Credit Card Welcome Bonuses
The fastest way to earn travel.
Welcome offers are the fastest way to earn points and miles. Before applying, be sure you can pay your balance in full each month and understand the issuer's approval rules, such as Chase's 5/24 policy. Most importantly, have a plan to meet the minimum spending requirement so you can earn the full welcome bonus.
The two "starter" cards that I always recommend, in this order, are as follows:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred* — Reasonable annual fee, flexible points, and strong travel benefits. The welcome bonus alone can fund multiple international airline tickets!Apply here
- AMEX Green* — you need an AMEX card that earns points in order to connect to Rakuten to earn Membership Rewards (MRs) instead of just cash back. The cobranded AMEX cards don't work. Only the Green, Gold, Platinum cards work — cards that earn MR points.Apply here
* I may receive points or a commission if you apply through my link.

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