Best credit‑card bonuses by real value
Offers as of July 13, 2026.
Ranked by first‑year net value — the bonus's cash‑equivalent value minus the annual fee — with the spend you must hit to earn it. A big headline bonus on a high‑fee, high‑spend card isn't always the best deal.
| Card | Bonus | Est. value | Annual fee | Net (yr 1) | Spend required | Ongoing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | 100,000 points | $1,000 (1¢/pt Chase Travel base) | $95 | $905 | $5,000 in 3 mo | 3× dining & online groceries; Hyatt/United transfers |
| American Express The Platinum Card | Up to 175,000 Membership Rewards points | $1,750 (1¢/pt (Amex Travel flights)) | $895 | $855 | $12,000 in 6 mo | 5× flights; lounge access + credit bundle |
| American Express Gold Card | Up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points | $1,000 (1¢/pt (Amex Travel flights)) | $325 | $675 | $8,000 in 6 mo | 4× restaurants & US supermarkets (annual caps) |
| Capital One Venture Rewards | 75,000 miles | $750 (1¢/mi travel eraser) | $95 | $655 | $4,000 in 3 mo | Flat 2× miles on every purchase |
| Citi Strata Premier | 60,000 ThankYou points | $600 (1¢/pt ThankYou travel/cash) | $95 | $505 | $4,000 in 3 mo | 3× travel, gas, groceries, dining; $100 hotel credit |
| Capital One Venture X | 75,000 miles | $750 (1¢/mi travel eraser) | $395 | $355 | $4,000 in 3 mo | 2× everything; $300 credit + 10k anniversary miles |
| Capital One Savor Cash Rewards | $250 cash back | $250 (cash) | $0 | $250 | $500 in 3 mo | 3% dining, groceries, entertainment; no annual fee |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | 100,000 points | $1,000 (1¢/pt Chase Travel base) | $795 | $205 | $6,000 in 3 mo | 8× Chase Travel; $300 annual travel credit |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash | $200 cash rewards | $200 (cash) | $0 | $200 | $500 in 3 mo | Flat 2% cash rewards on all purchases |
Point values are estimates (a reasonable redemption, not a guarantee) — your actual value depends on how you redeem. Offers change often and may vary by applicant; verify current terms with the issuer. Only worth it if you'd hit the spend without overspending, and (for fee cards) use the ongoing perks.