Best Credit Cards April 2025: What the Points Community Is Actually Chasing Right Now

Quick answer: The strongest cards available right now cluster around Chase's travel ecosystem, Amex's elevated welcome offers, and a few underrated cash-back options worth holding 5/24 slots for. If you're under 5/24, the Sapphire Preferred at 60,000 points and the Ink Business Preferred at 90,000 points are the two offers most people are building their strategy around this month.

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Which Chase cards are worth a 5/24 slot right now?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Ink Business Preferred are the two Chase cards commanding the most attention in April 2025. Both sit at elevated offer levels that justify burning a slot, especially if you're newer to the ecosystem and don't yet have a strong Ultimate Rewards base.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is sitting at 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. At a minimum redemption through the Chase travel portal, that's $750 in travel. Many people find the real value unlocks when transferring to partners like Hyatt, where 60,000 points can cover multiple nights at properties that run $300-$400 per night in cash. The $95 annual fee is easy to offset with the $50 annual hotel credit and the 10% anniversary point bonus on your prior year's spending.

The Ink Business Preferred at 90,000 points after $8,000 in three months is the heavier lift on spend, but the bonus is proportionally larger. Business owners who can hit that threshold naturally are looking at one of the best point-per-dollar returns available on a single welcome offer right now. The card also earns 3x on travel, shipping, advertising, and internet/cable/phone on up to $150,000 in combined purchases annually.

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Are there any Amex cards with elevated offers worth considering?

Yes, and a couple of them are genuinely worth detours from a Chase-first strategy. The Amex Gold and the Platinum both have elevated offers available through referrals or targeted links that beat the standard public offers.

The American Express Gold Card publicly shows 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 in six months. Through referral links, some people are seeing 75,000-point offers. The Gold earns 4x at US supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year) and 4x at restaurants worldwide, making it a card many people hold long-term rather than just for the bonus. The $250 annual fee is offset by $120 in dining credits and $120 in Uber Cash annually, though those credits require active management.

The Amex Platinum is worth watching for 100,000+ point offers via the CardMatch tool or targeted mailers. The standard public offer has been 80,000 points. If you're not already holding the Platinum and you can find an elevated offer, the transfer partners alone (Air France/KLM Flying Blue, ANA, Avianca LifeMiles) make Membership Rewards worth accumulating aggressively. Just note the Amex once-per-lifetime rule on welcome bonuses means timing matters.

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What about the Ink cards that don't count against 5/24?

Business cards from Chase, including the full Ink lineup, do not add to your 5/24 count when approved. That makes them a priority for anyone who wants to accumulate Ultimate Rewards without burning through personal card slots.

The Ink Business Cash and Ink Business Unlimited both carry $750 cash back offers (75,000 points if you have a card that earns transferable UR). Both have $0 annual fees. A common approach is to apply for one Ink card, wait 90 days, then apply for another. Many people in the hobby cycle through Ink cards as a core points-accumulation strategy since the offers reset and the no-annual-fee structure means there's no cost to holding them long-term.

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Is there anything outside Chase and Amex worth a slot right now?

Yes, the Capital One Venture X card stands out with its generous sign-up bonus of 75,000 miles after $4,000 spend in three months. Despite the $395 annual fee, perks like a $300 travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles make it worthwhile.

A few cards outside the big two ecosystems are worth considering depending on your travel goals. The Capital One Venture X at 75,000 miles after $4,000 in three months is one of the stronger all-around offers available. The $395 annual fee is offset by a $300 annual travel credit through Capital One Travel and 10,000 anniversary miles, which many people value at roughly $100. If you transfer to Turkish Miles&Smiles or Air Canada Aeroplan, the miles can punch well above their face value.

The Bilt Mastercard remains worth holding if you pay rent, earning 1x on rent payments with no transaction fee, up to 100,000 points per year. Bilt's transfer partners include Hyatt, United, and American, and the program has been adding partners steadily. It won't win on a welcome offer since there isn't one, but as a long-term hold it earns a slot for renters.

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What should I actually prioritize this month?

If you're under 5/24 and building a Chase-first strategy, the Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred are the strongest moves in April 2025. If you're at or near 5/24, Amex business cards don't count against your score either, and the Gold or a business Platinum variant can run parallel to your Chase strategy without costing you slots.

A common approach is to map out your next 24 months of applications before submitting anything. Cards you open today affect which cards you can open in 2026 and 2027. Tools like 524tracker.com help you visualize exactly where you stand and when slots open up so you're not guessing when it's time to apply.

The offers above are subject to change and availability varies. Always verify current terms directly with the issuer before applying.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Chase 5/24 rule and how does it affect my credit card applications?

The Chase 5/24 rule automatically denies most Chase credit card applications if you've opened 5 or more personal credit cards (from any bank) within the past 24 months. This rule is one of the most important factors in credit card application strategy. Business cards from most issuers don't count toward your 5/24 total, but Chase business cards do count against your limit. Knowing your current 5/24 status before applying can save you from unnecessary hard inquiries on your credit report.

Which credit cards in April 2024 have the best sign-up bonuses?

Several cards are offering elevated sign-up bonuses in April 2024, making it an excellent time to apply strategically. Top offers include Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Platinum, and Capital One Venture X, with bonuses ranging from 60,000 to 150,000 points. The best bonus for you depends on your 5/24 status, spending habits, and which airline or hotel loyalty programs you prefer. Always verify current offers directly with the issuer, as bonuses change frequently.

Should I apply for Chase cards first before other credit cards?

Yes, applying for Chase cards first is a core principle of credit card application strategy. Because Chase enforces the strict 5/24 rule, opening cards from other issuers like American Express, Citi, or Capital One will consume your 5/24 slots and potentially lock you out of valuable Chase cards. Prioritize Chase cards like the Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business cards early in your points journey before diversifying to other issuers.

How do I check my current Chase 5/24 status before applying?

You can check your 5/24 status by pulling your credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com and counting all personal credit card accounts opened in the last 24 months. Tools like Credit Karma can also help you identify recent account openings quickly. Count cards from every bank, not just Chase. Remember that most business credit cards don't appear on personal credit reports and won't count against your 5/24 total, which is why business cards are a popular workaround strategy.

What is the best credit card application strategy for maximizing points and miles in 2024?

The best strategy starts with Chase cards first, then moves to other flexible currency cards like American Express Membership Rewards and Citi ThankYou before targeting co-branded airline and hotel cards. Space applications at least 90 days apart to avoid raising red flags with issuers. Focus on cards whose sign-up bonuses align with your travel goals, and always meet minimum spending requirements responsibly. Tracking your applications and 5/24 status using a tool like 524tracker.com helps you stay organized and optimize timing.