Latest posts
Best-ever Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card bonus: 120k points now available online!
July 22, 2024: The best-ever 120k bonus is now available online. We added information about the current referral bonus as… Read More »Best-ever Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card bonus: 120k points now available online!
United Airlines credit cards complete guide: Find the best United credit card for you
United Airlines offers six credit cards in partnership with Chase. These United cards offer a host of benefits, from increased… Read More »United Airlines credit cards complete guide: Find the best United credit card for you
Chase Offers: Save money by linking your Chase card to merchant offers
Update July 19, 2024: More interesting Chase Offers are popping up for me, including several 10% back offers at hotel… Read More »Chase Offers: Save money by linking your Chase card to merchant offers
Paying taxes with a credit card for points: How to pay U.S. taxes with a credit card.
If you are a United States taxpayer, you can pay taxes using your credit card. Whether you pay your taxes… Read More »Paying taxes with a credit card for points: How to pay U.S. taxes with a credit card.
Update July 19, 2024: We noticed a subtle change in how the one-time guest passes are promoted. You no longer… Read More »Changes to the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Loss of unlimited SkyClub access starting in 2025
Best Delta credit card offers: Earn bonus SkyMiles with new cardmember offers
Update July 18, 2024: Delta ended its recent limited-time offers on Delta SkyMiles® credit cards. All cards are back to… Read More »Best Delta credit card offers: Earn bonus SkyMiles with new cardmember offers
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: 40,000 point welcome offer
July 18, 2024: The welcome offer on the is back to the business as usual offer. Here’s the current welcome… Read More »Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: 40,000 point welcome offer
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Best ever 60,000 point welcome offer
July 18, 2024: Delta and Amex have ended the previous limited-time welcome offer on the . The current new cardmember… Read More »Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Best ever 60,000 point welcome offer
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Easy to earn 50,000 point welcome offer
July 18, 2024: Today Delta ended its limited-time offer on the . The new cardmember welcome offer is back down… Read More »Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Easy to earn 50,000 point welcome offer
Delta Air Lines credit cards: Higher annual fees, but more statement credits
Update February 1, 2024: Delta has updated the benefits and pricing of most of its credit cards. We’ve updated this… Read More »Delta Air Lines credit cards: Higher annual fees, but more statement credits
Walmart+ Credits: Get a free Walmart+ membership with these cards.
A handful of cards offer monthly statement credits that cover the full cost of a Walmart+ membership. If you subscribe… Read More »Walmart+ Credits: Get a free Walmart+ membership with these cards.
Update May 23, 2024: Earlier today, American Express upped the welcome offer of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.… Read More »Limited time offer: Get 130k points plus a free night with a new Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Featured articles
The best cash back welcome bonuses – The biggest bonuses if you’re interested in earning cash back.
Easy cash back welcome bonuses – Welcome bonuses that earn $200 or more for $1,000 of spending or less.
Bank rewards program welcome bonuses
Chase Ultimate Rewards welcome bonuses
Citi ThankYou Points welcome bonuses
Airline miles credit card welcome bonuses
Alaska Airlines welcome bonuses
American Airlines welcome bonuses
Delta Air Lines SkyMiles welcome bonuses
Southwest Airlines welcome bonuses
United Airlines welcome bonuses
Hotel point credit card welcome bonuses
Hilton Honors welcome bonuses
Hyatt welcome bonuses
Marriott Bonvoy welcome bonuses
Every welcome bonus – Searchable database of every welcome bonus we track
(scroll down for more of our latest posts)
I’m Aaron Hurd, one of the foremost experts in credit cards, travel rewards, and loyalty programs. You might have seen one of the hundreds of articles I’ve written for places The Wall Street Journal, Time, Forbes, Nerdwallet, The Points Guy, Bankrate, Rolling Stone, and countless other publications. Or you may have run into me or seen me speak at an event like the Chicago Seminars, New York Times Travel Show, Fincon or Frequent Traveler University. Regardless of how you came to this site or where you are on your credit journey, welcome. 🙂
I launched this site because I saw a need to provide better information about credit cards and travel rewards. My goal is to build the best resource on the internet for you, whether your objective is to build your credit, put more cash in your wallet, better use your credit card benefits, or take your family on vacation.
Our promise to you is simple: We keep you, the reader, at the top of our priority list. We show you how to use your credit card rewards and benefits in ways that are relevant to you. And we have a little fun doing it.
Latest posts
Here’s the latest stuff we’ve published on our blog.
- Will a bank close cards you don’t use? Yes. Here’s what happens.
If you don’t make at least an occasional purchase with your credit card, most banks will automatically close no-annual-fee cards after a certain period of inactivity. When a bank closes your account, your credit score might take a small hit and you’ll lose any rewards you’ve accrued. You probably don’t want this to happen. Here’s… Read More »Will a bank close cards you don’t use? Yes. Here’s what happens. - What is a common carrier? Definition of common carrier.
You may see the term common carrier in your credit card’s Guide to Benefits. Or you might read that you must book your common carrier travel using your card to be eligible for a travel insurance benefit. If you haven’t seen the term used before, you might be confused, What is a common carrier? Is… Read More »What is a common carrier? Definition of common carrier. - Changes to the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Loss of unlimited SkyClub access starting in 2025
Update July 19, 2024: We noticed a subtle change in how the one-time guest passes are promoted. You no longer have to be traveling on the same Delta flight as someone to get them into the lounge using a guest pass. If you hold a Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for access to Delta… Read More »Changes to the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Loss of unlimited SkyClub access starting in 2025 - All about Bank of America Preferred Rewards: Get up to 2.62% everywhere or 5.25% in categories.Bank of America Preferred Rewards is a relationship banking program that offers a variety of reward incentives, including increased credit card rewards, for increasing your banking relationship with Bank of America. If you hold $100,000 or more in assets with Bank of America and Merrill, you can get a 75% bonus on your credit card… Read More »All about Bank of America Preferred Rewards: Get up to 2.62% everywhere or 5.25% in categories.
- How to track your progress toward a U.S. Bank welcome bonus
If you’ve recently gotten a new U.S. Bank credit card, you might be working on earning a credit card welcome bonus. Fortunately, U.S. Bank makes it easy to track your welcome bonus progress. Here’s how you can track the status of your U.S. Bank welcome bonus on the website or U.S. Bank mobile app. Tracking… Read More »How to track your progress toward a U.S. Bank welcome bonus - Chase purchase protection: Protection against damage and theft for the stuff you buyChase purchase protection can protect the items you buy with your Chase credit card against damage or theft for 120 days from the date of purchase. In most cases, you can get reimbursement to repair or replace your item up to $500 per claim. Some premium Chase cards offer even greater purchase protection benefits. Here’s… Read More »Chase purchase protection: Protection against damage and theft for the stuff you buy
- Chase transfer partners: Airline and hotel Ultimate Rewards partners
Chase Ultimate Rewards® transfer partners offer an opportunity to get outsized value from your Chase points. When you transfer your points to an airline or hotel partner, you can use them to book award travel through an airline or hotel program. Some of these programs can offer opportunities to use your points for luxury travel… Read More »Chase transfer partners: Airline and hotel Ultimate Rewards partners - Target Circle Week: Score bigger discounts and rewards. Up to 15% on top of deals.Target Circle Week runs from July 7 through July 13th this year. This periodic sale event frequently offers great deals on electronics, home goods, furniture, and clothing. Circle Week can offer some of the best pricing you’ll find on items that you’re shopping for anyway. If you’re a frequent Target shopper, you might be signed… Read More »Target Circle Week: Score bigger discounts and rewards. Up to 15% on top of deals.
- The best credit cards for Apple purchases: Get more rewards and better protection than the Apple CardIf you’re purchasing a new MacBook or iPhone directly from Apple, you may think that the Apple Card is the best card to use on your Apple purchase. But if you use your Apple Card on your purchase directly from Apple, you’re missing out on benefits like extended warranty. You may also be missing out… Read More »The best credit cards for Apple purchases: Get more rewards and better protection than the Apple Card
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card bonus: New limited-time offer—earn up to 120k pointsJune 27, 2024: Today Southwest and Chase announced a new welcome bonus on the card. This increased bonus is the largest bonus we’ve seen since we’ve started tracking the bonus on this card. Here’s how this bonus works: Here’s what you need to know about the current bonus offer on the . Best welcome bonus:… Read More »Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card bonus: New limited-time offer—earn up to 120k points
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card bonus: Best Southwest bonus available. Earn up to 120k pointsJune 27, 2024: Today Southwest and Chase announced a new welcome bonus on the card. This new bonus is the largest bonus we’ve seen since we’ve started tracking the bonus on this card. Here’s what you need to know about the current bonus offer on the Rapid Rewards Performance Business card. Online welcome bonus: Up… Read More »Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card bonus: Best Southwest bonus available. Earn up to 120k points
- Changes to Marriott Bonvoy Bold® credit card: Different categories, fewer elite night creditsMarriott and Chase have announced changes to the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® credit card. Going forward, the card will lose its 2x point earning rate on travel and instead earn 2x points in a handful of categories. The card will continue to grant Silver Elite status to cardmembers, but you’ll only receive 5 elite night credits… Read More »Changes to Marriott Bonvoy Bold® credit card: Different categories, fewer elite night credits
- Chase Ink Bonuses: The best sign-up bonuses on Chase Ink credit cards. Up to $1,500 of travel through Chase Travel℠!
July 12, 2024: We’ve updated this article to reflect the current online bonus on the Chase Ink credit cards offer some excellent options for small business owners. Within Chase’s offering, you can earn 2% (or more) cash back everywhere, get maximum rewards on categories like office supplies and travel, and collect valuable Ultimate Rewards® points… Read More »Chase Ink Bonuses: The best sign-up bonuses on Chase Ink credit cards. Up to $1,500 of travel through Chase Travel℠! - I want a single card for travel rewards. What card should I get?You want travel rewards because you travel a few times a year, but you don’t want to juggle multiple credit cards—you want a single card that you can use everywhere. The U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card gives you generous rewards anywhere you can use a mobile wallet to pay and offers a 50%… Read More »I want a single card for travel rewards. What card should I get?
- What cards should I get for travel rewards? A simple travel rewards strategy with 2-4 cards.Unlock more travel rewards. This guide covers the best travel rewards credit card strategy if you’re willing to go beyond carrying a single card and get 1-3 additional cards to earn travel rewards. Following the recommendations in this guide will get you the most travel rewards while keeping the number of cards you carry manageable.… Read More »What cards should I get for travel rewards? A simple travel rewards strategy with 2-4 cards.
- Ink Business Premier® Credit Card: A small business card with 2% cash back rewardsThe offers small business owners a simple value proposition: Unlimited 2% cash back rewards on every purchase, 2.5% cash back rewards on large purchases of $5,000 or more, and premium travel insurance protections for your business. If you want generous cash back rewards on every purchase or your business frequently makes large purchases and you… Read More »Ink Business Premier® Credit Card: A small business card with 2% cash back rewards
- Changes to Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: No more Equinox+ CreditOn June 13, 2024, Amex made some quiet changes to the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. The card will lose its $10 monthly statement credit for Equinox+ membership at the end of October 2024. This change isn’t likely to affect many cardmembers. I’d imagine that the Equinox+ membership wasn’t a widely-used benefit. Summary… Read More »Changes to Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: No more Equinox+ Credit
- Changes to U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card: No more annual fee, points devalued, but maybe more compelling than ever?Just a quick reminder that you should cash out your points if you hold the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card. Points can only be redeemed for 0.8 cents each toward travel after September 8th, 2024. Cardmembers holding the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card were recently informed of changes to the card… Read More »Changes to U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card: No more annual fee, points devalued, but maybe more compelling than ever?
- How to change your Bank of America Customized Cash 3% award category: Step by step guideThe Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card offers up to 3% cash back rewards in one of six select categories that you choose. Depending on what category you select, the card can become one of the best cards to use for rewards in any of its select categories: You can choose which category… Read More »How to change your Bank of America Customized Cash 3% award category: Step by step guide
- Cards offering Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and Nexus credits: Get up to a $100 trusted traveler credit
TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and NEXUS are trusted traveler programs that can help you speed through security or immigration during your travels. Each of these programs requires enrollment and charges an application fee. Fortunately, many credit cards offer a credit for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS. And getting the credit is as simple as… Read More »Cards offering Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and Nexus credits: Get up to a $100 trusted traveler credit - Chase Sapphire Reserve® Travel Credit: An easy $300 toward most travelThe comes with an annual $300 travel credit that you get automatically when you charge travel expenses to the card. For most Sapphire Reserve cardmembers, the $300 travel credit goes a long way toward offsetting the card’s $550 annual fee. Here’s everything you need to know about the $300 travel credit on the Chase Sapphire… Read More »Chase Sapphire Reserve® Travel Credit: An easy $300 toward most travel
- The best cards to use at Best Buy: 5 alternatives to the Best Buy credit cardThe best card to use at Best Buy isn’t the Best Buy credit card. You might expect that the Best Buy credit card offers the best rewards at Best Buy or perks that make it the best card to use at the retailer. But the card’s rewards come with some big caveats and the promotional… Read More »The best cards to use at Best Buy: 5 alternatives to the Best Buy credit card
- MQD Boost and MQD Headstart: Get Medallion status with Delta credit cardsDelta credit cards offer two benefits that can help you earn Medallion status faster. MQD Headstart gives you Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) just for holding an eligible Delta credit card and MQD Boost awards MQDs for spending on your Delta cards. These benefits make it possible to earn Delta Medallion status just through your Delta… Read More »MQD Boost and MQD Headstart: Get Medallion status with Delta credit cards
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Easy to earn 50,000 point welcome offerJuly 18, 2024: Today Delta ended its limited-time offer on the . The new cardmember welcome offer is back down to the business-as-usual offer: bonus_miles_full Here are all of the details on the best-available welcome offer. Best welcome offer: 50,000 SkyMiles after spending $3,000 in 6 months Here are the details on the current welcome… Read More »Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Easy to earn 50,000 point welcome offer
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: 40,000 point welcome offerJuly 18, 2024: The welcome offer on the is back to the business as usual offer. Here’s the current welcome offer available on the Delta Gold card: bonus_miles_full Here are all of the details on this best current welcome offer on the . Best welcome offer available: 40,000 SkyMiles after spending $2,000 in 6 months… Read More »Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: 40,000 point welcome offer
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Best ever 60,000 point welcome offerJuly 18, 2024: Delta and Amex have ended the previous limited-time welcome offer on the . The current new cardmember welcome offer is back down to the regular offer: bonus_miles_full Here are all of the details on the best welcome offer on the . Best welcome offer: 60,000 SkyMiles after spending $5,000 in 6 months… Read More »Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Best ever 60,000 point welcome offer
- Amex lifetime language: You can earn a welcome bonus only once—with some exceptions
American Express generally only allows you to earn a welcome bonus on a new credit card if you’ve never had the same card before. The language in the Amex bonus terms and conditions related to this is often referred to as “lifetime language.” Here’s what you need to know about the Amex welcome bonus rules… Read More »Amex lifetime language: You can earn a welcome bonus only once—with some exceptions - Credit cards with primary rental car insurance: Use these cards for the best protection when renting carsPrimary rental car insurance on a credit card can protect your personal auto insurance if a car you rent using your card is damaged or stolen. If possible, you should always use a card with primary rental car insurance when renting a car. Here are the cards that offer primary car rental car insurance within… Read More »Credit cards with primary rental car insurance: Use these cards for the best protection when renting cars
- Southwest credit cards compared: 5 cards to choose from. Get the best card for you.Southwest Airlines offers 5 credit cards in partnership with Chase. Each of these offers benefits for flying on Southwest, but two stand out above the rest for most Southwest flyers. In this post, we’ll show you everything you need to know to compare all of the Southwest credit cards and choose the right one for… Read More »Southwest credit cards compared: 5 cards to choose from. Get the best card for you.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card sign-up bonus: 85,000 Rapid Rewards points for a limited timeThe sign-up bonus has just been increased to 85,000 points. Here’s what you need to know about the current offer on the Rapid Rewards Priority card. Best sign-up bonus: Online 85k Rapid Rewards points offer. Here’s the best bonus offer currently available on the . How to use Southwest Rapid Rewards points The Southwest Rapid… Read More »Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card sign-up bonus: 85,000 Rapid Rewards points for a limited time
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card sign-up bonus: 50k points after $3k spending. 85k bonus still available through referral links!June 27, 2024: The 85k welcome bonus on the has ended through most channels but it is still available through personal referral links. See below for a referral link from one of our readers. In most places, you’ll now see the business-as-usual 50k point bonus. The currently offers a bonus to new cardmembers who complete… Read More »Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card sign-up bonus: 50k points after $3k spending. 85k bonus still available through referral links!
- Visa car rental insurance: Protect yourself by using the right card when renting a carVisa’s car rental insurance benefit, known formally as Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, can provide reimbursement for damages from theft or collision when you rent a car with your eligible card. Here’s what you need to know about this benefit and how it works. Visa auto rental collision damage waiver at a glance Coverage Covers… Read More »Visa car rental insurance: Protect yourself by using the right card when renting a car
- Best World of Hyatt credit card sign-up bonus: Earn up to 60,000 points.The World of Hyatt Credit Card offers a sign-up bonus for new cardmembers: Here’s what you need to know about the new cardmember offer on the World of Hyatt credit card. Best bonus: Online offer up to 60,000 points My take on the current World of Hyatt credit card bonus The bonus isn’t among the… Read More »Best World of Hyatt credit card sign-up bonus: Earn up to 60,000 points.
- Amex Return Protection: Get 90 days to return an item, regardless of the retailer’s return policyAmerican Express Return Protection is a consumer insurance benefit offered on some Amex cards. It can provide a refund on eligible items you purchase with your card that a retailer won’t take back within 90 days. What is return protection? Return protection is a credit card benefit that can provide a refund if a retailer… Read More »Amex Return Protection: Get 90 days to return an item, regardless of the retailer’s return policy
- What credit cards does Costco accept? Every Costco payment method.Here’s a quick guide to what payment methods are accepted at Costco, Costco.com, and Costco gas stations. U.S. in-store locations Costco.com U.S. Costco gas stations Visa credit cards Mastercard credit cards – – Mobile payment Apple PayGoogle PaySamsung Pay Apple Pay Only Apple Pay Only PIN-based Debit/ATM cards Costco Shop Cards Personal and business checks… Read More »What credit cards does Costco accept? Every Costco payment method.
- Mastercard Price Protection: Get a refund from your credit card if you see a better priceMastercard Price Protection is a benefit offered on some World Elite Mastercards that can provide a refund if you see a lower advertised price on an item you buy within 60-120 days. Here’s what you need to know about Mastercard Price Protection. What is price protection? Price protection can refund the difference between the price… Read More »Mastercard Price Protection: Get a refund from your credit card if you see a better price
- The best credit cards to use at Walmart: 5% or more rewards
If you frequently shop at Walmart, getting a credit card that earns more rewards at Walmart can make a meaningful impact on your personal bottom line. Here are the cards that earn the most rewards at Walmart. (Jump directly to our recommendations.) Capital One Walmart Rewards® Card: 5% cash back at Walmart.com and 2% in-store.… Read More »The best credit cards to use at Walmart: 5% or more rewards - All Chase Ink credit cards compared: Side-by-side comparison of rewards and benefitsChase offers four Ink-branded credit cards to small business owners: Each of these cards has its own rewards structure and suite of benefits. Which Ink card is right for you will depend on your small business spending patterns and whether you travel for work. In this side-by-side comparison of Ink cards, we’ll show you the… Read More »All Chase Ink credit cards compared: Side-by-side comparison of rewards and benefits
Other resources
5% big box cards
Target Red Card – 5% discount at Target
Best cards for…
Find the best cards for spending at places like grocery stores, electronics stores, and more.
- Will a bank close cards you don’t use? Yes. Here’s what happens.
- What is a common carrier? Definition of common carrier.
- Changes to the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Loss of unlimited SkyClub access starting in 2025
- All about Bank of America Preferred Rewards: Get up to 2.62% everywhere or 5.25% in categories.
- How to track your progress toward a U.S. Bank welcome bonus
Useful benefits
- Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare
- All about Delta TakeOff 15: 15% mileage discount on Delta award tickets
- Amex Business Platinum Wireless Credit: $10 per month toward your mobile phone bill
- Amex Disney Bundle credits: How to get up to a 70% ongoing Disney Plus discount
- Amex Extended Warranty: The low-hassle credit card extended warranty
- Amex Purchase Protection: Everything you need to know
- Amex Return Protection: Get 90 days to return an item, regardless of the retailer’s return policy
- Amex Trip Delay Insurance: Up to $500 of expenses reimbursed for travel delays.
- Annual travel credits
- Auto rental collision damage waiver insurance
- Best cards for airport lounge access: Get into an airport lounge for free with these cards
- Best hotel credit cards for free nights: Get a free hotel stay with these cards
- Capital One Venture X travel credit: Easy $300 toward bookings with Capital One Travel
- Car rental insurance: These cards cover you with primary insurance in the U.S. on most rentals
- Cards offering Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and Nexus credits: Get up to a $100 trusted traveler credit
- Cell phone protection: Pay your monthly bill with your card, get protected against damage and theft for free.
- Chase extended warranty benefits: An extra year of protection on many items you buy
- Chase purchase protection: Protection against damage and theft for the stuff you buy
- Chase Roadside Assistance: Credit card roadside assistance that pays for service calls
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® Travel Credit: An easy $300 toward most travel
- Chase trip delay insurance: Your ticket to a hotel room if you’re delayed overnight
- Citi extended warranty: The best extended warranty available on a credit card
- Credit cards with primary rental car insurance: Use these cards for the best protection when renting cars
- Delta free checked bag: Save $35 and get a first bag free when flying with Delta
- Delta Stays Credit: How to get up to $250 for hotel bookings through Delta Stays
- Delta/Amex Resy Credit: Statement credit for dining with Resy restaurants
- Find your Chase credit card benefits: 3 ways to find your benefits
- Mastercard Price Protection: Get a refund from your credit card if you see a better price
- Purchase protection: Protection for your new purchases against damage and theft
- Return protection: A guarantee that you have up to 90 days to return purchases.
- Roadside assistance benefits
- The one card wallet
- Trip delay insurance: Your ticket to a hotel room when your flight cancels
- Valuing credit card benefits: How much YOU value them is all that matters.
- Visa car rental insurance: Protect yourself by using the right card when renting a car
- Walmart+ Credits: Get a free Walmart+ membership with these cards.
- Your monthly credit-card to-do list
Targeted offers
Some cards have opt-in offers that can save you money or earn you more cash back.
Amex Offers
Bank AmeriDeals
Chase Offers
Citi Merchant Offers
All about rewards
Overviews of rewards programs, plus the best welcome bonuses in each program
Bank program guides
Amex Membership Rewards
Capital One Miles
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Citi ThankYou Points
