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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 7 cards TPG staffers added to their wallets this quarter
Stella is a full-time writer with expertise in credit cards, points and miles, and all things travel. She is a journalism graduate of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and previously worked as a copywriter at JetBlue Airways and as a credit cards writer at LendingTree.
April 17, 2022 • 7 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 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
TPG staffers have recently added several new travel rewards cards to their wallets, motivated by appealing introductory offers and evolving travel plans.
The article highlights personal reasons for choosing specific cards, such as maximizing points from rent payments, dining, and travel-related perks.
Some welcome offers discussed are no longer available, and readers are encouraged to check for current promotions before applying.
Recent changes in loyalty programs and limited-time offers have prompted many to reassess their card strategies.
What to consider
Eligibility for certain bonuses may depend on spend thresholds or timing, and some offers have already expired.
Specific benefits, such as statement credits or elite night credits, may come with restrictions or additional fees at select hotels.
Application restrictions and evolving program terms can impact your ability to qualify for new card bonuses.
What you'll miss from the article
Personal insights from TPG staff on why they selected particular cards and strategies for maximizing introductory offers.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
With spring in full swing, many TPG staffers have applied for new credit cards so they can hit the ground running for future travel plans.
There have also been many enticing welcome offers that we've seen on many cards recently, so there has been no better time to apply for a new card and execute our long-awaited travel strategies.
Check out the seven cards we’ve added to our wallets this quarter.
"The Bilt Rewards Mastercard is a no-brainer given there's no annual fee and I get to earn points on rent, my biggest monthly expense. I'm also really excited that I get to earn 3 points per dollar on dining and have American Airlines as a transfer partner."
— Becca Manheimer, senior director of marketing and communications.
Editor’s note: TPG founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt advisor and investor.
(Photo by John Gribben for The Points Guy)
"I didn’t get the Venture X when it first debuted with the 100,000-mile welcome offer as I was still trying to hit the welcome offer from when I applied for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card last summer. I didn’t think I could hit both spending requirements since $20,000 in a year is a stretch for my spending habits. However, the new welcome bonus is more attainable, and it makes sense for me to grab the Venture X for the perks and earning rates."
— Madison Blancaflor, travel editor.
Official application link: Capital One Venture X with an offer of 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
(Photo by Wyatt Smith/The Points Guy)
"By using my friend's referral link, I was able to find an incredible welcome bonus for the Amex Gold of 90,000 Membership Rewards points and 20% back at restaurants worldwide (up to $250 back) during the first year of card membership. Best of all, the spending requirement is $6,000 in the first six months of card membership, which is the same as the publicly available offer."
— Stella Shon, writer.
Official application link: Amex Gold with a welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new card within the first six months of card membership. You may be targeted for a higher welcome offer via the CardMatch tool.
"The Chase Sapphire Preferred is my first non-student credit card and has helped me ease into the points and miles world with a low annual fee. The welcome bonus will help me save up for a trip by the end of this year!"
— Capri Whiteley, social media marketing manager.
Official application link: Chase Sapphire Preferred with 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
"I have a lot of travel planned in 2022 to make up for the last two years and want to take advantage of all the travel perks and benefits that come with the Amex Platinum! The bonus will go toward two weddings I'm attending in Europe later this year."
— Sophia Fen, director.
Official application link: Amex Platinum with 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Check the CardMatch tool to see if you’re targeted for a 80,000- or 125,000-point Platinum Card offer (after meeting minimum spending requirements). These offers are subject to change at any time.
"I just got the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant even though I’m not a big fan of Bonvoy! It includes a $300 statement credit for Marriott hotels and 15 elite night credits, but the welcome bonus is what I couldn’t resist. I’ll get 100,000 bonus points and one free night award after you use your new card to make $5,000 in eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership. Certain hotels have resort fees. (This welcome bonus is no longer available). With a $450 annual fee (see rates and fees), I likely won't keep it long, but I will find ways to use those points, even with Marriott’s fresh devaluation."
— Clint Henderson, managing editor.
Official application link: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant with 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new card to make $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership.
(Photo by Eric Helgas for The Points Guy)
“I applied for the AAdvantage Aviator Red Mastercard. Then, I can hopefully upgrade to the AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard, and by spending $50,000 on this card in 2022, I can earn 65,000 AAdvantage Loyalty Points. However, there may be better ways to earn Loyalty Points, so I may not actually work toward the threshold. Either way, the welcome bonus on the Aviator Red is really easy to earn as it just requires you to make one purchase of any size with your card."
— Katie Genter, senior writer.
The information for the AAdvantage Aviator Red and Aviator Silver has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Plenty of credit cards and loyalty programs have recently announced changes and limited-time welcome offers, causing many of us to reevaluate our current earning strategies and apply for new cards as a result.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant, click here.
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.
