Credit cards that offer a signup bonus use the incentive of a short-term perk to make a long-term customer out of consumers. The allure of a credit card signup bonus in a society that craves - no, expects - immediate satisfaction is undeniable, which is why the market for credit card signup bonuses has rarely been stronger.
As we enter Q2 of 2013, we decided it's as good a time as any to revisit the best credit card signup bonuses for the upcoming season. Sorted by category, here are some of the very best to research, apply for and take advantage of in 2013...
Best Signup Bonus for Miles - Chase United MileagePlus® Explorer Card
Frequent flyers looking for a co-branded airline miles card that nets a lot of free miles quickly would be wise to consider the Chase United MileagePlus® Explorer Card. Consumers can earn 30,000 bonus miles when they spend $1,000 in the first three months from their account opening, plus they'll earn loyalty perks from United that include a free first checked bag per flight, priority boarding privileges and double miles on all United ticket purchases. They'll also waive the $95 annual fee your first year as a cardholder. Bonus = 30,000 miles + Intro offer of no annual fee your first year
Best Signup Bonus for Your First Purchase - Barclaycard® Rewards MasterCard® - Excellent Credit
Finally, the Barclaycard® Rewards MasterCard® - Excellent Credit rewards new cardholders with 5,000 points - the equivalent of a $50 statement credit - just for making their first purchase or balance transfer! It's also one of the few cards on the market that rewards double points every day on gas, groceries and utilities, and there's no annual fee and no interest on purchases or balance transfers for 12 months. This is one of the best new credit cards available to consumers in 2013. Bonus = 5,000 points ($50 credit)