It’s that hopeful time of year when the weather starts to warm up and it’s almost time for summer. While it’s nice to burn some points on summer travel plans, there’s no time like the present to start building up your points and miles bank for next year. The Alaska Airlines credit card has an updated companion fare offer and there’s a brand new product from U.S. Bank out now. Check out the full list of top travel credit cards for May 2017.
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card
- 30,000 miles after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months
- Companion Fare – Buy one ticket, get one for just taxes and fees (from $22)
- $75 annual fee
The Alaska Airlines credit card has always offered a companion fare as part of the sign-up offer, but previously the companion ticket cost $99 plus taxes and fees. This was a decent deal before and now it’s even better since you can save an extra hundred dollars. It’s possible to get an additional $100 statement credit by dummy booking so I recommend giving that a shot rather than applying with the link above. This card is churnable so you can get the bonus again even if you’ve had it in the past!
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
- 50,000 bonus points worth $750 on travel after spending $4,500 in the first 90 days
- $400 annual fee
U.S. Bank recently introduced an exciting new travel rewards card. But there’s a catch, you can only get the card if you’re a current U.S. Bank customer. While the card has a $400 annual fee, the $325 annual travel credit helps offset it. Other perks include 12 Gogo in-flight Wi-Fi passes per year, 4 Priority Pass lounge visits per year, and $100 statement credit for Global Entry. You’ll also earn 3x points on travel purchases and mobile wallet spending. This offer will be around for a while so you can always become a U.S. Bank customer, wait a month, and then apply for the card.
Hilton Honors Surpass Card from American Express
- 100,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
- Free weekend night award after your first card anniversary
- $75 annual fee
With this offer, not only do you get 100,000 Hilton points, but if you keep the card for a second year, you get a free weekend night certificate. These certificates provide amazing value depending on how you redeem them. You have to pay $150 (two annual fees) to get the certificate, but it’s a great deal since some properties cost close to $1,000 per night. As for the points, some of the top properties go for 95,000 points per night, but the new pay with points and money option may allow you to stretch your points further. The no annual fee Hilton card from Amex is offering 80,000 points for a $2,000 spend. If you are debating between the two, I think the Hilton Surpass offers much better value. This offer expires May 31st so act fast!
Chase Sapphire Reserve
- 50,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- $450 annual fee
While the sign-up bonus is smaller, Chase Sapphire Reserve is still one of the best cards around for its travel protection benefits. I still think it’s worth getting this card for the 50,000 point sign-up bonus and possibly keeping it since the annual fee is only $150 if you deduct the $300 travel credit.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
- 50,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Earn 5,000 points for adding an authorized user
- $95 annual fee, waived the first year
I recommend getting both Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve for the sign-up bonuses. After trying both cards out, you can decide which makes the most sense to keep.
Chase Ink Preferred
- 80,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months
- $95 annual fee
This is currently Chase’s highest bonus on a card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Points are worth 1.25x when redeemed on Chase’s portal. You can also transfer to Chase’s travel partners at a 1:1 ratio. You can earn 3x points on travel purchases and business-related expenses like shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, and social media/online advertising. Might as well pay some bills with this card!
Barclaycard AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard
- 40,000 miles when you make your first purchase in the first 90 days and pay the annual fee
- $95 annual fee
It’s rare these days to see an offer with such a high bonus without a spending requirement. You’re essentially “buying” miles for the cost of the annual fee which is $95. This would cost close to $1300 with taxes and fees if you were to buy 40,000 miles on the American Airlines website. Sweet!
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Card from Chase
- 60,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
- $99 annual fee
This is one of the highest bonuses for a Southwest card since they usually offer 40,000 or 50,000 points. If you’re going after the Companion Pass, the 60,000 point offer makes it even easier! You’ll need 110,000 points total to get the Companion Pass. If you combine this card with one of the two personal Southwest cards with a 50,000 point bonus, you won’t have to worry about any additional spending to reach 110,000.
Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard
- 50,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days
- $89 annual fee, waived the first year
The Barclaycard Arrival Plus is the best fixed-value travel card since it offers a 5% point rebate on all redemptions. The sign-up offer is currently 10,000 points higher than the usual offer so it’s a good time to get this card. The points are worth at least $500 (more because of the rebate). Also, this card is churnable so you might as well grab it again if you’ve had it in the past!
British Airways Visa Signature from Chase
- 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
- Earn an additional 25,000 miles after spending $10,000 total in the first year
- Earn another 25,000 miles after spending $20,000 total in the first year
- $95 annual fee
If you’re a fan of collecting Avios, this new offer from British Airways is for you. You now have the opportunity to earn up to 100,000 Avios over the course the year. If you really want to go big with British Airways, you can earn a Travel Together Ticket after spending $30,000 in a year. This offer isn’t for everyone but it’s certainly worth mentioning.
What cards are you planning on opening this month?
Above offers available as of 5/9/17. Click here for the most up-to-date offers.
