benefits are cellphone protection, primary rental car coverage (when renting for business purposes) and other travel and purchase protections. You can also add employee cards to your account for free.

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


Apply here: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card with 120,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Offer ends Sept. 5.


American Express Business Gold Card

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 (capped at $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year).

THE POINTS GUY

The card also comes with up to $395 in annual statement credits, broken down as follows:

  • Up to $240 back annually (up to $20 back per month) for eligible purchases at FedEx, Grubhub and office supply stores
  • Up to $155 back annually (up to $12.95 per month plus applicable taxes on one membership fee) for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal; Plus Ups not eligible) Enrollment is required.

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.


Southwest Business cards

Both of Southwest’s business card offerings — Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card — are offering elevated welcome offers that provide $1,680 in value, based on TPG’s August 2024 valuations.

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 an 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® Premier Business Credit Card with up to 120,000 points: 60,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and an additional 60,000 points after spending $15,000 in nine months.

Apply here: Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card with up to 120,000 points: 80,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and an additional 40,000 points after spending $15,000 in nine months.


Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Venture Rewards packs a pretty 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. This TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee credit is up to $100. The Venture Rewards card doesn’t impose foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees), so you can use the card overseas without accumulating extra charges.

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, plus a $250 Capital One Travel credit in the first cardholder year. Offer ends Sept. 9.


The Platinum Card from American Express

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 such as automatic Gold status with both Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, plus access to a wide range of airport lounges, including Amex Centurion, Priority Pass and Delta Sky Club (on same-day Delta flights; limited to 10 annual visits from Feb. 1, 2025)*.

On top of that, you’ll get up to $200 in annual airline fee statement credits, an up-to-$200 hotel statement credit to use toward prepaid Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings (the latter of which requires a minimum two-night stay) via AmexTravel.com, and an up-to-$199 Clear Plus membership statement credit — along with numerous other perks. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

THE POINTS GUY

Non-travel benefits include an up-to-$240 digital entertainment statement credit (split into monthly up to $20 credits) that can be used for services under the Disney umbrella (Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu), Peacock, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

Cardholders also receive an up-to-$155 Walmart+ annual statement credit (up to $12.95 per month plus applicable taxes on one membership fee; subject to auto-renewal; Plus Ups are excluded), an up-to-$300 SoulCycle bike credit and an up-to-$300 Equinox statement credit for eligible Equinox memberships, which are subject to auto-renewal. You also receive Uber VIP status (where available) and up to $200 in annual Uber Cash (split into monthly $15 credits for U.S. rides and Uber Eats orders plus a $20 bonus in December).

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Finally, cardmembers will enjoy enhanced earning rates on many travel purchases:

  • 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar)
  • 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®
  • 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases

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).

*Visits are non-transferable and may only be used by the Eligible Platinum Card Member.

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.


Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant is the chain’s most lavish card offering and comes with perks like automatic Platinum Elite status and up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your card at eligible restaurants worldwide.

THE POINTS GUY

You’ll also earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, 3 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines, as well as 2 points per dollar on other purchases eligible purchases.

Read our review of the Bonvoy Brilliant for more information.


Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant with 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. Offer ends Oct. 2.


IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card comes with a number of great perks that frequent IHG travelers can take advantage of for a modest $99 annual fee.

THE POINTS GUY

You’ll get an annual reward night certificate valid for a one-night hotel stay at a property costing up to 40,000 points, complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status, a fourth-night-free reward and an application fee credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus.

Read our review of the IHG Rewards Premier for more information.


Apply here: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card with five free nights (each night valued up to 60,000 points) after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.


Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

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

Aside from a hefty welcome bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months — worth about $1,388 according to our August 2024 valuations and thanks to Capital One’s excellent airline and hotel transfer partners — the card gives members $300 in credits annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel and 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, starting on their first anniversary.

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.

Frequent travelers will also enjoy taking advantage of access to Capital One’s growing network of airport lounges as well as the ability to enroll for Priority Pass membership for entry into more than 1,300 lounge locations worldwide. It has access to Plaza Premium lounges and the Premier Collection, giving cardholders on-property perks at a curated set of luxury hotels.

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.


Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Credit Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy offers several solid mid-tier perks, like automatic Gold Elite status, and is in the middle of Marriott’s range of card offerings.

THE POINTS GUY

The card also offers a free night award to those who make at least $15,000 in eligible purchases during the calendar year, worth up to 50,000 points at participating hotels (although certain hotels have mandatory resort charges).

Read our review of the Bonvoy Bevy for more information.


Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card with 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. Offer ends Oct. 2.


American Express Gold Card

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:

  • 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar)
  • 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year (1 point per dollar after that)
  • 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com
  • 2 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked through amextravel.com
  • 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases
THE POINTS GUY

The card also offers up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (up to $10 per month) that can be used for Uber rides and Uber Eats purchases in the U.S (must add card to Uber account). You’ll also receive up to $120 in annual statement credits (up to $10 per month) for select dining purchases and other credits as well. All of this is available for a manageable annual fee of $325 (see rates and fees). Enrollment is required for select benefits.

You may be able to find elevated welcome offers through the CardMatch tool. The card currently features a public welcome offer of 60,000 points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases within 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. However, some new customers can earn a higher welcome offer via the CardMatch tool after meeting the same minimum spending requirements. Note that these elevated offers are targeted and subject to change at any time.

Alternatively, you can refer a friend through the Amex referral program.

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.


Marriott Bonvoy Business card

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.

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 Earn three free night awards after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. The redemption level is up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, for a total potential value of up to 150,000 points, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Resort fees may apply.


World of Hyatt Business card

The World of Hyatt Business Card is a solid option for business owners who don’t mind spending their way toward valuable benefits.

THE POINTS GUY

Among other perks, you’ll get up to $100 in Hyatt credits annually (a $50 statement credit twice a year) when you use your card to spend $50 or more at Hyatt hotels and resorts, plus five tier-qualifying night credits for every $10,000 you spend each calendar year.

Read our review of the World of Hyatt Business for more information.


Apply here: World of Hyatt Business card with up to 75,000 points: 60,000 points after spending $5,000 within the first three months from account opening, plus 15,000 points after spending $12,000 in the first six months from account opening.


Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the best rewards credit cards on the market, guaranteed to upgrade your travel lifestyle.

THE POINTS GUY

You’ll earn 10 points per dollar on travel and dining 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 full review of the Sapphire Reserve card for more information.


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


Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

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

THE POINTS GUY

You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel℠ and Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025), 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs), 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases and 1 point per dollar on everything else. 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 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.


United Club Infinite Card

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 non-elite 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.


Aeroplan card

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

THE POINTS GUY

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 70,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months of account opening.


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 Marriott Business Amex, click here.

For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant, click here.

For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy, click here.

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