If travel is on your calendar this year, a rewards credit card could help cover a surprising amount of the cost. Right now, several cards are running welcome offers worth hundreds (and in some cases thousands) of dollars in travel value.
Here is a look at five cards worth knowing about this month. Before you apply, make sure you can comfortably meet the spending requirement to earn the bonus. That is the key to making any of these work for you.
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
Welcome offer: Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months. That bonus is valued at around $4,000 in travel.
Annual fee: $895
This card is designed for business owners who love to travel well. The spending requirement is high, but so are the perks. The card offers up to $600 in hotel credit each year for prepaid bookings through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection. You also get up to $50 per quarter in statement credits on eligible purchases made directly with a Hilton property.
Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Credit Card
Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points plus a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $6,500 in the first 90 days. You also receive a 50% flight discount code for a future qualifying flight just for opening the account. The total welcome package is valued at around $1,750.
Annual fee: $395
This card works especially well for folks who fly Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines frequently. But it also earns 3 points per dollar on foreign purchases, which makes it a solid choice for international travel. Points can also be redeemed for flights with Oneworld alliance partner airlines.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months. On top of that, you get a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use during your first year. Total value is estimated at $1,638.
Annual fee: $95
This one is popular because it keeps things simple. You earn miles on every purchase and can redeem them for travel expenses beyond just flights and hotels (including train tickets and Airbnb rentals) at a value of 1 cent per mile. If you want a straightforward card that works for many types of travel, this is worth a look.
Disney Inspire Visa Card
Welcome offer: Receive a $300 electronic Disney gift card immediately upon approval, plus earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 in the first three months. Total welcome value is $600.
Annual fee: $149
If a Disney World trip is on your bucket list (maybe with grandchildren in tow), this card can take a real bite out of the cost. After your first year, you receive a $100 statement credit each anniversary year after spending $200 on U.S. park tickets. Park tickets are one of the biggest expenses of any Disney visit, so that annual credit goes a long way.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
Welcome offer: Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first six months. That is valued at around $1,500. This offer ends May 13.
Annual fee: $650
If you stay at Marriott properties, whether you are on the road or just enjoying a staycation near home, this card comes loaded with perks. You get automatic Platinum Elite status, late checkout, free breakfast at select properties, and up to $25 per month in dining statement credits worldwide.
Each year, you also receive a free night award worth up to 85,000 points. That is enough to cover a stay at some very nice hotels. Note that certain hotels charge resort fees even with the free night certificate.
Each of these cards has its own spending requirement to unlock the bonus. Make sure the minimum spend fits comfortably within your normal monthly budget. Also, check each card’s application rules before you apply, since issuers have their own guidelines on how many cards you can hold at once.