If you're considering applying for a credit card, you're probably wondering whether the current sign-up bonus is a good one.
While any bonus is nice to get, there is a special kind of heartbreak in pulling the trigger for a card — only to see it offer a lucrative bonus the following month.
There's no easy answer to precisely when is the best time to apply for a card, but it does help to know what a card has offered in the past to help determine how good the current offer is.
We've rounded up the offer history on the most popular cards from Capital One and determined our criteria for the best time to apply for each card.
Best Capital One credit card sign-up bonuses
| Card | Best welcome offer we've seen | When to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | 100,000 bonus miles when you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening | When the bonus offer is 75,000 miles or higher |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases within the first six months of account opening | When the bonus offer is 75,000 miles or higher |
| Capital One Venture X Business Rewards Credit Card | 300,000 bonus miles: 150,000 after spending $20,000 in the first three months of account opening and another 150,000 after spending $100,000 in the first six months of account opening | When the bonus offer is 150,000 miles or higher |
| Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card | 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening | When the bonus offer is 20,000 miles or higher |
| Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card* | $300 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within three months from account opening | When the bonus offer is $300 or higher |
| Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card | $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening | When the bonus offer is $200 or higher |
| Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card | $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening | When the bonus offer is $200 or higher |
| Capital One Spark Miles for Business Credit Card | Up to 200,000 bonus miles: 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening and another 150,000 bonus miles after spending $50,000 in the first six months | When the bonus is higher than 50,000 miles |
| Capital One Spark Cash Plus Credit Card | Up to $3,000: $500 after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening and $2,500 after spending $50,000 in the first six months | When the bonus is higher than $1,000 |
*The information for the Capital One Savor card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns unlimited 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, plus 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
WYATT SMITH/THE POINTS GUY
The card's modest annual fee, simple earning structure and solid return on everyday spending make it a keeper once you're approved for it.
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
| June 2023 to now | 80,000-100,000 miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months (targeted offer available through QR codes at select airports) Current offer: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening (public offer) | $1,480-$1,850 (targeted offer) $1,388 (public offer) |
| September 2021 to June 2023 | 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months | $1,388 |
| May to August 2021 | 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months | $1,110 |
| September 2020 to April 2021 | 50,000 miles if you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, or 100,000 bonus miles when you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening | $925 or $1,850 |
| November 2019 to August 2020 | 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months | $925 |
| March to October 2019 | 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months | $1,110 |
| December 2014 to February 2019 | 40,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months | $740 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
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When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is 75,000 miles or higher.
Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
With plentiful perks that are easy to understand, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is nearly a no-brainer for all travelers, ranging from luxury seekers to the more budget-minded. It launched in November 2021 with a 100,000-mile offer; however, we don't see that coming back.
Though the card carries a $395 annual fee (see rates and fees), it offers a $300 annual credit toward bookings made through Capital One Travel, and also rewards cardholders with 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary (for even more free travel), plus extensive airport lounge access, excellent travel protections and rental car privileges.
It offers unlimited 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on every other purchase.
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
| March 2022 to now | 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. | $1,388 |
| November 2021 to March 2022 | 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases within the first six months of account opening | $1,850 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is 75,000 miles or higher.
Learn more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Business
The Venture X Business launched in early 2023 with an incredible welcome bonus and a matching sky-high spending requirement. At first only available through a Capital One Relationship Manager, the card became publicly available a few months later with a lower — but still impressive— welcome offer.
The Business Venture X carries the same $395 annual fee (see rates and fees) as the personal version and comes with the same major perks, including a $300 annual credit for travel booked through Capital One Travel and access to Capital One, Priority Pass and Plaza Premium lounges.
It also carries the same earning rates of 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights purchased through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases.
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Mar. 2024 to now | 150,000 miles after spending $30,000 in the first three months from account opening | $2,775 |
| Jan. 2024 to Mar. 2024 | Up to 300,000 miles: 150,000 after spending $20,000 in the first three months of account opening and another 150,000 after spending $100,000 in the first six months of account opening | $5,550 |
| Sept. 2023 to Jan. 2024 | 150,000 miles after spending $30,000 in the first three months from account opening | $2,775 |
| May to Sept. 2023 | Up to 300,000 miles: 150,000 after spending $30,000 in the first three months of account opening and another 150,000 after spending $500,000 in the first six months of account opening. | $5,550 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is 150,000 miles or higher.
Learn more: Capital One Venture X Business
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
While it comes with fewer perks, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers the same great redemption options as its sister cards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, with no annual fee (see rates and fees).
You'll earn a flat 1.25 miles per dollar on everyday purchases, which equates to a solid 2.31% return using TPG's valuations.
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
| September 2021 to now | 20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening | $370 |
| December 2014 to August 2021 | 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening | $370 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is 20,000 miles or higher.
Learn more: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
The biggest downsides to cash-back cards are low earning rates and a lack of bonus categories, but that's definitely not true of the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.
For an annual fee of $95, the Savor offers strong cash-back earning rates on popular and often overlooked categories, including 4% back on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services.
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
| November 2017 to now | $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening | $200 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is $200 or higher.
The information for the Capital One Savor card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Learn more: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Like its older sibling, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers impressive bonus categories but with no annual fee (see rates and fees).
The SavorOne launched in 2018 as a version of the Savor card with no annual fee. While it earns slightly less than the Savor, this card still earns 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber and Uber Eats, 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores.
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
| May 2023 to now | $200 cash bonus after spending $50 on purchases within the first three months from account opening | $200 |
| November 2020 to May 2023 | $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening | $200 |
| August 2018 to November 2020 | $150 bonus after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening | $150 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is $200 or higher.
Learn more: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is another great card with no annual fee (see rates and fees). It earns a reliable 1.5% back on all purchases, making it a perfect go-to card for the odd purchase that doesn't fit in any bonus categories.
While many other cards offer higher earning potential in specific spending categories, this card offers the safety of knowing you'll earn a solid 1.5% back no matter what you buy.
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
| September 2019 to now | $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening | $200 |
| September 2017 to September 2019 | $150 bonus after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening | $150 |
| June 2013 to Sept. 2017 | $100 bonus after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening | $100 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is $200 or higher.
Learn more: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Spark Miles for Business
The Capital One Spark Miles for Business earns 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases, making it an excellent choice for small-business owners who want to earn travel rewards on all their expenses.
This card is especially beneficial for small-business owners who want to earn flexible miles on all their purchases. It earns a consistent 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases and has a $95 annual fee waived for the first year of card ownership (see rates and fees).
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
| January 2020 to now | 50,000 bonus miles after spending $4,500 in the first three months from account opening | $925 |
| October 2019 to January 2020 | Earn up to 200,000 bonus miles: 50,000 after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening and another 150,000 bonus miles after spending $50,000 in the first six months. | Up to $3,700 |
| January to October 2019 | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $4,500 in the first three months from account opening. | $925 |
| November 2018 to January 2019 | Earn up to 200,000 bonus miles: 50,000 after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening and another 150,000 bonus miles after spending $50,000 in the first six months. | Up to $3,700 |
| May 2017 to November 2018 | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $4,500 in the first three months from account opening. | $925 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
When to apply for this card: When the bonus is higher than 50,000 miles.
Learn more: Capital One Spark Miles for Business
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus earns 2% cash back on all purchases and is ideal for business owners who want to earn reliable cash-back rewards on all their expenses.
This card offers one of the highest consistent cash-back earning rates of any card and is excellent for small-business owners who want to earn cash back on all purchases. It is worth noting that this is a charge card, meaning cardholders must pay off their balances in full each month.
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
| March 2024 to now | Earn $1,200 cash back after spending $30,000 in the first three months from account opening | $1,200 |
| January 2024 to March 2024 | Earn up to $3,000: $1,500 after spending $20,000 in the first three months from account opening and an additional $1,500 after spending $100,000 in the first six months | Up to $3,000 |
| June 2023 to January 2024 | Earn $1,200 cash back after spending $30,000 in the first three months from account opening | $1,200 |
| April 2022 to June 2023 | Earn up to $1,000: $500 after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening and $500 after spending $50,000 in the first six months | Up to $1,000 |
| August 2021 to April 2022 | Earn up to $3,000: $500 after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening and $2,500 after spending $50,000 in the first six months | Up to $3,000 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
When to apply for this card: When the bonus is higher than $1,000.
Learn more: Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Bottom line
When you're considering applying for a card — any card — you'll want to consider whether its sign-up bonus is historically high.
Use our offer history guides as a reference point as you evaluate the pros and cons of signing up for any card:
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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.
