The best credit card welcome bonuses of May 2026


If you haven’t evaluated your credit card portfolio lately, now is a great time to do so.

That’s because we regularly update this roundup to feature top welcome bonuses from cards that made the cut for our best credit cards list. Earning new card bonuses is the fastest way to accumulate a stash of points and miles, so if you’re working on building up your travel rewards balance, it’s likely that one of the options below might be a good fit for you.

Since many issuers have restrictions on how often you can earn a bonus on a card, it’s important to time your application for when there’s a solid offer. Also, higher bonuses don’t always stick around for long, so if you’re considering one of these offers, you’ll want to hop on it sooner rather than later.

If you’re not ready to add a higher-end card, consider these great starter cards or even one with a 0% introductory annual percentage rate.

The best rewards card offers of May 2026

Card Welcome offer Welcome offer value* Annual fee

Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 300,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)

Up to $6,000

Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 200,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)

Up to $4,000

Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $12,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)

Up to $3,500

Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

$3,075

$795

Earn up to 150,000 bonus miles: 75,000 bonus miles after spending $7,500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 75,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.

Up to $2,775

$95

Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)

Up to $2,000

Earn 100,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $6,500 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. Plus, receive a 50% flight discount code for a qualifying future flight after opening your new account.

$1,750 (including the value of the Global Companion Award)

$395

Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn an additional free night award (valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending a total of $4,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening. (Certain hotels have resort fees.) Additionally, earn up to $100 in statement credits (up to $50 biannually) after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases.

Up to $1,700 (including the statement credits)

$95

$150

$695

$350

$0 introductory annual fee in the first year; $150 each year thereafter

$350

Up to $1,400 (including Bilt Cash)

Up to $100 of Bilt Cash earned rolls over to the next year.

*The welcome offer value is determined using TPG’s May 2026 valuations and is not provided by, nor reviewed by, the issuer.

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

This business card stands out not only for its extremely valuable welcome offer but also for travel perks that can easily cover the card’s $895 annual fee.

Cardmembers enjoy automatic Gold status in both the Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programs (enrollment required), along with some of the best lounge access perks of any business card out there.

American Express Business Platinum card art
THE POINTS GUY

As far as earning rates go, cardmembers earn 5 points per dollar spent on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com and 2 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases in select business categories and eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent).

To learn more, read our full review of the American Express Business Platinum.

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Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 300,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express


American Express Business Gold Card

The Amex Business Gold is a fantastic card for business owners looking to maximize earnings from a single card.

THE POINTS GUY

It has 4 points per dollar spent earning categories that automatically reflect your highest spending areas (on the top two eligible spending categories each billing cycle; capped at $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent).

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Business Gold.


Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 200,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Apply here: American Express Business Gold Card


American Express Platinum Card

Often referred to as the king of the premium travel rewards cards, the Amex Platinum offers a slew of benefits for an annual fee of $895.

Cardmembers enjoy perks like automatic elite status with Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy and Leaders Club from The Leading Hotels of the World (enrollment required), plus some of the best airport lounge access of any card for eligible cardmembers.

Amex Platinum card art
THE POINTS GUY

Cardmembers also enjoy 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® (on up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent), 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and 1 point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases.

To learn more, read our full review of the American Express Platinum.


Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $12,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Apply here: American Express Platinum Card


Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase’s premium rewards card earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points and provides an excellent suite of statement credits to elevate your travels.

Chase Sapphire Reserve card art
THE POINTS GUY

Highlights of the Sapphire Reserve include airport lounge access, the card’s flexible $300 annual travel credit and useful travel protections.

To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Reserve.


Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve


Capital One Venture Business

Capital One’s all-new business card provides straightforward rewards and useful credits in exchange for a $95 annual fee.

Venture Business card art
THE POINTS GUY

The Venture Business earns:

  • 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
  • 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases

Plus, cardholders receive useful benefits, such as an annual $50 credit for Capital One Business Travel and a $50 experience credit on every Capital One Lifestyle Collection stay.

To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Venture Business.


Earn up to 150,000 bonus miles: 75,000 bonus miles after spending $7,500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 75,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.

Learn more: Capital One Venture Business


American Express Gold Card

The Amex Gold Card is a favorite of many TPG staffers, largely thanks to its terrific earning rates on dining at restaurants worldwide and groceries at U.S. supermarkets (subject to spending caps).

American Express Gold
THE POINTS GUY

It earns at the following rates:

  • 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App™
  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide (first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent)
  • 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked with directly with the airlines, on amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App
  • 2 points per dollar spent on car rentals booked on amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App
  • 2 points per dollar spent on cruises booked on amextravel.com
  • 1 point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases

The card also offers multiple dining statement credits to help offset its relatively manageable $325 annual fee.

To learn more, read our full review of the American Express Gold.


Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Apply here: American Express Gold Card


Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite credit card

Right now, Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards‘ top card, the Atmos Summit, is providing a great offer for interested cardholders.

Atmos Rewards Summit card art
THE POINTS GUY

The Atmos Summit is the program’s premium option, featuring two Alaska lounge passes each calendar quarter, free checked bags and priority boarding for you and up to six guests flying on the same reservation. It also earns an unrivaled 3 points per dollar spent on all foreign transactions.

To learn more, read our full review of the Atmos Rewards Summit.


Earn 100,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $6,500 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. Plus, receive a 50% flight discount code for a qualifying future flight after opening your new account.

Apply here: Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite credit card


Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

One Marriott Bonvoy card is providing a standout welcome offer. If you maximize the Bonvoy Boundless’ offer, you’ll be able to get up to $1,700 in value, per TPG’s May 2026 valuations.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa
THE POINTS GUY

The Bonvoy Boundless is a strong hotel card, offering an annual free night award worth up to 35,000 points and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status.

To learn more, read our full review of the Bonvoy Boundless.


Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn an additional free night award (valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending a total of $4,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening. (Certain hotels have resort fees.) Additionally, earn up to $100 in statement credits (up to $50 biannually) after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card


Graphite Business Cash Unlimited Card

American Express recently introduced the Graphite Business Cash Unlimited Card, a new business card that earns 2% cash back^ on most eligible purchases.

THE POINTS GUY

The card also provides a bonus category, earning 5% cash back^ on flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel® Online.

That said, many business owners may struggle to justify holding this card, given its steep annual fee and limited benefits. Those who are loyal to Amex and to earning cash back will be the best fit for this card.

To learn more, read our full review of the Graphite Business Cash Unlimited.

^Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at amazon.com checkout.


Earn $1,500 cash back in the form of Reward Dollars after spending $50,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Reward Dollars can be redeemed as a statement credit and at amazon.com checkout.

Apply here: Graphite Business Cash Unlimited Card


United Airlines cards

If you’re a United Airlines loyalist, you have some excellent options when it comes to cobranded credit cards.

On board a United Airlines Boeing 737-800. SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY

Most of United’s credit cards provide high-value bonuses worth more than $1,000, per TPG’s May 2026 valuations.

To learn more, read our full reviews of the United Business, the United Club, the United Quest and the United Explorer.


Apply here: United Business Card. Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs: 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.

Apply here: United Club Card. Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs: 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.

Apply here: United Quest Card. Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs: 90,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.

Apply here: United Explorer Card. Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles: 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.


Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard

For those who aren’t interested in paying a premium annual fee, the AAdvantage Globe offers solid perks for a midrange $350 annual price tag.

Citi AA Globe Centennial art
THE POINTS GUY

Cardholders enjoy benefits like an up to $100 annual Splurge credit to use with select brands (exclusions apply), four Admirals Club passes each year, a Loyalty Point head start each year for elite status and their first checked bag free.

To learn more, check out our full review of the AAdvantage Globe.


For a limited time, earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.

Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard


Bilt Palladium Card

The premium Bilt Palladium Card is an excellent choice for those all-in on Bilt. Cardholders will earn 2 points per dollar and 4% Bilt Cash** (as long as you choose to earn Bilt Cash) on everyday purchases, which guarantees a sky-high 4.4% return on everyday purchases, per TPG’s May 2026 valuations.

Bilt Palladium card art
THE POINTS GUY

You’ll also receive a $400 Bilt Travel portal hotel credit each calendar year, split into two biannual $200 statement credits.

To learn more, read our full review of the Bilt Palladium Card.

**Up to $100 of Bilt Cash earned rolls over to the next year.


Earn 50,000 bonus points and Gold status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. Plus, receive $300 in Bilt Cash upon approval.

Apply here: Bilt Palladium Card


Bottom line

The quickest way to earn points and miles is by applying for a new credit card. If any of these offers interest you, act sooner rather than later, as several of these offers are only around for a limited time.

Remember that Chase’s 5/24 rule means that it’s often best to apply for Chase cards before other issuers’ products. If you want some guidance on what card to go for next, here’s some help on how to choose the best credit card for you.

For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Graphite card, click here.



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Recent Reviews


A scavenger hunt is a great way to spend a day, an evening or basically anytime. It’s a great way to all get together and have a load of fun. If you or your kids enjoy that little element of mystery then put your detective hats on and get ready for some brilliant treasure hunts that will be fun for all your family and friends.

Family Scavenger Hunt Ideas

This is definitely one of the best ways to make sure your kids aren’t bored and they’re super versatile too. You can do these inside, outside or you can incorporate different key skills like maths or science – the choice is utterly yours so get thinking for the best scavenger hunt ever.

Our list of scavenger hunts will help you come up with the best possible ideas for your friends and family and it’ll be great fun. Let’s take a look at some of the best ideas for you.

Scavenger Hunt Ideas

1. Picture Scavenger Hunt

This is an excellent idea if you love photography and taking pictures whether it’s on a camera or on your phone. You can set up a list of things to take photos of and contestants can tick them off as they go along. You could also judge this treasure hunt in two ways; either whoever finishes first wins or whoever has the most creative photos wins. No matter what you choose, it’s great fun for everyone involved and you should certainly give it a try with your kids, friends, or family.

2. Road trip Scavenger Hunt

Road trip Scavenger Hunt

If you’re a group of people who go on road trips often or simply just get bored in the car quite quickly then this could be the perfect scavenger hunt for you. Simply print out a sheet with different things you might see on a road trip and tick them off as you go. Whoever gets them all first is the winner. This is kid friendly too and is something easy enough for you to just keep in the car at all times so you always have something to do on those long journeys. It’ll also be handy to always keep a few pencils in your car too so you’re ready to whip out this scavenger hunt whenever.

3. Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt

These are always a good bit of fun and there are loads of different ways you can go about it. If you want to get to know some neighbors then this is also a brilliant way to do that. Make sure you’re completely safe when doing this so it would be good if you knew who the neighbors were before to make sure you’re not putting yourself or anyone else in possible danger. It’s also a good idea to let your neighbors know that you’re about to do this in advance in case it causes some disturbance.

One way you could do a neighborhood scavenger hunt is by going to the doors of each of your neighbors and asking them if they have a particular thing in their home that is on your list. This could be anything from a pencil to a lawnmower and it’s super fun. You could also just do an outdoor scavenger hunt in your local neighborhood like you would with a normal scavenger hunt. This could be either finding hidden objects or ticking things off a list that you can see. Another option is of course following clues to find one big prize in the local neighborhood.

Scavenger Hunts For Kindergarteners

4. Alphabet Scavenger Hunt

If your kindergartener loves to learn then an alphabet scavenger hunt could be just the thing. Write down all the letters in the alphabet and help them find things that start with each of those letters. This will get their brain going and will also help them have lots of fun. You could do this anywhere like starting in just their room, going around your backyard, or maybe even your whole block.

5. Go Hunting for Some Animals

This is a great idea if your kid loves animals or anything to do with nature. If you’re going to the zoo then you can easily take a list of a few animals for your little kiddo to find like rhinos, hippos, or giraffes. You could also have a hunt in kids’ books for different pictures of animals that you could tick off a list. If you’re not keen on these animals that you don’t tend to see every day then why don’t you take your kid to the nearest park and get them to tick off more common animals like different bugs, dogs, or even cats? You can customize this in any way you’d like.

6. Gratitude Scavenger Hunt

This twist on scavenger hunts is a great way to introduce gratitude to your kids. You could customize this scavenger hunt to be anything you like to help your kids realize how fortunate they may be. You could encourage them to find something that they enjoy looking at, find something new, or even a random one like finding something that smells brilliant. Not only will your kid have lots of fun looking around for different bits as a normal scavenger hunt would go. But they also get the chance to realize how cool our world actually is when you look at the positives.

Indoor Scavenger Hunt

7. Find something…

A find something indoor scavenger hunt is always a good shout and is a classic. You can easily make your own printables with websites like Canva and other things like that. These types of scavenger hunts encourage your kids to keep their eyes peeled for things that are blue or with a pattern or even something that smells bad. You can easily customize these scavenger hunts to fit your preferences and what you think your kids will enjoy.

8. Word Scavenger Hunt

This is similar to the alphabet scavenger hunt that we’ve mentioned already. What you’ll want to do is hide all the letters of the alphabet around your house and as you find them, you have to try and make the longest word that is possible. Whoever gets the longest word or strangest word wins – you could always have a forfeit for the loser to make everything extra fun.

9. Art scavenger hunt

Now we’re all used to a set of pictures or clues on a scavenger hunt but what if we turned the tables. Small artists will love this as they’re the ones who have to draw the pictures based on what they can see around them. They could even try and write their own little riddle for the clues. After they’ve done this, everyone else can try and follow their own little creative scavenger hunt.

Kids Scavenger Hunt Ideas

Kids Scavenger Hunt Ideas

10. My Favorite Things Scavenger Hunt

This is quite a cute scavenger hunt for kids and it’ll help them find those things that are particularly close to their hearts and that they love. It’ll also help them to be grateful for the things they have around them and to realize how fortunate they are. They could do anything from finding their favorite things to making a list of their favorite bits, it’s completely up to you.

11. Creative Treasure Hunt

This is a good one to do for birthdays, Christmas, or just a day when you’re bored. You can think of anything and if it’s someone’s birthday then you can get creative and make a birthday themed treasure hunt. Get all the kids (and adults) to have a look for the big prize and whoever gets there first is the winner.

12. How many..?

This scavenger hunt is a great option to keep your kids busy and to know how much stuff you have at home. Get your kids to count how many of each of the things that are written down there are. These could be things like orange toys or pasta or even rice grains if you’re feeling competitive.

Scavenger Hunt Clues For Kids

Sometimes, thinking of scavenger hunt clues is the hardest part of the scavenger hunt. That’s why we’ve put together a list of a few clues to give you some inspiration and to make the scavenger hunt planning process a little bit easier. This one is great for when you’re stuck at home or in your backyard or even if you just fancy some creative fun. Let’s get going and look at our list.

  • A fork – I have four legs but I do not have feet. I come in very handy when it’s time to eat.
  • An alarm – I love putting an end to sleep, and I do this with music, a buzz, or even a beep.
  • A computer – I can take you to places you’ve never even seen, but first, you need to type your password into my screen.
  • The stove – I do not get angry but I definitely get hot, I’m the best place for a pan or a pot.
  • A pillow – I’m all full of feathers and fluff but to sleep without be is very tough.

So if you want to waste an afternoon easily and do something to cure your or your kids’ boredom then a scavenger hunt is a great option. They’re a very versatile activity and there are lots of different ones you can do if you fancy getting creative. In the world of scavenger hunts, the world really is your oyster so get scavenging and looking around for those objects and follow those clues.



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