Once upon a time, the majority of loyalty-rewards points were earned for traveling. No more. Today, more points are earned for credit-card purchases than for flying or staying in hotels or, well, for anything. Which explains why today's frequent-flyer programs are more accurately referred to as frequent-buyer programs.
When it comes to racking up credit-card points, the single largest trove of points is likely to be the sign-up bonus offered by the card issuer to new cardholders who meet certain requirements, typically meeting a spending target within a set period.
With that in mind, the following is our monthly roundup of welcome offers currently advertised for the most popular travel-rewards charge and credit cards.
Hilton Honors Surpass Card from American Express
Welcome offer: 75,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months of account opening. Terms apply.
Annual fee: $75.
Comment: Cardholders earn 12 points per $1 spent at Hilton hotels.
Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard
Welcome offer: 50,000 miles after spending $2,500 within the first 3 months of account opening.
Annual fee: $95, waived the first year.
Comment: This is the mid-priced AAdvantage card, which comes bundled with several travel perks, including a free first checked bag.
*Disclosure: Citi is an Airfarewatchdog advertiser
Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express
Welcome offer: 70,000 miles plus 10,000 Medallion Qualification miles after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months of account opening. Terms apply.
Annual fee: $195.
Comment: New cardholders also receive a $100 statement credit after a qualifying Delta purchase within the first 3 months. Don't dawdle: Offer expires November 8, 2017.
IHG Rewards Club World MasterCard
Welcome offer: 60,000 points after spending $1,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
Annual fee: $49, waived the first year.
Comment: In addition to the generous bonus, the card features a low annual fee, waived the first year, and a free night after cardholder's anniversary.
JetBlue Plus Card
Welcome offer: 30,000 points after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening.
Annual fee: $99.
Comment: Card perks include free first bag, 10% rebate on points redeemed for awards, 50% discount on inflight purchases, Mosaic elite status after spending $50,000 annually..
British Airways Visa Signature Card
Welcome offer: 50,000 Avios after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months of account opening, plus an additional 25,000 points after spending $10,000 in the first year.
Annual fee: $95.
Comment: In all, there's the potential to earn 75,000 miles after spending $13,000 within 12 months of account opening.
Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase
Welcome offer: 80,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months of account opening, plus an additional 7,500 points for adding an authorized user who uses the card within the first 3 months.
Annual fee: $85.
Comment: Good program, solid card, big bonus.
Editor's Note: This offer has expired and is longer available.
The Platinum Card from American Express
Welcome offer: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $5,000 within the first 3 months of account opening. Terms apply.
Annual fee: $550.
Comment: While the card's annual fee is among the very highest, it also comes bundled with a robust set of travel perks, including lounge access, $200 statement credit for bag fees, and 5 points per $1 for flights booked direct with American Express.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Welcome offer: 50,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months of account opening, plus an additional 5,000 points for adding an authorized user who uses the card within the first 3 months.
Annual fee: $95, waived the first year.
Comment: Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred into a number of airline and hotel programs, as well as redeemed for travel through the Ultimate Rewards portal. In the latter case, 50,000 points are worth $625 through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express
Welcome offer: 25,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months of account opening. Terms apply.
Annual fee: $95, waived the first year.
Comment: While the bonus itself is comparatively modest, Starwood points are among the most valuable loyalty currencies, as they're transferable to 30-plus airline frequent flyer programs, mostly on a 1:1 basis, and there's a 5,000-point bonus when transferring 20,000 points to a participating airline program.
Many of the above-listed consumer cards are also available as business cards, sometimes featuring the same sign-up bonuses. That means it's possible to double up on the bonuses if you're eligible for a business card as well as a consumer card.
Editor's Note: This content is not provided by any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the aforementioned entities.