If you are planning a trip in the not-too-distant future, you might be dreading the high cost of airfare. However, one way to address the high cost of flying these days is with a welcome bonus from a travel credit card. Welcome bonuses reward you with points you can use on things like hotels and airfare, generally after you spend a certain amount.
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Travel cards tend to offer some of the best welcome bonuses, allowing you to greatly reduce the cost of your trip. These cards sometimes have high fees, too, but their generous benefits can more than offset the fee for the right person. Just remember to pay the card off, as interest charges can eliminate the discount you get with these welcome bonuses. Here are five of the best current offers out there.
Welcome offer: 80,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 within six months of account opening
Annual fee:
The American Express Platinum Card has upped its bonus recently, offering a welcome offer of 80,000 points. With so many bonus points, this card’s welcome bonus alone could be enough to offset its admittedly sky-high fee.
But it has other benefits, too, like annual $200 hotel and $240 entertainment credits. It also gives you $200 of Uber Cash and a $200 airline fee credit. Rounding out its credits is a $140 Walmart+ credit. Lastly, it gives you access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which has over 1,400 lounges in 650 cities.
Welcome bonus: 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within three months of account opening
Annual fee:
If you don’t mind an annual fee but don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars per year on one, the Citi Premier is a solid choice. Its bonus of 80,000 ThankYou Points is redeemable for dining, groceries, gas, or travel. You can also redeem it for a statement credit or $800 in gift cards.
This card earns 3x points at restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, and on air travel and hotel booking. All other purchases earn 1x points. Overall, it offers excellent benefits for an entry-level premium card, plus a generous welcome bonus.
