If you're a frequent guest of any hotel chains, picking up one of the best hotel credit cards is a game changer. These cards all earn rewards points that you can turn into free nights and score big savings on every trip. In addition, many hotel cards have special benefits that improve your travels, such as elite status in hotel loyalty programs, complimentary breakfasts, and even a statement credit towards hotel purchases. All you need is the right hotel credit card for you. You'll find the best offers below.
Best hotel credit cards
- Travel rewards bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Luxury travel perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Hotel rewards and savings: Citi Premier® Card
- Luxury travel perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Marriott benefits: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
- Frequent Marriott stays: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
- IHG® benefits: IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
- Hyatt benefits: The World of Hyatt Credit Card
- Premium Hilton benefits: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
- Hilton benefits: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Great for: Travel rewards bonus
Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
On Chase's Secure Website.
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. 4.50/5
Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
On Chase's Secure Website.
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With a big sign-up bonus, the sky’s the limit for this top-rated travel rewards card. Plus, the premium points program for travel and dining make it a no brainer for travel enthusiasts everywhere. Read Full Review
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- Big sign-up bonus
- Travel rewards
- Dining rewards
- Flexible travel points
- Consumer and travel protections
- Has an annual fee
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- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Enjoy benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
Great for: Luxury travel perks
Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Reserve®
On Chase's Secure Website.
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. 4.50/5
Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Reserve®
On Chase's Secure Website.
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The sign-up bonus, premium rewards for travel & dining, and wide array of valuable travel credits make this a compelling offer that will offset the cost of the annual fee for many. The array of limited time offers make it even more compelling. Read Full Review
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- Sign-up bonus
- Travel credits
- Airport lounge access
- Travel and dining rewards
- Flexible travel point
- Annual fee
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- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Earn 5x total points on air travel and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel
- With Pay Yourself BackSM, your points are worth 50% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority PassTM Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
Great for: Hotel rewards and savings
Apply Now for Citi Premier® Card
On Citi's Secure Website.
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. 4.50/5
Apply Now for Citi Premier® Card
On Citi's Secure Website.
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A solid pick with a big bonus and nice list of airlines transfer partners, plus it includes a robust rewards program beyond just travel Read Full Review
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- Big sign-up bonus
- Annual hotel savings offer
- Travel and dining rewards
- Grocery and gas rewards
- Flexible travel rewards points
- Annual fee
- Limited consumer and travel protections
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- For a limited time, earn 80,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Hotels
- Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
- 80,000 Points are redeemable for $800 in gift cards when redeemed at thankyou.com
- No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Great for: Luxury travel perks
Apply Now for The Platinum Card® from American Express
On American Express' Secure Website.
Terms apply
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. 4.50/5
Apply Now for The Platinum Card® from American Express
On American Express' Secure Website.
Terms apply
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The high annual fee is justifiable for frequent travelers who can take full advantage of a deep bench of valuable perks, including the big welcome bonus, robust rewards, and lucrative annual travel credits. Read Full Review
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- Big welcome bonus offer
- Substantial spending credits
- Airport lounge access
- Hotel benefits
- Flexible travel points
- Annual fee
- Limited bonus categories
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- Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. And if you fly, you can receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year after you select a qualifying airline and incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups are excluded.
- American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. There are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
- $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $25 back each month on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
- $189 CLEAR® Credit: Use your Card and get up to $189 back per year on your CLEAR® membership. CLEAR® is available at select airports and stadiums.
- $695 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Great for: Marriott benefits
Apply Now for Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
On Chase's Secure Website.
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. 4.00/5
Apply Now for Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
On Chase's Secure Website.
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The free nights sign-up bonus, premium hotel rewards earn rate, and deep bench of hotel properties makes this a compelling pick for hotel stays. Read Full Review
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- Sign-up bonus
- Automatic elite status
- Bonus rewards on Marriott Bonvoy purchases
- Consumer and travel protections
- Annual fee
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- Earn 3 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
- Earn 3X Bonvoy points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
- Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
- 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
- Earn up to 17X total Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.
- 2X Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite Status each account anniversary year, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
Great for: Frequent Marriott stays
Apply Now for Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
On American Express' Secure Website.
Terms apply
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. 4.00/5
Apply Now for Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
On American Express' Secure Website.
Terms apply
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This card has a hefty annual fee, but taking advantage of the big offer and litany of perks it offers can easily make it worth it for the right type of cardholder. Read Full Review
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- Big Marriott Bonvoy bonuses
- Travel credits
- Free night award
- Automatic Gold Elite status
- Airport lounge access
- Annual fee
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- Earn 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in purchases on the Card within the first 3 months.
- Each Card renewal year, get up to $300 in statement credits for purchases on the Card at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy™. Effective 9/22/22, the $300 Marriott Bonvoy statement credit benefit will no longer be available. It will be replaced with a NEW benefit of up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide.
- Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. 3 points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at a participating hotel. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy unlimited airport lounge visits when you enroll in Priority Pass™ Select membership.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $450 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
Great for: IHG® benefits
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. 4.50/5
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This card has a very lucrative bonus you can earn after opening an account, and allows you to rack up tons of point on hotel stays.
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- Big sign-up bonus
- Free night award
- Automatic elite status
- Bonus IHG® rewards
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee
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- Earn 140,000 Bonus Points + 1 Free Night after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Enjoy a Reward Night after each account anniversary year at eligible IHG hotels worldwide. Plus, enjoy a reward night when you redeem points for any stay of 3 or more nights
- Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
- Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier card member
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
- IHG Rewards bonus points are redeemable at hotels such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
The information related to IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected by The Ascent and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.
The World of Hyatt Credit Card
Great for: Hyatt benefits
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. 4.00/5
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The annual fee is well justified for even occasional Hyatt hotel customers, given the cards big bonus, free hotel stays, and robust points program.
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- Big travel sign-up bonus
- Bonus Hyatt rewards
- Free night award
- Automatic elite status
- Consumer and travel protections
- Annual fee
- Fewer properties than other hotel chains
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- Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent
- Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
- Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort.
- Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
- Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
- Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
- Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays - 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels & 5 Base Points per $1 you can earn as a World of Hyatt member
- Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
The information related to The World of Hyatt Credit Card has been collected by The Ascent and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Great for: Premium Hilton benefits
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. 4.50/5
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This card comes with a high annual fee, but if you travel frequently and love to stay with Hilton, the benefits of the card can easily outweigh the fee.
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- Big hotel rewards
- Generous travel credits
- Automatic Diamond status
- Weekend night award
- Airport lounge access
- Credits can be hard to use
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- Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors points by spending $4,000 in the first three months of card opening.
- Earn 14 points per $1 spent at Hilton properties.
- Earn 7 points per $1 spent on flights booked directly with the airline, rental cars booked through certain agencies, and dining in eligible U.S. restaurants.
- Earn 3 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
- Earn up to $600 in statement credits.
- Complimentary airport lounge access
- Complimentary Diamond status
The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by The Ascent. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Great for: Hilton benefits
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. 4.50/5
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Automatic Hilton Gold status is one of the many lucrative perks, including sky-high points for Hilton stays and for restaurants, groceries, and gas.
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- Big welcome bonus
- Automatic Gold elite status
- Airport lounge access
- Earn a free weekend night
- Bonus rewards in several spending categories
- U.S.-centric bonus categories
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- Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card after you use your new Card to make $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
- Earn a Weekend Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
- Earn 6X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations.
- Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
- Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year.
- $0 introductory annual fee, $95 thereafter
- Terms Apply.
The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card has been collected independently by The Ascent. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Overview of the best hotel credit cards
Here are the key details for the top hotel credit cards.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Great for: Travel rewards bonus
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers one of the bigger travel rewards bonuses we've come across. It earns versatile and valuable Ultimate Rewards points that you can use with multiple hotels.
Read the full Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Great for: Luxury travel perks
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a high-end travel card with a $300 annual spending credit towards travel purchases. Cardholders get special hotel benefits when booking with The Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection℠.
Read the full Chase Sapphire Reserve® review
Citi Premier® Card
Great for: Hotel rewards and savings
The Citi Premier® Card earns an impressive 3 points per $1 in multiple bonus categories, including hotel purchases. It includes a $100 hotel savings on a single hotel stay of $500 or more booked through thankyou.com once per calendar year.
Read the full Citi Premier® Card review
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Great for: Luxury travel perks
The Platinum Card® from American Express is packed with travel benefits, including a robust rewards program and valuable statement credits. Terms apply.
Read the full The Platinum Card® from American Express review
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Great for: Marriott benefits
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card has a modest annual fee that is justifiable even for the occasional traveler staying at Marriott properties. The rewards program and sign-up bonus are standout features.
Read the full Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card review
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
Great for: Marriott benefits
If you frequent Marriott properties, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card is a practical no-brainer. While the annual fee is high, it packs in a big welcome bonus and lucrative rewards program. Terms apply.
Read the full Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card review
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
Great for: IHG® benefits
The IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card offers a free night every account year, complimentary Platinum Elite status, and up to 25 points per $1 spent at IHG® hotels.
Read the full IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card review
The World of Hyatt Credit Card
Great for: Hyatt benefits
The World of Hyatt Credit Card includes up to two free nights per year, complimentary Hyatt Discoverist status, and a big introductory welcome bonus.
Read the full The World of Hyatt Credit Card review
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Great for: Premium Hilton benefits
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card includes a robust rewards program on Hilton Hotels, certain flights, and U.S. restaurants (terms apply). But you'll need to frequent the properties to make the most of the annual fee (see rates and fees).
Read the full Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card review
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Great for: Hilton benefits
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is the lower annual fee cousin of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. While the fee is lower, the card still includes a big welcome bonus and rich rewards program (terms apply, see rates and fees). This is the Hilton card to choose if you're staying at Hilton properties a few times per year.
Read the full Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card review
How does a hotel credit card work?
A hotel credit card earns points that you can redeem for free hotel stays. Most hotel credit cards are tied to a specific hotel chain and earn points in that hotel's loyalty program. These cards often have special hotel benefits, such as complimentary elite status in the hotel brand's loyalty program and free night certificates every card membership year.
There are also hotel credit cards that aren't tied to a specific hotel brand. Instead, they earn travel points that you can use for bookings with multiple hotel chains. Some of the best travel credit cards let you book with a variety of hotels and airlines using your rewards. Since they're not connected to a single hotel chain, these cards give you more flexibility with the hotels you book. But they usually don't have the hotel-specific benefits you get with more traditional hotel credit cards.
How to compare hotel credit cards
To compare hotel credit cards, first decide if you want a card tied to a hotel chain or a more general travel credit card with a rewards program that lets you book multiple hotels. This helps you narrow down your options.
Once you know which type of card you want, you can compare credit cards side by side. Here are the most important features to look at:
- Sign-up bonus: An introductory bonus for new cardholders. These bonuses typically include a bonus amount and a spending requirement, such as 100,000 points for spending $4,000 on eligible purchases in three months.
- Rewards: The amount of points a credit card earns on eligible purchases. Hotel credit cards usually earn more points in certain bonus categories, such as purchases at the hotel itself.
- Annual fee: The annual cost of a credit card. You can find hotel credit cards at every price point, from no annual fee at all to over $500 per year. Many of the best credit card offers fall into the $95-to-$250 range.
- Hotel benefits: Any special hotel perks the credit card offers, either with a specific hotel or multiple hotels. Popular hotel benefits include complimentary elite status, free night certificates, and hotel booking discounts.
What is the best credit card for hotels?
The best credit card for hotels is The Platinum Card® from American Express. It includes complimentary Marriott Bonvoy™ Gold Elite Status and Hilton Honors Gold Status (enrollment required), premium rewards on hotels booked through amextravel.com, and complimentary benefits at over 1,000 properties through the Fine Hotels & Resorts® program. It also earns American Express Membership Rewards points that are transferable to multiple hotel chains. Terms apply. Although it has a $550 annual fee (see rates and fees), it's the perfect choice if you want luxury perks with a variety of hotels.
Keep in mind that no hotel credit card is right for everybody. Depending on your travel habits, you may prefer a different option, such as a travel credit card with one hotel chain that you visit frequently. Or, if you travel outside the United States quite a bit, it would make sense to review credit cards for international travel. Check out all the best hotel credit cards so you can pick the one that will reward you the most.
Pros and cons of hotel cards
Here are the biggest pros and cons of hotel credit cards:
Pros
- Money-saving hotel benefits
- Hotel rewards on purchases
- Big sign-up bonus offers
RELATED: See The Ascent's list of the best sign-up bonus credit cards
Cons
- Most hotel credit cards charge an annual fee
- Rewards may be tied to a single hotel chain
- High interest rates
Now, let's take a closer look at the advantages of hotel cards:
- Money-saving hotel benefits: The perks offered by the best hotel credit cards can save you hundreds of dollars in travel expenses every year. Free nights, elite status, and other benefits make hotel bookings much more affordable and improve the quality of your stay.
- Hotel rewards on purchases: Every hotel card earns points that you can use to book a hotel stay. They also almost always have bonus categories, which are great for maximizing credit card rewards.
- Big sign-up bonus offers: Credit cards with a sign-up bonus provide lots of upfront value. While bonus amounts vary depending on the rewards credit card, most hotel cards start you off with a big bonus reward that can get you one or more free nights.
It's also important to consider the disadvantages of hotel credit cards:
- Most hotel credit cards charge an annual fee: You can find travel cards with no annual fee, including hotel cards, but these are few and far between. They also don't offer nearly as much value as hotel cards with an annual fee.
- Rewards may be tied to a single hotel chain: The traditional hotel rewards credit card earns points in one hotel chain's loyalty program. If you get this type of card, then you can't use your points anywhere else or for any other travel, such as airfare.
- High interest rates: Rewards credit cards, which include hotel cards, tend to have higher interest rates than cards that don't earn any rewards. This isn't an issue if you pay your bill in full every month, but if you plan to carry a balance, it's better to look at 0% intro APR credit cards.
Is a hotel credit card right for you?
A hotel credit card is right for you if you stay at hotels multiple times per year. If you usually stay at the same hotel chain, look for a card with that hotel. Cards tied to a specific hotel loyalty program can be very rewarding for the hotel's most loyal guests. If you don't have a particular hotel you use most, then a more all-purpose hotel rewards card would be a better choice.
| Card | Rating | Great For |
|---|---|---|
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
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Great For: Travel rewards bonus |
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
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Great For: Luxury travel perks |
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
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Great For: Hotel rewards and savings |
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Terms apply
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
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Great For: Luxury travel perks |
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Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
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Great For: Marriott benefits |
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Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
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Great For: Frequent Marriott stays |
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
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Great For: IHG® benefits |
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Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
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Great For: Hyatt benefits |
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
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Great For: Premium Hilton benefits |
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
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Great For: Hilton benefits |
FAQs
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A hotel credit card earns rewards points that are redeemable for hotel stays. Traditional hotel credit cards are connected to one hotel chain and earn points in the loyalty program for that hotel. They also usually have extra perks with the hotel, such as certificates for free nights or elite status in the hotel's loyalty program. The other type of hotel card is general travel cards that earn points you can use for hotel bookings or other travel.
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Compare hotel credit cards by looking at the following features:
- Sign-up bonuses, including bonus point amounts and spending requirements
- Hotel point rewards rates on purchases
- Annual fees
- Extra hotel benefits
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The Platinum Card® from American Express is the best card for hotels overall. This card offers the most versatile hotel benefits, including elite status with multiple hotels, complimentary benefits through its Fine Hotels & Resorts® program, premium rewards on hotel bookings through amextravel.com, and flexible points redeemable with several different hotels. Terms apply and select enrollment is required. Instead of being limited to a single hotel, you can use this American Express card to save money at properties from different brands all over the world.
If you have one hotel chain you stay with all the time, then a rewards card with that hotel is likely best for you. In that case, you can get the most value through the benefits a credit card tied to that hotel chain offers.
About the Author
Lyle Daly is a personal finance writer who specializes in credit cards, travel rewards programs, and banking. He writes for The Ascent and The Motley Fool, and his work has appeared in USA Today and Yahoo! Finance. He was born in California but currently lives as a digital nomad with a home base in Colombia.
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