Best Bonuses in 2025

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card consistently ranks as a top choice for those looking to maximize travel rewards. Its sign-up bonus, currently 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points, is incredibly valuable due to the flexibility of the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. These points can be transferred 1:1 to numerous airline and hotel loyalty programs, often yielding a value significantly higher than a simple cash redemption. While there's a "$95" annual fee, the bonus alone typically offsets this for several years, provided you meet the spending requirements. The card's ongoing earning potential on dining and travel, combined with robust travel insurance benefits, makes it a powerful tool for frequent travelers. It's a great option for consumers comfortable with managing a credit card actively to earn substantial rewards.

The American Express Gold Card is a powerhouse for foodies and those who spend heavily on groceries. Its welcome offer of 60,000 Membership Rewards points is substantial, especially considering the high redemption value often associated with Amex points. While the "$250" annual fee is higher than some competitors, it's partially offset by "$120" in annual dining credits and "$120" in Uber Cash, which can be easily maximized by many users. The card's 4x earning rate on U.S. supermarkets and dining is unrivaled, making everyday spending incredibly rewarding. This card is ideal for consumers who consistently spend in these categories and can take advantage of the monthly credits, effectively reducing the out-of-pocket cost of the annual fee.

The Discover it Cash Back card stands out for its unique bonus structure: a dollar-for-dollar match of all cash back earned in the first year. This effectively means you earn 10% on your rotating categories and 2% on everything else, which is an incredibly generous offering for a no-annual-fee card. The 5% cash back categories include popular spending areas like Amazon.com, grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants, allowing cardholders to maximize their earnings throughout the year. While managing rotating categories requires a bit of attention, the potential for high cash back, especially in the first year, makes this card very attractive for budget-conscious consumers and those new to credit cards. Its no annual fee and strong customer service further enhance its appeal.

SoFi Checking and Savings offers a compelling bonus structure for new customers who set up direct deposits, alongside a very competitive APY on their savings accounts. The bonus amount scales with the size of your direct deposit, making it highly rewarding for those who can route a significant portion of their income. Beyond the initial bonus, SoFi shines with its high-yield savings, offering one of the best rates in the market, especially when you maintain qualifying direct deposits. The lack of monthly fees and minimum balance requirements makes it accessible and attractive for everyday banking. This combination of a valuable sign-up bonus and excellent ongoing savings rates makes SoFi an ideal choice for individuals looking to consolidate their banking and maximize their passive income.

Fidelity Investments provides a robust bonus opportunity for new customers opening or funding a brokerage account. The bonus, which can go up to "$500" or even more for larger transfers, is contingent on the amount of new money deposited or transferred. This makes it particularly attractive for individuals looking to move existing investments or start a new, substantial portfolio. Fidelity stands out for its comprehensive investment platform, offering commission-free trading for stocks and ETFs, extensive research tools, and a wide array of investment options. For serious investors focused on long-term growth and needing a reliable brokerage partner, Fidelity's offer provides both an initial financial incentive and a powerful platform to manage their wealth. It's important to note the bonus tiers require significant capital, making it less suitable for those with minimal funds.

Rakuten (formerly Ebates) offers a straightforward and highly accessible bonus for new users: typically "$10" to "$40" after making their first eligible purchase of "$25" or more through the platform. This makes it one of the easiest bonuses to attain. Beyond the welcome offer, Rakuten empowers users to earn significant cash back on their everyday online shopping from thousands of popular retailers. The convenience of their browser extension, which automatically notifies you of available cash back, simplifies the process. While cash back payments are quarterly, the consistent savings on purchases you'd make anyway, combined with the easy-to-get welcome bonus, make Rakuten a must-have for frequent online shoppers. It requires minimal effort and provides consistent, tangible rewards.

While not a traditional sign-up cash bonus, the Apple Card Savings Account offers an exceptional 'bonus' in the form of a consistently high Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on all balances, without any fees or minimums. This makes it an incredibly attractive option for anyone with an Apple Card looking for a high-yield savings solution. The standout feature is its deep integration with Apple Wallet, providing a remarkably seamless and intuitive user experience for managing savings, viewing interest earned, and transferring funds. Daily Cash earned from Apple Card purchases can automatically be routed to this savings account, effortlessly growing your savings. It's a fantastic choice for Apple ecosystem users who prioritize ease of use and a strong, consistent return on their idle cash over a one-time lump sum bonus.