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Spring has historically been a strong season of credit card launches and refreshment, and 2025 may be the most rewarding ever. Chase has increased the bonus on his Chase Sapphire Preferred® card to 100,000 points (after spending $5,000 in the first three months). This is the best we’ve seen in many years. If redeemed through ChaseTravel, it is worth up to $1,250. Plus, the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card remains at the top pick this year thanks to a 75,000-mile welcome offer (after spending $4,000 in three months), $250 Capital One Travel Credit, at least twice as many miles per purchase, and perks comparable to premium travel cards. Just below the Premium Tier, City recently announced its City Strata Premium Card. This also includes a 75,000 point welcome bonus, earning daily spending such as meals, supermarkets and gas.
Cobrand’s Space, the annual American Express Card (terms apply, see rates and rates) honoring the Hilton annually offers the best bonus until April 29, 2025: 70,000 points plus Free night rewards (up to 150,000 points) after meeting a minimum of $2,000 expenditure. If used strategically, it’s over $1,100 for a potential hotel stay. In fact, that free night certificate can be used on property worth several thousand dollars per night, such as Waldorf Astoria Maldives Isafushi and Conrad Bora Bora. Meanwhile, United Airlines has refreshed its Cobrand card lineup. The new United Explorer Card offers 80,000 miles in its first year without annual fees.
Below are five of the best low or unpublished credit cards to apply this spring.
1. ChaseSapphirePreferred® Card
Best: The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is perfect for budget-conscious travelers looking to quickly earn flexible points and enjoy the benefits of a robust travel.
Why now? Summer trips are round the corner and Chase Sapphire offers the best opportunity to win major point bonuses. This is one of the most powerful common travel cards on the market.
Welcome offer: After spending $5,000 in the first three months, he scored 100,000 points.
Annual fee: $95
Key benefits:
- Earn 5x points on the Chase Travel and lift rides
- Earn 3x points on meals, streaming and online groceries
- Earn double points on other trips and 1x points on all other purchases
- $50 hotel credit and 10% commemorative points bonus through Chase Travel
- Points to relocating to 14 airlines and hotel partners
- Select points that can be redeemed for 1.25 cents each for your trip and select the “Pay it yourself” category
2. CapitalOne Venture Rewards Credit Card
Best: The Capital One Venture Rewards credit card is perfect for casual travelers looking for flexible rewards and solid perks without any annual fees.
Why now? The high welcome bonus paired with a double win easily on every purchase makes this a strong and valuable pick for your spring trip.
Welcome offer: After spending $4,000 in the first three months, you earn 75,000 miles and earn an additional $250 capital 1 travel credit.
Annual fee: $95
Key benefits:
- Earn 5x miles with hotels, vacation rentals and car rentals booked on one trip
- Earn double miles on all other purchases
- Global Entries/TSA Precheck Credits up to $120 per 4 years
- Discount Lounge Access at Capital One Lounges and Landings ($45/visit)
- Access to lifestyle collections with perks at boutique hotels Booked with Capital One Travel
- Transfer miles to 17 airlines and hotel partners
3. Hilton honors the American Express Card
Best: The Hilton Honors American Express card is perfect for hotel guests occasionally when you want to unlock meaningful perks without paying an annual fee.
Why now? The current offer includes the highest ever bonus (70,000 points and a free night reward). The offer ends on April 29th, 2025.
Welcome offer: After spending $2,000 on a qualifying purchase within the first six months, you will earn one free night reward (up to 150,000 points worth) on 70,000 Hilton Honors bonus points (conditions apply).
Annual fee: $0 (conditions apply, see rates and rates)
Key benefits:
- Earn 7x points on eligible Hilton purchases
- Earn 5x points at US restaurants, US supermarkets, and US gas stations
- Earn 3x points on all other purchases
- Auto Hilton honors silver status, including a 20% bonus for stays, free bottled water and a 5th night free for point bookings.
4. New United℠Explorer Card
Best: The new United Explorer Card is perfect for travelers who fly United several times a year and want to have a keeper park without paying a high annual fee for important perks like free check bags and lounge access.
Why now? The current welcome offer for the recently reopened card is the largest yet 80,000 miles on the card, and a bonus for adding certified users.
Welcome offer: After spending $3,000 in the first three months, you earn 80,000 miles. You will also earn 5,000 miles after adding certified users within the same period.
Annual fee: 1st year $0 intro annual fee, $150
Key benefits:
- Earn double miles at United purchases, hotels and dining (including eligible delivery services)
- Earn 1x miles on all other purchases
- The first bag checked for you is free and one companion with the same reservation
- Two United Clubs pass each year on your account’s anniversary
- Up to $120 credits per four years for Global Entry, TSA Precheck, or Nexus
- 25% return as statement credits on in-flight food, beverages and Wi-Fi
- Priority boarding for unified flights
5. City Strata Premium Card
Best: The City Strata Premium Card is perfect for travelers who want to earn powerful rewards in everyday categories without the high price tag of the Premium Card.
Why now? City’s latest travel cards replace the City Premier and come with upgraded perks, new travel protection and a generous limited-time welcome bonus.
Welcome offer: After spending $4,000 in the first three months, you earn 75,000 points.
Annual fee: $95
Key benefits:
- Earn 10x points on hotels, cars and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com
- Earn 3x points at air travel, hotels, restaurants, gas stations, EV charging stations and supermarkets
- Earn 1x points on all other purchases
- $100 per year hotel credit for one stay booking of $500 or more through City Travel
- Travel protection including cancellations, delays, loss of luggage, and car rental coverage
- Access to MasterCard World elite perks such as Lyft credits, valuable experience and 24/7 concierge
- Transfer points to 19 airlines and hotel partners
All information about Chase Sapphire Preferred cards, new United Explorer cards, and Citi Strata Premier cards is collected independently, from far to mid-range. Chase Sapphire is no longer available, and there is no United Explorer or City Geologic Formation. The above offers are accurate at the time of publication, but are subject to change at any time and may be subject to change or unavailable. Eligibility and profit level vary by card. Conditions, conditions, and restrictions apply. Please visit AmericanExpress.com/benefitsguide For more information. The Amex Assurance Company took on it.
