Card guides
The bonuses Gary considers most lucrative right now, with the fee, the spending required, and his honest view of each card.
Offers as of October 5, 2026 · By Gary Leff
Business
Gary's take: 3x on the first $150,000 in travel, shipping, internet and ad spend each year. Chase may limit the bonus to once per lifetime.
TravelBonus alert · Elevated offer
Gary's take: Refreshed with a $100 annual hotel credit. Hyatt transfers drop to 4:3 for new cardmembers.
Airline
Gary's take: Probably the best airline card: a companion award every anniversary and 3x on eligible foreign purchases.
AirlineBonus alert · Raised offer
Gary's take: Cardholders earn more miles on flights and pay fewer miles for United awards, so active flyers lose value without one.
HotelBonus alert · Elevated offer
Gary's take: Up to $400 in flight credits before first renewal, plus enough elite nights to pick a suite upgrade.
Travel
Gary's take: Calendar-year credits can be used twice in year one. Points now transfer to American AAdvantage.
Travel
Gary's take: Strong for under $100 a year, though the one-time portal credit is worth less than cash.
Airline
Gary's take: Status credits toward Flying Blue Silver without flying, a path to cheaper business class awards.
Hotel
Gary's take: Best for spending toward status: 5 elite nights per $10,000 spent, plus up to $100 in Hyatt credits.
Quick answers
Chosen by the editors from questions readers ask in comments and email. Each answer is drawn from Gary's reporting and links to the story it comes from. Last reviewed Oct 6, 2026.
Minimum spending requirements target customers valuable enough to justify the acquisition cost and get the card to the top of your wallet. A card worth getting for the bonus is not always worth keeping.
Source · Jump On The Chase 100,000 Point Ink Business Preferred Bonus While You Can ·
In Gary's ranking: first initial bonuses, then accelerated categories such as 5x airfare or 4x dining, then 2–3x on everyday spend.
Source story to be confirmed by an editor.
No. Small business cards such as the United Business Card don't add to your 5/24 total, one reason Gary calls it a sweet spot.
Partner offer · Advertiser disclosure
Gary’s take: 100,000 points with a new $100 hotel credit, though Hyatt transfers drop to 4:3 for new cardmembers.
100,000 points
Gary describes it as probably the best airline card, highlighting a companion award every anniversary.
80,000 points + 25,000-point Global Companion Award
Gary’s take: a 100,000-point bonus worth jumping on, with 3x on travel, shipping, internet and ads.
100,000 points