Picking the right hotel credit card is crucial if you want to make sure you are earning free stays around the world as you travel. One of the main things to look at is the earning potential. Look at the number of points you’ll earn for stays at the hotels as well as other bonus categories. Some credit cards offer much easier ways to earn points than others. Some also offer different ratios.
You also want to consider whether you want a brand-specific card or a generic travel credit card. If you aren’t ready to commit to a certain hotel chain, then choose a general travel credit card. If you already have a hotel chain you love and always use, then look at getting a credit card for that hotel chain.
Here are our recommended credit cards for hotel rewards:
Card | Rewards | Bonus | Annual Fee |
| 2X
2X miles per dollar on every purchase, plus 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
| 75,000 miles
75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
| $95 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1X – 4X
4 bonus points per $1 spent for Hyatt stays and experiences including restaurants and spas, 2x for flights purchased directly from the airline, local transit, commuting, restaurants, fitness club, gym memberships and 1 bonus point per $1 spent on all other purchases
| 30,000 points
30,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
| $95 | ||||||
| 1X – 10X
10 IHG Rewards points per dollar spent on hotel stays with the IHG brand when you pay with your credit card, 2 points per $1 spent on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants and point per $1 spent on all other purchases
| 140,000 Points
140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
| $99 | ||||||
| 3X – 7X
7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
| 100,000 points
100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership
| $0 (Rates & Fees) | ||||||
| 1X – 5X
5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
| 80,000 points
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership
| $695 (  | 1x – 6X
6X points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card, 3X on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining and 2X Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on all other purchases
| 5 Free Nights
5 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases
| $95 | |||
| 2X – 5X
5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining and online grocery purchases and 2x on other travel purchases. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
| 60,000 points
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
| $95
|
What Should I Look For In A Credit Card If I Have Excellent Credit?
Knowing what features are important to get a credit card for you isn’t necessarily the same thing as looking for a credit card that’s designed to reward excellent credit.
Here are some features you shouldn’t compromise on if you already have excellent credit and are shopping for a credit card.
- Incentives & Special Perks
Card for excellent credit offers a variety of rewards, benefits, and special perks. Check out what you can get and how this is relevant to your lifestyle. Since you have excellent credit – you can pick up (almost) any card you want – leverage it to get the best rewards.
Good incentives are where you’ll get a lot of value from your credit card, so it’s important to look carefully for the best deal.
- 0% APR Introductory Rate
If you have excellent credit, credit card companies should be courting you, not the other way around. A low APR introductory rate might not be a permanent advantage for your, but it can help save money in that first year.
If you carry debt, Introductory offers may be a great for your needs. Also, it can be used to help finance big purchases with lower interest and fees.
- Affordable Annual Fee
No annual fee is better than paying one for most consumers, but that isn’t always the case. If you’re considering a card with an annual fee make sure the fee is low enough that you’ll get similar or greater value from the card so you aren’t losing money on the fees.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
This card has one of the best offers for easily redeeming points with hotel chains. One of the best parts is that you are not restricted to working with one specific hotel chain like many of the other hotel credit cards.
You will book your own travel and then redeem the hotel points using points you have collected with the card. You also get 5X miles for any hotels you book throughout Capital One Travel.
The only drawback is you don’t get hotel-specific perks such as late checkout or room upgrades. If you want to be loyal to one hotel to get these perks, you might want to consider getting a card for that hotel line instead of this more basic one.
- APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
- Annual fee: $95
- Balance Transfer Fee: N/A
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Rewards Plan: 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, plus 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Sign Up bonus: 75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: N/A
- Flexible Rewards Redemption
- Great Sign-Up Bonus
- No Blackout/Expiration Dates
- No Accumulation Limit on Miles
- High Variable APR
- Airline Partners Limitations
- $95 Annual Fee
- Redeem Points for a Statement Credit
- What are Capital One Venture card income requirements? Capital One often required monthly income to be at least $800. Sometimes, you will need to show some proof of income.
- Does rewards points expire? They do not expire.
- Can I get pre-approved on card Capital One Venture Card? Yes, you can get pre-approval.
- What is the initial credit limit ? The minimum credit limit is set at $5,000.
- How do I redeem cash back? You can do so in a number of ways, such as spending your accumulated miles directly on travel purchases, or redeem as cash, using at participating retailers, and so on.
- What purchases don't earn cash back with the Capital One Venture Card? Every purchase earns cashback.
- Should You Move to Capital One Venture Card? If you spent a decent amount of time and money on travel expenses.
- Why did Capital One Venture Card deny me? What to Do Next? You might not have met all of the requirements. You can enquire as to where your application fell short. If you cannot proceed, you can look at some of the other available options.
The World of Hyatt Credit Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
If you are loyal to Hyatt brand hotels when you travel, this would be a great choice for you. It has some of the highest point redemption values and you will earn Discoverist elite status for as long as you have the card. You get a free anniversary night at a Category 1-4 hotel or resort for every year that you have the card. You can also get room upgrades and late checkouts with the majority of your stays.
The only drawback is that Hyatt is a much smaller chain of hotels than Marriott and other hotels. This limits the number of options you get for hotel choices.
- Rewards Plan: 4 bonus points per $1 spent for Hyatt stays and experiences including restaurants and spas, 2x for flights purchased directly from the airline, local transit, commuting, restaurants, fitness club, gym memberships and 1 bonus point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- APR: 20.99%–27.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $95
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5% (whichever is greater)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Sign Up bonus: 30,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
- 0% APR Introductory Rate: N/A
- Travel Rewards & Welcome Bonus
- One Free Night Every Year
- Monthly Bonus Category
- Discoverist Status
- Annual Fee
- No Discounts For Multi-Night Stays
- Better For Off Season
Does the Hyatt card have a point rewards limit?
There is no points reward limit on either card, but there is an introductory offer with either card that requires you meet a spending limit to get bonus points.
Can I get car rental insurance?
No, the World of Hyatt card does not offer a car rental insurance.
Can I redeem for flights with airline partners?
World of Hyatt is partnered with 25 airlines including Delta SkyMiles, American Airlines AAdvantage, and British Airways Executive Club. Generally, the transfer rate is a 5:2 ratio. This means that 5,000 points is worth 2,000 of the airline miles, but this can vary depending on the airline miles program
Can I get pre approved?
Typically, Chase does not have pre approval for its cards including the World of Hyatt card. This means that when you complete the online application form, it will trigger a hard credit search.
Does it offer flight cancellation insurance?
No, the World of Hyatt card doesn't offer flight cancellation/interruption or delay insurance.
What are the top reasons not to get it?
If you don’t typically care what hotel you stay in when you are on vacation, you’ll find this card a bit restrictive. In this scenario, you would be better off with a miles or other type of rewards card that allows you to redeem your rewards for flights, hotel stays and other travel perks.
IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card
Reward Details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
Intercontinental Hotel Group’s card gives you free anniversary nights at IHG hotels and free Platinum Elite status for as long as you have the card. You also get a free reward night every time you stay at a hotel for 4 nights or more. With the Elite status, you always get free internet and late checkout. You can also get periodic room upgrades and cheaper room rates.
Just like with all-room branded cards, you have to be willing to always travel and stay at IHG hotels to get points. Make sure you are always booking your rooms with the card to earn your points.
- APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
- Annual fee: $99
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Rewards Plan: 10 IHG Rewards points per dollar spent on hotel stays with the IHG brand when you pay with your credit card, 2 points per $1 spent on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants and point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Sign Up bonus: 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: N/A
- Big Rewards on All IGH Purchases
- Many Hotels to Choose From
- Quality Sign-up Bonus
- Automatic Platinum Status
- Annual Fee
- Rewards Limited to Hotel Redemption
- Not For Everyday Purchases
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
The Hilton Honors Card from American Express card has low rewards point values, but it can still help you get upgraded stays and cheaper room rates if you are loyal and dedicated to Hilton hotels and their partner hotels. Everyone gets the Gold status automatically so you will be able to get rewards and earn free stays from the very start of your status as a cardholder.
This card gives you the ability to earn and redeem points in hotels in more than 109 countries with over 5,500 hotels to choose from. You also get free breakfast with every stay, room upgrades, and a free fifth night at every Hilton portfolio hotel. Here we compare the Hilton Honors and the World of Hyatt Card.
- Rewards Plan: 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
- APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance Transfer Fee: n/a
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Sign Up bonus:100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership
- 0% APR Introductory Rate: N/A
- Welcome Bonus & Rewards
- No Annual Fee
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Loyalty Program
- Too Niche
- Low Redeeming Rate
- High APR
Can I redeem for flights with airline partners?
Hilton Honors allows swapping points for miles with almost all of the major domestic airlines and some international carriers including British Airways and Air Canada. However, the transfer ration is typically 10:1. This means you’ll need 10,000 Hilton Honors points to get 1,000 miles.
Do the travel reward points expire?
Hilton Honors points do not actually expire, but if your account is inactive for 24 months, any points balance will be forfeited.
Can I get pre approved?
American Express does allow pre approval for the Hilton Honors card. This takes only 30 seconds and you’ll need to supply some basic information. You can then make an informed decision without impacting your credit.
What is the initial credit limit?
The card limit for the Hilton Honors American Express is $1,000 to $20,000, based on your score and other factors.
Should you move to the Hilton Honors Card?
If you are brand loyal to a particular hotel chain, getting a rewards card dedicated to this hotel chain is a good idea. You can not only earn free stays, but you can also enjoy other perks. So, if you love Hilton hotels, these cards could be a good option for you.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the best luxury cards available, offering extra ordinary benefits especially when it comes to travel. The card offers 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases. Terms Apply.
Also, you can enjoy welcome bonus of 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership, as well as a lot of extra premium perks such as dedicated service team, up to $200 in Uber Cash (enrollment required), preferred seating at sporting and cultural events, signature perks at upscale hotels, fraud Protection and baggage insurance for up to $500 for checked baggage and $1,250 for carry on. Here you can compare the Amex platinum with the Chase Reserve card to see which premium card is besty for you.
- Up to $200 hotel credit per year when you book select prepaid hotels using your Platinum card via American Express Travel. Enrollment Required.
- Up to $240 or $20 per month in Digital Entertainment Credit when you pay for one or more The New York Times, Peacock, SiriusXM or Audible products with your card. Enrollment Required.
- Up to $155 in Walmart+ credit. When you use your card to pay for your monthly Walmart+ membership, you’ll get the full cost back every month. Enrollment Required.
- Up to $200 in Airline fee credit per year when you charge incidental travel fees from selected airlines on your card. Enrollment Required.
- Up to $300 back every year for eligible Equinox memberships when you enroll and pay using your card.
- Up to $189 back per year when you use your card to pay for a CLEAR® membership. Enrollment Required.
- Welcome Bonus + Premium Point Rewards Rate (Terms Apply)
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Special Premium Status Perks
- High Annual Fee
- High Requirements
- Why did Amex Platinum Card deny me? What to Do Next? You might not have met one of the requirements. You can ask the customer support team if there is something you can do to change this eventuality. Otherwise, you can look for an alternative card.
- How hard is it to get Amex Platinum Card? You need to meet the credit score and income requirements, which are higher than a lot of other cards.
- What is the initial credit limit? The minimum credit limit you will get with this card will be $5,000.
- How do I redeem cash back? There is a points-based system. You can redeem the points for a variety of rewards that are showcased on the Amex website. These include statement credit, gift cards, paying for certain services etc.
- What purchases don't earn cash back? Every type of purchase through this card will earn cashback points.
- Should You Move to Amex Platinum Card? It is a good fit if you spend a lot of money on travel-related expenses and want to avail yourself of some great travel perks.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card has a huge annual fee, so make sure you use your free night at the Marriott hotels every year to make the annual fee up. Marriott has a large selection of locations around the world, so you aren’t limited with this card when you travel. Marriott owns 30 hotel brands in over 129 countries.
You get bonus points for every stay as well as other perks like late checkout and room upgrades to suites or more upscale rooms. The card is only good for Marriott hotels, so make sure you’re loyal to this brand. You can also consider the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card.
- Rewards Plan: 6X points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card, 3X on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining and 2X Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on all other purchases
- APR: 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $95
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Sign Up bonus: 5 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: None
- Sign-Up Bonus
- Annual Reward
- Ongoing Points Rewards
- Transfer to Airline Points
- Automatic Silver Status
- Chase Restrictions
- Confusing Rewards
- Annual Fee
- No 0% Intro
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
This is a great card to have if you don’t want a hotel-specific card with more flexibility in transferring points and redeeming points with a wide variety of companies. As with many of the general travel cards, you won’t get specific hotel perks such as room upgrades and early check-ins.
If you book hotels directly through the Chase Ultimate Rewards you can transfer the points you have to a loyalty program with a specific hotel including IHG, Hyatt, and Marriott. You will be able to transfer them at a 1:1 rate. You can also compare the Preferred with the reserve card to see what works best for you.
- Rewards Plan: 5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining and online grocery purchases and 2x on other travel purchases. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- APR: 21.24%–28.24% variable APR
- Annual fee: $95
- Balance Transfer Fee: 5% or $5, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Sign Up bonus: 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- 0% APR Introductory Rate: N/A
- Point Sign-Up Bonus
- Bonus Points
- No Blackout Dates
- 25% More through Ultimate Chase Rewards
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- $95 Annual Fee
- Low Merchandise Rewards
- No Introductory 0%
- Balance Transfer Fee - 5% or $5, whichever is greater
- Does the travel rewards points expire? Your points won’t expire once you keep the credit card account open.
- Does card Chase Sapphire Preferred offer pre-approval? Yes, you are able to pre-qualify for this card.
- What is the initial credit limit? The minimum credit limit that you can get with this card type is usually $5,000.
- How do I redeem cash back? You can redeem your points in a variety of ways through the Chase credit card reward portal. Some of the perks you can get include cash, travel credit, statement credit, and gift cards.
- What purchases don't earn cash back? All purchases will earn cashback through this card.
- Should You Move to Chase Sapphire Preferred card? If you travel frequently and do not want to pay a large annual fee.
- Why did the Chase deny me? You might not have met one of its requirements. You will usually find out where you fell short. You might be able to rectify the issue or you might have to look elsewhere.
- How hard is it to get a Chase Sapphire Preferred card? If you meet all of the requirements, then it is relatively straightforward to get a Chase Sapphire Preferred card. The requirements are easier compared to Chase Sapphire Reserve card.
- Is there a limit to rewards/cash back on the Chase Sapphire Preferred card? No limit
- Can I get car rental insurance with a Chase Sapphire Preferred card? how? Yes, you can get car rental insurance with this card if you decline the collision cover of the rental company and pay for the entire cost of the rental car with this card.
Hotels.com Rewards Visa Card
The Hotels.Com has a $0 annual fee, but it doesn’t give you a free anniversary night and other perks that some of the other hotel cards offer. You do get more options for booking stays though since you get all the choices offered by Hotels.com. It’s a good choice for those who don’t want to be tied to a single hotel chain and want to take advantage of the Hotels.com loyalty program. You can also find hotels from all over the world.
The rewards program doesn’t offer a 1:1 ratio and can be confusing to figure out. There are also no bonus categories to allow you to earn rewards quicker.
Radisson Rewards Premier Visa Signature Card
If you usually go to Radisson hotels when you travel, this is the card for you. You can earn free stays at more than 1,200 hotels across the world including many of the sister airlines like Park Plaza and Park Inn. You also get up to 5 reward nights every year which gives you almost a whole week of free hotel stays.
If you sign up during the bonus phase, you get 85,000 points to get you started booking rooms and hotels. You can also get free room upgrades, free WIFI and breakfast, and extended stay options.
Understand How Cashback Credit Cards Work
What is a Hotel Credit Card?
There are two different types of hotel credit cards. A co-branded hotel credit card will have a specific hotel chain's name on it, such as Marriott or Hyatt.
You will get amazing perks and bonus rewards to that company’s hotels, but you won’t get options to book with other hotels. You may be able to book with their sister or partner airlines though if the card offers that choice.
General travel credit cards are not tied to a certain hotel, but you still get hotel rewards and points to redeem at many different hotel chains. You get more flexible rewards, but not as many perks as with specific hotel credit cards.
How to Maximize Hotel Credit Cards?
Maximizing your hotel credit card is essential to make sure you aren’t overpaying for it. Making the most of your hotel credits can be done by following these steps:
- Take advantage of all hotels offers and free nights
Most hotel credit cards give you a fourth or fifth free night after you book so many days. Always make sure you make room in your schedule to use this free night.
- Don’t waste your points
It’s easy to get busy during the year and not use your points before they expire. Try not to let this happen. Book an end-of-the-year trip or family vacation so you can use all your points.
- Be flexible with hotels and travel dates
Less fancy hotels will use fewer points. If you plan to travel often, make sure you aren’t staying at the most luxurious hotels every time. This also allows you to stay more nights at your destination since you are spending less at the hotels.
- Always book through the travel portal
Usually, you only get perks and free upgrades if you book through the hotel’s travel portal. This also gives you a 1:1 transfer ratio for most cards. Booking through the credit card’s travel portal such as the Chase Ultimate rewards or the Amex memebership club is the easiest way to redeem points automatically and get free perks.
5 Surprising Features You Can Find In Our Best Hotel Cards
The best hotel cards will usually have these 5 amazing features to give you the best perks and vacation time:
- Free anniversary nights. Most branded hotel credit cards give you a free night on your anniversary of holding the credit card.
- Free nights in the hotel. Good credit cards will give you a free fifth night if you book 4 nights. This allows you to extend your vacation by one day for free.
- More travel options. Most hotel credit cards will also give you options to redeem points for other travel-related expenses like airline fees and free Global Entry. This makes your vacation cheaper in many ways.
- Who doesn’t want to travel if you’re getting free upgrades? Hotel credit cards will give you free suite upgrades or more upscale fancy rooms for the same price.
- Extra Perks. Enjoy extra perks like free breakfast, free WIFI, early check-in, and early check-out to make your vacation more enjoyable.
How We Chose the Best Hotel Cards?
Choosing the best hotel cards mainly depends on the point earning potential. The best cards will give you points for everyday purchases such as groceries, dining out, and transportation. With these cards, you can earn points just going about your daily activities.
We also pick cards that offer more than one point for every dollar, such as cards that give 2 points for every dollar spent at supermarkets or certain restaurants. We also choose the best hotel cards based on how easy it is to get your annual fee back with free perks.
