Guide
Sign-up bonus vs ongoing rewards: what matters more? (2026)
Sign-up bonuses are a one-time spike; category routing pays every year for the life of the card. A $200 bonus is worth chasing once — but routing $500/year in missed category bonuses compounds annually.
Quick comparison
| Card | Best for | Earn rate | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| New card with SUB | Year 1 spike | One-time | Varies |
| Existing category card | Year 2+ earn | 3–6% ongoing | Varies |
| Pikt | Ongoing optimization | Every purchase | Free tier |
Why most people pick the wrong card
Churners optimize sign-up bonuses but swipe the newest card everywhere — ignoring better earn on older cards.
How Pikt routes smarter than guesswork
Pikt links the cards you already carry, checks merchant offers first, then category multipliers, and tells you which card to swipe — with a plain-English explanation and dollar estimate for every purchase. Pikt routes to the best earner regardless of which card is newest in your wallet.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I chase sign-up bonuses?
- If you can meet spend requirements without carrying a balance, yes — but optimize routing on all cards, not just the latest.
See your personal best cards
Generic advice assumes average spend. Your wallet is different. Take Pikt's 60-second quiz — pick your top spending areas and whether you prefer cash back, travel points, or simplicity.
Where does your money go?
Pick your top spending areas and we'll show you which cards earn the most for each.
What matters most to you?
No account needed to try it · Free to start
No account required · Free to start · No new cards needed