Best Cards With Elevated Welcome Offers of January 2026

Curious about the cards with the best welcome offers right now? Our job at Daily Drop is to help you travel smarter (and for less!), so we'll keep an updated list of travel cards that feature elevated welcome offers, and ones that you should know about if you're considering adding a new card to your wallet. We’ll make sure you know which ones offer the most value and how to make the most of those bonus points. Whether you're planning a big trip or just want perks for everyday spending, these cards have you covered.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Best for 2X on Everyday Spending

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Best for 2X on Everyday Spending

$250 + 75,000 miles
Bonus Miles
LIMITED TIME OFFER
Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel.
Bonus Miles
Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel.
The Capital One Venture Rewards credit card makes travel rewarding and easy. Earn miles on every purchase, which you can redeem for various travel expenses like flights, hotels, and car rentals. Plus, with no foreign transaction fees, it’s an ideal choice for international travel. If you’re looking to maximize rewards without crazy fees, this card would be a great addition to your wallet. This one continues to be a Daily Drop favorite.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for Luxury Benefits

American Express Platinum Card®

American Express Platinum Card®

American Express Platinum Card®

🏆 Best for Luxury Benefits

As high as 175k
Bonus Points
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact.
As high as 175k
Bonus Points
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact.
The Amex Platinum is a premium card offering a range of exclusive travel and lifestyle benefits, including access to luxury airport lounges, annual travel credits, and Membership Rewards points that can be redeemed for travel or other rewards. With a high annual fee, this card is designed for individuals who value premium perks and are frequent travelers looking to enjoy a heightened level of luxury and convenience.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for flexible bonus earning

American Express® Business Gold Card

American Express® Business Gold Card

American Express® Business Gold Card

🏆 Best for flexible bonus earning

100,000
Bonus Points
ELEVATED OFFER
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Terms apply.
100,000
Bonus Points
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Terms apply.
The Amex Business Gold Card is a flexible business credit card that lets you choose two categories in which to earn extra rewards, such as travel, advertising, or technology, making it a versatile choice for businesses with varying spending needs. With valuable benefits like purchase protection and access to the American Express business ecosystem, this card is designed to help businesses maximize their rewards and efficiently manage their expenses.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

🏆 Best for restaurants

As high as 100k
Bonus Points
ELEVATED OFFER
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact.
As high as 100k
Bonus Points
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact.
The American Express Gold Card is a premium card that offers lucrative rewards for dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, along with valuable travel benefits, making it an excellent choice for foodies and frequent travelers. While it does come with an annual fee, the card's combination of rewards and perks can provide substantial value to those who frequently dine out and travel.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best Entry-Level United Card

United Gateway℠ Card

United Gateway℠ Card

United Gateway℠ Card

🏆 Best Entry-Level United Card

30,000
Bonus Miles
ELEVATED OFFER
Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. Learn more.
30,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. Learn more.
The United Gateway Card is a no-annual-fee co-branded airline credit card for individuals who prefer to fly with United Airlines. It offers United MileagePlus miles for spending and provides some basic travel benefits, making it a cost-effective choice for occasional United Airlines travelers looking to earn rewards.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for Marriott Free Nights

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

🏆 Best for Marriott Free Nights

5 Free Nights
Bonus Points
LIMITED TIME OFFER
Earn 5 Free Night Awards after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening.
Bonus Points
Earn 5 Free Night Awards after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening.
The Marriott Boundless card is a low-annual-fee card that offers generous perks and benefits for Marriott loyalists. You'll earn a whopping number of points per dollar spent at Marriott properties, in addition to being gifted automatic Silver Elite status. Overall, this is an excellent card for travelers eager to get started with Marriott.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

2 Free Nights
Bonus Points
LIMITED TIME OFFER
Earn 2 Free Night Awards after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening.
Bonus Points
Earn 2 Free Night Awards after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening.
The Bold card is a co-branded credit card associated with one of our favorite hotel loyalty programs—Marriott Bonvoy! It's a no-annual-fee card that allows cardholders to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on their spending and offers benefits like bonus points on Marriott stays and Silver Elite status, making it a practical choice for travelers who prefer Marriott properties.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for IHG Loyalists

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

🏆 Best for IHG Loyalists

175,000
Bonus Points
LIMITED TIME OFFER
Earn 175,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
175,000
Bonus Points
Earn 175,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is an excellent choice for frequent travelers and hotel enthusiasts. With this card, you can earn valuable IHG Rewards points on your everyday purchases and enjoy premium benefits like complimentary hotel nights, automatic elite status, and more, making it the perfect companion for those seeking luxury hotel experiences.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

Up to 120,000 Bonus Points
Bonus Points
LIMITED TIME OFFER
Earn 90,000 Bonus Points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening and up to 30,000 more points by earning 3 additional points in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that earn 2x and 3x on up to $10,000 spent.
Bonus Points
Earn 90,000 Bonus Points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening and up to 30,000 more points by earning 3 additional points in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that earn 2x and 3x on up to $10,000 spent.
The IHG Rewards Traveler card is a co-branded rewards credit card associated with IHG hotels. It allows cardholders to earn IHG Rewards points for their spending and provides benefits such as an annual free night certificate, making it a suitable choice for travelers who occasionally stay at IHG hotels.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

Best Cards With Elevated Welcome Offers of January 2026

Curious about the cards with the best welcome offers right now? Our job at Daily Drop is to help you travel smarter (and for less!), so we'll keep an updated list of travel cards that feature elevated welcome offers, and ones that you should know about if you're considering adding a new card to your wallet. We’ll make sure you know which ones offer the most value and how to make the most of those bonus points. Whether you're planning a big trip or just want perks for everyday spending, these cards have you covered.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Best for 2X on Everyday Spending

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Best for 2X on Everyday Spending

$250 + 75,000 miles
Bonus Miles
LIMITED TIME OFFER
Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel.
Bonus Miles
$250 + 75,000 miles
Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel.
The Capital One Venture Rewards credit card makes travel rewarding and easy. Earn miles on every purchase, which you can redeem for various travel expenses like flights, hotels, and car rentals. Plus, with no foreign transaction fees, it’s an ideal choice for international travel. If you’re looking to maximize rewards without crazy fees, this card would be a great addition to your wallet. This one continues to be a Daily Drop favorite.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for Luxury Benefits

American Express Platinum Card®

American Express Platinum Card®

American Express Platinum Card®

🏆 Best for Luxury Benefits

As high as 175k
Bonus Points
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact.
As high as 175k
Bonus Points
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact.
The Amex Platinum is a premium card offering a range of exclusive travel and lifestyle benefits, including access to luxury airport lounges, annual travel credits, and Membership Rewards points that can be redeemed for travel or other rewards. With a high annual fee, this card is designed for individuals who value premium perks and are frequent travelers looking to enjoy a heightened level of luxury and convenience.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for flexible bonus earning

American Express® Business Gold Card

American Express® Business Gold Card

American Express® Business Gold Card

🏆 Best for flexible bonus earning

100,000
Bonus Points
ELEVATED OFFER
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Terms apply.
100,000
Bonus Points
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Terms apply.
The Amex Business Gold Card is a flexible business credit card that lets you choose two categories in which to earn extra rewards, such as travel, advertising, or technology, making it a versatile choice for businesses with varying spending needs. With valuable benefits like purchase protection and access to the American Express business ecosystem, this card is designed to help businesses maximize their rewards and efficiently manage their expenses.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

🏆 Best for restaurants

As high as 100k
Bonus Points
ELEVATED OFFER
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact.
As high as 100k
Bonus Points
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact.
The American Express Gold Card is a premium card that offers lucrative rewards for dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, along with valuable travel benefits, making it an excellent choice for foodies and frequent travelers. While it does come with an annual fee, the card's combination of rewards and perks can provide substantial value to those who frequently dine out and travel.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best Entry-Level United Card

United Gateway℠ Card

United Gateway℠ Card

United Gateway℠ Card

🏆 Best Entry-Level United Card

30,000
Bonus Miles
ELEVATED OFFER
Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. Learn more.
30,000
Bonus Miles
Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. Learn more.
The United Gateway Card is a no-annual-fee co-branded airline credit card for individuals who prefer to fly with United Airlines. It offers United MileagePlus miles for spending and provides some basic travel benefits, making it a cost-effective choice for occasional United Airlines travelers looking to earn rewards.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for Marriott Free Nights

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

🏆 Best for Marriott Free Nights

5 Free Nights
Bonus Points
LIMITED TIME OFFER
Earn 5 Free Night Awards after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening.
Bonus Points
5 Free Nights
Earn 5 Free Night Awards after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening.
The Marriott Boundless card is a low-annual-fee card that offers generous perks and benefits for Marriott loyalists. You'll earn a whopping number of points per dollar spent at Marriott properties, in addition to being gifted automatic Silver Elite status. Overall, this is an excellent card for travelers eager to get started with Marriott.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

2 Free Nights
Bonus Points
LIMITED TIME OFFER
Earn 2 Free Night Awards after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening.
Bonus Points
2 Free Nights
Earn 2 Free Night Awards after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening.
The Bold card is a co-branded credit card associated with one of our favorite hotel loyalty programs—Marriott Bonvoy! It's a no-annual-fee card that allows cardholders to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on their spending and offers benefits like bonus points on Marriott stays and Silver Elite status, making it a practical choice for travelers who prefer Marriott properties.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

🏆 Best for IHG Loyalists

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

🏆 Best for IHG Loyalists

175,000
Bonus Points
LIMITED TIME OFFER
Earn 175,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
175,000
Bonus Points
Earn 175,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is an excellent choice for frequent travelers and hotel enthusiasts. With this card, you can earn valuable IHG Rewards points on your everyday purchases and enjoy premium benefits like complimentary hotel nights, automatic elite status, and more, making it the perfect companion for those seeking luxury hotel experiences.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

Up to 120,000 Bonus Points
Bonus Points
LIMITED TIME OFFER
Earn 90,000 Bonus Points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening and up to 30,000 more points by earning 3 additional points in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that earn 2x and 3x on up to $10,000 spent.
Bonus Points
Up to 120,000 Bonus Points
Earn 90,000 Bonus Points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening and up to 30,000 more points by earning 3 additional points in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that earn 2x and 3x on up to $10,000 spent.
The IHG Rewards Traveler card is a co-branded rewards credit card associated with IHG hotels. It allows cardholders to earn IHG Rewards points for their spending and provides benefits such as an annual free night certificate, making it a suitable choice for travelers who occasionally stay at IHG hotels.
✅ Check if you're pre-approved or eligible for elevated offers using the CardMatch Tool

Personal Cards

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

No items found.

Business Cards

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

No items found.

Which Card is Right for You?

When choosing a card with an elevated bonus, consider your spending habits and goals. Are you looking for a huge bonus in exchange for meeting a high spending threshold, or do you prefer a lower threshold with a solid bonus? We’ll help you find the card that fits your lifestyle and maximizes those initial rewards.

Other Ways to Earn

Beyond the super-freaking-awesome welcome offers, there are plenty of ways to continue earning rewards. Look for cards that offer bonus categories, additional spending bonuses, and ongoing rewards programs to keep those points piling up long after the initial offer.

Pros and Cons

Pros

[.pro] You'll get a significant boost to your rewards balance right from the start, often enough for a major trip [.pro]

[.pro] Many cards offer compelling bonuses for meeting certain spending requirements, making them perfect for those who can meet the threshold [.pro]

[.pro] An elevated offer can set you up for more valuable redemptions and perks, providing greater overall value [.pro]

Cons

[.con] Many top-tier travel cards come with higher fees, which can be a drawback if you’re not using the perks or earning enough rewards to offset the cost [.con]

FAQs

How do I qualify for an elevated welcome offer?

Typically speaking, you’ll need to meet a minimum spending requirement within a specified time frame after opening the card. Be sure to check the terms and conditions of each card to understand the exact requirements.

Are elevated welcome offers worth the high spending requirements?

It depends on your ability to meet the spending requirements and how much value you’ll get from the offer. If you can comfortably meet the requirements and use the offer effectively, it can be well worth it (and help you book that first class ticket).

Can I receive multiple elevated welcome offers from different cards?

Yes, you can apply for and receive elevated welcome offers from multiple cards, but be mindful of your credit score and financial situation. Each card may have its own terms regarding how frequently you can receive offers.

Do elevated welcome offers have an expiration date?

Welcome offers typically need to be earned within a certain timeframe after account opening, so be sure to meet the spending requirements before the deadline. Redemption of earned rewards may also be subject to terms and conditions.

Why Trust Daily Drop?

At Daily Drop, our editorial team is made up of seasoned travel and credit card experts who have spent years mastering travel rewards and testing the best strategies firsthand. Founder Nate Buchanan, of Kara and Nate, has personally earned and redeemed millions of points and miles over the past 10+ years, saving tens of thousands of dollars on travel. Our team shares similar hands-on experience, ensuring our recommendations are practical, tested, and built on real-world knowledge. After all, we wouldn’t be Daily Drop if we weren’t practicing what we preach.

Our independent reviews break down rewards, perks, fees, and overall value to help you make informed decisions. We also analyze audience data, considering reader engagement and trends, so our recommendations reflect what actually matters to you.

While we may earn a commission if you apply for a card through our site, our opinions are our own — based solely on expert analysis and firsthand experience, not influenced by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Our goal is simple: helping you maximize your rewards and travel smarter.

Read our full methodology for more information.

Authors

Written by: McKay Moffitt

Content Specialist

Edited by: Tiffany Eastham

Writer & Editor