Blog >> The Best Credit Cards With Elevated Offers
By Kevin Zanes / July 21, 2024
In the current fast-paced world, travel has become more than just a luxury. It is a necessity for both work and play. Whether you are jet-setting for business or embarking on a well-deserved vacation, the cost of travel can quickly add up. But what if I told you there is a way to unlock incredible savings and even score luxurious experiences for a fraction of the price?
Enter the world of credit card points and miles.
Right now, some of the top credit card issuers are offering elevated sign-up bonuses that can significantly reduce your travel expenses and even open the door to unforgettable experiences. Get ready to discover how you can turn your everyday spending into extraordinary adventures!
Before You Apply: Know Your Credit Score
If you are new to travel rewards and credit in general, it is a good idea to check your credit score before applying for a credit or charge card. That way, you will be able to apply for travel rewards cards which align with both your credit score and your travel goals.
Credit. Time. Credit Score Chart.
Credit Scores are shown numerically and range from 300 (Poor) to 850 (Excellent / Perfect). While there are a number of credit agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and credit scores (FICO and VantageScore), generally, scores above 750 are considered excellent*. While some agencies charge for a credit report, there are a number of “free” options as well:
- Personal Bank
- Credit Karma
- Annual Credit Report
Related: Credit Scores 101: Everything You Need to Know
The Best Credit Cards With Elevated Offers – Personal
Here is a quick overview of the best personal travel rewards cards with elevated offers, which includes a summary of card details, reward rates, benefits, and more. As with most elevated offers, these credit card offers are only for a limited time.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is the premium card offering from the Marriott Bonvoy® program and a favorite of Marriott Bonvoy® loyalists. Despite the high annual fee, the card provides multiple elite benefits, which include automatic Platinum Elite status, an annual free night certificate, a $25 monthly statement credit for restaurant purchases worldwide, and a solid earning rate at properties participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. The card also provides limited cell phone protection.
Credit. The Points Guy. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
Credit Card Details
- Intro Offer: Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of card membership
- Annual Fee: $650
- APR: 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*
- See Rates And Fees
Reward Rates
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy® points per $1 at Hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program
- 3x Marriott Bonvoy® points per $1 at Restaurants
- 3x Marriott Bonvoy® points per $1 on Airlines
- 2x Marriott Bonvoy® points per $1 on All Other purchases
Other Benefits
- Automatic Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite status each year of card membership
- Each calendar year of card membership you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status
- Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at Hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® (up to 85,000 points per night)
- Up to $300 Brilliant Dining Credit ($25 per month credit)
- Up to $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit at participating The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® properties (2 night minimum stay required)
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
- Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select (access to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries)
- Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card is a mid-tier card offering from the Marriott Bonvoy® program. The card comes with a solid set of benefits, which include automatic Gold Elite status, a 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy® point bonus per paid eligible stay, and a solid earning rate at properties participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. However, the card does not offer a complimentary free night certificate, but merely an opportunity to earn one via spend.
Credit. The Points Guy. Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card.
Credit Card Details
- Intro Offer: Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of card membership
- Annual Fee: $250
- APR: 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*
- See Rates And Fees
Reward Rates
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy® points per $1 at Hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program
- 4x Marriott Bonvoy® points per $1 at Restaurants*
- 4x Marriott Bonvoy® points per $1 at United States Supermarkets*
- 2x Marriott Bonvoy® points per $1 on All Other purchases
* Up to $15,000 in combined purchases at Restaurants and United States Supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points
Other Benefits
- Automatic Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite status each year of card membership
- Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy
- Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases (up to 50,000 points per night)
- Each calendar year of card membership you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status
- Plan It® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee
The Best Credit Cards With Elevated Offers – Business
Here is a quick overview of the best business travel rewards cards with elevated offers, which includes a summary of card details, reward rates, benefits, and more. As with most elevated offers, these credit card offers are only for a limited time.
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is perfect for those starting their business as well as more seasoned business veterans looking to supplement their credit card portfolio. With no annual fee, and a simple earning structure, earning a minimum of 1.5% cash back on all purchases, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is an extremely useful travel rewards card. However, the true value of this card is unlocked when paired with a card that earns premium Chase Ultimate Rewards points such as the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. This card also pairs with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve®. When paired, you can convert your cash back rewards into fully transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
Credit. The Points Guy. Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card.
Credit Card Details
- Intro Offer: Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 18.49% – 24.49% Variable
- Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*
Reward Rates
- 1.5% Cash back on all purchases
Other Benefits
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Travel℠
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Add employee cards for free
American Express® Business Gold Card
The American Express® Business Gold Card is a solid choice for businesses with high spend, but want to maintain flexibility. The card offers a 4x earning in the two highest spend categories each month (up to $150,000 in combined purchases per calendar year) and is ideal for businesses who value simplicity. However, this flexibility comes at the cost of a relatively high annual fee. In addition, cardholders, can redeem American Express Membership Rewards points through the American Express Travel portal or transfer the points to one of the many American Express transfer partners.
Credit. The Points Guy. American Express® Business Gold Card.
Card Details
- Intro Offer: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your card within the first 3 months of card membership
- Annual Fee: $375
- APR: 19.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*
- See Rates And Fees
Reward Rates
- 4x on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories (up to $150,000 in combined purchases per calendar year)
- 3x on Flights and Prepaid Hotels booked with American Express Travel
- 1x on All Other Purchases
Other Benefits
- Up to $240 in statement credits ($20 per month) after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores in the United States
- Up to $155 in statement credits ($12.95 per month) when you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal)
- Choose the color that suits your style: Gold, Rose Gold, or White Gold (new)
Final Thoughts
The current elevated credit card offers present a golden opportunity to transform your travel dreams into reality. By strategically leveraging these sign-up bonuses, you can significantly offset the costs of flights, hotels, and more. Remember, the key to maximizing your rewards lies in smart spending and timely application for these credit cards. Always keep an eye on your credit score and stay informed about the terms and conditions of each offer to ensure you are getting the best value. With a little planning and savvy use of points and miles, you can unlock a world of luxury and adventure without breaking the bank.
*Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.