I think chase sapphire reserve was the peak at $1,500 bonus (assuming you were already going to travel) in exchange a $450 fee, but that was offset by $100 global entry credit and a few other benefits, so it was close to $1,500 free for many people I know. I know my wife and I got it, and it was basically $3k for free.

It was so costly that Chase had to list mention it specifically in their 10-K and I believe all the other banks looked and it and said no way are we spending that much.

Are they more aggressive in a dollar converted reward or just the # of points?

Dollar converted reward. I regularly get 12-15 new credit cards a year and communities of people doing that (churners) are well attuned to the tricks used to reduce the real value.

Number of points.

Since the best value is usually transferring points into airlines, they let others be the bad guy.

It’s a race to the bottom with increasing fees and awards. That business needs to be regulated or better disrupted.

I don't see what you are talking about in Europe.

What’s the best one you know of right now?

The Resy Amex Gold and Platinum offers are really nice: https://resy.com/amex-offers . Same as the regular midgrade Amex offers (between $750 and $2500 worth of points, depending on card and what you value MR points at), but also, 10x points on restaurants on the Platinum for the first six months (up to $25k spend), and 20% back on restaurants on the Gold for the first year (up to $1250 spend).

The Capital One mastercard, $200 cash, no fee, minimal payments for 1.5 year at 0% (ideal to take advantage of inflation), various warranties thrown in for rentals etc

https://money.slickdeals.net/credit-score/capital-one-quicks...

There’s way better out there.

Citi’s Premier just had a $800 signup bonus for a $95 annual fee. Easy money. Lots of these out there.

I could only find references to gift cards, not cash bonus.

Funny thing is I considered citi recently, but figured out it wasn't worth it. I ended up with capital one.

Now if you can recommend Visa cards with cash signup bonus, I'm still looking for one :)

Citi’s ThankYou points can be redeemed for statement credit or bank deposit. With the right mix of cards it comes back at one cent per point.

Depends on what you're looking for, cash back, hotel or airline miles. Here's a great list of the best sign up bonuses right now.

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/best-current-credit-card-sign...