The best time to apply for these popular Capital One credit cards based on offer history

When you’re looking to apply for a credit card, you may wonder: “How good is the welcome offer I’m applying for?”There’s no simple answer to this question, but knowing the previous offers a card has had can help you determine what a good welcome offer is. Getting any welcome offer is better than getting nothing at all, but you wouldn’t want to apply for a card and then see a higher offer a month later.We’ve collected and analyzed the offer history over the past few years for Capital One’s most popular cards and determined the best time to apply for each card.It’s important to note that we’ll only discuss publicly available welcome offers. However, you might receive targeted offers that offer more bonus miles or cash back. Keep in mind that offers may change at any time, and some of those mentioned below may not be available.Best Capital One credit card welcome bonusesCardBest welcome offer we’ve seenWhen to apply<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/capital-one-venture/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”><strong>Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card</strong></a>Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account openingWhen the bonus offer is 75,000 miles or higher<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/capital-one-venture-x-rewards-credit-card/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”><strong>Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card</strong></a>Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases within the first six months of account openingWhen the bonus offer is 75,000 miles or higher<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/capital-one-venture-x-business/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”><strong>Capital One Venture X Business</strong></a>Earn up to 400,000 bonus miles: 200,000 miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, plus an additional 200,000 miles after spending $150,000 on purchases in the first six months of account openingWhen the bonus offer is 150,000 miles or higher<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/capital-one-ventureone-rewards-credit-card/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”><strong>Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card</strong></a>Enjoy a $100 Capital One Travel credit to use in the first cardholder year. Plus, earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months from account openingWhen the bonus offer is 20,000 miles or higher<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/capital-one-savor-cash-rewards/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”><strong>Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card</strong></a>Enjoy a $100 Capital One Travel credit to use in the first cardholder year. Plus, earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account openingWhen the bonus offer is $200 or higher<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/capital-one-quicksilver-cash-rewards/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”><strong>Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card</strong></a>Enjoy a $100 Capital One Travel credit to use in the first cardholder year. Plus, earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account openingWhen the bonus offer is $200 or higher<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/capital-one-spark-miles/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”><strong>Capital One Spark Miles for Business</strong></a>Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $4,500 on purchases in the first three months from account openingWhen the bonus is 50,000 miles or higher<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/card-hub/capital-one-spark-cash-plus/?tid=post” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”><strong>Capital One Spark Cash Plus</strong></a>Earn Up to $3,000: $500 after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and $2,500 after spending $50,000 on purchases in the first six monthsWhen the bonus is $1,000 or higherCapital One Venture Rewards Credit CardThe Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns an unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase, plus 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, rental cars and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel.The card’s modest $95 annual fee, simple earning structure and solid return on everyday spending make it a keeper once you’re approved for it.THE POINTS GUYHere are the offers we’ve seen on the Capital One Venture Rewards:Welcome offer historyApproximate dateOfferValue*January 2026 to now75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months, plus a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder yearUp to $1,638, including the statement creditMay 2025 to January 202675,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months$1,388February 2025 to May 202575,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months, plus a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder yearUp to $1,638, including the statement creditSeptember 2024 to February 202575,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months$1,388July 2024 to September 202475,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, plus a $250 Capital One Travel credit in the first cardholder yearUp to $1,638, if you maximize the entire creditJune 2023 to July 202480,000 to 100,000 miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months (targeted offer available through QR codes at select airports)
<p>75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening (public offer)</p>$1,480 to $1,850 (targeted offer)
<p>$1,388 (public offer)</p>September 2021 to June 202375,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months$1,388*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s January 2026 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.Highest welcome offerThe highest offer we’ve seen on this card allowed new cardholders to earn up to 100,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.When to apply for this cardWhen the bonus offer is 75,000 miles or higher, it meets our criteria on when to apply.Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardRelated: Is the Capital One Venture Rewards card worth it?Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardWith plentiful, easy-to-understand perks, the Capital One Venture X is a no-brainer for all travelers, from luxury seekers to the more budget-minded, and the card practically pays for itself year after year.Though the card carries a $395 annual fee, it offers a $300 annual credit toward bookings made through Capital One Travel and rewards cardholders with 10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary.THE POINTS GUYHere are the offers we’ve seen on the Capital One Venture X:Welcome offer historyApproximate dateOfferValue*January 2026 to nowEarn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening$1,388November 2025 to January 2026100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases within the first six months of account opening$1,850March 2022 to November 202575,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening$1,388November 2021 to March 2022100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases within the first six months of account opening$1,850*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s January 2026 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.Highest welcome offerThe highest offer we’ve seen on this card offered 100,000 bonus miles earned after spending $10,000 on purchases within the first six months of account opening.When to apply for this cardWhen the bonus offer is 75,000 miles or higher, it’s a good time to apply.Learn more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardRelated: Is the Capital One Venture X worth the $395 annual fee?Capital One Venture X BusinessThe Venture X Business launched in early 2023 with an incredible welcome bonus and a matching sky-high spending requirement.The Venture X Business carries the same $395 annual fee as the personal version and offers the same major perks, including a $300 annual travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel and access to Capital One and Priority Pass lounges. It also carries the same earning rates as the Venture X.THE POINTS GUYHere are the offers we’ve seen on the Capital One Venture X Business:Welcome offer historyApproximate dateOfferValue*January 2026 to nowEarn 150,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 in the first three months from account opening.$2,775November 2025Up to 400,000 bonus miles: 200,000 miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 200,000 miles after spending $150,000 on purchases in the first six months.Up to $7,400June 2025 to November 2025150,000 miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening$2,775April 2025 to June 2025Up to 350,000 miles: 150,000 miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, plus an additional 200,000 miles after spending $200,000 on purchases in the first six months of account openingUp to $6,475March 2024 to April 2025150,000 miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening$2,775January 2024 to March 2024Up to 300,000 miles: 150,000 miles after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening and another 150,000 miles after spending $100,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening$5,550September 2023 to January 2024150,000 miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening$2,775May 2023 to September 2023Up to 300,000 miles: 150,000 miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening and another 150,000 miles after spending $500,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.$5,550*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s January 2026 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.Highest welcome offerThe highest offer we’ve seen on this card is up to 400,000 bonus miles: earn 200,000 miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 200,000 miles after spending $150,000 on purchases in the first six months.When to apply for this cardWhen the bonus offer is 150,000 miles or higher, it meets our criteria on when to apply.Learn more: Capital One Venture X BusinessRelated: Is the Venture X Business worth the $395 annual fee?Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit CardWhile it comes with fewer perks, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards offers the same great redemption options as its sister cards, the Capital One Venture Rewards and the Capital One Venture X, with no annual fee. You’ll earn a flat 1.25 miles per dollar spent on everyday purchases.THE POINTS GUYCurrently, new cardholders can earn a bonus of 20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within three months from account opening.Highest welcome offerThe highest offer we’ve seen included a $100 Capital One Travel credit to use in the first year, and 20,000 miles that can be earned after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.When to apply for this cardWhen the bonus offer is 20,000 miles or higher.Learn more: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit CardRelated: How (and why) you should earn transferable credit card pointsCapital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit CardThe biggest downsides to cash-back cards are low earning rates and a lack of bonus categories, but that’s definitely not true of the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards.For no annual fee, the Savor offers strong cash-back earning rates on popular and often overlooked categories, including 3% back on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services.THE POINTS GUYCurrently, new cardholders can earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.Highest welcome offerThe highest offer we’ve seen included a $100 Capital One Travel credit to use in the first year, and a $200 cash bonus earned after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.When to apply for this cardWhen the bonus offer is $200 or higher, it meets our criteria for when to apply.Learn more: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit CardRelated: The pros and cons of cash-back credit cardsCapital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit CardThe Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards is another great card with no annual fee. It earns a reliable 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it a perfect go-to card for the odd purchase that doesn’t fit in any bonus categories.While many other cards offer higher earning potential in specific spending categories, this card offers the safety of knowing you’ll earn a solid 1.5% back no matter what you buy.THE POINTS GUYCurrently, new cardholders can earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within three months from account opening.Highest welcome offerThe highest offer we’ve seen included a $100 Capital One Travel credit to use in the first year, and a $200 cash bonus earned after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.When to apply for this cardWhen the bonus offer is $200 or higher, it meets our criteria for when to apply.Learn more: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit CardRelated: 5 reasons to keep a cash-back credit card in your walletCapital One Spark Miles for BusinessThe Capital One Spark Miles for Business earns 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases, making it an excellent choice for small-business owners who want to earn travel rewards on all their expenses and a simple earnings structure.This card is especially beneficial for small-business owners who want to earn flexible miles on all their purchases. It earns a consistent 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases and has a $95 annual fee ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year).THE POINTS GUYCurrently, new cardholders can earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $4,500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.Highest welcome offerThe highest welcome offer we’ve seen on this card is the current offer of 50,000 bonus miles after spending $4,500 in the first three months from account openingWhen to apply for this cardWhen the bonus is higher than 50,000 miles, it’s a good time to apply. That said, this card’s welcome offer rarely changes, so don’t hold out waiting for a great offer.Learn more: Capital One Spark Miles for BusinessRelated: Business cards vs. personal cards: Key differencesCapital One Spark Cash PlusThe Capital One Spark Cash Plus earns 2% cash back on all purchases and is ideal for business owners who want to earn reliable cash-back rewards on all their expenses. It is worth noting that this is a no preset spending limit card, meaning cardholders must pay off their balances in full each month.The card has a modest $150 annual fee that can be refunded when you spend at least $150,000.THE POINTS GUYHere are the offers we’ve seen on the Capital One Spark Cash Plus:Welcome offer historyApproximate dateOfferValue* August 2024 to now<span style=”color: #212121;”>$2,000 cash back after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500,000 spent during the first year</span>$2,000 (or more, depending on spending in the first year)March 2024 to August 2024$1,200 cash back after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening$1,200January 2024 to March 2024Up to $3,000: $1,500 after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and an additional $1,500 after spending $100,000 on purchases in the first six months from account openingUp to $3,000June 2023 to January 2024$1,200 cash back after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening$1,200April 2022 to June 2023Up to $1,000: $500 after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and $500 after spending $50,000 on purchases in the first six months from account openingUp to $1,000August 2021 to April 2022Up to $3,000: $500 after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and $2,500 after spending $50,000 on purchases in the first six months from account openingUp to $3,000*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s January 2026 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.Highest welcome offerThe highest welcome offer we’ve seen on this card offered up to $3,000: $500 after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and $2,500 after spending $50,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.When to apply for this cardWhen the bonus is higher than $1,000, it meets our criteria to apply.Learn more: Capital One Spark Cash PlusRelated: A guide to Capital One’s Spark business cardsBottom lineBefore you go fill out a Capital One credit card application, you’ll want to ensure you can get the best welcome bonus possible. We’ve collected data year over year on Capital One welcome offers that can provide you with some guidance on the best time to apply.This guide can serve as a reference for the best time to apply for your next Capital One card.Check out our other offer history guides when you’re looking to apply for your next credit card:The best time to apply for these popular Chase credit cards based on offer historyThe best time to apply for these popular American Express credit cards based on offer historyThe best time to apply for these popular Citi credit cards based on offer historyFor Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.