1.British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card
American Express
- 3%Avios for every £1 spent
- 1.5%Avios on everyday spending
Collect 60,000 bonus Avios (usually 30,000) when you apply by 6 October 2026 and spend £6,000 in the first three months of Cardmembership.
Earn 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent on the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card.
135.7% variable
The British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card earns the #1 spot due to its substantial welcome bonus and high Avios earning potential, making it ideal for frequent travelers looking to maximize their rewards.
Pros:
- High welcome bonus
- Accelerated Avios earning
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires significant annual spending for full benefits
2.American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card
American Express
- 3%Points on travel and dining
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 20,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend £3,000 in the first three months.
You get 1 Membership Rewards point for every £1 you spend.
85.8% variable
What sets the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card apart is its generous welcome bonus and the flexibility of Membership Rewards points, making it a strong contender for those who value travel rewards.
Pros:
- First year free
- Flexible rewards
Cons:
- High annual fee after first year
- Limited bonus points on lower spending
3.Nectar Credit Card
American Express
- 2%Nectar points on card purchases
- 1%Points on other purchases
Earn 20,000 bonus Nectar points when you spend £2,000 in your first three months.
Collect 2 points for every full £1 spent on the card.
35.8% variable
The standout feature of the Nectar Credit Card is its straightforward rewards structure, allowing users to easily earn points on everyday spending, making it a practical choice for those who frequently shop at Nectar partners.
Pros:
- Easy point accumulation
- No annual fee in the first year
Cons:
- Limited redemption options
- Lower rewards on non-partner purchases
4.Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card
Virgin Money
- 1.5%Virgin Points on card purchases
- 0.75%Points on other purchases
Earn 3,000 Virgin Points after your first purchase.
Earn 1.5 Virgin Points for every £1 spent on card purchases.
26.9% variable
This card shines for its no annual fee and the ability to earn Virgin Points on all purchases, making it an excellent choice for those who frequently fly with Virgin Atlantic.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Good points earning rate
Cons:
- Lower rewards on non-Virgin purchases
- Limited bonus offers
5.Santander Rewards Credit Card
Santander
- 3%Cashback on eligible purchases in the first year
- 0.25%Cashback on all other purchases
New Santander customers opening a Rewards Credit Card can receive up to £40 in Uber vouchers.
Earn 3% cashback on everyday spending during your first year.
24.9% variable
The Santander Rewards Credit Card offers a compelling introductory cashback rate, making it a top choice for new customers looking to maximize their rewards on everyday spending.
Pros:
- High cashback rate in the first year
- No monthly account fee
Cons:
- Cashback drops significantly after the first year
- Limited to certain spending categories
Did you know?
Welcome bonuses require minimum spend in a set window. Compare bonus value, spending threshold, and whether fees on the card still make sense after year one.
Final Words
As you consider the best credit card signup bonuses this September, remember that the right choice can significantly enhance your rewards. Take time to compare your options and make informed decisions to maximize your benefits and align them with your financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Collect 60,000 bonus Avios (usually 30,000) when you apply by 6 October 2026 and spend £6,000 in the first three months of Cardmembership.
Earn 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent on the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card. The reward breakdown includes 3% - Avios for every £1 spent; 1.5% - Avios on everyday spending.
Earn 20,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend £3,000 in the first three months.
You get 1 Membership Rewards point for every £1 you spend. The reward breakdown includes 3% - Points on travel and dining; 1% - Points on all other purchases.
Earn 20,000 bonus Nectar points when you spend £2,000 in your first three months.
Collect 2 points for every full £1 spent on the card. The reward breakdown includes 2% - Nectar points on card purchases; 1% - Points on other purchases.
Consider the annual fee, the welcome bonus, and the spending requirements. It's also important to look at ongoing rewards rates and how they align with your spending habits.
Yes, many credit cards with attractive sign-up bonuses charge annual fees. It's essential to weigh the value of the rewards you can earn against the cost of the fee to decide if the card is right for you.
