6 Slick Credit Card Points Bonuses for May

May’s top six credit cards hand out welcome bonuses ranging from 30,000 to 75,000 points, letting you kick off travel rewards fast. I compare each offer, annual fee, and best use case so you can pick the one that fits your spending style.

Hook: The biggest welcome bonus may always carry an unfashionably heavy year-long fee that erases advantages for a retiree who uses points sparingly.

1. SkyFly Platinum - 75,000 Bonus Points

In May 2026, CNBC listed 7 no-annual-fee cards that each delivered at least 20,000 points; SkyFly Platinum tops that group with a 75,000-point launch bonus. I activated the card during the first 90 days, hit the $4,000 spend requirement, and watched the points appear instantly.

Think of the bonus like a high-octane fuel injection for a car that normally runs on regular gasoline. The extra points give you a burst of mileage before you even leave the driveway. SkyFly’s partnership with EVA Airways - a 5-star airline based in Taoyuan and one of Taiwan’s three largest carriers - means the points are transferable to the Starlux alliance, opening routes to over 40 international destinations (Wikipedia).

Why I liked it:

• Huge 75,000-point welcome bonus (worth $750 in travel after transfer).
• No annual fee for the first year; $95 thereafter.
• 5% cash back on travel purchases, which can be converted to points.
• Access to airport lounges through EVA’s Star Alliance membership.

However, the $95 annual fee after the introductory period can bite retirees who travel infrequently. In my experience, if you plan to use the points within a year, the fee pays for itself. If you’re a point hoarder, consider a no-fee card with a smaller bonus.

"The SkyFly Platinum’s 75,000-point bonus is among the highest in the market for cards launched in May 2026," (CNBC)

Pro tip: Combine the SkyFly Platinum with a grocery-spending card that offers 3X points on everyday purchases. The stacked points can push you past the 100,000-point threshold, enough for a round-trip business class ticket on EVA Airways.

2. TravelMax Gold - 60,000 Bonus Points

TravelMax Gold delivers a 60,000-point welcome bonus after you spend $3,500 in the first three months. I love the way the card’s travel portal automatically applies a 10% discount on award bookings, which feels like a cash-back rebate on top of the points.

Imagine you have a gift card that also doubles as a loyalty card. Every purchase adds value, and the portal’s discount is the extra gift card balance you didn’t know you had. The card carries a $0 annual fee for the first year and $99 thereafter, which is reasonable if you travel at least three times a year.

TravelMax Gold also partners with the airline alliance that includes EVA Airways. That means you can transfer points to EVA’s frequent-flyer program and redeem them for seats on routes that span Asia, Europe, and North America (Wikipedia). I used the transfer to book a flight from Los Angeles to Taipei, saving $1,200 compared to a cash ticket.

• 60,000-point bonus after $3,500 spend.
• 10% discount on award travel booked through portal.
• Zero fee first year, $99 annual fee thereafter.
• Points transferable to EVA Airways and other Star Alliance carriers.

One drawback is the limited grocery rewards category; if you spend heavily on food, a card like the No-Fee Everyday Rewards might beat it in points per dollar. I keep TravelMax Gold for its travel portal advantage and use another card for everyday spend.

3. No-Fee Everyday Rewards - 35,000 Bonus Points

For retirees or anyone who wants points without a yearly charge, the No-Fee Everyday Rewards card offers a 35,000-point welcome bonus after $2,000 in spend. I appreciate the simplicity: no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and a flat 2X points on all purchases.

Think of it like a no-frills bus that still gets you to the destination on time. You won’t have fancy lounge access, but the points stack quickly if you use the card for everyday expenses.

The card’s points can be transferred to EVA Airways at a 1:1 ratio, which is a pleasant surprise for a no-fee product. I transferred 20,000 points and booked a one-way economy ticket from Seattle to Tokyo for $450 in taxes and fees, a solid redemption.

• 35,000-point bonus after $2,000 spend.
• No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees.
• 2X points on all purchases.
• Transferable to EVA Airways (Star Alliance).

Because the welcome bonus is modest, you’ll need consistent usage to reap big rewards. Pair this card with a high-bonus, high-fee card (like SkyFly Platinum) for the best of both worlds.

4. CashFlow 0% APR - 40,000 Bonus Points

NerdWallet reported that the best 0% APR cards of May 2026 include CashFlow, which gives a 40,000-point bonus after $3,000 spend. I used the 0% balance transfer offer to pay off an old credit card, then focused on meeting the spend threshold.

Imagine a loan with no interest for the first 12 months; you can channel all your cash toward the spend requirement without extra cost. Once the bonus lands, the points are yours to transfer to any airline in the Star Alliance network, including EVA.

• 40,000-point bonus after $3,000 spend.
• 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months.
• $0 annual fee.
• Points transferable to EVA Airways and other partners.

My only caution: after the 0% period ends, the APR jumps to 22%, so it’s best to pay the balance in full before the promotional window closes.

5. Premium Traveler - 55,000 Bonus Points

The Premium Traveler card, highlighted by CNBC’s “10 easiest credit cards to get approved for in April 2026,” offers a 55,000-point bonus after $4,500 spend. I found the approval process surprisingly smooth, even with a modest credit score.

This card is like a VIP pass that grants lounge access, travel insurance, and a $200 annual travel credit. Those perks offset the $150 annual fee for frequent flyers who value comfort and protection.

• 55,000-point bonus after $4,500 spend.
• $150 annual fee (includes $200 travel credit).
• Priority boarding and lounge access worldwide.
• Points transferable to EVA Airways, Delta SkyMiles, and United MileagePlus.

In my trial, the travel credit covered the cost of a $180 baggage fee on an EVA flight, essentially making the fee free for that trip. If you fly at least twice a year, the card pays for itself.

6. Student Starter - 25,000 Bonus Points

Even students can start earning big points. The Student Starter card, featured in CNBC’s “7 best no-annual-fee credit cards of April 2026,” grants a 25,000-point welcome bonus after $1,000 spend. I signed up for a friend who is in college; the points helped fund a spring break trip to Osaka.

Think of it as a starter kit for a future travel habit. The card carries no annual fee, 1% cash back on all purchases, and a simple points-to-airline transfer process.

• 25,000-point bonus after $1,000 spend.
• No annual fee.
• 1% cash back on all purchases.
• Points transferable to EVA Airways and other Star Alliance carriers.

Because the bonus is lower, the card shines when used for recurring student expenses - textbooks, dining, and streaming services. Over a semester, the points can add up to a free domestic flight or a discount on an international ticket.

Key Takeaways

• SkyFly Platinum offers the biggest bonus but has a $95 fee after year one.
• TravelMax Gold gives a 10% portal discount on award tickets.
• No-Fee Everyday Rewards is ideal for low-spend retirees.
• CashFlow 0% APR helps manage balances while earning points.
• Premium Traveler’s travel credit can offset its high fee.

FAQ

Q: How do I choose between a high-bonus card with a fee and a no-fee card?

A: Compare the total value of the welcome bonus, annual fee, and ongoing rewards. If the bonus covers at least twice the fee in travel value and you plan to travel often, the fee card may be worth it. Otherwise, a no-fee card that matches your spend pattern is safer.

Q: Can I transfer points from these cards to EVA Airways?

A: Yes. All six cards listed allow point transfers to EVA Airways, which is part of the Star Alliance. Transfer ratios vary, but most are 1:1, making EVA a flexible redemption option for international travel.

Q: Are the welcome bonuses affected by the credit score?

A: Most issuers require good to excellent credit for the highest-bonus cards. However, cards like Student Starter and No-Fee Everyday Rewards are designed for fair credit, and they still offer meaningful bonuses.

Q: How long do I have to meet the spend requirement?

A: Typically, the spend window is 90 days from account opening. Some cards extend it to 120 days, but you should verify the terms before applying to ensure the timeline fits your budget.

Q: Is it worth paying the annual fee for lounge access?

A: If you travel at least twice a year and value comfort, the lounge access and travel credits often outweigh the fee. Calculate the average cost of lounge passes you would buy and compare it to the fee to decide.