Best credit card promotions for travelers for spring

Credit card holders can benefit from more than big signup bonuses when initially applying for a card. But many travelers fail to realize that, like with hotel programs, there are seasonal promotions to enjoy. Here are the latest and greatest available at the moment.

Citi targeting American Airlines or ThankYou Premier branded cardholders with spending bonuses. Check your email (and your spam) if you have a Citi-issued American or ThankYou Premier card. Citi is offering bonus miles or points if you add an authorized user and spend a set amount on the card between now and June 30. Not sure if you got the email? Call Citi or log into your account since there is no public signup link.

Bonus miles for primary United MileagePlus credit card holders. If you have a United MileagePlus-branded credit card, download the MileagePlus X app and make a purchase through it between now and July 31 to earn 500 bonus miles. The app is essentially an airline shopping portal through which customers can make a purchase at a variety of stores for items like clothing, books, gift cards and flowers. No registration is necessary.

American Express Membership Rewards points redeemable for Airbnb. It may be news to many members, but those that like to stay with Airbnb can now pay with American Express Membership Rewards points. They can be used as either partial or full payment towards a home stay.

Chase Freedom category bonuses for 5x points. Each quarter, Chase Freedom cardholders look forward to learning which retail outlets will offer 5x the points for purchases. Between now and June 30, quintuple the points can be earned at grocery stores and wholesale club outlets. There are some exclusions, and the offer is only valid for the first $1,500 in purchases after registration. Chase Ultimate Rewards points are especially popular for the great number of transfer partners available like British Airways, Hyatt, Marriott and Singapore Airlines.

Best hotel loyalty program promotions for spring

Discover offers 5% cash back. Discover cardholders have a similar promotion to Chase Freedom’s offer, except it comes with 5% cash back on purchases (instead of points) made at a variety of retail outlets, which change quarterly. Between now and June 30, restaurants and movie theaters are eligible for the cash-back offer up to $1,500 in purchases. While $75 is not a jackpot, it is better than nothing. Be sure to register first.

Double American Express Membership Rewards at select retailers. Online shoppers rejoice: Between now and the end of the year, American Express cardholders can enroll their Membership Rewards account to earn double points at certain retailers. These shops include online stores like BestBuy.com, Target.com, NeimanMarcus.com, Amazon.com and many others.

American Express offering free ShopRunner membership. Eligible American Express credit cardholders are able to sign up for a free membership with ShopRunner. The service includes free, two-day shipping for online purchases plus free return shipping at participating online stores like Beauty.com, Neiman Marcus and GNC. Of course, purchases would need to be made with the same American Express credit card.

American Express offering 10% refund on cell phone bills. Sign into your American Express account to see if you are eligible for this refund promotion. Between now and June 30, eligible cardmembers will receive 10% of their bill payment to participating carriers like AT&T or T-Mobile, among others, as a refund.

Citi offers 5% cash back. Eligible Citi cards that are not associated with an airline or ThankYou points can earn 5% cash back at various retailers each quarter. This spring, Citi’s eligible outlets include drugstores and fitness clubs.