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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.
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The best credit card welcome bonuses of November 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
November 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
This article highlights top travel rewards card offers available as of November 2026, with a focus on substantial introductory bonuses and premium travel benefits.
Options range from premium cards with extensive lounge access and hotel status perks to more accessible cards for beginners or those seeking introductory interest rates.
Several cards feature time-limited or historically high welcome offers, making it important to act quickly if interested.
The article provides detailed comparisons of each card's standout features, ideal user profiles and potential value based on TPG's latest valuations.
What to consider
Eligibility for welcome offers may be restricted based on previous card ownership or recent applications, so timing is crucial.
Some benefits and credits are subject to enrollment or spending requirements, and certain offers have explicit end dates (e.g., January 13, 2027).
Valuations of points and miles are based on TPG's November 2026 estimates and may differ from issuer-provided values.
What you'll miss from the article
A comprehensive breakdown of the best current travel rewards card offers, including nuanced pros, cons and tips for maximizing value.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
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.)
Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.
$4,100
$795
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.)
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 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 upon account opening.
$1,688 (including the Capital One Travel credit)
$95
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 125,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six 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 125,000 bonus miles after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.
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)
Bilt Cash expires 12 months after you earn it, on the last day of that month.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,388
$395
Earn up to 80,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare: Earn 60,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. Earn an additional 20,000 bonus points after spending a total of $5,000 on purchases, also in the first 90 days from account opening.
Up to $1,280 in points, plus the value of the companion fare
Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
$960 (including miles from adding an authorized user).
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. This offer ends Jan. 13, 2027.
Earn up to 50,000 bonus miles: Earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $600
$0
*The welcome offer value is determined using TPG's November 2026 valuations and is not provided by, nor reviewed by, the issuer.
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
Best for: Frequent business travelers who can maximize premium travel perks and statement credits.
This business card stands out not only for its extremely valuable welcome offer but also for travel perks that can easily cover its $895 annual fee.
As far as earning rates go, cardmembers earn 5 points per dollar spent on flights and prepaid lodging 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.
Apply here:
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.
Apply here:
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.
Apply here:
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 lodging 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.
Apply here:
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
2 points per dollar spent on prepaid Airbnb bookings 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.
Apply here:
Capital One cards
Best for: Frequent travelers who want to earn transferable miles.
The Capital One Venture Rewards and Venture X are both strong options for travelers looking to earn transferable Capital One miles.
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 upon account opening.
Best for: Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flyers who want valuable perks for a reasonable annual fee.
The is currently offering one of the strongest bonuses we've seen in the card's history, making it a great time to apply if you can earn the full bonus.
THE POINTS GUY
For a $95 annual fee, cardholders can enjoy benefits including a free checked bag for themselves and up to six guests on the same reservation and preferred boarding on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flights when they pay for their tickets with the card.
The card also offers an annual $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $6,000 on purchases within the prior card anniversary year.
Earn up to 80,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare: Earn 60,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. Earn an additional 20,000 bonus points after spending a total of $5,000 on purchases, also in the first 90 days from account opening.
Apply here:
Bilt Palladium Card
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 on everyday purchases, equivalent to a sky-high 4.4% return on everyday purchases, per TPG's November 2026 valuations.
THE POINTS GUY
Note: Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, new cardholders will only have access to housing-only rewards. Existing cardholders who open an account by Dec. 31, 2026, can retain the 4% Bilt Cash option by opting out of the new benefits before their first card anniversary.
You'll also receive a $400 Bilt Travel portal hotel credit each calendar year, split into two up-to-$200 semiannual credits, plus $200 in Bilt Cash each year. Starting in 2027, these benefits will be replaced with a single $600 annual Bilt Cash credit.
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.
Apply here:
IHG One Rewards Premier Select Card
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.
THE POINTS GUY
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.
Earn 200,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Apply here:
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
Best for: Frequent Southwest flyers who value premium travel perks.
The is currently offering new cardholders an opportunity to give their Rapid Rewards balance a substantial boost.
THE POINTS GUY
It's also one of the last opportunities to have a credit card welcome bonus count toward earning a Southwest Companion Pass. Cardholders who apply and are approved by Dec. 2, 2026, can still have their welcome-bonus points count toward Companion Pass qualification, even if they meet the spending requirement in early 2027.
For a $229 annual fee, cardholders get benefits including a free first checked bag for themselves and up to eight companions on the same reservation, preferred seat selection at booking (when available) and unlimited upgrades to extra-legroom seats within 48 hours of departure (when available).
Cardholders also receive 7,500 bonus points each account anniversary and can earn tier-qualifying points toward Southwest A-List status through spending.
Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Apply here:
United Airlines cards
Best for: United flyers who want to earn bonus miles and enjoy airline-specific perks.
The United Explorer and United Gateway are two solid options for travelers looking to earn United MileagePlus miles, whether you're a frequent flyer looking for travel perks or an occasional traveler who prefers a no-annual-fee card.
United Airlines Boeing 777 at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
The Explorer offers more travel perks, including a free first checked bag for the primary cardholder and one companion on the same reservation (terms apply), priority boarding and two United Club one-time passes each anniversary year. It also comes with a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
Meanwhile, the Gateway is a good option for more occasional United flyers who want to earn miles without paying an annual fee. It earns bonus miles on eligible United purchases, gas stations and local transit, including ride-hailing services.
Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Apply here:
Earn up to 50,000 bonus miles: Earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Apply here:
Hilton Honors Aspire
Best for: Frequent Hilton travelers who can maximize premium hotel perks.
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is currently offering its highest-ever points welcome offer, making it a compelling option for Hilton loyalists.
THE POINTS GUY
The Aspire comes with automatic Hilton Honors Diamond status and an array of Hilton statement credits and travel perks that can help offset its annual fee.
Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. This offer ends Jan. 13, 2027.
Apply here:
Delta SkyMiles cards
Best for: Frequent Delta flyers who value premium travel perks.
Both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card have potentially lucrative welcome offers.
Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-900ER. SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
If you fly with Delta regularly, these cards offer a range of benefits, including Delta Sky Club access (subject to limitations), free checked bags and priority boarding. Both cards also offer an annual companion certificate after renewal, which can provide additional value for frequent Delta travelers.
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 125,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Apply here:
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 125,000 bonus miles after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Apply here:
Bottom line
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 here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta Reserve Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Reserve Business Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Aspire, click here.
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.
