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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Guides
The best credit card welcome bonuses of October 2026
Augusta Stone is a credit cards writer for TPG. She joined the TPG team in 2023 and is excited to take points and miles beginners with her on a journey toward maximizing rewards.
Stephanie Stevens is an associate writer with TPG's credit cards team. She focuses on creating timely credit cards content for TPG readers.
also contributed to this story
October 1, 2026 • 23 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. TPG's Brian Kelly is a Bilt adviser and investor.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
The article highlights top travel rewards cards currently offering elevated welcome bonuses, with several limited-time offers expiring soon.
Options cater to a range of users, from frequent business travelers to those seeking premium hotel or airline perks.
Some cards provide valuable benefits such as airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and statement credits that can offset costs.
It emphasizes the importance of timing applications, as many issuers restrict how often you can earn a bonus on the same product.
What to consider
Eligibility for welcome offers may vary and not all applicants will qualify for the highest bonus amounts.
Several limited-time offers, particularly for airline and hotel cobranded cards, end on specific dates such as Nov. 4 or Jan. 13, 2027.
Some products require substantial spending within a set timeframe to unlock the full bonus value.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of current top rewards card offers, including which perks and bonuses best match different travel and spending habits.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Twice a month, we update this list to feature top welcome bonuses from cards that made the cut for our best credit cards list. Consider bookmarking this page and checking back regularly for the latest bonuses.
Earning new card bonuses is the fastest way to accumulate a stash of points and miles, so if you're working on building up your travel rewards balance, it's likely that one of the options below might be a good fit for you.
Since many issuers have restrictions on how often you can earn a bonus on a card, it’s important to time your application for when there’s a solid offer. Also, higher bonuses don’t always stick around for long, so if you’re considering one of these offers, you’ll want to hop on it sooner rather than later.
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 300,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 200,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $12,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
As far as earning rates go, cardmembers earn 5 points per dollar spent on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com and 2 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases in select business categories and eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent).
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 300,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business
Best for: High-spending business owners who want premium travel perks and strong rewards on travel and advertising.
The Sapphire Reserve for Business is a solid choice for high-spending business owners who can maximize valuable statement credits and get the most out of the card's high earning rates.
5 points per dollar spent on Lyft (through Sept. 30, 2027)
4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked directly
3 points per dollar spent on social media and search engine advertising (up to $1 million per dollar spent each anniversary year, starting Nov. 15, 2026)
Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.
American Express Business Gold Card
Best for: Business owners who want to earn bonus points in their highest spending categories.
The Amex Business Gold is a fantastic card for business owners looking to maximize earnings from a single card.
THE POINTS GUY
It has 4 points per dollar spent earning categories that automatically reflect your highest spending areas (on the top two eligible spending categories each billing cycle; capped at $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent).
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 200,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.
American Express Platinum Card
Best for: Frequent travelers who value airport lounge access, hotel elite status and other premium travel perks.
Cardmembers enjoy perks like automatic elite status with Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy and Leaders Club from The Leading Hotels of the World (enrollment required), plus some of the best airport lounge access of any card for eligible cardmembers.
THE POINTS GUY
Cardmembers also enjoy 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® (on up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent), 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and 1 point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases.
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $12,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Best for: Frequent travelers who want flexible rewards, lounge access, travel credits and strong travel protections.
Chase's premium rewards card earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points and provides an excellent suite of statement credits to elevate your travels.
THE POINTS GUY
Highlights of the Sapphire Reserve include airport lounge access, the card's flexible $300 annual travel credit and useful travel protections.
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
American Express Gold Card
Best for: Travelers who spend heavily on dining and groceries and can maximize the card’s statement credits.
The Amex Gold Card is a favorite of many TPG staffers, largely thanks to its terrific earning rates on dining at restaurants worldwide and groceries at U.S. supermarkets (subject to spending caps).
THE POINTS GUY
It earns at the following rates:
5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App™
4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide (first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent)
4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent)
3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airlines, on amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App
2 points per dollar spent on car rentals booked on amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App
2 points per dollar spent on cruises booked on amextravel.com
1 point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases
The card also offers multiple dining statement credits to help offset its relatively manageable $325 annual fee.
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard
Best for: American Airlines loyalists who value Admirals Club access and premium perks.
The Citi / AAdvantage Executive is a strong option for frequent American Airlines flyers, particularly those who can take advantage of its Admirals Club membership and suite of travel benefits.
THE POINTS GUY
Following a recent refresh, the card now offers perks including up to $500 annually toward American Airlines vacations (two biannual statement credits of up to $250 each), up to $100 credit annually toward eligible inflight and eligible Admirals Club purchases, automatic Omni Hotels & Resorts Champion status and Avis President's Club status. Enrollment required for select benefits.
The refreshed Air Canada Aeroplan card offers valuable perks for frequent Air Canada flyers that can help offset its $195 annual fee.
THE POINTS GUY
Cardholders receive Aeroplan 25K Status each year with no spending requirement, a 15% discount on eligible Air Canada award flights and up to $100 in annual statement credits for Air Canada purchases.
Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus receive a $300 credit to use on hotel and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel in the first cardholder year.
Best for: Bilt loyalists who want strong rewards on everyday spending and valuable hotel benefits.
The premium Bilt Palladium Card is an excellent choice for those all-in on Bilt. Cardholders will earn 2 points per dollar and 4% Bilt Cash** (as long as you choose to earn Bilt Cash) on everyday purchases, which guarantees a sky-high 4.4% return on everyday purchases, per TPG's October 2026 valuations.
THE POINTS GUY
You'll also receive a $400 Bilt Travel portal hotel credit each calendar year, split into two biannual $200 statement credits.
**Up to $100 of Bilt Cash earned rolls over to the next year.
Earn 50,000 bonus points and Gold status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. Plus, receive $300 in Bilt Cash upon approval.
IHG One Rewards cards
Best for: IHG loyalists who want premium perks.
IHG's newly launched premium card, the IHG One Rewards Premier Select, packs a strong mix of hotel and travel benefits at a $350 annual fee.
KIMPTON TRYON PARK HOTEL CHARLOTTE
Cardholders can earn up to 28 points per dollar on IHG purchases and get perks including up to $300 in annual food and beverage rewards to redeem at IHG properties, a $200 airline statement credit (after spending $250 directly with airlines each year) and a free night award worth up to 60,000 points.
If you want a slightly more affordable IHG card that still packs premium benefits, the IHG One Premier is a great alternative.
Best for: Hilton travelers who can maximize hotel perks.
Two Hilton cobranded cards are offering standout welcome offers: the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card.
The King Deluxe Suite. HILTON
The Aspire is the premium option, with automatic Hilton Honors Diamond status and an array of Hilton statement credits and travel perks.
The Surpass offers automatic Hilton Honors Gold status and useful Hilton credits with a much lower annual fee, making it a strong choice for more occasional Hilton guests.
Right now, several of Delta's cobranded Amex cards are offering elevated, limited-time welcome offers. All of these limited-time offers end on Nov. 4.
If you fly with Delta at least a few times each year, you'll easily be able to maximize any of these cards' benefits. The two SkyMiles Reserve cards include Delta Sky Club access (subject to limitations), offering you a place to sit back and relax while you wait for your next flight.
Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-900ER. SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
These four cards also offer day-of-travel benefits that can make your flight smoother, including free checked bags (may be subject to additional terms) and priority boarding.
The quickest way to earn points and miles is by applying for a new credit card. If any of these offers interest you, act sooner rather than later, as several are only available for a limited time.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, click .
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold Card, click .
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click . For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click . For rates and fees of the Delta Reserve Amex, click .
For rates and fees of the Delta Business Reserve Amex, click .
For rates and fees of the Delta Platinum Amex, click .
For rates and fees of the Delta Gold Amex, click .
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Aspire, click .
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Surpass, click .
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
Earn up to 115,000 bonus points: 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 40,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus receive a $300 credit to use on hotel and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel in the first cardholder year.
Earn 50,000 bonus Bilt Points and Gold status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. Plus, receive $300 in Bilt Cash upon approval.
Up to $1,400 (including Bilt Cash)
Up to $100 of Bilt Cash earned rolls over to the next year.
Apply and find out if your welcome offer is as high as 90,000 bonus miles, plus earn a $300 statement credit after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. You may not be eligible for the maximum offer amount. Offer ends Nov. 4.
Up to $1,380, including the value of the statement credit
Apply and find out if your welcome offer is as high as 80,000 bonus miles, plus earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. You may not be eligible for the maximum offer amount. Offer ends Nov. 4.
Up to $1,210, including the value of the statement credit
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (see rates and fees)
Earn two domestic round-trip Delta Comfort Flight Certificates (valid for travel to the U.S. 48, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands) and 50,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. A 21+ day advance purchase is required; up to $80 per person in taxes and fees apply. Other restrictions apply. Offer ends Nov. 4.
$600 in miles, plus the value of the two round-trip Delta Comfort flight certificates
Earn 130,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Jan. 13, 2027.
