Feb. 05, 2023
•
3 min read
These airline and hotel programs offer free points when you sign up
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Whether you’re just getting into award travel or already have dozens of different accounts, odds are you haven’t joined every program available. If you play your cards right, you can score additional bonuses simply by signing up (and sometimes completing your first qualifying activity).
These are separate from any welcome bonuses you might earn with a cobranded airline or hotel credit card. Plus, joining these programs is free.
Not all new member bonuses are awarded as points, however. Recently, Alaska Airlines started offering travel credits to new members for enrolling in Mileage Plan, which can be done for free.
Here’s a look at all current bonus offers for new members, but check back often for updated information.
Current loyalty program sign-up bonuses
| Program | Promotion | End date |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan |
Sign up with Mileage Plan and receive a $25 to $50 travel credit. |
Dec. 31, 2023. |
| Choice Privileges | Get 500 points after signing up through a friend’s referral link. | Ongoing. |
| Etihad Guest | Earn 500 miles for signing up and flying once. Join here. | Ongoing. |
| Hilton Honors | Earn 1,500 bonus points on your first stay, plus an extra 3,000 bonus points after two stays. Join here. | No listed date. |
| Marriott Bonvoy | Earn 2,500 bonus points after completing your first stay. Join here. | No listed date. |
| Royal Brunei Royal Skies | Get 1,000 bonus miles after signing up. Join here. | Ongoing. |
| Royal Jordanian Royal Club | Get 500 bonus miles after registering and an additional 1,000 bonus miles after your first flight. Join here. | No listed date. |
| Sonesta Travel Pass | Get 1,000 bonus points after registering. Join here. | Ongoing. |
| TAP Portugal Miles & Go | Get 200 bonus miles after signing up. Join here. | Ongoing. |
Depending on the bonus, you may be able to stack it with promotions available to existing members.
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Additional reporting by Kyle Olsen, Andrew Kunesh and Ryan Smith.
Featured image by MOMO PRODUCTIONS/GETTY IMAGES
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
TPG featured card
Best for the well-traveled foodie
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points
Recommended Credit
670-850
Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It’s been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there’s no reason that the foodie shouldn’t add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.
Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Best for the well-traveled foodie
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
-
Intro Offer
60,000 bonus points
-
Annual Fee
$250
-
Recommended Credit
670-850
Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It’s been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there’s no reason that the foodie shouldn’t add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.
Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
