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’s 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 | 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 | $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within 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 | 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 | 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 |
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, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
The card’s modest $95 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* |
|---|---|---|
| September 2024 to now | 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months | $1,388 |
| July 2024 to September 2024 | 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, plus a $250 Capital One Travel credit in the first cardholder year. | Up to $1,638, if you maximize the entire credit |
| June 2023 to July 2024 | 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 January 2025 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 Rewards Credit Card
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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, 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 and vacation rentals 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 January 2025 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 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 and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases.
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
| March 2024 to now | 150,000 miles after spending $30,000 in the first three months from account opening | $2,775 |
| January 2024 to March 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 |
| September 2023 to January 2024 | 150,000 miles after spending $30,000 in the first three months from account opening | $2,775 |
| May 2023 to September 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 January 2025 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.
You’ll earn a flat 1.25 miles per dollar on everyday purchases, which equates to a solid 2.31% return using TPG’s January 2025 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 January 2025 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 no annual fee, the Savor offers strong cash-back earning rates on popular and often overlooked categories, including 3% back on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services.
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
| May 2023 to now | $200 cash bonus after spending $500 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 January 2025 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 Savor 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. 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 January 2025 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.
| 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 | 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 | 50,000 bonus miles after spending $4,500 in the first three months from account opening. | $925 |
| November 2018 to January 2019 | 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 | 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 January 2025 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. The card has a modest $150 annual fee that can be waived when you spend at least $150,000.
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
| August 2024 to now | $2,000 cash back once you spend $30,000 in the first three months and an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500,000 spent during the first year | $2,000 (or more, depending on spending in the first year) |
| March 2024 to August 2024 | $1,200 cash back after spending $30,000 in the first three months from account opening | $1,200 |
| January 2024 to March 2024 | 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 | $1,200 cash back after spending $30,000 in the first three months from account opening | $1,200 |
| April 2022 to June 2023 | 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 | 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 January 2025 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
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
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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