My favorite thing about credit cards is the extra perks. From the initial sign-up bonus to cash back and travel rewards, many credit card companies offer new customers “free” money. Today, you can find $1000 credit card bonus offers, especially if you combine rewards.
Instead of focusing on the largest sign-up bonus, this post features cards with the highest earning potential. Fortunately, you don’t always need excellent credit to get a high-earning credit card.
While top-tier cards are more exclusive, there are plenty of options for those with average or good credit.
Best $1,000 Credit Card Bonus Offers
Here are our top picks for high-earning credit cards in January 2024:
- Capital One Venture X Business
- Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
- Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
- Chase Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Chase Freedom Flex®
- Chase Sapphire Preferred®
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- American Express® Gold
- American Express® Platinum
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Citi® Double Cash
- Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
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1. Capital One Venture X Business
The Capital One Venture® X Business card offers an impressive welcome bonus and ongoing perks. It’s one of my top picks for established businesses looking for flexible travel rewards and low fees without complicated terms and restrictions.
You can earn a 150,000-mile bonus when you spend $20,000 in the first three months of opening your account and an additional 150,000 miles once you spend $100,000 in the first 6 months. You’ll also receive 10,000 points each year, beginning with your first anniversary.
Cardholders enjoy unlimited 2x miles on all purchases, with an increased 10x miles on hotels and rental cars and 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. Cardholders can redeem miles on flights, rental cars, hotels, and other travel expenses or transfer the points to more than 15 travel loyalty programs with no expiration or blackout dates except those enforced by the loyalty program.
Venture X Business has no preset spending limit, which means your purchasing power can change over time based on your spending habits, credit, and payment history.
The $395 annual fee is much lower than the AMEX Business Platinum card, and it’s easy to offset with the Early Spend bonus and perks like TSA and Global Entry credits, lounge access, and luxury resort credits.
2. Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
The Chase Ink Business Unlimited® card has no annual fee and pays an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. This is great for business owners who don’t make large purchases or don’t want to track specific categories.
New cardholders earn a $750 cash-back bonus after spending $6,000 in the first three months, getting you close to the $1,000 threshold after owning the card for only a few months.
The card also provides an introductory 0% APR for 12 months on purchases, and you can use the points for cash back, gift cards, and travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Like Chase In Business Premier℠, the card also includes a bonus of 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 2025 and free employee cards.
3. Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
The Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a business credit card with travel rewards. It’s best for business owners who spend a lot on shipping, advertising, internet, phone, cable, and travel, as each category earns 3% cash back on the first $150,000 spent annually. All other purchases are eligible for 1 point per $1 spent.
The card offers a healthy welcome bonus of 100,000 points if you spend $8,000 in the first three months. Using those points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards equals $1,250 in travel or $1,000 cash back.
If you redeem your points for travel through Chase’s portal, you get a 25% bonus; otherwise, you can choose cash back, gift cards, and other experiences.
The card charges a $95 annual fee, but it’s easy to recoup.
4. Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card doesn’t have an annual fee and pays a $900 cash bonus if you spend $6,000 in the first three months.
It’s a good choice for business owners who spend at least $25,000 in combined office supply, internet, cable, and phone services per year, as it pays 5% cash back on these purchases, exceeding the $1,000 cash back threshold.
The card also pays 2% on purchases at gas stations and restaurants. However, there is a limit of a combined spending value of $25,000 per year and 1% back on all other purchases, with no limit.
Like most Chase business cards, there is a 5% cash back bonus on all Lyft rides through March 2025 when you use your Chase credit card, and you get employee cards at no cost.
5. Chase Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card
The Chase In Business Premier℠ Credit Card pays a $1,000 welcome bonus if you spend $10,000 in the first three months. This automatically gets you to our $1,000 credit card bonus threshold, but there’s more.
Cardholders also earn 2.5% cash back on purchases over $5,000 and unlimited 2% back on all other business purchases. Business owners get free employee cards that allow them to set spending limits while earning rewards on employee purchases and can earn a bonus of 5% on Lyft rides through March 2025.
The Chase Ink Business Premier℠ is a pay-in-full card but offers a Flex for Business program that allows you to spread out payments on eligible purchases with interest up to your limit.
All this comes at an annual cost of $195, which, if you make one $5,000 purchase, you’ll earn $250 back, making up for the annual fee.
6. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited® is one of my favorite entry-level rewards credit cards. There’s no annual fee, plus new cardholders earn a $200 bonus for spending just $500 or more in the first three months after opening.
Chase Freedom is also a great travel credit card, with 5% back on any travel purchases made through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Additionally, you can earn 3% cash back at restaurants, including takeout, and 3% back on drugstore purchases. All other transactions earn a standard 1.5% cash back.
Plus, you can enjoy all of these earnings without the risk of paying interest in the first 15 months. The 0% intro APR is good on purchases and balance transfers, so it can serve multiple functions as your go-to credit card.
7. Chase Freedom Flex®
Chase Freedom Flex® is a simple, no-annual-fee credit card with surprisingly high earning potential if you use it correctly. Plus, in line with its name, it comes with a bit more flexibility than the Freedom Unlimited.
With Freedom Flex, you can choose which quarterly bonus categories pay you 5%. The options include gas stations, grocery stores, and select online merchants. Otherwise, the card includes the same 5% back on Chase Ultimate Rewards purchases, 3% on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% on everything else.
Freedom Flex also shares the same initial bonus offer as Freedom Unlimited, with $200 up for grabs if you spend $500 or more in your first three months. It also offers a 0% introductory APR for 15 months.
8. Chase Sapphire Preferred®
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is a premium option for those who spend a lot on dining and travel. There’s a $95 annual fee, but new cardholders earn 60,000 bonus points (about $750) when they spend $4,000 or more in the first three months.
The bonus gets you close to our $1,000 earning threshold, but you’ll blow past it when you earn unlimited 5x points on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
You also get triple points on dining out, online grocery purchases, and certain streaming services.
This card is the best bet for those who want to focus their earnings on travel expenses. The points you earn carry the most value when you use them for travel, so if you’re looking for a cash rewards credit card, you can likely find a better option.
9. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Not only is Sapphire Reserve® one of Chase’s most popular credit cards, but it’s also one of its more exclusive cards. You’ll need an excellent credit score to get it, and it comes with a steep annual fee of $550.
However, this card is so popular because of its host of rewards and perks that more than cancel out the high cost. It has a 60,000-point bonus in your first three months if you spend $4,000 or more. Cardholders also get a $300 statement credit each year toward airline ticket purchases.
The card also includes up to $1,200 in partnership values, such as two years of Lyft Pink Access, $5 in monthly DoorDash credits, and a year of Instacart membership, among other benefits.
Sapphire Reserve members also get VIP airport lounge access at more than 1,300 locations throughout the U.S. and a $100 credit toward TSA pre-check every four years. Pair this with 10x points on car rentals, hotel stays purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards after the first $300 annually, 5x on flights purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, and 3x points on all other travel expenses and dining.
Learn More:
- Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card Worth It?
10. American Express® Gold Card
Amex Gold is another great travel card, but its perks aren’t limited to flights and hotel stays. It’s a solid all-arounder that covers most of the main spending categories, so it presents value even if you aren’t traveling.
It’s a great all-around card that covers most of the main spending categories, so it presents value even if you aren’t traveling.
In the first six months of card membership, you’ll earn 60,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 or more. Terms Apply.
That’ll get you off to a great start with your reward points, but you’ll add to your balance with quadruple points at restaurants and grocery stores, plus triple points for flight purchases.
The $250 annual fee is somewhat steep, but you’ll cut into a good chunk of it with a $120 annual dining credit for many popular delivery apps and restaurants if you opt in.
You may also be eligible for another $120 toward Uber and Uber Eats annually, so your annual card fee is pretty much covered if you like to eat.
11. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Amex Platinum is an upgraded version of its Gold Card. The annual fee is high at $695, but the welcome bonus is a healthy 80,000 points if you spend $8,000 in the first six months. Terms Apply.
In addition to the great welcome bonus, the Platinum Card also offers great year-round earnings.
Here’s a sample of the statement credits you may earn:
- $200 toward hotel stays
- $240 toward streaming services
- $155+ toward Walmart purchases
- $200 toward airline fees
- $100 toward Saks Fifth Avenue purchases
- $189 Clear Plus credit
- $200 in Uber Cash
- $300 toward Equinox membership
- Complimentary access to the Global Lounge Collection (1,400 airport lounges)
- Global Dining Access by Resy if you add your AMEX card to your Resy profile
The Amex Platinum focuses on travel categories for reward points, with 5x points for flights and hotels purchased through AmexTravel.com. All other purchases won’t see a multiplier, so your best bet is to have another card for the grocery store, gas stations, and restaurants.
The upfront cost of Amex Platinum is undoubtedly intimidating, but the benefits of Amex Platinum outpaces Amex Gold in earning potential. You must have an excellent credit history to add it to your wallet, but if you can swing it, this is one of the highest-earning cards you’ll find anywhere.
12. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is among the best overall travel cards for people with excellent credit. The Venture card earns double miles on all purchases with no limit and pays 75,000 bonus miles when you sign up and spend $4,000 in your first three months.
Cardholders also earn 5x miles on hotel and rental cars when booked through Capital One Travel.
You can use these miles to either book through Capital One Travel or reimburse yourself for travel purchased elsewhere.
The card also comes with a $100 credit for Global Entry TSA PreCheck® and no foreign transaction fees.
Venture has a $95 annual fee, but you could always opt for VentureOne if you prefer a free credit card with fewer perks.
13. Citi® Double Cash
Citi® Double Cash is a cash back rewards Mastercard that earns 2% on every purchase you make, but there’s a twist. Instead of earning the entire 2% at once, Double Cash splits it up.
Here’s how it works: When you buy something, you automatically earn 1% cash back and an additional 1% when you pay your bill. This means the Double Cash card isn’t great for those who tend to carry a balance.
Otherwise, Double Cash has no annual fee, no category restrictions, and no limits on how much cash back you can earn. It’s a reasonably flexible card that allows you to use your rewards how you want, from statement credits to gift cards to travel. You can also use your cash back directly on Amazon purchases.
14. Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a Visa Signature credit card that earns unlimited triple points on restaurants, travel, gas, transportation, streaming, and phone plans.
It comes with a 20,000-point bonus when you sign up, assuming you can spend $1,000 or more in the first three months. There’s also a 0% APR for your first year on purchases, and with no annual fee, this is one of the highest-earning free credit cards you can find.
The card also includes a cell phone protection plan, emergency travel assistance, exclusive Wells Fargo deals, 24/7 Roadside Dispatch®, and Credit Close-Up℠ services.
You can also enjoy the other benefits of any Visa Signature card, like 24/7 concierge services and exclusive benefits at Visa Signature hotels.
How Do Credit Card Bonuses Work?
Upon account opening, many credit cards offer a sign-up or welcome bonus to encourage immediate spending. These credit card offers have spending requirements, which you usually have to hit in the first three to six months of account opening as a new cardholder.
For example, a new credit card might offer a $1,000 bonus, but you’ll need to spend at least $5,000 in the first three months to qualify. The cash bonus may be in bonus points, a statement credit, or cash back rewards.
While credit card bonus offers are exciting and a great way to differentiate between different options, they’re only a small part of any rewards program. The best credit cards continue to earn long after you get your welcome offer, so looking past the upfront perks and focusing on the big picture is essential.
How Do Credit Card Rewards Work?
Credit card rewards are points, miles, or cash you receive in exchange for spending money with your card. Credit card issuers include these rewards to encourage consumers to sign up for credit cards and spend money.
The rewards can be reward points, cash back, travel perks, gift cards, and more. Each rewards credit card comes with different rewards and ways to earn them.
Each card has different bonus categories, such as grocery stores or gas stations, which increase the earning potential of your transactions. These offers may change, so read the fine print and check your credit card portal often.
How To Determine the Total Value Credit Card Rewards
To determine the total value of a potential new credit card, start by looking at the associated costs and fees. These could include an annual fee, variable APR, foreign transaction fees, balance transfer fees, etc.
Some of these costs, like your annual fee, are usually unavoidable. The good news is that you can avoid interest fees by paying your balance in full each billing cycle.
Once you have the costs figured out, it’s time to determine how much you can earn. Your credit card sign-up bonus is an obvious place to start and the easiest one to track.
Next are the perks, ranging from free TSA PreCheck® and other travel rewards like flight upgrades. Some cards also offer discounted car rentals, free streaming services, and cell phone protection plans.
In addition, the total value of a card will depend on how you use it. For example, a credit card might have fixed or rotating categories, so you’ll earn more for spending at specific retailers. You also might get an increased rewards rate in your first year, so maximizing any limited-time offers is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cards give you money for signing up?
In short, most of them! If you read many credit card reviews, you’ll notice a common theme: credit card companies want you to sign up, and they’ll pay you to do it. Aside from the cards mentioned above, there are several other credit cards with sign-up bonuses, including the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards and the Discover Marriott Bonvoy®.
Do credit cards give you free money?
Yes, but terms apply. While cash back credit cards might seem free, you’ll rarely get something for nothing. To earn credit card rewards, you need to spend money. The more you spend, the more you earn.
Unfortunately, the more you spend also increases your odds of getting into debt, which can quickly turn into paying interest on your outstanding balance. You should try to avoid credit card debt at all costs, as it’ll cancel out any rewards you can earn.
How much is 75,000 miles worth?
As a general rule of thumb, one mile equals about one cent in value. At one cent per mile, 75,000 miles is worth about $750. However, this depends on the specific credit card and how you plan to use your miles.
In some rewards portals and mileage programs, your points may be worth more than one cent. To truly understand your point values, you must look at the specific rewards provider and predict your spending to calculate your earnings.
Which Credit Cards Earn $1,000 or More in Rewards?
There are many options for finding the best credit cards that offer at least $1,000 in value. The best choice depends on your personal finance situation, spending habits, and ability to repay your balance in full each month.
I must emphasize that again. If you don’t pay your balance in full each month, you’ll quickly erase your potential bonus value from any of the above-mentioned cards.
In addition, the credit cards with the best bonuses almost always require high credit scores. So, you might have to start small if your credit needs work. However, your credit scores always change, so there’s always a chance to improve them. There are also plenty of options for those in the earlier stages of their financial journey.
Now that you have a solid foundation and some ideas on where to start, it’s time to start earning. If you repay your balances on time, there’s no limit to how much you can earn.
As a credit card customer, it pays to look at the complete picture before you enroll. And remember, when credit cards compete, your wallet wins.
As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a wide range of information and can provide insights on various topics, including credit cards and their perks. I can help you understand the concepts mentioned in the article you provided. Here's a breakdown of the information related to credit cards and their perks:
Credit Card Perks
Credit cards often come with various perks and rewards that can benefit cardholders. These perks can include sign-up bonuses, cash back, travel rewards, and more. Some credit card companies offer attractive sign-up bonuses to new customers, which can include cash back or travel rewards. These bonuses are often earned by meeting specific spending requirements within a certain time frame.
High-Earning Credit Cards
The article mentions several credit cards with high earning potential. Here are some of the cards mentioned:
- Capital One Venture X Business: This card offers an impressive welcome bonus and ongoing perks, including unlimited 2x miles on all purchases and increased miles on hotels, rental cars, and flights booked through Capital One Travel.
- Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: This card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, a $750 cash-back bonus for new cardholders, and an introductory 0% APR for 12 months on purchases.
- Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: This card is best for business owners who spend a lot on shipping, advertising, internet, phone, cable, and travel. It offers a healthy welcome bonus, 3% cash back on select categories, and the ability to redeem points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: This card is suitable for business owners who spend on office supplies, internet, cable, and phone services. It offers cash back on these purchases, as well as on gas stations and restaurants.
- Chase Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card: This card offers a $1,000 welcome bonus, 2.5% cash back on purchases over $5,000, and unlimited 2% back on all other business purchases.
These are just a few examples of the high-earning credit cards mentioned in the article. Each card has its own set of benefits and rewards, so it's important to consider your spending habits and financial goals when choosing a credit card.
Determining the Total Value of Credit Card Rewards
To determine the total value of a credit card's rewards, it's important to consider both the costs and the potential earnings. Costs may include annual fees, interest rates, and other fees associated with the card. Earnings can come from sign-up bonuses, cash back, travel rewards, and other perks offered by the card.
It's also important to understand how credit card rewards work. Rewards can be earned through spending on the card, and different cards may offer different rewards structures and bonus categories. Some cards may have fixed or rotating categories that offer higher rewards rates for specific types of purchases.
To determine the total value of a credit card's rewards, you should consider your spending habits, the rewards structure of the card, and any associated costs. By comparing these factors, you can determine which credit card offers the best overall value for your specific needs.
Credit Card Bonuses
Credit card bonuses are offered by many credit card companies to encourage new customers to sign up. These bonuses often require meeting specific spending requirements within a certain time frame. The bonuses can be in the form of bonus points, statement credits, or cash back rewards.
It's important to note that credit card bonuses are just one part of a rewards program. While they can provide immediate value, it's also important to consider the long-term earning potential of a credit card beyond the initial bonus.
Credit Card Rewards
Credit card rewards are points, miles, or cash back that cardholders receive in exchange for spending money with their cards. These rewards can be redeemed for various benefits, such as travel, statement credits, gift cards, and more. Each credit card has its own rewards program and ways to earn and redeem rewards.
The value of credit card rewards can vary depending on the specific rewards program and how the rewards are used. Some credit card rewards programs offer more value when redeemed for travel, while others may offer better value for cash back or other benefits.
To determine the total value of credit card rewards, it's important to consider the earning potential of the card, the redemption options available, and any associated costs or fees.
I hope this breakdown helps you understand the concepts mentioned in the article. If you have any further questions or need more information, feel free to ask!
