When selecting a rewards credit card, welcome bonuses are often a compelling incentive. Card issuers use these bonuses to attract new customers and encourage spending. Some of the most lucrative offers can reach hundreds or even thousands of dollars but often come with high spending requirements—usually $3,000 or more in the first few months. However, there are numerous cards offering simpler bonuses, with spending thresholds of $2,000 or less. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best options to help you maximize rewards without overspending.
Top Credit Cards with Easy Welcome Bonuses
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Welcome Offer: Extra 1.5% cash back on all purchases (up to $20,000 in the first year)
Value: Up to $300 cash back
Annual Fee: $0
With no annual fee and a straightforward cash back structure, this card offers 5% on Chase Travel, 3% on dining, and 1.5% on other purchases. Pairing it with a Chase Ultimate Rewards card adds even more value by converting cash back into travel points.
Chase Freedom Flex®
Welcome Offer: $200 cash back after spending $500 in the first three months
Value: $200 cash back
Annual Fee: $0
This card’s low spending requirement makes it easy to earn the welcome bonus. Its rotating 5% cash back categories often include popular spending areas like dining and groceries.
United Gateway℠ Card
Welcome Offer: 20,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in the first three months
Value: $270
Annual Fee: $0
Ideal for United Airlines travelers, this card offers 7 miles per dollar on United flight purchases. Additional miles can be earned by adding an authorized user, adding value to the welcome offer.
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
Welcome Offer: 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first three months
Value: $500
Annual Fee: $0
Perfect for frequent hotel stays, this card offers 5 points per dollar at IHG hotels and 3 points on gas and dining. Its fourth-night-free benefit on award stays is a valuable perk for travelers.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Welcome Offer: 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in the first six months
Value: $600
Annual Fee: $0 introductory fee for the first year, then $150
For Delta flyers, this card’s benefits—free checked bags and priority boarding—are attractive, while the earning potential on Delta and dining purchases enhances the value of the welcome bonus.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Welcome Offer: 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first six months
Value: $600
Annual Fee: $0
This no-annual-fee card is a great entry into the Hilton Honors program, offering 7 points per dollar at Hilton hotels and 5 points on dining and groceries. Potential for earning elite status adds value.
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
Welcome Offer: 60,000 bonus miles after first purchase and paying the annual fee within 90 days
Value: $960
Annual Fee: $99
This card’s easy welcome offer is appealing, and perks like free checked bags and inflight Wi-Fi credits make it a great choice even for occasional American Airlines travelers.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
Welcome Offer: 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
Value: $250
Annual Fee: $0
With 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, this card is flexible for those who prefer no-category restrictions in earning rewards.
Frontier Airlines World Mastercard®
Welcome Offer: 50,000 miles after spending $500 in the first 90 days
Value: $550
Annual Fee: $99
This card offers an easy welcome bonus and instant Elite Gold status with Frontier Airlines, providing benefits like priority boarding and free checked bags.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Welcome Offer: $200 cash back after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
Value: $200
Annual Fee: $0
This card’s customizable rewards structure allows you to earn 3% cash back in a category of your choice, making it a flexible option for different spending needs.
Understanding Eligibility for Welcome Bonuses
It’s important to note that not everyone is eligible for welcome bonuses. Each issuer has its own rules regarding eligibility. For instance, American Express limits you to one welcome offer per card, per lifetime. Therefore, if you’ve had certain cards in the past, you may not qualify for the bonus again. Always check the terms and conditions before applying to ensure you can take advantage of the welcome offer.
Final Thoughts
Welcome bonuses can provide a significant boost to your rewards earning potential, especially when they come with easy-to-meet spending requirements. Whether you’re looking for cash back, travel rewards, or hotel points, there are plenty of options available that can help you maximize your benefits without overwhelming spending thresholds. As you consider your next credit card, keep these easy-to-earn welcome bonuses in mind to kickstart your rewards journey. Happy earning!
