"Once upon a time, the majority of loyalty-rewards points were earned for traveling. No more.
Today, more points are earned for credit-card purchases than for flying or staying in hotels or, well, for anything. Which explains why today's frequent-flyer programs are more accurately referred to as frequent-buyer programs.
When it comes to racking up credit-card points, the single largest trove of points is likely to be the sign-up bonus offered by the card issuer to new cardholders who meet certain requirements, typically by meeting a spending target within a set period.
In recent years, such sign-up bonuses have occasionally topped 100,000 miles, and anything less than 50,000 miles is generally considered a yawner by consumers who zealously monitor bonus levels in pursuit of the most generous payouts. The offers are in constant flux, rising and falling as market conditions change and card issuers' goals evolve.
With that in mind, following is our monthly roundup of sign-up bonuses currently on offer for popular travel-rewards charge and credit cards. Bear in mind that these are limited-time bonuses, confirmed to be in effect when this list is published, and could be reduced or eliminated at any time.
Big Credit Card Bonuses for March 2018
Welcome offer: 40,000 miles after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days of account opening.
Annual fee: $89, waived the first 12 months.
Comment: Cardholders earn double miles for all purchases, and get a 5% mileage rebate on all award redemptions.
Welcome offer: 50,000 miles after spending $5,000 within the first 90 days of account opening.
Annual fee: $450.
Comment: This is the high-end AAdvantage card, which comes bundled with a slew of travel perks, including free first checked bag and airport lounge membership.
Welcome offer: 50,000 miles after spending $2,000 within the first 3 months of account opening, plus a $50 statement credit after the first Delta purchase within 3 months. *Terms Apply
Annual fee: $95, waived the first 12 months.
Comment: Card benefits include free first checked bag and priority boarding.
Welcome offer: 60,000 points after spending $1,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
Annual fee: $49, waived the first 12 months.
Comment: In addition to the generous bonus, the card features a low annual fee, waived the first year, and a free night after cardholder's anniversary.
Welcome offer: 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months of account opening (ends March 15).
Annual fee: $95, waived the first 12 months.
Comment: Card perks include free first checked bag, priority boarding, 2 1-time airport lounge passes on cardholder's anniversary.
Welcome offer: 50,000 points after spending $2,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
Annual fee: $99.
Comment: There's also a 6,000-point bonus every year, on the cardholder's account anniversary.
Welcome offer: 75,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
Annual fee: $85, waived the first 12 months.
Comment: Cardholders also receive a free night at a Category 1-5 hotel after each account anniversary. Good program, solid card, big bonus.
Welcome offer: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $5,000 within the first 3 months of account opening. *Terms Apply
Annual fee: $550.
Comment: While the card's annual fee is among the very highest, it also comes bundled with a robust set of travel perks, including lounge access, $200 statement credit for bag fees, and 5 points per $1 for flights booked direct with American Express.
Welcome offer: 50,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening, plus an additional 5,000 points for adding an authorized user who uses the card within three months.
Annual fee: $95, waived the first 12 months.
Comment: Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred into a number of airline and hotel programs, as well as redeemed for travel through the Ultimate Rewards portal. In the latter case, 50,000 points are worth $625.
Welcome offer: 25,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months of account opening. *Terms Apply
Annual fee: $95, waived the first 12 months.
Comment: While the bonus itself is comparatively modest, Starwood points are among the most valuable loyalty currencies, as they're transferable to 30-plus airline frequent flyer programs, mostly on a 1:1 basis. And there's a 5,000-point bonus when transferring 20,000 points to a participating airline program.
Final Thoughts on Card Bonuses for March 2018: Many of the above-listed consumer cards are also available as business cards, sometimes featuring the same sign-up bonuses. That means it's possible to double up on the bonuses if you're eligible for a business as well as a consumer card."
Note: Some of the offers on this page may no longer be available through the AirFareWatchDog website.
(Reference: AirFareWatchDog, March 7, 2018)