The best credit card welcome bonuses of October 2026

If you haven't evaluated your credit card portfolio lately, now is a great time to do so.

Twice a month, we update this list to feature top welcome bonuses from cards that made the cut for our best credit cards list. Consider bookmarking this page and checking back regularly for the latest bonuses.

Earning new card bonuses is the fastest way to accumulate a stash of points and miles, so if you're working on building up your travel rewards balance, it's likely that one of the options below might be a good fit for you.

Since many issuers have restrictions on how often you can earn a bonus on a card, it's important to time your application for when there's a solid offer. Also, higher bonuses don't always stick around for long, so if you're considering one of these offers, you'll want to hop on it sooner rather than later.

If you're not ready to add a higher-end card, consider these great starter cards or even one with a 0% introductory annual percentage rate.

The best rewards card offers of October 2026

*The welcome offer value is determined using TPG's October 2026 valuations and is not provided by, nor reviewed by, the issuer.

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Best for: Frequent business travelers who can maximize premium travel perks and statement credits.

This business card stands out not only for its extremely valuable welcome offer but also for travel perks that can easily cover its $895 annual fee.

Cardmembers enjoy automatic Gold status in both the Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programs (enrollment required), along with some of the best lounge access perks of any business card out there for eligible cardmembers.

As far as earning rates go, cardmembers earn 5 points per dollar spent on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com and 2 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases in select business categories and eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent).

To learn more, read our full review of the American Express Business Platinum.

Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 300,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

Best for: High-spending business owners who want premium travel perks and strong rewards on travel and advertising.

The Sapphire Reserve for Business is a solid choice for high-spending business owners who can maximize valuable statement credits and get the most out of the card's high earning rates.

These earning rates include:

• 8 points per dollar spent on Chase Travel℠ bookings
• 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft (through Sept. 30, 2027)
• 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked directly
• 3 points per dollar spent on social media and search engine advertising (up to $1 million per dollar spent each anniversary year, starting Nov. 15, 2026)
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Reserve for Business.

Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

American Express Business Gold Card

Best for: Business owners who want to earn bonus points in their highest spending categories.

The Amex Business Gold is a fantastic card for business owners looking to maximize earnings from a single card.

It has 4 points per dollar spent earning categories that automatically reflect your highest spending areas (on the top two eligible spending categories each billing cycle; capped at $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent).

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Business Gold.

Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 200,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Apply here: American Express Business Gold Card

American Express Platinum Card

Best for: Frequent travelers who value airport lounge access, hotel elite status and other premium travel perks.

Often referred to as the king of the premium travel rewards cards, the Amex Platinum offers a slew of benefits for an annual fee of $895.

Cardmembers enjoy perks like automatic elite status with Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy and Leaders Club from The Leading Hotels of the World (enrollment required), plus some of the best airport lounge access of any card for eligible cardmembers.

Cardmembers also enjoy 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® (on up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent), 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and 1 point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases.

To learn more, read our full review of the American Express Platinum.

Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $12,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Apply here: American Express Platinum Card

American Express Gold Card

Best for: Travelers who spend heavily on dining and groceries and can maximize the card's statement credits.

The Amex Gold Card is a favorite of many TPG staffers, largely thanks to its terrific earning rates on dining at restaurants worldwide and groceries at U.S. supermarkets (subject to spending caps).

It earns at the following rates:

• 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App™
• 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide (first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent)
• 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent)
• 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airlines, on amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App
• 2 points per dollar spent on car rentals booked on amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App
• 2 points per dollar spent on cruises booked on amextravel.com
• 1 point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases

The card also offers multiple dining statement credits to help offset its relatively manageable $325 annual fee.

To learn more, read our full review of the American Express Gold.

Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Apply here: American Express Gold Card

Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard

Best for: American Airlines loyalists who value Admirals Club access and premium perks.

The Citi / AAdvantage Executive is a strong option for frequent American Airlines flyers, particularly those who can take advantage of its Admirals Club membership and suite of travel benefits.

Following a recent refresh, the card now offers perks including up to $500 annually toward American Airlines vacations (two biannual statement credits of up to $250 each), up to $100 credit annually toward eligible inflight and eligible Admirals Club purchases, automatic Omni Hotels & Resorts Champion status and Avis President's Club status. Enrollment required for select benefits.

To learn more, read our full review of the Citi / AAdvantage Executive Mastercard.

For a limited time, earn 125,000 bonus miles after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first five months from account opening.

Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard

Chase Air Canada Aeroplan Credit Card

Best for: Air Canada loyalists.

The refreshed Air Canada Aeroplan card offers valuable perks for frequent Air Canada flyers that can help offset its $195 annual fee.

Cardholders receive Aeroplan 25K Status each year with no spending requirement, a 15% discount on eligible Air Canada award flights and up to $100 in annual statement credits for Air Canada purchases.

To learn more, read our full review of the Air Canada Aeroplan card.

Earn up to 115,000 bonus points: 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 40,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening.

Apply here: Air Canada Aeroplan Card

Capital One cards

Best for: Frequent travelers who want to earn transferable miles.

The Capital One Venture and Venture X are both strong options for travelers looking to earn transferable Capital One miles.

The Venture X is the premium option, with perks such as a $300 annual Capital One Travel credit and access to Capital One airport lounges.

Meanwhile, the Venture carries a lower $95 annual fee while still earning transferable miles that can be redeemed for travel or transferred to Capital One's more than 15 airline and hotel partners.

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, receive a $300 credit to use on hotel and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel in the first cardholder year upon account opening.

Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Learn more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Bilt Palladium Card

Best for: Bilt loyalists who want strong rewards on everyday spending and valuable hotel benefits.

The premium Bilt Palladium Card is an excellent choice for those all-in on Bilt. Cardholders will earn 2 points per dollar and 4% Bilt Cash** (as long as you choose to earn Bilt Cash) on everyday purchases, which guarantees a sky-high 4.4% return on everyday purchases, per TPG's October 2026 valuations.

You'll also receive a $400 Bilt Travel portal hotel credit each calendar year, split into two biannual $200 statement credits.

To learn more, read our full review of the Bilt Palladium Card.

**Up to $100 of Bilt Cash earned rolls over to the next year.

Earn 50,000 bonus points and Gold status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. Plus, receive $300 in Bilt Cash upon approval.

Apply here: Bilt Palladium Card

IHG One Rewards cards

Best for: IHG loyalists who want premium perks.

IHG's newly launched premium card, the IHG One Rewards Premier Select, packs a strong mix of hotel and travel benefits at a $350 annual fee.

Cardholders can earn up to 28 points per dollar on IHG purchases and get perks including up to $300 in annual food and beverage rewards to redeem at IHG properties, a $200 airline statement credit (after spending $250 directly with airlines each year) and a free night award worth up to 60,000 points.

If you want a slightly more affordable IHG card that still packs premium benefits, the IHG One Premier is a great alternative.

To learn more, read our full review of the IHG One Rewards Premier and our full review of the IHG One Rewards Premier Select.

Earn 200,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Apply here: IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card

Earn 180,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Apply here: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

United Airlines cards

Best for: United flyers who want to earn bonus miles and enjoy airline-specific perks.

The United Explorer and United Gateway are two solid options for travelers looking to earn United MileagePlus miles, with different benefits depending on how frequently you fly with the airline.

The Explorer offers more travel perks, including a free first checked bag for the primary cardholder and one companion on the same reservation (terms apply), priority boarding and two United Club one-time passes each anniversary year. It also comes with a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.

Meanwhile, the Gateway is a good option for more occasional United flyers who want to earn miles without paying an annual fee.

To learn more, read our full review of the United Explorer and our full review of the United Gateway.

Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.

Apply here: United Explorer Card

Earn up to 50,000 bonus miles: Earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.

Apply here: United Gateway Card

Hilton Honors cards

Best for: Hilton travelers who can maximize hotel perks.

Two Hilton cobranded cards are offering standout welcome offers: the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card.

The Aspire is the premium option, with automatic Hilton Honors Diamond status and an array of Hilton statement credits and travel perks.

The Surpass offers automatic Hilton Honors Gold status and useful Hilton credits with a much lower annual fee, making it a strong choice for more occasional Hilton guests.

To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Honors Aspire and our full review of the Hilton Honors Surpass.

Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. This offer ends Jan. 13, 2027.

Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Earn 130,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. This offer ends Jan. 13, 2027.

Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

Delta SkyMiles cards

Best for: Frequent Delta flyers.

Right now, several of Delta's cobranded Amex cards are offering elevated, limited-time welcome offers. All of these limited-time offers end on Nov. 4.

If you fly with Delta at least a few times each year, you'll easily be able to maximize any of these cards' benefits. The two SkyMiles Reserve cards include Delta Sky Club access (subject to limitations), offering you a place to sit back and relax while you wait for your next flight.

These four cards also offer day-of-travel benefits that can make your flight smoother, including free checked bags (may be subject to additional terms) and priority boarding.

To learn more, check out our full reviews for the Delta Reserve, Delta Reserve Business, Delta Platinum and Delta Gold.

Earn two domestic round-trip Delta Comfort Flight Certificates (valid for travel to the U.S. 48, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands) and 50,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. A 21+ day advance purchase is required; up to $80 per person in taxes and fees apply. Other restrictions apply. This offer ends Nov. 4.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve

Earn 200,000 bonus miles after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. This offer ends Nov. 4.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card

Apply and find out if your welcome offer is as high as 90,000 bonus miles, plus earn a $300 statement credit after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. You may not be eligible for the maximum offer amount. This offer ends Nov. 4.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card

Apply and find out if your welcome offer is as high as 80,000 bonus miles, plus earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. You may not be eligible for the maximum offer amount. This offer ends Nov. 4.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

Bottom line

The quickest way to earn points and miles is by applying for a new credit card. If any of these offers interest you, act sooner rather than later, as several are only available for a limited time.

Remember that Chase's 5/24 rule means that it's often best to apply for Chase cards before other issuers' products. If you want some guidance on what card to go for next, here's some help on how to choose the best credit card for you.

For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Reserve Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Reserve Business Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Platinum Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Gold Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Aspire, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Surpass, click here.