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These airline and hotel programs offer free points when you sign up

Benji Stawski
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Benji Stawski is a former reporter for the site, covering all things points, miles, credit cards, travel and aviation.
Feb. 05, 2023
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3 min read
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These airline and hotel programs offer free points when you sign up
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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Whether you’re just getting into award travel or already have dozens of different accounts, odds are you haven't joined every program available. If you play your cards right, you can score additional bonuses simply by signing up (and sometimes completing your first qualifying activity).

These are separate from any welcome bonuses you might earn with a cobranded airline or hotel credit card. Plus, joining these programs is free.

Not all new member bonuses are awarded as points, however. Recently, Alaska Airlines started offering travel credits to new members for enrolling in Mileage Plan, which can be done for free.

Here’s a look at all current bonus offers for new members, but check back often for updated information.

Current loyalty program sign-up bonuses

ProgramPromotionEnd date
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Sign up with Mileage Plan and receive a $25 to $50 travel credit.

  • Residents of CA and HI join here.
  • Residents of other states join here.
Dec. 31, 2023.
Choice PrivilegesGet 500 points after signing up through a friend's referral link.Ongoing.
Etihad GuestEarn 500 miles for signing up and flying once. Join here.Ongoing.
Hilton HonorsEarn 1,500 bonus points on your first stay, plus an extra 3,000 bonus points after two stays. Join here.No listed date.
Marriott BonvoyEarn 2,500 bonus points after completing your first stay. Join here.No listed date.
Royal Brunei Royal SkiesGet 1,000 bonus miles after signing up. Join here.Ongoing.
Royal Jordanian Royal ClubGet 500 bonus miles after registering and an additional 1,000 bonus miles after your first flight. Join here.No listed date.
Sonesta Travel PassGet 1,000 bonus points after registering. Join here.Ongoing.
TAP Portugal Miles & GoGet 200 bonus miles after signing up. Join here.Ongoing.

Depending on the bonus, you may be able to stack it with promotions available to existing members.

For more deals, see:

Additional reporting by Kyle Olsen, Andrew Kunesh and Ryan Smith.

Featured image by MOMO PRODUCTIONS/GETTY IMAGES
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.