Bonus

Discover the Bonus Brand Playing Cards Collection at ClassicDecks.com—an underappreciated gem in the world of playing cards that delivers authentic United States Playing Card Company (USPCC) quality at budget-friendly prices. For decades, Bonus has been the smart choice for card players worldwide who demand USPCC craftsmanship without premium pricing.

The USPCC Legacy:

To understand Bonus, you must first appreciate the heritage behind it. The United States Playing Card Company was founded in 1867 as Russell & Morgan Co., originally specializing in printing posters for traveling circuses. On June 28, 1881, they produced their first deck of playing cards—Tigers #101—marking the beginning of one of America's most enduring manufacturing success stories.

By 1894, the playing card business had grown so substantially that it was spun off as a separate company: The United States Playing Card Company. Over the next century, USPCC would become the undisputed leader in American playing card manufacturing, acquiring competitors and establishing iconic brands that defined the industry.

USPCC's portfolio eventually included legendary names like Bicycle (introduced 1885), Bee (originated 1892 at New York Consolidated Card Company), Congress (one of the original 1881 brands), Tally-Ho (acquired 1907 with Andrew Dougherty), Aviator (introduced 1927), Aristocrat(acquired 1929 with Russell Playing Card Co.), and Hoyle (acquired 2001). Each brand served different markets—from premium casino cards to budget-friendly retail options.

The Birth of Bonus:

Within this portfolio, Bonus emerged as USPCC's answer to a growing international demand for affordable, high-quality playing cards. While exact founding dates are not widely documented, Bonus appears to have been introduced as part of USPCC's strategy during the mid-to-late 20th century to capture price-sensitive markets—particularly in international territories where consumers wanted genuine American card quality without the premium pricing of flagship brands like Bicycle.

Unlike Bicycle (which targeted the mass American market), Bee (which dominated casinos), or Congress (which appealed to bridge players), Bonus was positioned as a value brand that delivered the same USPCC manufacturing standards at significantly reduced costs.

The Bonus Advantage:

• Genuine USPCC Manufacturing - Every Bonus deck is manufactured by the United States Playing Card Company using the same facilities, equipment, and quality standards that produce Bicycle, Bee, and other premium USPCC brands
• Air Cushion Finish - Features USPCC's proprietary Air Cushion Finish embossing that provides smooth handling, superior shuffling, and the signature "spring" feel that defines professional-grade cards
• Quality Card Stock - Manufactured on the same high-quality card stock used for Bicycle and other USPCC brands, with plastic coating for durability and moisture resistance
• Global Distribution - Bonus is distributed worldwide through Aaress Distribution DMCC in Dubai, UAE, which holds exclusive worldwide distribution rights, making Bonus particularly popular in Middle Eastern markets and among international consumers

Perfect For:

• Budget-conscious card players seeking authentic USPCC quality
• Practice and training decks for magicians and cardistry performers
• Bulk purchases for events, parties, or game nights
• International consumers familiar with the Bonus brand
• Collectors building comprehensive USPCC brand collections
• Players who appreciate lesser-known USPCC heritage brands
• Anyone seeking affordable alternatives to premium USPCC brands

Why Choose Bonus from ClassicDecks.com?

At ClassicDecks.com, we specialize in vintage and collectible playing cards, including lesser-known USPCC brands like Bonus. Our Bonus collection includes both vintage Cincinnati-made decks and modern production runs, allowing collectors and players to experience authentic USPCC craftsmanship at prices that won't break the bank. Whether you're stocking up on practice decks, building a USPCC brand collection, or simply seeking quality cards at affordable prices, our Bonus collection delivers genuine American card-making excellence.

Browse our complete Bonus collection and discover why smart card players worldwide choose Bonus for authentic USPCC quality without the premium price tag.