The best time to apply for these popular American Express credit cards based on offer history

One of the best reasons to apply for a travel rewards credit card is the welcome offer. Often, you can earn tens of thousands of points or miles within the first few months of opening a new credit card by hitting certain minimum spending requirements.

However, welcome offers change all the time, and part of any successful travel rewards strategy is knowing when it is the right time to apply for a specific card. After all, you wouldn’t want to miss out on a haul of bonus points by applying too early — or too late.

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Without tracking the welcome offers on specific cards over time, however, you might not have the context you need to know whether a particular offer is worth applying for at any given moment.

Luckily, we’ve done that work for you and monitored some of the most popular travel rewards and cash-back cards to give you bonus ranges and some clear benchmarks for when you should consider applying for each.

You can also check our frequently updated list of the best increased card offers to sign up for.

In this post, we’ll focus on American Express, which fields some of the best cobranded and proprietary rewards cards available from any issuer.

Best American Express welcome offers

Here are some of the most popular Amex cards, a snapshot of each one’s welcome offer ranges and some guidance on when you should apply for each. Just note that we’re only discussing publicly-available welcome offers, though some folks might receive targeted offers with more bonus points or cash back.

The information for the Hilton Aspire Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

CardMatch Tool

It’s also always a good idea to check the CardMatch tool to see if you might be eligible for higher offers on specific cards, such as the Platinum Card® from American Express or the American Express® Gold Card. These targeted offers can change any time, however.

Read on for more details on each of these cards and when to apply.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Amex Platinum Card has long been one of the most popular premium cards on the market, thanks to a slew of luxury-skewing, value-added benefits that can save cardmembers money on everything from airline fees to hotel stays.

For details, read our full review of the Amex Platinum card.

Highest welcome offer

The highest public welcome offer on the Amex Platinum Card was from July 2021 to January 2022.

At that time, applicants could earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Plus, they could earn 10 points per dollar on “Shop Small” purchases in the U.S. and at restaurants worldwide, on up to $25,000 in combined purchases, also in the first six months of card membership. This could lead to a total of 250,000 additional points.

Range of typical welcome offers

The offer above could net up to 350,000 total points, but the typical offer for this card ranges between 60,000 points (after spending $5,000 in the first three months of card membership) to 100,000 bonus points (after spending $6,000 in the first six months of card membership).

Current welcome offer

Earn 80,000 points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.

When you should apply

In general, aim to apply for this card only if its welcome offer tops 75,000 bonus points, and it should be a no-brainer at the 100,000-point mark, depending on the spending requirements.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Amex Business Platinum often extends even more lucrative welcome offers than its personal counterpart and offers many of the same luxury perks, though some of its statement credits are focused on typical business expenditures.

To learn more about the card and its perks, read our full review of the Amex Business Platinum card.

Highest welcome offer

The highest welcome offer we’ve seen for the Amex Business Platinum recently was up to 150,000 bonus points: 100,000 after spending $5,000 on eligible purchases with the card in the first three months of card membership and another 50,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 total in the first three months.

Range of typical welcome offers

Usually, the Amex Business Platinum card offers between 75,000 and 100,000 bonus points after meeting various spending requirements in the $15,000-$20,000 range.

Current welcome offer

Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership.

When you should apply

Any time this card’s welcome offer tops 100,000 points, it’s worth considering. But if you get an offer — targeted or public — for 120,000 points or above, don’t wait.

American Express® Gold Card

This card is an excellent everyday choice for foodies since it earns 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide as well as on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1 per dollar). However, it has also fielded some outstanding welcome offers.

Learn more about why this is one of our favorite all-around travel rewards cards in our full review of the Amex Gold card.

Highest welcome offer

The best public welcome offer we’ve seen on this card was short-lived. In June 2022, the Amex Gold upped its welcome offer for new applicants to 100,000 bonus points after they spent $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. It only lasted a few days.

Range of typical welcome offers

More often, this card offers 25,000-60,000 bonus points after spending between $2,000 in the first three months to $4,000 in the first six months. Thus, when you apply can make a huge difference.

Current welcome offer

Earn 60,000 points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.

When you should apply

Consider applying when the welcome offer is above 60,000 points, and seriously think about hitting that “apply” button any time it tops 75,000 points.

American Express® Business Gold Card

The Amex Business Gold card is great for small businesses, thanks to its strong earning structure, which racks up 4 points per dollar on your top two eligible spending categories each month (on up to $150,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar). It also recently underwent an overhaul, unveiling new perks that immediately took effect for both new and existing cardmembers. But it also has provided some tremendous welcome offers in the past.

For more information on its other perks, read our full review of the Amex Business Gold card.

Highest welcome offer

This card previously offered up to 130,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership, but not all applicants were eligible.

Range of typical welcome offers

Oftentimes, the welcome offer for this card hovers around the 70,000-90,000-point mark after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first three months.

Current welcome offer

Earn 70,000 points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with your card in the first three months of card membership.

When you should apply

If you see an offer for this card over 70,000 points with a spending requirement that you and your small business can easily hit, it’s probably worth applying. And if you get an offer for 90,000 points or more, that should be a done deal.

American Express® Green Card

The American Express Green Card provides a compelling offering in the mid-tier travel category. With 3 points per dollar on broader travel, restaurants and transit as well as annual statement credits for Clear and LoungeBuddy that more than cover its annual fee, the Green from Amex is a card that modern travelers should consider

For more information on its other perks, read our full review of the Amex Green.

Highest welcome offer

The highest offer we’ve seen on this card was 60,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 on purchases on your new card within the first six months of card membership. Plus, earn 20% back on travel and transit purchases in your first six months for up to $200 back.

Range of typical welcome offers

Oftentimes, the welcome offer for this card sits at 45,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 on purchases on your new card within the first six months.

Current welcome offer

Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new card within the first six months of card membership.

When you should apply

If you see an offer for this card over 45,000 points, it’s worth applying.

The information for the Amex Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card

WYATT SMITH/THE POINTS GUY

Delta’s most basic cobranded Amex card still packs a punch since it earns 2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases and at restaurants worldwide.

For more information on this card’s other features, read our full review of the Delta Blue Amex.

Highest welcome offer

This card has occasionally upped its welcome offer to 15,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in the first three months of card membership.

Range of typical welcome offers

More typically, this card offers just 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months.

Current welcome offer

Earn 10,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.

When you should apply

Anytime this card raises its welcome offer above the usual 10,000 miles, it will be worth considering.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

The benefits-rich Delta Gold Amex is a strong earner, racking up 2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases, at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants — including takeout and delivery in the U.S.

For more information on why this might be the top choice for Delta flyers, read our full review of the Delta Gold Amex.

Highest welcome offer

The highest public offers on this card usually provide 70,000-75,000 bonus miles after $2,000 in spending in the first three months of card membership. Sometimes, these offers include a $0 introductory annual fee the first year, then $99 (see rates and fees).

Range of typical welcome offers

Usually, this card offers between 35,000-40,000 bonus miles after you make $1,000 in purchases within the first three months. Sometimes these offers include a $0 introductory annual fee the first year, then $99.

Current welcome offer

Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.

When you should apply

This card tends to raise its welcome offer to 70,000 bonus miles a few times a year, but only for a limited time. When it hits that number, be ready to apply.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Though it has a higher annual fee of $250 (see rates and fees), the Delta Platinum Amex also offers elevated earning rates, accruing 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2 miles per dollar at U.S. supermarkets and on dining at restaurants including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases.

For more information on why this card deserves a place in your wallet, read our full review of the Delta Platinum Amex.

Highest welcome offer

The Delta Platinum Amex periodically offers 90,000 bonus miles, potentially including 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs), after $4,000 in spending in the first three months of card membership. However, it’s worth noting that MQMs are going away next year as a qualification metric for elite status as part of Delta’s overhaul of the Medallion program.

Range of typical welcome offers

Usually, this card offers just 40,000-50,000 bonus miles, possibly including 5,000 MQMs toward elite status, after you spend $2,000 or $3,000 in the first three months.

Current welcome offer

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.

When you should apply

If the offer is above 80,000 miles, consider applying; however, your preference for the mix of miles and MQMs in the welcome offer could vary, depending on your status goals.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

The main benefit of Delta’s high-end cobranded card is that card members receive complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs and Amex Centurion Lounges when traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or -operated flight. But it has plenty of benefits beyond that.

Find out more in our full review of the Delta Reserve.

Highest welcome offer

Your preferred welcome offer will depend on whether you want a mix of miles and MQMs toward elite status or just want bonus miles. Not long ago, the card raised its welcome offer to 100,000 bonus miles after $5,000 in spending in the first three months of card membership.

However, other offers provided 80,000 bonus miles plus 20,000 MQMs after you spend $5,000 in the first three months of card membership, appealing to folks gunning for the higher Medallion levels (though as a reminder, MQMs are going away in 2024). Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available, and there will be a new way to earn toward Medallion Status with the Card. Learn more at delta.com/skymilesprogramchanges.

Current welcome offer

Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.

Range of typical welcome offers

Usually, new applicants only earn 40,000-5,000 bonus miles and 5,000-10,000 MQMs after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months.

When you should apply

Anytime the bonus miles in this card’s welcome offer top 80,000, it’s a good time to apply.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card

Don’t forget about some lucrative business counterparts to Delta’s cobranded Amex cards, including this strong earner.

Find out about all its benefits in our full review of the Delta Gold Business Amex.

Highest welcome offer

The highest offer, which appears quite regularly, is 75,000-80,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 on purchases with the card in the first six months.

Range of typical welcome offers

Usually, this card only offers 30,000-50,000 bonus miles after you make $1,000-$2,000 in purchases in the first three months. It also sometimes peppers in various statement credits or rebates or has a $0 annual fee the first year, then $99 thereafter (see rates and fees).

Current welcome offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months. Plus, earn an additional 5,000 miles after you make an eligible Delta purchase with your new card within your first 6 months. Offer ends Oct. 25, 2023.

When you should apply

Wait until this card offers 70,000 bonus points or more to apply.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

Like its personal counterpart, the Delta Platinum Business Amex earns bonus miles on various purchases, including 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases and 1.5 miles per dollar on purchases of $5,000 more (up to 50,000 bonus miles per calendar year).

Read our full review of the Delta Platinum Business Amex for more details.

Highest welcome offer

This card’s welcome offer has gone as high as 100,000 bonus miles (or 90,000 bonus miles plus 10,000 MQMs) after $3,000-4,000 in spending in the first three months of card membership, and it has even offered a $100 statement credit in some instances.

Range of typical welcome offers

More often, this card offers 45,000-60,000 bonus miles and 5,000 MQMs after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in your first three months of card membership.

Current welcome offer

Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $8,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 bonus miles after you make an eligible Delta purchase with your new card within your first six months. Offer ends Oct. 25, 2023.

When you should apply

If this card’s offer hits 90,000 bonus miles, you should hit that “apply” button.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

This Delta Business Reserve offers many of the same benefits as its personal counterpart.

Read our full review of this small-business powerhouse to find out more.

Highest welcome offer

This card previously offered 110,000 bonus miles after $6,000 in spending in the first three months of card membership.

Another high-quality offer provided 80,000 bonus miles, a $200 statement credit and 20,000 MQMs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months.

Range of typical welcome offers

More often, this card offers 45,000-60,000 bonus miles and 10,000 MQMs after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months. Sometimes, it also throws in a statement credit.

Current welcome offer

Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $12,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 bonus miles after you make an eligible Delta purchase with your new card within your first six months. Offer ends Oct. 25, 2023.

When you should apply

Whenever this card offers more than 80,000 bonus miles, look closer. If that figure tops 100,000 bonus miles or has the mix of miles and MQMs you want for status, it’s time to apply.

Hilton Honors American Express Card

The most basic of Hilton’s cobranded Amex cards is a great choice for folks starting out with travel rewards and hotel points.

Find out why this might be the right card in our full review of the Hilton Amex.

Highest welcome offer

This card has offered a few different types of “highest” welcome offers, the value of which would depend on how you planned to use your earnings.

One offer provided 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three months, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 total on purchases in the first six months — a total potential haul of 130,000 points.

A second offer provided 70,000 bonus points plus a free night reward after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months.

Range of typical welcome offers

This card normally proffers 80,000 bonus points after you make $1,000 in purchases on the card within the first three months.

Current welcome offer

Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $1,000 in purchases on the card in the first three months of card membership.

When you should apply

If you see this card boost its welcome offer above 80,000 points (either through extra points or a free night), consider applying.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

A great choice for Hilton loyalists, thanks to benefits like automatic Gold elite status, the Hilton Surpass has also extended some compelling welcome offers.

For more details on the card and whom it might be right for, check out our full review of the Hilton Honors Surpass.

Highest welcome offer

Although this card’s welcome offer terms can vary dramatically, one of the best offers it had included up to 180,000 bonus points. Applicants could earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months, then an additional 50,000 points after spending a total of $10,000 or more on purchases in the first six months.

Range of typical welcome offers

The Hilton Honors Surpass normally offers 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months.

Current welcome offer

Earn 130,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.

When you should apply

If you see the Hilton Honors Surpass offering anything more than the typical 130,000 bonus points — or offering perks like statement credits, free night certificates or waiving the annual fee for the first year with its welcome offer — consider applying.

Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

The business counterpart to the Hilton Honors Surpass, the Hilton Honors Business Amex also has a lot of attractive benefits for cardmembers. Find out more about it in our Hilton Honors Business Amex review.

Highest welcome offer

The best welcome offer this card extended provided up to 180,000 bonus points. Applicants could earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases with the card in the first three months, then an additional 50,000 points after spending a total of $10,000 or more on purchases in the first six months.

Range of typical welcome offers

Most days, you can earn 130,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months.

Current welcome offer

Earn 130,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in purchases in the first three months of card membership.

When you should apply

Whenever this card’s welcome offer exceeds its standard 130,000-point offering, it’s worth applying.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

The top-tier card in Hilton’s Amex portfolio, the Hilton Honors Aspire comes with several annual statement credits and automatic Hilton Diamond status.

For more details, read our full Hilton Honors Aspire review.

The information for the Hilton Aspire Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Highest welcome offer

This card usually offers 150,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of cardmembership. In some instances, it has also offered a $0 introductory annual fee the first year, then $450 (see rates and fees).

Range of typical welcome offers

The good news is this card usually offers 150,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of cardmembership, so it’s almost always a great deal.

Current welcome offer

Earn 150,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in purchases on the card within your first three months of cardmembership.

When you should apply

This card’s welcome offer has remained steady for a long time now, so there’s no rush to apply. That said, it could always change. If you see it dip below 150,000 points, consider waiting to see if it rebounds; if it goes above 150,000 points, apply.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Marriott’s luxury-focused Amex card offers benefits like automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum elite status and a free night award worth up to 85,000 points each year after renewal.

For more information on this benefits-rich card, read our full Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant review.

Highest welcome offer

The best offer we’ve seen for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant is 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first three months of card membership, plus 50,000 bonus points after staying six eligible paid nights at Marriott hotels.

Range of typical welcome offers

This card’s welcome offer usually hovers at 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new card to make $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first three months of cardmembership.

Current welcome offer

Earn two free night awards worth up to 85,000 points apiece after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the card in your first six months. Offer ends Nov. 1, 2023.

When you should apply

Whenever this card’s offer passes 100,000 points, it’s well worth considering.

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card

The Bonvoy Bevy offers mid-tier perks, including automatic Gold Elite status, solid points-earning at Marriott properties and elite night credits.

For more information on this card, read our full review.

Highest welcome offer

The best offer for the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy is 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months of card membership, plus 50,000 bonus points after staying six eligible paid nights at Marriott hotels.

Range of typical welcome offers

This card’s welcome offer usually sits at 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new card to make $5,000 in eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership.

Current welcome offer

Earn 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Nov. 1, 2023.

When you should apply

Whenever this card’s offer passes 85,000 points, it’s well worth considering.

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express®

Small-business owners who frequent Marriott’s properties will find plenty to like about the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex.

Check out our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex for more details on what makes this card stand out.

Highest welcome offer

The highest offer we’ve seen on this card provided 125,000 bonus points after you use your new card to make $5,000 in eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership.

Range of typical welcome offers

This card’s welcome offer has held steady at 125,000 points for a while. In the past, it tended to be lower — at either 75,000 after making $3,000 in purchases in the first three months or 100,000 bonus points after making $5,000 in purchases in the first three months.

Current welcome offer

Earn 75,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first three months of card membership.

When you should apply

Given this card’s welcome offer has fluctuated between 75,000-125,000, try to apply when it’s at the higher end of that spectrum — ideally at 100,000 or more.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

This is one of the best cash-back cards currently available, earning 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions and on up to $6,000 in purchases per calendar at U.S. supermarkets (then 1%), 3% back on transit and at U.S. gas stations, and 1% back on other purchases. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for statement credits.

For more information on this card’s other features, read our full review of the Amex Blue Cash Preferred.

Highest welcome offer

This card’s welcome offer doesn’t vary much, but it has offered up to $350 cash back (as a statement credit) after you spend $3,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership.

Range of typical welcome offers

This card usually offers $300 cash back (as a statement credit) after you spend $3,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership. However, this offer sometimes includes a $0 introductory annual fee (then $95; see rates and fees).

It has also offered 20% cash back on Amazon.com purchases made on the card within the first six months of card membership — up to $200 back — plus up to $150 cash back (as a statement credit) after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.

Current welcome offer

Earn $250 back (as a statement credit) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first six months of card membership.

When you should apply

Ensure the offer provides at least $300 cash back (as a statement credit). And if there’s a $0 introductory annual fee, that’s even better.

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Though its earnings aren’t as solid as the Blue Cash Preferred, the Blue Cash Everyday still racks up cash back at a steady clip.

Learn more about this card and its benefits by reading our full review of the Amex Blue Cash Everyday.

Highest welcome offer

Frequently available, this card’s best welcome offer provided $200 cash back (as a statement credit) after you use the card to make $2,000 in purchases during the first six months of cardmembership.

Range of typical welcome offers

This card usually offers either $150 cash back (as a statement credit) after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership or $200 cash back (as a statement credit) after you spend $2,000 on purchases during the first six months of card membership.

It has also offered 20% cash back on Amazon.com purchases made on the card within the first six months of card membership — up to $150 back — plus up to $100 cash back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $2,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.

Current welcome offer

Earn $200 back (as a statement credit) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card within the first six months of cardmembership.

When you should apply

Go for the easiest offer with a sizable amount of cash back (at least $200) and manageable spending ($2,000 or under).

Bottom line

Pay attention to the welcome offers of any travel rewards cards you may be interested in, as offers can change frequently. Applying at the wrong time could mean missing out on thousands of bonus points or hundreds of dollars in cash back. On the other hand, applying at the right time could put even more rewards within reach — possibly without higher spending requirements.

Before applying for any new card, look at the range of its previous welcome offers. Then, when an offer hits the higher end of that range, you can apply feeling sure you’re getting a great deal and are making the right choice for your rewards strategy.

For more information on credit card bonus offers over time, see the following:

For rates and fees of the Delta Gold Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Gold Business Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Aspire, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Platinum Amex, click here.