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Spring is historically a strong season for credit card launches and refreshes, and 2025 may be the most rewarding yet. Chase has raised the bonus on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to 100,000 points (after spending $5,000 in the first three months). That’s the highest we’ve seen in years—and is worth up to $1,250 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠. Moreover, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card remains a top pick this year, thanks to its 75,000-mile welcome offer (after spending $4,000 in 3 months), $250 Capital One Travel Credit, at least 2x miles on every purchase, and perks that rival some premium travel cards. Just below the premium tier, Citi recently unveiled the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, which earns elevated rewards on everyday spending like dining, supermarkets, and gas, and also includes a 75,000-point welcome bonus.
In the cobranded space, the no-annual-fee Hilton Honors American Express Card (terms apply, see rates and fees) is offering a best-ever bonus until April 29, 2025: 70,000 points plus a Free Night Reward (worth up to 150,000 points) after meeting the minimum spend of $2,000. When used strategically, that’s way over $1,100 in potential hotel stays. In fact, that free night certificate could be used at a top multi-thousand dollar per night property like Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi or Conrad Bora Bora—simply unreal! Meanwhile, United Airlines has refreshed its lineup of cobranded cards, and the New United℠ Explorer Card now offers 80,000 miles with no annual fee the first year—making it a compelling option for occasional fliers who want premium perks without premium pricing.
Here are five of the best low- or no-fee credit cards to apply for this spring—each offering outsize welcome bonuses, strong travel perks, and the potential to unlock $1,000+ in value without paying a premium.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best for: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is best for budget-conscious travelers looking to earn flexible points quickly and enjoy robust travel benefits.
Why now? Summer travel is around the corner, and Chase Sapphire Preferred is offering its best-ever opportunity to earn a major point bonus. This is one of the strongest general travel cards on the market.
Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first three months—worth $1,250 in travel through Chase Travel℠.
Annual fee: $95
Key benefits:
- Earn 5x points on Chase Travel℠ bookings and Lyft rides
- Earn 3x points on dining, streaming, and online groceries
- Earn 2x points on other travel and 1x point on all other purchases
- $50 annual hotel credit through Chase Travel and a 10 percent anniversary points bonus
- Points transferable to 14 airline and hotel partners
- Points redeemable at 1.25 cents each for travel and select “Pay Yourself Back” categories
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Best for: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is best for casual travelers looking for flexible rewards and solid perks without a high annual fee.
Why now? A high welcome bonus paired with easy 2x earning on all purchases makes this a strong value pick for spring travel.
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months, plus a $250 Capital One Travel Credit.
Annual fee: $95
Key benefits:
- Earn 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn 2x miles on all other purchases
- Up to $120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit every four years
- Discounted lounge access at Capital One Lounges and Landings ($45/visit)
- Access to the Lifestyle Collection with perks at boutique hotels booked through Capital One Travel
- Transfer miles to 17 airline and hotel partners
3. Hilton Honors American Express Card
Best for: The Hilton Honors American Express Card is best for occasional hotel guests who want to unlock meaningful benefits without paying an annual fee.
Why now? The current offer includes a best-ever bonus—70,000 points plus a Free Night Reward—making it one of the most valuable no-fee hotel cards on the market. Offer ends April 29, 2025.
Welcome offer: Earn 70,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus one Free Night Reward (worth up to 150,000 points) after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months (terms apply).
Annual fee: $0 (terms apply, see rates and fees)
Key benefits:
- Earn 7x points on eligible Hilton purchases
- Earn 5x points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations
- Earn 3x points on all other purchases
- Automatic Hilton Honors Silver status, including a 20 percent points bonus on stays, free bottled water, and Fifth Night Free on points bookings
4. The New United℠ Explorer Card
Best for: The New United Explorer Card is best for travelers who fly United a few times a year and want key perks like free checked bags and lounge access without paying a high annual fee.
Why now? The current welcome offer on the recently relaunched card is among the card’s largest yet—up to 80,000 miles—plus a bonus for adding an authorized user.
Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months. Also earn 5,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user within the same period.
Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150
Key benefits:
- Earn 2x miles on United purchases, hotels, and dining (including eligible delivery services)
- Earn 1x mile on all other purchases
- First checked bag free for you and one companion on the same reservation
- Two one-time United Club passes each year on your account anniversary
- Up to $120 credit every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Nexus
- 25 percent back as a statement credit on inflight food, beverages, and Wi-Fi
- Priority boarding on United-operated flights
5. Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
Best for: The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is best for travelers who want to earn strong rewards across everyday categories without the high price tag of a premium card.
Why now? Citi’s newest travel card replaces the Citi Premier and comes with upgraded benefits, new travel protections, and a generous limited-time welcome bonus.
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
Annual fee: $95
Key benefits:
- Earn 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com
- Earn 3x points on air travel, hotels, restaurants, gas stations, EV charging stations, and supermarkets
- Earn 1x point on all other purchases
- $100 annual hotel credit for a single-stay booking of $500+ through Citi Travel
- Travel protections including trip cancellation, delay, lost luggage, and rental car coverage
- Access to Mastercard World Elite perks like Lyft credits, Priceless Experiences, and 24/7 concierge
- Transfer points to 19 airline and hotel partners
All information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, the New United Explorer Card, and Citi Strata Premier Card have been collected independently by Afar. Chase Sapphire is no longer available through Afar, nor is United Explorer or Citi Strata. While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they are subject to change at any time, and may have changed or may no longer be available. 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.
