Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

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fortfun
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Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by fortfun »

I read the CC reward thread but didn't get many good leads. DW and I are out of the dreaded 5/24 CC jail now. Any cards that people like right now? Travel bonuses or cash bonuses are fine. Business or personal. I don't find DocOfCredit as useful as I did in the past, too many ads, etc. Hoping my BHs have some good leads!
Thanks,
Ff
MrJedi
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by MrJedi »

Chase Sapphire Preferred in branch application still has the 100k points offer (worth minimally $1000 as cash back, can be more if used for travel).
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by inverter »

MrJedi wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 12:40 pm Chase Sapphire Preferred in branch application still has the 100k points offer (worth minimally $1000 as cash back, can be more if used for travel).
+1!! Get it while it lasts.
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whodidntante
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by whodidntante »

MrJedi wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 12:40 pm Chase Sapphire Preferred in branch application still has the 100k points offer (worth minimally $1000 as cash back, can be more if used for travel).
^^ I second this motion.

Also check to see what Capital One Venture is pushing as a first hit now.
No reason you can't do both! :twisted:
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fortfun
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by fortfun »

MrJedi wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 12:40 pm Chase Sapphire Preferred in branch application still has the 100k points offer (worth minimally $1000 as cash back, can be more if used for travel).
I canceled my last sapphire card 1/19/2018. Would I qualify for a new one or does sapphire still require the 4 year period? Thanks!
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fortfun
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by fortfun »

whodidntante wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 12:45 pm
MrJedi wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 12:40 pm Chase Sapphire Preferred in branch application still has the 100k points offer (worth minimally $1000 as cash back, can be more if used for travel).
^^ I second this motion.

Also check to see what Capital One Venture is pushing as a first hit now.
No reason you can't do both! :twisted:
Looks like the bonus is worth 1k in travel! Thanks!
MrJedi
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by MrJedi »

fortfun wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 6:56 pm
MrJedi wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 12:40 pm Chase Sapphire Preferred in branch application still has the 100k points offer (worth minimally $1000 as cash back, can be more if used for travel).
I canceled my last sapphire card 1/19/2018. Would I qualify for a new one or does sapphire still require the 4 year period? Thanks!
48 month rule is still in effect, so no go for you.

Another good one that started over the summer is the Citi Premier. $95 annual fee not waved but 80k points worth $800 cash back with $4000 spending.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by Jags4186 »

The best signup bonus, by far, is the Resy American Express Platinum offer which is worth up to 500,000 Membership Rewards points. In fact, it is the likely the most generous signup bonus ever offered on a consumer credit card from any issuer. If you sign up in December, in addition to the points for one $695 annual fee you get…

$600 in airline credits
$600 in hotel credits
$250 in Uber credit
$358 in CLEAR credit
$100 in Global Entry credit
$280 in streaming credits
$200 in Saks 5th Avenue credit

Plus a bunch of credits for stuff that seems worthless to me but perhaps not to you — $300 SoulCycle credit and $300/yr Equinox credit, for example.


https://resy.com/amex-offers?date=2021-10-24&seats=2
Last edited by Jags4186 on Sun Oct 24, 2021 7:57 pm, edited 7 times in total.
UpperNwGuy
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by UpperNwGuy »

Chase Sapphire Preferred. To get the best bonus, you need to apply in a Chase branch office.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by MAandMEMom »

I'm thinking I need to get back into the CC game. Have folks done two promos - one for each spouse? I also use the Southwest Chase card so I wonder if I'd be excluded.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by flyingaway »

Jags4186 wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 7:43 pm The best signup bonus, by far, is the Resy American Express Platinum offer which is worth up to 500,000 Membership Rewards points. In fact, it is the likely the most generous signup bonus ever offered on a consumer credit card from any issuer. If you sign up in December, in addition to the points for one $695 annual fee you get…

$600 in airline credits
$600 in hotel credits
$250 in Uber credit
$358 in CLEAR credit
$100 in Global Entry credit
$280 in streaming credits
$200 in Saks 5th Avenue credit

Plus a bunch of credits for stuff that seems worthless to me but perhaps not to you — $300 SoulCycle credit and $300/yr Equinox credit, for example.


https://resy.com/amex-offers?date=2021-10-24&seats=2
If one can afford this credit card, one does not need to play the credit card games.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by Jags4186 »

flyingaway wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 8:11 pm
Jags4186 wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 7:43 pm The best signup bonus, by far, is the Resy American Express Platinum offer which is worth up to 500,000 Membership Rewards points. In fact, it is the likely the most generous signup bonus ever offered on a consumer credit card from any issuer. If you sign up in December, in addition to the points for one $695 annual fee you get…

$600 in airline credits
$600 in hotel credits
$250 in Uber credit
$358 in CLEAR credit
$100 in Global Entry credit
$280 in streaming credits
$200 in Saks 5th Avenue credit

Plus a bunch of credits for stuff that seems worthless to me but perhaps not to you — $300 SoulCycle credit and $300/yr Equinox credit, for example.


https://resy.com/amex-offers?date=2021-10-24&seats=2
If one can afford this credit card, one does not need to play the credit card games.
You don’t know the game very well then.
ChelseaFC_20
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by ChelseaFC_20 »

MAandMEMom wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 7:49 pm I'm thinking I need to get back into the CC game. Have folks done two promos - one for each spouse? I also use the Southwest Chase card so I wonder if I'd be excluded.
My Fiance and I did this. I already had the Chase Sapphire preferred card. I referred her from the mobile app, and received an additional 20k bonus points :D
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by nydoc »

Jags4186 wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 7:43 pm The best signup bonus, by far, is the Resy American Express Platinum offer which is worth up to 500,000 Membership Rewards points. In fact, it is the likely the most generous signup bonus ever offered on a consumer credit card from any issuer. If you sign up in December, in addition to the points for one $695 annual fee you get…

$600 in airline credits
$600 in hotel credits
$250 in Uber credit
$358 in CLEAR credit
$100 in Global Entry credit
$280 in streaming credits
$200 in Saks 5th Avenue credit

Plus a bunch of credits for stuff that seems worthless to me but perhaps not to you — $300 SoulCycle credit and $300/yr Equinox credit, for example.


https://resy.com/amex-offers?date=2021-10-24&seats=2
Can you elaborate signing up in December thing and how it would help with more rewards?
Thanks
MAandMEMom
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by MAandMEMom »

ChelseaFC_20 wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 8:31 pm
MAandMEMom wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 7:49 pm I'm thinking I need to get back into the CC game. Have folks done two promos - one for each spouse? I also use the Southwest Chase card so I wonder if I'd be excluded.
My Fiance and I did this. I already had the Chase Sapphire preferred card. I referred her from the mobile app, and received an additional 20k bonus points :D
Years ago and thanks to Flyertalk, we easily earned a companion pass times two and many free tickets on Southwest by opening credits card with Continental and Choice Hotels and washed them over to SWA. Best five trips in one year to Orlando ever and well worth the pricey platinum annual pass to Universal.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by MishkaWorries »

MrJedi wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 12:40 pm Chase Sapphire Preferred in branch application still has the 100k points offer (worth minimally $1000 as cash back, can be more if used for travel).
Im interested. But it seems one must purchase the airfare through the Chase website. Is the airfare the same as if you bought it from the airline? What if there is a dispute? Would one have to rely on Chase (like a travel agency) or would it be handled like a ticket purchased directly from the airline?
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by brad.clarkston »

Jags4186 wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 8:21 pm
flyingaway wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 8:11 pm
Jags4186 wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 7:43 pm The best signup bonus, by far, is the Resy American Express Platinum offer which is worth up to 500,000 Membership Rewards points. In fact, it is the likely the most generous signup bonus ever offered on a consumer credit card from any issuer. If you sign up in December, in addition to the points for one $695 annual fee you get…

$600 in airline credits
$600 in hotel credits
$250 in Uber credit
$358 in CLEAR credit
$100 in Global Entry credit
$280 in streaming credits
$200 in Saks 5th Avenue credit

Plus a bunch of credits for stuff that seems worthless to me but perhaps not to you — $300 SoulCycle credit and $300/yr Equinox credit, for example.


https://resy.com/amex-offers?date=2021-10-24&seats=2
If one can afford this credit card, one does not need to play the credit card games.
You don’t know the game very well then.
^
Beat me to it. This is the card that goes head to head with the BoA Preferred Rewards card from a far better company than BoA.

Also add in the:


x10 points for restaurants (worldwide) and the Shop Small (USA) program.
x5 points on travel booked through Amex.
x1 points everything else
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by Ron Ronnerson »

fortfun wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 12:28 pm I read the CC reward thread but didn't get many good leads. DW and I are out of the dreaded 5/24 CC jail now. Any cards that people like right now? Travel bonuses or cash bonuses are fine. Business or personal. I don't find DocOfCredit as useful as I did in the past, too many ads, etc. Hoping my BHs have some good leads!
Thanks,
Ff
An option to consider is carrying credit card debt. I'm usually opposed to this idea but inflation is running at 5.4% at the moment and there are a bunch of credit cards which offer 0% rates for 15 months or more. Some of these come with bonuses as well and offer up to 5% back on certain spending categories. For example, I just got an offer in the mail for a Citi Custom Cash Card which gives a bonus of $300 when $1k is spent in the first 3 months, charges no interest on purchases for 15 months, and pays 5% on the highest spending category each billing cycle on up to $500 in spending. If inflation remains high, the 0% interest for over a year could be the best part of the deal, depending on just how much is charged and just how high inflation goes. Carrying debt isn't for everyone, though.
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fortfun
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by fortfun »

Ron Ronnerson wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 8:55 pm
fortfun wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 12:28 pm I read the CC reward thread but didn't get many good leads. DW and I are out of the dreaded 5/24 CC jail now. Any cards that people like right now? Travel bonuses or cash bonuses are fine. Business or personal. I don't find DocOfCredit as useful as I did in the past, too many ads, etc. Hoping my BHs have some good leads!
Thanks,
Ff
An option to consider is carrying credit card debt. I'm usually opposed to this idea but inflation is running at 5.4% at the moment and there are a bunch of credit cards which offer 0% rates for 15 months or more. Some of these come with bonuses as well and offer up to 5% back on certain spending categories. For example, I just got an offer in the mail for a Citi Custom Cash Card which gives a bonus of $300 when $1k is spent in the first 3 months, charges no interest on purchases for 15 months, and pays 5% on the highest spending category each billing cycle on up to $500 in spending. If inflation remains high, the 0% interest for over a year could be the best part of the deal, depending on just how much is charged and just how high inflation goes. Carrying debt isn't for everyone, though.
Interesting. Thanks!
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by fortfun »

MrJedi wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 7:36 pm
fortfun wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 6:56 pm
MrJedi wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 12:40 pm Chase Sapphire Preferred in branch application still has the 100k points offer (worth minimally $1000 as cash back, can be more if used for travel).
I canceled my last sapphire card 1/19/2018. Would I qualify for a new one or does sapphire still require the 4 year period? Thanks!
48 month rule is still in effect, so no go for you.

Another good one that started over the summer is the Citi Premier. $95 annual fee not waved but 80k points worth $800 cash back with $4000 spending.
Thanks, How long must you have canceled Premeir? I think I'm 2 years out on this one.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by tj »

fortfun wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 6:56 pm
MrJedi wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 12:40 pm Chase Sapphire Preferred in branch application still has the 100k points offer (worth minimally $1000 as cash back, can be more if used for travel).
I canceled my last sapphire card 1/19/2018. Would I qualify for a new one or does sapphire still require the 4 year period? Thanks!
Isn't it 4 years from when you received the bonus, not 4 years from when you cancelled the card?
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by madbrain »

If you travel to Europe much, there is the Air France KLM card Mastercard. Not advertised on the BofA web site, but you can still apply.
I did about 10 days ago, and just received the card yesterday. The offer is 50,000 miles after $2000 spending.

https://www.airfrance.us/US/en/local/pa ... t-Card.htm
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by LifeIsGood »

Maybe I missed it but the largest Membership Rewards bonus shown on the linked page was 125,000. How do you get 500,000?
Jags4186 wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 7:43 pm The best signup bonus, by far, is the Resy American Express Platinum offer which is worth up to 500,000 Membership Rewards points. In fact, it is the likely the most generous signup bonus ever offered on a consumer credit card from any issuer. If you sign up in December, in addition to the points for one $695 annual fee you get…

$600 in airline credits
$600 in hotel credits
$250 in Uber credit
$358 in CLEAR credit
$100 in Global Entry credit
$280 in streaming credits
$200 in Saks 5th Avenue credit

Plus a bunch of credits for stuff that seems worthless to me but perhaps not to you — $300 SoulCycle credit and $300/yr Equinox credit, for example.


https://resy.com/amex-offers?date=2021-10-24&seats=2
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anon_investor
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by anon_investor »

tj wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 10:43 pm
fortfun wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 6:56 pm
MrJedi wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 12:40 pm Chase Sapphire Preferred in branch application still has the 100k points offer (worth minimally $1000 as cash back, can be more if used for travel).
I canceled my last sapphire card 1/19/2018. Would I qualify for a new one or does sapphire still require the 4 year period? Thanks!
Isn't it 4 years from when you received the bonus, not 4 years from when you cancelled the card?
That is what I thought too...
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by Jags4186 »

nydoc wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 8:33 pm
Jags4186 wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 7:43 pm The best signup bonus, by far, is the Resy American Express Platinum offer which is worth up to 500,000 Membership Rewards points. In fact, it is the likely the most generous signup bonus ever offered on a consumer credit card from any issuer. If you sign up in December, in addition to the points for one $695 annual fee you get…

$600 in airline credits
$600 in hotel credits
$250 in Uber credit
$358 in CLEAR credit
$100 in Global Entry credit
$280 in streaming credits
$200 in Saks 5th Avenue credit

Plus a bunch of credits for stuff that seems worthless to me but perhaps not to you — $300 SoulCycle credit and $300/yr Equinox credit, for example.


https://resy.com/amex-offers?date=2021-10-24&seats=2
Can you elaborate signing up in December thing and how it would help with more rewards?
Thanks
AMEX’s airline and hotel credits are structured by calendar year, Saks credit by calendar half year. So if you sign up in December you would get $200 airline, $200 hotel, $50 Saks in December, $200 airline, $200 hotel, $50 Saks in January, $50 Saks in June. Annual fee posts in December 2022, you get 30 days to cancel and get refunded, so you wait until January, use up your credits again, and then cancel. Of course you could also ask for a retention offer which could make keeping the card an additional year worthwhile.
Last edited by Jags4186 on Mon Oct 25, 2021 6:34 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by Jags4186 »

LifeIsGood wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 5:59 am Maybe I missed it but the largest Membership Rewards bonus shown on the linked page was 125,000. How do you get 500,000?
The signup offer is 125,000 points AND 15x on dining and “Shop Small” up to $25,000 in spend for 6 months. 25,000 * 15 is 375,000 + 125,000 = 500,000.

You’d be shocked what is considered Shop Small and with careful planning could easily max out that category. Of course if you are a big spender, you may not need to plan out the spend.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by MrJedi »

anon_investor wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 6:05 am
tj wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 10:43 pm
fortfun wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 6:56 pm
MrJedi wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 12:40 pm Chase Sapphire Preferred in branch application still has the 100k points offer (worth minimally $1000 as cash back, can be more if used for travel).
I canceled my last sapphire card 1/19/2018. Would I qualify for a new one or does sapphire still require the 4 year period? Thanks!
Isn't it 4 years from when you received the bonus, not 4 years from when you cancelled the card?
That is what I thought too...
I missed the part where it said closed and not opened. Yes I agree with the above, 4 years from the last bonus received. You should be able to look up your old statements to see when it was received. Should be within 3-4 months opening it if you got one.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by z3r0c00l »

PenFed just mailed me an offer of $100 for $1500 spend in 90 days. Not sure it is worth my time I normally go for either more money (150-200) or an easier spend e.g. $750. Only good if you plan to have a relationship with PenFed going forward then it might be a nice card.
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dodecahedron
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by dodecahedron »

Jags4186 wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 6:32 am
LifeIsGood wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 5:59 am Maybe I missed it but the largest Membership Rewards bonus shown on the linked page was 125,000. How do you get 500,000?
The signup offer is 125,000 points AND 15x on dining and “Shop Small” up to $25,000 in spend for 6 months. 25,000 * 15 is 375,000 + 125,000 = 500,000.

You’d be shocked what is considered Shop Small and with careful planning could easily max out that category. Of course if you are a big spender, you may not need to plan out the spend.
Indeed, I was surprised to see that Lowe's Home Improvement (big box national chain) is considered Shop Small! But other than that, the Shop Small shown for my area all appear to be genuine local small businesses. I wonder how much it costs a business to participate in the Shop Small promotion. I looked up my favorite local small businesses (ones where I personally know the owners) and while they both take Amex, and have participated in Shop Small Saturday promotions (Saturday after Thanksgiving) in the past, they do not show up on the Amex Shop Small map.

In any case, I would be hard-pressed to spend anything like $25K on shop small or dining in 6 months, especially with COVID drastically reducing my dining out. I will be passing on this one.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by Jags4186 »

dodecahedron wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 7:20 am
Jags4186 wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 6:32 am
LifeIsGood wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 5:59 am Maybe I missed it but the largest Membership Rewards bonus shown on the linked page was 125,000. How do you get 500,000?
The signup offer is 125,000 points AND 15x on dining and “Shop Small” up to $25,000 in spend for 6 months. 25,000 * 15 is 375,000 + 125,000 = 500,000.

You’d be shocked what is considered Shop Small and with careful planning could easily max out that category. Of course if you are a big spender, you may not need to plan out the spend.
Indeed, I was surprised to see that Lowe's Home Improvement (big box national chain) is considered Shop Small! But other than that, the Shop Small shown for my area all appear to be genuine local small businesses. I wonder how much it costs a business to participate in the Shop Small promotion. I looked up my favorite local small businesses (ones where I personally know the owners) and while they both take Amex, and have participated in Shop Small Saturday promotions (Saturday after Thanksgiving) in the past, they do not show up on the Amex Shop Small map.

In any case, I would be hard-pressed to spend anything like $25K on shop small or dining in 6 months, especially with COVID drastically reducing my dining out. I will be passing on this one.
The Shop Small map is also not 100% accurate.

Some ideas for folks on good place for big Shop Small spend….of course if you actually have the expenses:

Car dealerships — if you’re in the market for a new car almost all car dealerships are “Shop Small” - put as big a down payment as possible on credit card. About 6 years ago I was able to negotiate with a Honda dealership $10,000 down on credit card during the Discover 22% cash back back promo.

Doctors and hospitals — if you had or are planning on having significant medical expenses, many/most doctors will qualify as Shop Small.

Local home improvement stores (as noted above even some national)

Certain websites that sell gift cards… (egifter.com)
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by danaht »

We should probably have two different threads - one thread for best sign up bonus for credit cards with an annual fee - and one thread for best sign up bonuses for credit cards without an annual fee. Be wary of the annual fee - even if it is waived for the first year - some credit card companies have fine print that will claw back all or part of the bonuses if you cancel the credit card before you pay the annual fee on the 2nd year.

I vote for this offer for the no annual fee category:
Bank of America Customized Cash Back Cards have a good sign up bonus of $200 if you spend $1000 within 90 days.
I like this card because of the 75% bonus for preferred rewards. It's good to have two of these cards - so you can have two 3% (5% for PR) categories set.
I like gas (default category), and online shopping as my 3% (5%) categories. Online shopping is an interesting category - because if you use your phone to pay using an app - it might be considered as "online shopping" - still testing what works for this.
Last edited by danaht on Mon Oct 25, 2021 8:00 am, edited 3 times in total.
MrJedi
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by MrJedi »

For all of the popular offers with AF cards, the strategy is to let the second AF post and then immediately downgrade or cancel. You will get the AF refunded and no clawback. This is true for the major ones I'm aware of at least (Amex, Chase, Citi, etc.). There might be some smaller players where that is not true, but I think that's usually the exception and not the default. DOC usually has this type of info documented.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by DrGrnTum »

fortfun wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 6:56 pm
MrJedi wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 12:40 pm Chase Sapphire Preferred in branch application still has the 100k points offer (worth minimally $1000 as cash back, can be more if used for travel).
I canceled my last sapphire card 1/19/2018. Would I qualify for a new one or does sapphire still require the 4 year period? Thanks!
Were you the only one to have the Sapphire card?
Your wife could apply for it.
That Sapphire Preferred card with 100k bonus and the 125k Amex Platinum in my opinion are the best offers around now.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by flyingaway »

Jags4186 wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 6:32 am
LifeIsGood wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 5:59 am Maybe I missed it but the largest Membership Rewards bonus shown on the linked page was 125,000. How do you get 500,000?
The signup offer is 125,000 points AND 15x on dining and “Shop Small” up to $25,000 in spend for 6 months. 25,000 * 15 is 375,000 + 125,000 = 500,000.

You’d be shocked what is considered Shop Small and with careful planning could easily max out that category. Of course if you are a big spender, you may not need to plan out the spend.
How much are these $500,000 points worth? I read through the descriptions and did not see this part?
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by willthrill81 »

My biggest beef with the 'best' credit card signup bonuses is that they are generally for flights. Those who don't fly much, which includes us, obviously don't benefit much from such bonuses.

We're currently working on getting the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless CC bonus, 125k Marriott points and one free night up to 50k points for a $95 annual fee. The one free night alone is worth far more than the annual fee.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by FinanceGeek »

DrGrnTum wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 10:08 am
fortfun wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 6:56 pm
MrJedi wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 12:40 pm Chase Sapphire Preferred in branch application still has the 100k points offer (worth minimally $1000 as cash back, can be more if used for travel).
I canceled my last sapphire card 1/19/2018. Would I qualify for a new one or does sapphire still require the 4 year period? Thanks!
Were you the only one to have the Sapphire card?
Your wife could apply for it.
That Sapphire Preferred card with 100k bonus and the 125k Amex Platinum in my opinion are the best offers around now.
My wife is an authorized user on my Sapphire card, if she applies for her own can she get the bonus?
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by willthrill81 »

FinanceGeek wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 10:20 am
DrGrnTum wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 10:08 am
fortfun wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 6:56 pm
MrJedi wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 12:40 pm Chase Sapphire Preferred in branch application still has the 100k points offer (worth minimally $1000 as cash back, can be more if used for travel).
I canceled my last sapphire card 1/19/2018. Would I qualify for a new one or does sapphire still require the 4 year period? Thanks!
Were you the only one to have the Sapphire card?
Your wife could apply for it.
That Sapphire Preferred card with 100k bonus and the 125k Amex Platinum in my opinion are the best offers around now.
My wife is an authorized user on my Sapphire card, if she applies for her own can she get the bonus?
Yes.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by Jags4186 »

flyingaway wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 10:19 am
Jags4186 wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 6:32 am
LifeIsGood wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 5:59 am Maybe I missed it but the largest Membership Rewards bonus shown on the linked page was 125,000. How do you get 500,000?
The signup offer is 125,000 points AND 15x on dining and “Shop Small” up to $25,000 in spend for 6 months. 25,000 * 15 is 375,000 + 125,000 = 500,000.

You’d be shocked what is considered Shop Small and with careful planning could easily max out that category. Of course if you are a big spender, you may not need to plan out the spend.
How much are these $500,000 points worth? I read through the descriptions and did not see this part?
500,000 points are worth a wide range depending what you want.

It could be worth $2500 if you exchange for AMEX gift cards
It could be worth up to $6000 to offset charges to your account
It could be worth up to $6250 in merchant gift cards
It could get 2 adults to Hawaii in first class and 10 nights in *very nice* hotels.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by anon_investor »

danaht wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 7:46 am We should probably have two different threads - one thread for best sign up bonus for credit cards with an annual fee - and one thread for best sign up bonuses for credit cards without an annual fee. Be wary of the annual fee - even if it is waived for the first year - some credit card companies have fine print that will claw back all or part of the bonuses if you cancel the credit card before you pay the annual fee on the 2nd year.

I vote for this offer for the no annual fee category:
Bank of America Customized Cash Back Cards have a good sign up bonus of $200 if you spend $1000 within 90 days.
I like this card because of the 75% bonus for preferred rewards. It's good to have two of these cards - so you can have two 3% (5% for PR) categories set.
I like gas (default category), and online shopping as my 3% (5%) categories. Online shopping is an interesting category - because if you use your phone to pay using an app - it might be considered as "online shopping" - still testing what works for this.
+1 to the Bank of America Customized Cash Back Cards. I have 2 of them and I should qualify next month for Platinum Honors tier Preferred rewards and the 75% cash back boost. I got 2 cards primarily because I send a lot of money each month at Costco and with the 75% cash back boost, that means 3.5% cash back at Costco, which trumps the 2% cash back from the Citi Costco Visa.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by EnjoyIt »

Jags4186 wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 6:32 am
LifeIsGood wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 5:59 am Maybe I missed it but the largest Membership Rewards bonus shown on the linked page was 125,000. How do you get 500,000?
The signup offer is 125,000 points AND 15x on dining and “Shop Small” up to $25,000 in spend for 6 months. 25,000 * 15 is 375,000 + 125,000 = 500,000.

You’d be shocked what is considered Shop Small and with careful planning could easily max out that category. Of course if you are a big spender, you may not need to plan out the spend.
I just received an offer for the business platinum with amex. Spend $15k for 150,000 points, plus the fee is $595 if you sign up in Dec. Do you know if the shop small works with the business card as well? We are looking to purchase a new car soon and would love to us the shop small feature there.
A time to EVALUATE your jitters: | viewtopic.php?p=1139732#p1139732
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by Jags4186 »

EnjoyIt wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 10:58 am
Jags4186 wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 6:32 am
LifeIsGood wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 5:59 am Maybe I missed it but the largest Membership Rewards bonus shown on the linked page was 125,000. How do you get 500,000?
The signup offer is 125,000 points AND 15x on dining and “Shop Small” up to $25,000 in spend for 6 months. 25,000 * 15 is 375,000 + 125,000 = 500,000.

You’d be shocked what is considered Shop Small and with careful planning could easily max out that category. Of course if you are a big spender, you may not need to plan out the spend.
I just received an offer for the business platinum with amex. Spend $15k for 150,000 points, plus the fee is $595 if you sign up in Dec. Do you know if the shop small works with the business card as well? We are looking to purchase a new car soon and would love to us the shop small feature there.
No. As far as I’m aware the business card does not include the Shop Small offer unfortunately.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by DrGrnTum »

willthrill81 wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 10:21 am
FinanceGeek wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 10:20 am
DrGrnTum wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 10:08 am
fortfun wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 6:56 pm
MrJedi wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 12:40 pm Chase Sapphire Preferred in branch application still has the 100k points offer (worth minimally $1000 as cash back, can be more if used for travel).
I canceled my last sapphire card 1/19/2018. Would I qualify for a new one or does sapphire still require the 4 year period? Thanks!
Were you the only one to have the Sapphire card?
Your wife could apply for it.
That Sapphire Preferred card with 100k bonus and the 125k Amex Platinum in my opinion are the best offers around now.
My wife is an authorized user on my Sapphire card, if she applies for her own can she get the bonus?
Yes.
It has been a while since I signed up for a Chase card where I was an authorized user on my wife's account.
I was initially denied. I called up the Chase CC dispute phone number and was able to explain that I did not use the card and it was mainly my wife's card. I was approved.
Things may have changed since then.

You can also asked to be removed as an authorized user.
This may take a while for it to clear out of their system. The 100k bonus may be gone by then.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by madbrain »

anon_investor wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 10:43 am +1 to the Bank of America Customized Cash Back Cards. I have 2 of them and I should qualify next month for Platinum Honors tier Preferred rewards and the 75% cash back boost. I got 2 cards primarily because I send a lot of money each month at Costco and with the 75% cash back boost, that means 3.5% cash back at Costco, which trumps the 2% cash back from the Citi Costco Visa.
Be aware that it's only on $2500 per quarter, though. If you are a big spender, it may not enough. Especially if you also use your CCR card in other places that qualify for the higher rewards rates (your selected category, supermarkets, and a few others). And if you buy a big ticket item like a TV, you may still want to put it on the Costco card to get the 2-year extended warranty.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by madbrain »

willthrill81 wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 10:21 am
FinanceGeek wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 10:20 am My wife is an authorized user on my Sapphire card, if she applies for her own can she get the bonus?
Yes.
With caveats. A few years ago, I applied for the Sapphire Reserve and got approved. My husband was an authorized user on one of my other Chase cards - can't recall which. He also applied for the Sapphire Reserve of his own, and got declined because of 5/24. We called reconsideration. I had him removed as authorized user from my other Chase card, and then he was able to get approved. My take is that authorized user cards count too. If you have a new Chase account, and added your wife to it, you may want to remove her temporarily if she is close to 5/24. You can add her back later.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by anon_investor »

madbrain wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 11:40 am
anon_investor wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 10:43 am +1 to the Bank of America Customized Cash Back Cards. I have 2 of them and I should qualify next month for Platinum Honors tier Preferred rewards and the 75% cash back boost. I got 2 cards primarily because I send a lot of money each month at Costco and with the 75% cash back boost, that means 3.5% cash back at Costco, which trumps the 2% cash back from the Citi Costco Visa.
Be aware that it's only on $2500 per quarter, though. If you are a big spender, it may not enough. Especially if you also use your CCR card in other places that qualify for the higher rewards rates (your selected category, supermarkets, and a few others). And if you buy a big ticket item like a TV, you may still want to put it on the Costco card to get the 2-year extended warranty.
Yeah, which is why I have 2 of them. But you are right, for some big ticket electronics I it probably is a good idea to use the Citi Costco Visa to get the extended warranty.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by Jovby »

MrJedi wrote: Sun Oct 24, 2021 12:40 pm Chase Sapphire Preferred in branch application still has the 100k points offer (worth minimally $1000 as cash back, can be more if used for travel).
Thanks. Signed up today in the branch, 100k points (after spending 4k in 3 months) and waved first year annual fee.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by dodecahedron »

anon_investor wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 11:57 am
madbrain wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 11:40 am
anon_investor wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 10:43 am +1 to the Bank of America Customized Cash Back Cards. I have 2 of them and I should qualify next month for Platinum Honors tier Preferred rewards and the 75% cash back boost. I got 2 cards primarily because I send a lot of money each month at Costco and with the 75% cash back boost, that means 3.5% cash back at Costco, which trumps the 2% cash back from the Citi Costco Visa.
Be aware that it's only on $2500 per quarter, though. If you are a big spender, it may not enough. Especially if you also use your CCR card in other places that qualify for the higher rewards rates (your selected category, supermarkets, and a few others). And if you buy a big ticket item like a TV, you may still want to put it on the Costco card to get the 2-year extended warranty.
Yeah, which is why I have 2 of them. But you are right, for some big ticket electronics I it probably is a good idea to use the Citi Costco Visa to get the extended warranty.
I also have two of the BoA CCR cards. That said, there is something to be said for the $2,500 per quarter cap as a behavioral "nudge." As in, once I get close to $2,500 on a card, I am more likely to ask myself, "Do I really need this purchase *now*? or could it just as easily wait until next quarter?" And some of those purchases that get deferred to the next quarter wind up seeming less compelling after having deferred it a bit.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by madbrain »

dodecahedron wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 5:25 pm I also have two of the BoA CCR cards. That said, there is something to be said for the $2,500 per quarter cap as a behavioral "nudge." As in, once I get close to $2,500 on a card, I am more likely to ask myself, "Do I really need this purchase *now*? or could it just as easily wait until next quarter?" And some of those purchases that get deferred to the next quarter wind up seeming less compelling after having deferred it a bit.
I'm going to call BofA and try to convert my Premium Rewards cards to a second Customized Cash Rewards. I'll add my husband as an AU. And then he can carry that second card. That should hopefully make the $2500/quarter limit an issue of the past. So far, we have been ignoring it. I have not reviewed statements carefully to see if we hit the cap. Is this noted clearly anywhere ? My BofA statements don't even have the name of the card on them, which is really annoying. I have them send printed statements, because their autopay system won't work with my T-mobile money account. So, I make manual payments from it. Major annoyance. I now have 4 BofA cards - PR, CCR, CRU, Air France/KLM. Just got denied for a Lowe's card in store this morning. I guess this is a sign to stop applying for cards.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by whodidntante »

madbrain wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 11:40 am
anon_investor wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 10:43 am +1 to the Bank of America Customized Cash Back Cards. I have 2 of them and I should qualify next month for Platinum Honors tier Preferred rewards and the 75% cash back boost. I got 2 cards primarily because I send a lot of money each month at Costco and with the 75% cash back boost, that means 3.5% cash back at Costco, which trumps the 2% cash back from the Citi Costco Visa.
Be aware that it's only on $2500 per quarter, though. If you are a big spender, it may not enough. Especially if you also use your CCR card in other places that qualify for the higher rewards rates (your selected category, supermarkets, and a few others). And if you buy a big ticket item like a TV, you may still want to put it on the Costco card to get the 2-year extended warranty.
That's why I have three of them.
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Re: Best Credit Card Signup Bonus at the Moment?

Post by tj »

The $2500/cap has never been an issue for me. I still have 3 of them, for different categories. lol
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