Earn Up to $1,750 Toward Your Next Getaway: Top Credit Card Welcome Bonuses This Week

If you're hoping to boost your travel budget with one of the biggest welcome offers around, the American Express Platinum Card® is hard to overlook.

Apply and see whether you can qualify for as much as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Amex points can be worth up to $0.01 each when redeemed for travel through the Amex Travel portal, which puts the maximum bonus value at at least $1,750 toward travel, according to Motley Fool Money's estimate. Even with the card's $895 annual fee (see rates and fees), the Platinum Card® can still make sense for frequent travelers.

Read on for a look at five of our favorite welcome bonus offers available right now.

How we choose the best credit card bonuses each week

We don't simply go after the largest sign-up bonuses. Each week, we review the latest card offers to find deals that are worthwhile both immediately and over time.

We focus on:

• Bonuses that are realistic to earn
• Rewards you'll actually put to use
• Limited-time offers that may not stick around

This roundup is refreshed every week so you can see the current top picks.

What to consider before applying

A large welcome bonus can be appealing, but only if the card fits your finances and habits. Before applying, ask yourself:

• Can you meet the spending requirement without overspending?
• Will you make regular use of the card's perks and rewards?
• Is your credit profile strong enough? Most leading cards require a score of 670 or higher.

Taking a quick minute to check those basics now can help you avoid regret later.

How often should you pursue a new bonus?

There is no single right answer, but spacing applications about three to six months apart is generally a cautious approach. That can help protect your credit and improve your odds of approval.

A few helpful reminders:

• Don't apply just because an offer looks attractive; make sure it aligns with your goals
• Only move ahead if you are confident you can meet the spending threshold
• Hold off if you're preparing for a major financial move, such as a mortgage

Used wisely, credit card welcome bonuses can be a strong way to earn rewards without damaging your credit.

Planning your next trip?

This week's roundup includes several strong offers from leading travel cards. Choose the one that matches your spending pattern and start earning toward your next vacation. You can also check our full guide for more of the best credit card sign-up bonuses currently available.