There are hundreds of different credit card offers available, so it’s hard to think about which one to get. The table below is a summary of my recommended cards that I think brings the most value in terms of bonus, earning potential, and perks (in recommended order).

Note: Some of these will contain my referral link in order to support this blog, but I will always order this list by the best recommendation first.

Chase Southwest Plus/Premier Personal –– 75,000 Points

All three personal cards (Plus, Premier, Priority) get 75,000 points with $5,000 in spend within 6 months. Annual fee not waived the first year; the Plus card has the lowest annual fee of $69.  Note the $69/$99 annual fees on these cards are not waived the first year. You can apply for a personal and business card and thus meet the Companion Pass since that only requires 125k total accrued Southwest points in a calendar year. Chase 5/24 rule does apply to these cards.

Chase Ink Business Preferred –– 80,000 Points

Sign up bonus of 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening. Annual fee of $95 not waived. This is equivalent to at least $1000 in travel redemptions!

Chase Sapphire Preferred –– 60,000 Points

Standard offer on this card is 50,000 points with the $95 annual fee waived. This is an extra 10,000 points but without the annual fee waived. The extra points are much more attractive due to the flexible point transfers and the fact that points are worth 1.25¢ each when redeeming through the Chase travel portal. You can also get referred and the person referring you will get an extra 15,000 points.

Chase IHG Premier – 140,000 Points

Chase IHG Premier card is offering a signup bonus of 140,000 points after $3,000 in spend within the first three months. I like to keep this card annually because it comes with a free night that always makes up for the annual fee.

American Express Platinum 100,000 Point Offer

Not everybody is able to get this offer to show, but if you are then it’s a great offer. Just keep in mind it does have a massive $550 annual fee, but for that you get good lounge access, $200 in airline incidentals per calendar year (so you can get it twice and only pay the annual fee once) and $200 in Uber credits per card member year as well. Obviously not for everybody, but if you can maximize those airline incidentals then this is a really great offer. There is also an upgrade offer of 60,000 points without the lifetime language, unfortunately that is targeted.

Bank of America Alaska 40,000 Miles + $100

Previous best on this bonus has been 40,000 miles or 30,000 miles + $100. Really strong offer if you highly value Alaska miles.