Best Credit Cards for Large Purchases: Maximize Rewards, Perks, and Protections Best Credit Cards for Large Purchases: Maximize Rewards, Perks, and Protections

Best Credit Cards for Large Purchases: Maximize Rewards, Perks, and Protections

Bonus Points

AwardWallet receives compensation from advertising partners for links on the blog. Terms Apply to the offers listed on this page. Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits. The opinions expressed here are our own and have not been reviewed, provided, or approved by any bank advertiser. Here's our complete list of Advertisers. Offers for Bank of America cards mentioned in this post have been updated as of 04/02/2025

Offers for the Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, Chase Freedom Flex℠, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, Iberia Visa Signature® Card, JetBlue Business Card, JetBlue Plus Card, Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card and United Club℠ Business Card are not available through this site. Some offers may have expired. Please see our card marketplace for available offers

Charging a large purchase to a credit card is an excellent alternative to traditional short-term financing. You can earn tens of thousands of points and miles from a welcome bonus on a new credit card, make significant progress toward elite status, or even work toward earning a companion fare or free night award. And if you pay your statement on time and in full, you won't pay any interest charges.

This article discusses the best credit cards for large purchases. However, our recommendations only apply if you can pay your balance in full. If you need time to pay off your large purchase, look for cards featuring a 0% introductory APR. This gives you more time to pay off the balance without paying interest.

Additionally, if you're buying a product, earning rewards may be less important than protecting your purchases with purchase protection and extended warranty benefits offered by some credit cards. This is especially important if you buy a high-end computer or another high-ticket item with a credit card.

Let's consider all these elements to help you find the right credit card for large purchases of $5,000 or more.

A Look Into Earning Rewards on Large Purchases

Many consumer and business credit cards provide bonus points, free nights, or fast-tracks to elite status for hitting pre-defined spending thresholds. Conversely, you could choose a card that offers unlimited 2% cash back and earn $100 back on a $5,000 purchase. Or, you can put that spending toward earning a sign-up bonus if you open a new credit card before purchasing.

a man wearing headphones looks intently at a laptop screen
Credit: Wes Hicks/Unsplash

Things to consider when making large purchases on a credit card

Making large purchases on your credit card comes with some caveats. Specifically, the temptation to earn points from a large purchase without calculating additional costs like transaction fees or interest charges.

We always recommend paying off your credit cards monthly to avoid interest charges. We also encourage this on cards with a 0% introductory interest rate since it helps cement healthy credit habits. Unfortunately, transaction fees and interest on debt quickly wipe out the gains you get from earning points, miles, or cash back.

Speaking of fees, if you're making a large purchase abroad or in a foreign currency, use a credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. This could save you 3% to 5% in fees.

Further, if you're buying expensive electronics or other high-end items, using a card that earns fewer points but adds better purchase protection or extended warranty benefits can be worthwhile. If your new device is damaged or stolen, it could save you thousands of dollars. Thankfully, many rewards-earning cards include these protections.

Top Rewards Credit Cards for Spending $5,000+

We've broken down the best credit cards for large purchases into several categories:

  • Earning a lucrative welcome offer/sign-up bonus
  • Spending-based perks, like earning elite status, free hotel nights, and companion flight tickets
  • Cards with elevated earning rates on large purchases
an unseen person inserts a credit card into a card reader
Credit: Patrick Tomasso/Unsplash

Credit Card Welcome Bonuses With High Minimum Spend Requirements

One great way to maximize your next large purchase is by opening a new credit card to earn a welcome bonus. If the expense is large enough, you can split it over several new cards and collect multiple welcome bonuses. Here are some cards to consider:

Personal credit card welcome bonuses to consider

Transferable points

The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Welcome Offer Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee$695Rates & Fees
(Terms apply)
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
  • Earn 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® (up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year).
  • Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Welcome Offer 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee$95
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
  • 5X miles per dollar on purchases through Capital One Entertainment (through 12/31/2025)
  • 5X miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2X miles per dollar on all other purchases
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
Welcome Offer Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
Annual Fee$95
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
  • 10X points per $1 on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com
  • 3X points per $1 spent on airfare, and other hotel purchases
  • 3X points per $1 spent at gas and EV charging stations
  • 3X points per $1 spent on dining at restaurants, including cafes, bars and lounges
  • 3X points per $1 spent at supermarkets
  • 1X points per $1 spent on all other purchases

Airline credit cards

British Airways Visa Signature® Card
British Airways Visa Signature® Card
Welcome Bonus Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Annual Fee$95
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
  • 3X Avios per $1 spent on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL
  • 2X Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations
  • 1X Avios for every $1 spent on all other purchases
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card
Limited Time Online Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account. Additionally, receive a 30% flight discount code for a qualifying future flight after opening your new account.
Annual Fee$95
Credit ScoreExcellent/Good
  • Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases
  • Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging stations, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases
  • Earn unlimited 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
The New United Club℠ Card
The New United Club℠ Card
Welcome Bonus Limited-Time Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee$695Rates & Fees
Credit ScoreExcellent
  • Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining
  • Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases

Hotel credit cards

  • Hilton Honors American Express Aspire CardEarn 150,000 Bonus Points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® CardEarn up to 135,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points. Earn 85,000 points after you spend $5,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® CardEarn up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points. Earn 100,000 points after you spend $6,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • The World of Hyatt Credit Card (Rates & Fees): Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 more Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Welcome Offer Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee$150Rates & Fees
(Terms Apply)
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
  • 12X bonus points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio
  • 6X bonus points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your card at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations
  • 4X bonus points on U.S online retail purchases
  • 3X bonus points for all other eligible purchases on your card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Welcome Offer Earn up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points. Earn 100,000 points after you spend $6,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee$650Rates & Fees
(Terms Apply)
Credit ScoreGood, Excellent
  • 6X points on purchases at Marriott Properties
  • 3X points at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery
  • 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines
  • 2X points on all other eligible purchases
The World of Hyatt Credit Card
The World of Hyatt Credit Card
Welcome Bonus Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 more Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
Annual Fee$95Rates & Fees
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
  • Up to 9X points total per $1 spent at Hyatt - 4X points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels & 5X points per $1 you can earn as a World of Hyatt member
  • 2X points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airlines tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
  • 1X point per $1 everywhere else

Cash-back bonuses

Chase Freedom Flex℠
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Welcome Bonus Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee$0
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
  • Earn 5% on up to $1,500 on combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate
  • Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
  • Earn 3% on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
  • Earn 3% on drugstore purchases
  • Earn 1% on all other purchases
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Welcome Bonus Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee$0Rates & Fees
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
  • Earn 5% on purchases through Chase Travel℠
  • Earn 3% on dining at restaurants
  • Earn 3% on drugstore purchases
  • Earn 1.5% on all purchases
TD Double Up℠ Credit Card
TD Double Up℠ Credit Card
Welcome Bonus Bonus Cash Back: Earn $200 Cash Back in the form of a statement credit when you spend $1,500 within the first 90 days after account opening
Annual Fee$0
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
  • Unlimited 2% Cash Back on every eligible purchase

For more ideas, consult our list of the best sign-up bonuses available right now.

Small business credit card welcome bonuses to consider

Transferable points

  • The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Limited Time Travel Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel® with your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can earn one or both of these offers. Offer ends 6/30/25.
  • Capital One Venture X Business: Earn 150,000 Miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months, and an additional 200,000 miles once you spend $200,000 in the first 6 months
  • American Express® Business Gold Card: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
  • Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card(Rates & Fees): Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Capital One Spark Miles for Business: Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles - equal to $500 in travel - once you spend $4,500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Welcome Offer Limited Time Travel Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel® with your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can earn one or both of these offers. Offer ends 6/30/25.
Annual Fee$695Rates & Fees
(Terms apply)
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com.
  • Earn 1.5X Membership Rewards® points on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more.
  • Earn 1.5X Membership Rewards® points on each eligible purchase with U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers.
  • Earn 1.5X Membership Rewards® points on each eligible purchase with U.S. electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers.
  • Earn 1.5X Membership Rewards® points on each eligible purchase with U.S. shipping providers.
  • 1.5X earning rates are subject to a cap of $2 million in purchases per calendar year.
Capital One Venture X Business
Capital One Venture X Business
Welcome Bonus Earn 150,000 Miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months, and an additional 200,000 miles once you spend $200,000 in the first 6 months.
Annual Fee$395
Credit ScoreExcellent
  • 10X miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
  • 5X miles per $1 on purchases through Capital One Entertainment (through 12/31/2025)
  • 5X miles per $1 on flights booked via Capital One Travel
  • 5X miles per $1 on vacation rentals booked via Capital One Travel
  • 2X miles per $1 on other eligible purchases
American Express® Business Gold Card
American Express® Business Gold Card
Welcome Offer Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
Annual Fee$375Rates & Fees
(Terms apply)
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
Get 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 eligible categories where your business spent the most each billing cycle from the list below:
  • U.S. purchases for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio)
  • U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
  • U.S. purchases at gas stations
  • U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
  • Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
  • Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
*4X points applies to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories each calendar year; then earn 1 point per dollar.

Airline credit cards

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Welcome Offer Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after spending $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee$650Rates & Fees
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
  • 3X miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta
  • 1.5X miles per dollar on eligible transit, U.S. shipping, and U.S. office supply store purchases, plus all eligible purchases after spending $150K per calendar year
  • 1 mile on every dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
Welcome Bonus Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee$199Rates & Fees
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
  • 4X points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases
  • 3X points per $1 spent on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car partners
  • 2X points per $1 spent on social media and search engine advertising, Internet, cable and phone services
  • 2X points per $1 spent on rideshare
  • 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases
The New United℠ Business Card
The New United℠ Business Card
Welcome Bonus Earn 75,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Annual Fee$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150Rates & Fees
Credit ScoreGood, Excellent
  • 2x on United® purchases
  • 2x on local transit and commuting — including train tickets, taxicabs, mass transit, tolls and ride share services
  • 2x at gas stations, restaurants and office supply stores
  • 1x on all other purchases

Hotel credit cards

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Welcome Offer Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee$195Rates & Fees
(Terms apply)
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
  • 12X Hilton Honors points on purchases made directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
  • 5X Hilton Honors points on the first $100,000 spent per calendar year on other eligible purchases; 3X thereafter
IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
Welcome Bonus Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee$99Rates & Fees
Credit ScoreGood, Excellent
  • Earn 26x total points per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
  • 5X points per $1 spent on travel, dining, social media search engine advertising, and at office supply stores and gas stations
  • 3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases

The earning for spending at IHG hotels breaks down as follows:
  • Earn 10X points for charging your stay to your IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
  • Earn 6X bonus points for having IHG®Platinum Elite Status, a benefit of having this card
  • Earn 10X base points for being an IHG® One Rewards Member (Being a cardholder is not required to earn this bonus for participating in the IHG® loyalty program)
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
Welcome Bonus 60,000 Bonus Points plus Explorist status through 2/28/26 after you spend $7,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Offer ends 6/30/25.
Annual Fee$199Rates & Fees
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
  • Up to 9X total points per $1 spent at Hyatt – 4X points per $1 on qualifying purchases when you use your card at Hyatt hotels & 5X points per $1 you can earn as a World of Hyatt member
  • 2X points per $1 spent on fitness club and gym memberships
  • 1X point per $1 everywhere else

In addition, you'll earn 2X points per $1 spent in your top three spend categories each quarter. Eligible categories include:
  • Dining
  • Shipping
  • Airline tickets when purchased directly with the airline
  • Local transit & commuting
  • Social media & search engine Advertising
  • Car rental agencies
  • Gas stations
  • Internet, cable & phone services

Cash-back bonuses

Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Welcome Bonus $2,000 Cash Back once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months. Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year
Annual Fee$150
Credit ScoreExcellent
  • 2% Cash Back on every purchase. 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One's travel booking site.
Ink Business Premier® Credit Card
Ink Business Premier® Credit Card
Welcome Bonus Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee$195Rates & Fees
Credit ScoreGood, Excellent
  • 5% cash back on travel purchases through the Chase Travel℠ portal
  • 2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more
  • 2% cash back on all other purchases
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Welcome Bonus Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee$0Rates & Fees
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business

Again, consider the best-available welcome bonuses on business credit cards this month to help plan your strategy.

Credit Card Bonuses for Hitting Annual Spending Thresholds

Many credit cards offer bonus points or other incentives when you spend a certain amount on your card yearly. This category is largely comprised of co-branded airline and hotel credit cards that offer bonus miles, free nights, or fast-tracks to elite status (or a combination) when you meet an annual spending requirement.

Cardmember year vs. calendar year

While most annual spending bonuses are tracked by calendar year, some issuers use your cardmember year to track spending bonuses. In short, this is the 12-month period after you open your card. It's typically counted as the 12 billing cycles from the first statement closing following the card being issued.

Because of this, check your card's terms and conditions before chasing a spending bonus. This will help ensure that you know exactly how the year is defined.

Here's a look at some of the best annual spending bonuses popular credit cards offer.

American Airlines Super Diamond seats on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
American Airlines Super Diamond seats on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. Credit: J.T. Genter/AwardWallet

American Airlines

Avios programs

  • Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card: Make $30,000 of purchases within a calendar year to receive an economy companion ticket good for 12 months. This companion certificate can only be redeemed on round-trip award tickets from the U.S. to Ireland.
  • British Airways Visa Signature® CardUse your card to make $30,000 of purchases in a calendar year to earn a Travel Together Ticket valid for two years. Use this ticket when you redeem Avios for a flight on British Airways to bring a companion on the same flight. Alternatively, you can use it for a 50% discount on the Avios price when booking a solo ticket. It can be used in any cabin on Aer Lingus, British Airways, or Iberia flights, but you must pay associated taxes and fees.
  • Iberia Visa Signature® Card: Each year you make $30,000 of purchases on your card, you'll earn a discount voucher worth $1,000 to use toward two tickets on the same flight.

Delta Air Lines

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Welcome Offer Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee$350Rates & Fees
(Terms apply)
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
  • 3X miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta
  • 3X miles per dollar at hotels
  • 2X miles per dollar at U.S. supermarkets
  • 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • 1 mile on every eligible dollar spent on purchases.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Welcome Offer Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee$650Rates & Fees
(Terms apply)
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
  • 3X miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta
  • 1X miles on every eligible dollar spent on purchases.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
Welcome Offer Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee$350Rates & Fees
(Terms apply)
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
  • 3X miles per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta
  • 3X miles per dollar spent on eligible purchases with hotels
  • 1.5x miles on eligible purchases over $5,000 (up to 50,000 bonus miles annually)
  • 1.5X miles on eligible transit and U.S. shipping purchases*
  • 1X miles per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
*If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply.

Hilton Honors

  • Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Get a Free Night Reward when you spend $30,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year and another Free Night Reward after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year. This is earned in addition to the Free Night Reward you receive on every account anniversary.
  • Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Get a Free Night Reward when you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, plus spend $40,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year and earn Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the following calendar year.
  • The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year and earn Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year. Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Welcome Offer Earn 150,000 Bonus Points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee$550
Credit ScoreGood, Excellent
  • 14X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio
  • 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly through select rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants
  • 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Welcome Offer Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee$150Rates & Fees
(Terms Apply)
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
  • 12X bonus points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio
  • 6X bonus points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your card at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations
  • 4X bonus points on U.S online retail purchases
  • 3X bonus points for all other eligible purchases on your card
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Welcome Offer Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee$195Rates & Fees
(Terms apply)
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
  • 12X Hilton Honors points on purchases made directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
  • 5X Hilton Honors points on the first $100,000 spent per calendar year on other eligible purchases; 3X thereafter

IHG One Rewards

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Annual Fee$99
Welcome Bonus Earn 5 Free Nights after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is packed with benefits for IHG fans, and we rate it one of the best co-brand hotel cards you can have in your wallet. Cardholders earn up to 26X points per $1 at IHG properties (including points multipliers from your elite status), 5X points on travel, dining, and at gas stations, and 3X points on all other purchases. An attractive feature is the automatic upgrade to Platinum Elite status, enhancing your hotel stay experience. The card also offers a valuable Anniversary Free Night each year, and a fourth Reward Night free when redeeming points for a stay of four or more nights. Additional perks include a 20% discount on point purchases, no foreign transaction fees, comprehensive travel and purchase protections, and a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit every four years.
  • Our Best Offer of 2025! Earn 5 Free Nights
  • Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
  • Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
  • Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
  • Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
  • IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
  • Member FDIC
  • Rates & Fees
  • Earn 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
  • 5X points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants
  • 3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases

The earning for spending at IHG hotels breaks down as follows:
  • Earn 10X points for being a IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card member
  • Earn 6X points from IHG® with Platinum Elite Status, a benefit of having this card
  • Earn 10X points from IHG® for being an IHG® One Rewards member (Being a cardholder is not required to earn this bonus for participating in the IHG® loyalty program)

JetBlue

JetBlue Plus Card
JetBlue Plus Card
Annual Fee$99
Welcome Bonus 70,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days and payment of the annual fee
Each year you remain a cardmember, you'll earn 5,000 bonus points on your account anniversary. If you can also use the free checked bag benefit for yourself and up to 3 companions at least once a year, this card should easily return more value than its annual fee.
  • 6X points per $1 spent on JetBlue purchases
  • 2X points per $1 spent at restaurants and grocery stores
  • 1X points per $1 on all other purchases
  • Marriott Bonvoy

    Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
    AmexBonvoyBiz
    Apply Now
    Rates & Fees
    (Terms apply)
    Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
    Annual Fee$125
    Welcome Bonus Earn 3 Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
    The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card offers a suite of benefits ideal for frequent travelers and Marriott loyalists. Key benefits include complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, offering perks like late checkout and bonus points on stays. Cardholders also enjoy a 7% discount on eligible Marriott bookings, 15 Elite Night Credits annually, a Free Night Award each year post-renewal, and an additional Free Night Award after $60,000 annual spend. Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.
    • WELCOME OFFER: Earn 3 Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Each Free Night Award has a redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points, for a total potential value of up to 150,000 points, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees. Terms apply.
    • Receive a 7% discount on eligible bookings as a benefit of being both a Marriott Bonvoy® member & a Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card Member when you book directly with Marriott through an eligible channel for a participating property under the Amex Business Card Rate.
    • 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
    • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
    • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
    • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
    • Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card.
    • Terms apply.
    • Rates & Fees
    • 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
    • 4x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping
    • 2x Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card points per dollar on all other eligible purchases

    Southwest Airlines

    Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
    Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
    Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
    Annual Fee$99
    Welcome Bonus Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
    • 3X points per $1 spent on all Southwest® purchases
    • 2X points per $1 spent on all Rapid Rewards® Hotel and Car Rental Partner purchases
    • 2X points per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare
    • 2X points per $1 spent on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming services
    • 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases

    United Airlines

    The New United℠ Explorer Card
    The New United℠ Explorer Card
    Annual Fee$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150
    Welcome Offer Limited-Time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
    The New United℠ Explorer Card is Chase's mid-tier United card, providing an excellent mix of functional benefits and value. Notable perks include a credit of up to $120 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS fees​​, priority boarding​​, and a free first checked bag for the cardmember and a traveling companion on the same reservation, offering up to $160 in savings​​. Additionally, cardholders receive 25% back on inflight purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on United-operated flights​​, and two one-time United Club℠ passes annually​​.
    • Limited-Time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles
    • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
    • 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel
    • Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
    • Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
    • Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
    • Earn a $100 United travel credit after spending $10,000 on purchases with your United℠ Explorer Card within a calendar year
    • Over $400 in partner credits each year
    • Member FDIC
    • Rates & Fees
    • 2X miles per $1 spent on purchases from United®
    • 2X miles per $1 spent on dining and hotel stays when booked with the hotel
    • 1X mile per $1 spent on all other purchases

    World of Hyatt

    • The World of Hyatt Credit Card: Earn a free night valid at any Category 1–4 Hyatt hotel or resort if you spend $15,000 on your card in a calendar year. Also, earn two qualifying night credits for every $5,000 spent on the card.
    • World of Hyatt Business Credit Card: Earn five qualifying night credits for every $10,000 spent in a calendar year. Additionally, spend $50,000 or more in a calendar year and get 10% of your redeemed points back for the rest of the calendar year. This rebate is limited to 200,000 points.
    The World of Hyatt Credit Card
    The World of Hyatt Credit Card
    Annual Fee$95
    Welcome Bonus Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 more Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
    Cardholders receive one free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort every year on account renewal, with an additional free night after $15,000 in annual spending​​. The card includes World of Hyatt Discoverist status, providing 5 qualifying night credits towards the next tier status each year, plus 2 additional credits for every $5,000 spent​​. There are no foreign transaction fees​​, and the card also offers comprehensive travel and purchase protections, including baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, purchase protection, and an auto rental collision damage waiver​​.
    • Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 more Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
    • Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
    • Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
    • Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
    • Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
    • Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
    • Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays - 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
    • Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
    • Member FDIC
    • Rates & Fees
    • Up to 9X points total per $1 spent at Hyatt - 4X points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels & 5X points per $1 you can earn as a World of Hyatt member
    • 2X points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airlines tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
    • 1X point per $1 everywhere else

    Best Credit Cards for Extra Rewards on Large Purchases

    You may be surprised that some cards provide extra rewards on large purchases. These cards include:

    Ink Business Premier® Credit Card
    Ink Business Premier® Credit Card
    Annual Fee$195
    Welcome Bonus Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
    The Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card is tailored for businesses with significant spending, offering robust cash back and travel benefits. It features unlimited 2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more, and 2% back on all other business purchases. For travel, it provides 5% cash back on bookings through Chase Travel℠, with additional travel protections like trip cancellation/interruption insurance and an auto rental collision damage waiver. The card includes purchase protection, extended warranty, and up to $1,000 cell phone protection per claim. Additionally, it offers employee cards at no extra cost, complete with spending controls and monitoring tools. Despite its $195 annual fee, the card's high cash back rates and suite of business-focused features make it a valuable tool for high-spending businesses.
    • Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
    • Earn unlimited 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more and unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases.
    • Travel Benefits: Unlimited 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, No Foreign Transaction Fees and Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance.
    • The only business credit card with 2.5% cash back on every purchase of $5,000 or more.
    • Get the buying power you need to make large purchases, cover monthly expenses and help your business grow. While you must pay your Pay In Full balance each month, this card has built-in flexibility. The Flex for Business feature allows for qualifying purchases to be paid over time with interest.
    • Purchase with confidence with built-in protections like Fraud Protection, Zero Liability Protection, Purchase Protection, Cell Phone Protection, and Extended Warranty Protection.
    • There's no additional cost for employee cards. Monitor spend with digital tools like purchase alerts, set spending limits, reporting, and more.
    • Member FDIC
    • Rates & Fees
    • 5% cash back on travel purchases through the Chase Travel℠ portal
    • 2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more
    • 2% cash back on all other purchases

    Suppose you’ve exhausted the welcome offers you’re eligible for and earned the annual spending bonus on your existing cards. If that's the case and you don't have one of these cards, your focus should be earning extra rewards on large purchases by using the right card from what's already in your wallet. In most cases, reach for your best credit card for everyday spending.

    Final Thoughts

    Whether spending $5,000 in a single transaction or spreading $5,000+ over multiple purchases, you could earn a sign-up bonus (or two) or put significant spending toward annual spending-based perks on a credit card.

    Consider credit card benefits like purchase protection and extended warranties depending on what you're buying. Also, consider the value of the points or miles you're earning — after all, not all points and miles are created equal. Transferable points like American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards are often more lucrative than airline miles or hotel points.

    Lastly, ensure you’re not carrying a balance on your cards from the large purchase. If that is the case, you’ll quickly wipe out the value of your earnings. You may be better off sacrificing points in favor of a credit card that offers a 0% introductory APR.

    For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (Rates & Fees), Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Rates & Fees), The Platinum Card® from American Express (Rates & Fees), The New United Club℠ Card (Rates & Fees), The New United Quest℠ Card (Rates & Fees), The World of Hyatt Credit Card (Rates & Fees), Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card (Rates & Fees), Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (Rates & Fees), Chase Freedom Unlimited® (Rates & Fees), Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (Rates & Fees), The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (Rates & Fees), American Express® Business Gold Card (Rates & Fees), Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card (Rates & Fees), The New United℠ Business Card (Rates & Fees), Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card (Rates & Fees), Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card (Rates & Fees), IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card (Rates & Fees), World of Hyatt Business Credit Card (Rates & Fees), The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card (Rates & Fees), Ink Business Premier® Credit Card (Rates & Fees), Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card (Rates & Fees), Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card (Rates & Fees), Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (Rates & Fees), Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card (Rates & Fees), IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (Rates & Fees), Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card (Rates & Fees), and The New United℠ Explorer Card (Rates & Fees)

    AwardWallet Tip of The Day
    Wondering how AwardWallet determines a loyalty program account expiration date? When you click the expiration date next to your account, AwardWallet will give you a detailed description of how that date was calculated. Expiration dates calculated by AwardWallet (rather than listed on your loyalty program account page) have a special icon to let you know that we did the math for you.
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