Credit card sign-up bonuses: Everything you need to know

Getting approved for a credit card can be a rewarding experience, especially when the card offers a sign-up bonus. 

These bonuses offer the opportunity to earn extra rewards for using the card. But there’s a little more to it than just applying for a credit card.

What you’ll learn:

  • A credit card sign-up bonus offers a one-time reward. 

  • Sign-up bonuses are sometimes called welcome bonuses or early-spend bonuses.

  • To earn a sign-up bonus, new cardholders typically must use the card to spend a certain amount of money within a specific time frame.

  • Depending on the card issuer, bonuses could take the form of miles, cash back or other credits.

Explore rewards credit card offers

See if you’re pre-approved for cash back and miles cards—with no harm to your credit scores.

What is a credit card sign-up bonus?

Sign-up bonuses are different from regular, ongoing credit card rewards. A sign-up bonus is a one-time reward offered to new cardholders. To earn this bonus, cardholders usually have to meet specific requirements, like spending a certain amount on the card within a set time frame.

Capital One credit card sign-up bonuses

Here’s a look at some Capital One credit card bonuses for new cardholders—plus a glimpse at regular rewards:

Capital One Travel and miles cards bonuses and rewards

Credit Card Sign-Up Bonus Rewards
Venture X Earn 75,000 bouns miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.  Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel. Plus, earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases.
Venture Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.  Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, every day. Plus, earn unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
VentureOne Earn 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase. Plus, earn unlimited 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 

 

Capital One dining and entertainment card bonuses and rewards

Credit Card Sign-Up Bonus Rewards
Savor Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 within three months of account opening. Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores, on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services. Plust 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1% cash back on all other purchases. 
Savor Student Earn a one-time $50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within three months from account opening. Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores, plust 1% on all other purchase.

 

Capital One cash back bonuses and rewards

Credit Card Sign-Up Bonus Rewards
Quicksilver Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 within three months from account opening. 

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. Plus 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 

Quicksilver Student Earn a one-time $50 cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within three months from account opening. Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. Plus 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

 

How do credit card sign-up bonuses work?

Requirements for sign-up bonuses vary by issuer. But usually a cardholder must spend a certain amount of money on the card within a designated time frame to earn the sign-up bonus. Things like balance transfers, cash advances and wire transfers typically don’t count as purchases. Be sure to check the details of the card’s bonus offer.

The time it takes to receive a sign-up bonus depends on the issuer and the card. For qualifying Capital One cardholders, bonuses are applied to rewards balances within two billing cycles.

3 tips for choosing the best credit card sign-up bonus

Here are some tips to help you narrow down your search for a credit card and make the most of a bonus opportunity.

1. Choose a card that offers the type of rewards you want

When looking for a new rewards card, it helps to think about the type of rewards you want. For instance, it might make sense for someone who enjoys travel to pick a card that lets new cardholders earn bonus miles. But someone who doesn’t fly frequently might consider a card that offers a cash back bonus instead.

2. Pay attention to any limits on the rewards you earn

Some credit cards limit the amount of rewards someone can receive. If you find that limitations on earning rewards isn’t ideal, consider a card that offers ongoing unlimited rewards.

With Capital One, there’s no limit to how much you can earn. And your rewards won’t expire for the life of the account.

3. Compare card benefits to fees

Credit card sign-up bonuses can be a great benefit, and your spending habits can help determine whether they’re worth your while. For example, comparing an annual fee with potential perks can help you decide whether the fee is worth it.

Credit card sign-up bonus FAQ

Still looking for information about sign-up bonuses? These frequently asked questions might help.

Thinking of a sign-up bonus as free money isn’t quite accurate. Bonuses are typically only earned after spending a certain amount within a certain time frame—usually within a few months of opening the account.

No, most credit card bonuses aren’t taxable because you have to meet a spending requirement to earn them. Generally, a sign-up bonus is only taxable if no spending is required.

It’s possible to open multiple credit cards and earn bonuses with each. But submitting multiple credit applications could cause your credit scores to temporarily take a hit. And overspending to earn bonuses could also hurt your credit scores.

Whether a bonus is easy to earn depends on the cardholder and what it takes to earn the bonus. The less you have to spend, the easier it might be. For example, new Quicksilver cardholders can spend $500 in the first three months after they open an account to earn a one-time bonus of $200 cash back.

Key takeaways: Credit card sign-up bonuses

To earn a sign-up bonus, a cardholder typically must use the new card to spend a certain amount within a set period of time. But it’s still important to use the card responsibly.

Whether you’re a globe-trotting adventurer, an avid foodie or someone who wants to earn cash back on everyday purchases, Capital One has a rewards card to fit your lifestyle.

Related Content

Two adults and two children walk along a city overpass holding hands.
Article | May 1, 2025 |5 min read
A gondolier rowing down a canal in Venice, Italy.
Article | January 23, 2025 |7 min read
Young woman chooses fruit from a stall set up on the street.
Article | May 8, 2025 |5 min read