Update: I have moved the cards once detailed here to my page that lists the best cash back credit cards. Please visit it.
I frequently get asked to name the best credit card promotions, offers, and deals available today. So instead of answering each person individually I thought I'd write a post I could point people to and then update it as offers change over time.
At the end of the post I'll give some thoughts on taking credit card promotions, offers, and deals, but some readers will simply want to get to the point and see the list, so I'll start with that.
Here's a list of what I consider to be the best credit card promotions, offers and deals. I'm not going to include fluff offers, just those I think are the best and are substantial. Each one below has a sign-up bonus of at least $250 in cash or value -- the minimum standard I have set to make it well worth the taking. The winners:
General Cards - Best cards for overall on-going use.
Airline Cards
Having a credit card for any airline carrier you use even a bit has some huge advantages. To start off, the cards come with sign-up bonuses as well as points (of course) when you use them. But the big money comes when you use then to save on baggage fees. For example, on my family's trip to the Caribbean we saved $150 on baggage fees alone (three bags, $25 each, round-trip) using the Delta card below. Then I've continued using it, racking $50 in savings ($25 for one bag round-trip) a few more times. Here are the cards and a quick summary of their offers:
- Moved
Using both promotion offers as well as using the cards themselves, I made almost $2,300 last year from my credit card efforts.
A few other notes on this subject:
- Of course you need to use any credit card you may get responsibly. Getting a big bonus is no great deal if you burn that much and more on extra spending, interest, fees, and the like.
- From what I've seen, opening and closing credit card accounts have little to no impact on your credit score, an issue many people are concerned about.
- Please be aware that bonus offers come in and out quickly. In addition, card terms can also change without notice. I'll try to keep them up-to-date, but they may change before I update the post, so read the details when you apply for any card (something you should be doing anyway).
- Yes, there are fees with some of the cards above. Many are waived for the first year. Do the math and make sure they work for you.
- If you are more interested in using a card on an on-going basis (rather than getting a big promotional offer), see my list of the best cash back credit cards.
Have I left any cards out that you think I should consider?
Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.
I'll vouch for Chase, took the $500 cash after one month of spending 3k, plus you still earn at least 1% on the 3k so the actual amount was $530, great deal
Posted by: PFM | February 23, 2012 at 10:41 AM
The first couple of cards have quite hefty annual fees. I try and stay away from those
Posted by: lynda | February 23, 2012 at 02:49 PM
lynda --
1. If someone gave you $500, would you give them back $100?
2. The annual fees are waived in year 1. You can cancel before you owe anything.
Posted by: FMF | February 23, 2012 at 02:54 PM
I did the Chase Sapphire deal before and got my bonus. Now I am interested in doing the Chase Visa Freedom deal for a $200 bonus. However, when I click the link in this article it takes me to the application website and I get this disclaimer:
"This one-time bonus offer is valid only for first-time cardmembers with new accounts. Previous and existing cardmembers/accounts are not eligible for this bonus offer."
Would I be considered a first-time cardmember?
I'm not sure if the bonus I got on Chase Sapphire would disqualify me for the bonus on the other card.
Posted by: Tommy Z | February 24, 2012 at 01:23 PM
Tommy Z --
I believe that means previous Chase Freedom cardmembers -- so you can't get 10 Freedom cards and $2,000.
I had a Freedom card and got the Sapphire bonus...
Posted by: FMF | February 24, 2012 at 01:41 PM
I was a customer for many years. Chase scammed me with a $59 late fee because they never sent me a statement one month. They refused to waive the fee so I paid it and cut up the card. The next month there was another penalty fee because of the way they calculate late fees. They weren't making any money on me since I paid my balance monthly. I wouldn't do business with this thief if they paid any amount.
Posted by: Lee | May 16, 2012 at 02:43 PM