Quick version: I came to the US for my Master's and got my first credit card — a Discover it Student. The cash back I earned on groceries and gas felt like free money, since I was spending on those things anyway. From there I moved to bank account bonuses, and then to credit card points and miles. Now most of my flights and hotels are paid with points I earned from cards I'd already be using.
JoinForBonus is where I share the playbook I wish someone had given me on day one: which card to start with, what bonus is realistic, and how to do this without wrecking your credit score. No fluff, no jargon — just what worked for me.
Everything Here Is Free
No courses. No paid newsletters. No "premium" tier, VIP coaching, or $97-a-month membership. Most credit card content creators eventually start selling something — I don't. The site runs entirely on affiliate commissions earned when someone applies for a card through a link here. If you don't apply through me, you still get the full guide. That's the whole model.
Cashback Match — all cash back doubled at end of year 1
Annual Fee: $0
175,000 Membership Rewards points
Annual Fee: $895
150,000 bonus points (limited time)
Annual Fee: $795
Cashback Match end of first year
Annual Fee: $0
$150 cash back (15,000 points)
Annual Fee: $0
No welcome bonus
Annual Fee: $0 first year, then $99
Miles Match — all miles doubled at end of year 1
Annual Fee: $0
100,000 Membership Rewards points
Annual Fee: $325
80,000 bonus miles
Annual Fee: $0 intro first year, then $150
70,000 bonus miles
Annual Fee: $0 intro first year, then $150
75,000 American Airlines miles
Annual Fee: $0 intro first year, then $99
80,000 Hilton Honors points
Annual Fee: $0
130,000 Hilton Honors points
Annual Fee: $150
175,000 IHG One Rewards points
Annual Fee: $99
200,000 Membership Rewards points
Annual Fee: $375
Cashback Match at end of first year
Annual Fee: $0
300,000 Membership Rewards points
Annual Fee: $895