Welcome bonus planner

It’s extra points, miles or cash back a card pays new cardholders, usually for spending a set amount within the first few months. Some pay part of the bonus on approval or on your first purchase, and some add more for reaching higher targets later in the first year.

Most have a spending target and a time window, such as a set amount in net purchases within 3 months or a number of statement periods. Others pay a higher cash back rate on your first purchases, up to a limit. Returns and refunds usually don’t count toward the target, and the issuer’s terms decide which purchases qualify.

The largest headline isn’t always the one you’ll earn. A big offer with a high spending target is worth nothing if your normal spending can’t reach it in time. The planner above ranks offers by what you’d actually earn on your spending, minus the first-year fee.

In our data as of October 14, 2026, the American Express Cobalt Card offers up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points: 1,250 points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750, over the first year. Offers change, so check American Express for the current terms.

Our data lists up to 75,000 Membership Rewards points for the American Express Gold Rewards Card as of October 14, 2026, but not the spending targets behind it, so the planner lists it under “Terms unclear”. Check American Express for the current requirements.

As of October 14, 2026, our data lists up to 80,000 Scene+ points in your first 14 months for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege card, without the spending targets, so it appears under “Terms unclear”. Scotiabank lists the full conditions on its site.

In our data as of October 14, 2026, the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card pays an extra 10% back on everyday purchases in your first 2 months, to a maximum of $100. The Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard offers up to $100 cash back when you spend $1,500 in your first 3 months.

Often not. Many issuers limit welcome offers to new cardholders, and some exclude anyone who has held one of their cards recently. For example, our data notes that the BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard offer isn’t available to current or former Blue Rewards cardholders. Check the eligibility rules before you apply.

Usually not. Buying things you don’t need, or carrying a balance at typical purchase rates, can cost more than the bonus. Move spending you already do (bills, groceries, planned purchases) onto the new card instead, and pay it off in full each month.

It can. The planner subtracts the first-year fee unless the offer waives or rebates it, so a card with a large fee only ranks well when the bonus you’d earn is bigger. After the first year the full fee applies, so check the card still earns its keep on regular rewards.