If you’ve ever dreamed of booking a vacation for free, cashing in points for a shiny new gadget, or simply getting rewarded for buying groceries, welcome to the world of credit card bonus points.
In 2025, credit card issuers are offering some seriously impressive sign-up bonuses to attract new cardholders. Whether you’re just starting out with rewards cards or looking for your next big win, we’ve rounded up the best credit card bonus points offers this year — and broken them down in plain English.
What Are Credit Card Bonus Points?
Before we jump into the best offers, here’s a quick primer: credit card bonus points are extra points you earn for signing up for a new credit card and hitting a minimum spending requirement (usually within the first 3 months).
These points can usually be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or shopping.
Now, let’s check out the best bonus offers of 2025.
🏆 1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Bonus: 75,000 points
Spend Requirement: $4,000 in 3 months
Estimated Value: ~$900+ when redeemed for travel
Why it’s great for beginners:
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a longtime favorite for travelers — and for good reason. Its 75,000-point bonus can go a long way when redeemed through Chase Travel or transferred to airline and hotel partners.
Perks:
-
2x points on dining and travel
-
No foreign transaction fees
-
Great travel protection and purchase coverage
Watch out for:
-
$95 annual fee (but the bonus more than covers it)
-
Minimum spend may be high for some beginners
✈️ 2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Bonus: 75,000 miles
Spend Requirement: $4,000 in 3 months
Estimated Value: ~$750
Why it’s awesome:
Simple, flexible, and great for beginners who want to book travel without the hassle of airline programs. Just use your miles to “erase” travel purchases.
Perks:
-
2x miles on everything
-
Miles can be used to cover travel or transferred to airline partners
-
$100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
Heads-up:
-
$95 annual fee
-
Not ideal if you want to use points for non-travel rewards
💳 3. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card (New in 2025)
Bonus: 60,000 points
Spend Requirement: $4,000 in 3 months
Estimated Value: ~$600+
Why it’s interesting:
Wells Fargo is stepping up its travel game in 2025. This card’s bonus is competitive, and it offers flexible travel rewards.
Perks:
-
5x points on hotels, 3x on airlines, dining, and transit
-
Points redeemable for travel, cash back, or gift cards
-
Cell phone protection included
Things to note:
-
$95 annual fee
-
New program, so transfer partners are still limited
💰 4. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Bonus: $200 (plus 5% on grocery stores for 12 months)
Spend Requirement: $500 in 3 months
Estimated Value: $200–$400+ depending on grocery spending
Best for low spenders:
If $4,000 in 3 months feels like a stretch, this card is perfect. You still get a nice cash back bonus with a much lower spending requirement.
Perks:
-
1.5% cash back on everything
-
5% back on travel through Chase, 3% on dining and drugstores
-
No annual fee
Perfect if:
-
You want cash back instead of travel points
-
You’re just starting out with credit cards
🌟 5. American Express Gold Card
Bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards points
Spend Requirement: $4,000 in 6 months
Estimated Value: $600–$1,200 depending on how you redeem
Why foodies love it:
This card is a hit with dining and grocery lovers — and Amex points can be super valuable if you learn how to transfer them.
Perks:
-
4x points at restaurants and supermarkets
-
$120/year dining credits
-
Tons of airline transfer partners
Keep in mind:
-
$250 annual fee (ouch)
-
More rewarding if you’re a frequent traveler or point hacker
✨ Honorable Mention: Discover it® Cash Back
Bonus: Cashback Match (1st year only)
Spend Requirement: None specific — they match all cash back at year-end
Why it’s unique:
Instead of a set bonus, Discover doubles everything you earn in your first year — so if you earn $200, they’ll make it $400.
Perks:
-
5% cash back on rotating categories
-
No annual fee
-
Great for students or people with average credit
Best for:
-
People who prefer cash over points
-
Low spenders who want to maximize everyday purchases
🧠 Tips for Maximizing Bonus Points (Without Losing Your Mind)
-
Set a calendar reminder for the deadline to hit your minimum spend — most cards give you 3 months.
-
Use the card for everyday purchases (groceries, gas, bills) to meet the spend naturally.
-
Don’t overspend just to get points — the rewards aren’t worth credit card debt.
-
Stack with online shopping portals or apps like Rakuten for extra points.
-
Consider your goals: Are you traveling soon? Want cash back? Choose a card that fits your lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
2025 is shaping up to be a great year for credit card rewards — especially if you’re just getting started. Whether you want to save money, travel more, or just get something back from your everyday spending, a good welcome bonus can jump-start your rewards journey.
Just remember: the best credit card for you is one that matches your spending habits, lifestyle, and goals. If you stay organized and pay off your balance in full, these bonus points can feel like free money.
Happy swiping — and may your points pile up fast!
