Best Credit Card Bonuses For 2014

Many credit card issuers have recently reduced the fat introductory bonuses they offer to attract new customers. But they’re still pretty generous.

There aren’t many companies that pay you $100 or more to use their product and not ask a lot in return.

To compensate somewhat for the reduced bonuses, several banks have lowered their interest rates by several percentage points. They’ve also lengthened to a year or more the term on 0% introductory offers on purchases and balance transfers.

However, keep in mind that it makes little sense to spend a lot on a card just to earn rewards, only to give it back in finance charges.

We’ve rounded up the best credit card bonuses for 2014. None of the cards we feature charge an annual fee:

BankAmericard Cash Rewards

Bonus: $100 when you spend $500 within the first three months.
Annual percentage rate: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months; 12.9% to 22.9% variable thereafter.
Rewards: 3% cash back on gasoline, 2% at grocery stores up to $1,500 in combined purchases per quarter; unlimited 1% cash back on everything else.
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Blue Cash Everyday – American Express

Bonus: $50 cash back (previously $100), plus one year of Amazon Prime ($79 value) when you spend $1,000 within the first three months.
Annual percentage rate: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 12.99% to 21.99% variable thereafter.
Rewards: 3% cash back at supermarkets, up to $6,000 in purchases per year; unlimited 2% at gas stations and department stores; 1% on all other purchases.
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Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards

Bonus: $100 cash back when you spend $500 within the first three months.
Annual percentage rate: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months; 12.9% to 20.9% thereafter.
Rewards: Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no rotating categories; rewards can be redeemed at any time for any amount.
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Chase Freedom Visa

Bonus: $100 cash back (formerly $200) when you spend $500 within the first three months.
Annual percentage rate: 13.99% to 22.99% variable.
Rewards: 5% cash back on rotating categories every three months; 1% cash back on all other purchases.
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Citi Dividend Platinum Select Visa

Bonus: $100 cash back (formerly $200) when you spend $500 within the first three months.
Annual percentage rate: 12.99% to 22.99% variable.
Rewards: 5% cash back on rotating categories; 1% cash back on everything else.
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Citi ThankYou Preferred

Bonus: 20,000 bonus points, worth $200 in gift cards, when you spend $1,500 in purchases within the first three months. (Previously, you could earn $250 in gift cards after spending $2,000 within the first three months.
Annual percentage rate: 12.99% to 22.99% variable.
Rewards: Two points per dollar on restaurant and entertainment purchases; one point on everything else. (Previously, you earned one point on all purchases).
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PenFed Premium Travel Rewards American Express

Bonus: $200 in airline tickets on any airline when you spend $2,500 within the first three months.
Annual percentage rate: 9.99% variable; 0% for 18 months on balance transfers made before March 31, 2014.
Rewards: Five points per dollar spent on airfare purchases; one point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

Compare these bonus offer picks with other credit cards in our database.