Are you fully aware of how valuable that space in your wallet or purse is? Credit card companies are in heated competition right now, offering strong perks and $500+ value a pop during the first year to try out a new card. These are the top 10ish credit card offers that I would apply for in October 2018, if I didn’t already have most of them. Please see links provided for full details. Recent changes:

If you pay off your balances every month, then you can join me and many others in funding a huge chunk of your annual travel with cash credits, points, and miles. You don’t need to be a “I only fly business class” world traveler. I mostly use my rewards points on domestic economy flights, mid-class hotels like Staybridge Suites and Courtyard Marriott, and cheap car rentals. If you have credit card debt, you should focus on paying that off first as the interest charges could offset most of the perks.

Note: Certain Chase cards have a “5/24 rule” which is an unofficial rule that they will automatically deny approval on new credit cards if you have 5 or more new credit cards from any issuer on your credit report within the past 2 years. This rule applies on a per-person basis, so if you are new, you might want to start with those Chase cards.

Citi ThankYou® Premier Card

  • 60,000 Thank You points (worth $750 towards travel) after $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. See link for details.
  • $0 annual fee for the first year, then $95.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

  • 50,000 Ultimate Rewards points (worth $625 towards travel) after $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. See link for details.
  • $0 annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Subject to 5/24 rule.
  • Alternative: Chase Sapphire Reserve Card. More rewards, more perks including lounge access, $450 annual fee, $300 annual travel credit.

Barclaycard Arrival Plus Card

  • 60,000 points (worth $600 towards travel) after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 90 days and paying the annual fee. See link for details.
  • Unlimited 2X miles on every purchase.
  • $0 annual fee for the first year, then $89.

Chase Marriott Rewards Premier Plus Card

  • 100,000 Marriott Rewards points after $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. See link for details and rough valuation of points.
  • $95 annual fee, free night award upon card anniversary.
  • Subject to 5/24 rule.

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card

  • 40,000 Rapid Rewards points (redeemable for $600+ in Wanna Getaway airfare) after $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. See link for details.
  • $99 annual fee.
  • Combine with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Card to earn the Southwest Companion Pass.
  • Subject to 5/24 rule.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select Card

  • 50,000 American Airlines miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months. See link for details.
  • First checked bag free on domestic flights perk.
  • $0 annual fee for the first year, then $99.

Chase World of Hyatt Card

  • 60,000 Hyatt points (enough for two nights at any Hyatt). 40,000 Bonus Points after $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months. Plus an additional 20,000 Bonus Points after a total of $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months. See link for details and rough valuation of points.
  • $95 annual fee, free night award upon card anniversary.
  • NOT subject to 5/24 rule.

British Airways Visa Signature Card

  • Up to 100,000 Avios points. 50,000 Avios after $3,000 in purchases within first 3 months. Additional 25,000 Avios for $10,000 in purchases within first year. Additional 25,000 Avios for $20,000 in purchases within first year. See link for details and redemption tips.
  • Free Travel Together companion ticket when you spend $30,000 in calendar year.
  • $95 annual fee.
  • NOT subject to 5/24 rule.

Hilton Honors Ascend Card from American Express

  • 125,000 Hilton Honors points after $2,000 in purchases within the first 3 months.. See link for details and rough valuation of points.
  • Free Weekend Night Reward certificate after you spend $15,000 on purchases in a calendar year.
  • $95 annual fee.

Bank of America Premium Rewards Card

  • 50,000 points (worth $500 towards travel) after $3,000 in purchases within the first 90 days. See link for details.
  • 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • $100 annual Airline Incidental Statement Credit.
  • Up to $100 credit towards TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee.
  • $95 annual fee.

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Card

  • $500 cash bonus after $3000 in purchases within the first 3 months. See link for details.
  • 4% cash back on dining and entertainment.
  • $0 annual fee for the first year, then $95.

Top 10 Best Credit Card Bonus Offers – October 2018 from My Money Blog.


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