Credit Cards With Welcome Bonus 2026: Up to 200,000 Points (Comparison)
The highest welcome bonuses in 2026: AMEX Platinum Business (200,000 MR), Gold (50,000 MR), Miles & More (4,000 miles). All cards, terms and deadlines compared.
Quick answer: The highest welcome bonuses in 2026: AMEX Platinum Business (200,000 MR), AMEX Platinum Personal (85,000 MR), AMEX Business Gold (75,000 MR), AMEX Gold (50,000 MR), AMEX Gold Rosé (55,000 MR). Free: PAYBACK AMEX (4,000 PAYBACK points, until 14 June 2026). Miles & More: Gold 4,000 miles, Blue 500-1,000 miles.
Welcome bonuses are the fastest way to build up a large points balance. In Germany there are several credit cards with attractive bonuses - though the terms change regularly.
Here is the current overview for February 2026.
AMEX Cards With Welcome Bonus
American Express offers the highest welcome bonuses on the German market. The points are credited as Membership Rewards (MR).
AMEX Platinum Business
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Welcome bonus | 200,000 MR |
| Requirement | €15,000 spend in 6 months |
| Annual fee | €850 |
| Bonus value | approx. €2,000-4,000 |
The AMEX Platinum Business offers the highest welcome bonus of any German credit card. However, the spend requirement is demanding and requires self-employment or a business.
Apply for AMEX Platinum Business*
AMEX Platinum Personal
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Welcome bonus | 85,000 MR |
| Requirement | €10,000 spend in 6 months |
| Annual fee | €720 |
| Bonus value | approx. €850-1,700 |
| Promotion until | 30 June 2026 |
The personal version of the Platinum has a slightly lower bonus, but is accessible to private individuals without self-employment. Currently a limited-time promotion until 30 June 2026.
Apply for AMEX Platinum Personal*
AMEX Business Gold
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Welcome bonus | 75,000 MR |
| Requirement | €10,000 spend in 6 months |
| Annual fee | €175 |
| Bonus value | approx. €750-1,500 |
High bonus with a moderate annual fee for the self-employed. The spend requirement of €10,000 in 6 months is easily achievable for the self-employed.
AMEX Gold Personal
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Welcome bonus | 50,000 MR |
| Requirement | €5,000 spend in 6 months |
| Annual fee | €240 |
| Bonus value | approx. €500-1,000 |
| Promotion until | 30 June 2026 |
The entry point into the AMEX MR world for private individuals. The spend requirement is realistic for most households. Currently a limited-time promotion until 30 June 2026.
AMEX Gold Rosé
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Welcome bonus | 55,000 MR |
| Requirement | €5,000 spend in 6 months |
| Annual fee | €240 |
| Bonus value | approx. €550-1,100 |
| Promotion until | 30 June 2026 |
The special edition of the AMEX Gold in rosé metal. Identical terms to the regular Gold (credits, insurance, earn rate), but with 5,000 MR more welcome bonus. If you want the Gold anyway, you should go for the Rosé. Currently a limited-time promotion until 30 June 2026.
More on the AMEX system: Redeeming AMEX Membership Rewards - The Complete Guide
Miles & More Credit Cards
The Miles & More credit cards offer lower welcome bonuses than AMEX, but in return earn miles directly for the Lufthansa frequent flyer program.
Miles & More Gold Business
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Welcome bonus | 4,000 miles |
| Requirement | No minimum spend |
| Annual fee | €11.50/month (€138/year) |
| Highlight | Double miles (2 per euro) |
Miles & More Blue Business
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Welcome bonus | 1,000 miles |
| Requirement | No minimum spend |
| Annual fee | €5.50/month (€66/year) |
| Highlight | Permanently free in the 1st year |
Miles & More Gold Personal
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Welcome bonus | 4,000 miles |
| Requirement | No minimum spend |
| Annual fee | €11.50/month (€138/year) |
Miles & More Blue Personal
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Welcome bonus | 500 miles |
| Requirement | No minimum spend |
| Annual fee | €5.50/month |
PAYBACK Cards
The PAYBACK AMEX cards are free and earn PAYBACK points instead of airline miles.
PAYBACK AMEX
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Welcome bonus | 4,000 PAYBACK points |
| Requirement | First payment with the card |
| Annual fee | Free |
| Bonus value | approx. €40 |
Deadline: 14 June 2026
DM PAYBACK AMEX
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Welcome bonus | 4,000 PAYBACK points |
| Requirement | First payment with the card |
| Annual fee | Free |
| Bonus value | approx. €40 |
Deadline: 14 June 2026
More on this: PAYBACK Points: 11 Tips for Earning | PAYBACK Partner List 2026
Which Card Is Most Worth It?
The answer depends on your situation:
Maximum bonus (for the self-employed)
→ AMEX Platinum Business (200,000 MR)
Best value for money (personal)
→ AMEX Gold (50,000 MR at a €240 annual fee)
No annual fee
→ PAYBACK AMEX (free, 4,000 PAYBACK points)
For Lufthansa frequent flyers
→ Miles & More Gold Business (4,000 miles + status points)
How to Use Welcome Bonuses Strategically
Step 1: Plan your timing
Don’t apply for all cards at once. Plan 2-3 months between applications so you can realistically meet the spend requirements.
Step 2: Check your spend
Can you reach the spend requirement? Do the math honestly. For €15,000 in 6 months you need €2,500 in monthly spending.
Step 3: Factor in the annual fee
The bonus has to justify the annual fee. At 200,000 MR (value: ~€2,000), a €720 fee is acceptable.
Step 4: Mind the order
Start with the highest bonuses and work your way down. The Platinum Business has the highest bonus, but also the highest requirements.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Not reaching the spend → Only apply if you’re sure
- Too many cards at once → Puts your creditworthiness and spend targets at risk
- Forgetting to redeem the bonus → MR expire when you cancel the card
- Confusing PAYBACK with airline miles → PAYBACK points are not miles
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which card has the highest welcome bonus?
The AMEX Platinum Business with 200,000 MR points - that corresponds to a value of €2,000-4,000 on flight bookings.
Can I apply for several cards at the same time?
Yes, but not recommended. Plan 2-3 months between applications so you can realistically meet the spend requirements and not jeopardize your creditworthiness.
What happens if I don’t reach the minimum spend?
You get no bonus or only a reduced one. Only apply for cards whose spend requirement you can definitely meet.
Is a card with an annual fee worth it?
Yes, if the bonus exceeds the fee. At 200,000 MR (value: ~€2,000), a €720 annual fee is a good deal.
Do the points expire after the first year?
AMEX MR never expire as long as you have the card. If you cancel: transfer them out first!
Miles & More miles expire after 36 months without activity - but with a M&M credit card (even the affordable Blue from €5.50/month) every card transaction counts as activity - miles practically never expire.
PAYBACK points also expire after 36 months. With the free PAYBACK AMEX* you protect yourself automatically - every card transaction counts as activity.
Conclusion
Welcome bonuses are the most efficient way to quickly build up a large points balance. In Germany, AMEX offers the highest bonuses, while Miles & More cards are good for Lufthansa loyalty.
The most important rule: only apply for cards whose spend requirement you can realistically meet.
This overview shows the current bonuses. In the Premium Handbook you’ll find the complete strategy for how to combine several cards and collect up to 400,000 welcome bonus points.
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