10 Best Hotel Credit Cards
If you're a frequent traveler or simply love a good deal on accommodation, hotel credit cards can be your ultimate travel companion. These cards offer a range of functions, from earning hotel-specific rewards to providing exclusive perks such as free nights, complimentary upgrades, and priority check-ins. Beyond enhancing your travel experience, they also help you save money by offering significant discounts and loyalty bonuses.
The benefits of using hotel credit cards are hard to overlook. With features like high reward rates on hotel spending, points redeemable for stays, and access to elite statuses, these cards are ideal for anyone looking to maximize their travel budget. Below, we've rounded up the 10 best hotel credit cards based on rewards, annual fees, and benefits. Whether you're planning a quick getaway or a luxurious retreat, there's a card here to suit your needs.
1.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is designed for those who frequently stay at Marriott properties. It offers rewards and exclusive benefits for travelers who want to make the most of their Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.
6X Marriott Bonvoy® Points: Earn points on purchases at Marriott hotels and restaurants.
Free Night Award: Receive a free night (up to 50,000 points) each year on your cardmember anniversary.
Elite Status: Enjoy automatic Silver Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy®, with the potential to earn higher status based on spending.
Travel Insurance: Includes travel accident insurance, car rental loss/damage insurance, and baggage protection.
Global Lounge Collection: Access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide.
Free Night Award: Receive a free night (up to 50,000 points) each year on your cardmember anniversary.
Elite Status: Enjoy automatic Silver Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy®, with the potential to earn higher status based on spending.
Travel Insurance: Includes travel accident insurance, car rental loss/damage insurance, and baggage protection.
Global Lounge Collection: Access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® CardCheck HereMarriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card - - Great for earning Marriott points with elite perks.
Pros
High points earning potential for Marriott stays- Free night award each year
- Travel protections and lounge access
Cons
High annual fee- Rewards are more beneficial for Marriott loyalists
- Requires excellent credit
Key Features
6X points on Marriott purchases
Free night award annually
Automatic Silver Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy®
Access to 1,200+ airport lounges
Free night award annually
Automatic Silver Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy®
Access to 1,200+ airport lounges
Why Is Recommended
Ideal for loyal Marriott Bonvoy members who want to earn significant rewards for hotel stays and travel-related expenses. This card is perfect for those who frequently stay at Marriott hotels and want to enhance their loyalty benefits.
2.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Earn Hilton Honors points for purchases.
High-end travel benefits like complimentary status upgrades and resort credits.
High-end travel benefits like complimentary status upgrades and resort credits.
14 points per dollar at Hilton hotels.
7 points per dollar on dining, US supermarkets, and flights booked directly with airlines.
3 points per dollar on all other purchases.
150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
$250 Resort Credit each year at Hilton properties.
Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status, providing room upgrades, lounge access, and more.
7 points per dollar on dining, US supermarkets, and flights booked directly with airlines.
3 points per dollar on all other purchases.
150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
$250 Resort Credit each year at Hilton properties.
Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status, providing room upgrades, lounge access, and more.
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire CardCheck Here
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card - - Best for Hilton loyalists with premium benefits.
Pros
- Extremely high points earning at Hilton hotels and dining.
- Comprehensive benefits including $250 resort credit and Diamond status.
- Strong sign-up bonus.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- $450 annual fee.
- Best suited for frequent Hilton guests—less value for non-Hilton travelers.
- The $250 resort credit is specific to Hilton resorts.
Key Features
14 points per dollar at Hilton hotels.
150,000-point sign-up bonus.
Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status.
$250 annual resort credit.
$450 annual fee.
150,000-point sign-up bonus.
Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status.
$250 annual resort credit.
$450 annual fee.
Why Is Recommended
This card is best for frequent Hilton guests who want elite status benefits and premium travel perks. The high points earning at Hilton properties, along with Diamond status and the $250 resort credit, make it an attractive option for those who travel frequently and stay at Hilton properties.
3.
World of Hyatt Credit Card
Earn Hyatt points on purchases.
Special benefits like free night awards and automatic status upgrades.
Special benefits like free night awards and automatic status upgrades.
4 points per dollar at Hyatt hotels and resorts.
2 points per dollar on dining, flights, and fitness clubs.
1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
60,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Free night award each year after your card anniversary (at Category 1-4 Hyatt properties).
Automatic World of Hyatt Discoverist status, with benefits like room upgrades and early check-in.
2 points per dollar on dining, flights, and fitness clubs.
1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
60,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Free night award each year after your card anniversary (at Category 1-4 Hyatt properties).
Automatic World of Hyatt Discoverist status, with benefits like room upgrades and early check-in.
- World of Hyatt Credit CardCheck Here
World of Hyatt Credit Card - - Excellent for earning Hyatt points and free nights.
Pros
- High points earning at Hyatt properties.
- Free night certificate each year.
- Strong sign-up bonus (60,000 points).
- Complimentary Discoverist status, which provides hotel perks.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- $95 annual fee.
- Free night award is limited to Category 1-4 Hyatt properties.
- Points earning rate outside Hyatt-related purchases could be improved.
Key Features
4 points per dollar on Hyatt stays.
60,000-point sign-up bonus.
Free night certificate each year (Category 1-4).
Automatic Discoverist status.
$95 annual fee.
60,000-point sign-up bonus.
Free night certificate each year (Category 1-4).
Automatic Discoverist status.
$95 annual fee.
Why Is Recommended
Ideal for those who frequently stay at Hyatt hotels, this card provides excellent rewards on Hyatt-related purchases and a free night certificate each year. The automatic Discoverist status helps travelers get perks at Hyatt properties, making it a solid choice for loyal Hyatt guests.
4.
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
- IHG® Rewards Premier Credit CardCheck Here
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card - - Ideal for frequent IHG hotel guests.
5.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a travel rewards credit card that offers a generous points system for travel and dining purchases. It is popular for its low annual fee compared to other premium cards and strong value for frequent travelers.
2X Points on Travel and Dining: Earn two points per dollar on travel and dining purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: Large bonus offer for new cardholders who meet the spending requirement.
Travel Protection: Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay, and primary car rental insurance.
Point Redemption Flexibility: Use points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program, which provides extra value when booking flights and hotels.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers.
Sign-Up Bonus: Large bonus offer for new cardholders who meet the spending requirement.
Travel Protection: Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay, and primary car rental insurance.
Point Redemption Flexibility: Use points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program, which provides extra value when booking flights and hotels.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred CardCheck Here
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card - - Offers excellent travel rewards with no annual fee for active-duty service members, along with 2X points on travel and dining.
Pros
- Great value for travel and dining purchases
- Strong sign-up bonus
- Comprehensive travel insurance benefits
Cons
- Requires good credit for approval
- Lower rewards rate compared to premium cards
- Annual fee applies
Key Features
2X points on travel and dining
Travel protections
Flexible points redemption with Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Travel protections
Flexible points redemption with Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Why Is Recommended
This card is recommended for those who want a solid travel rewards card with a relatively low annual fee. It is perfect for individuals who travel occasionally and want to earn points for travel and dining, along with strong travel protections.
6.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
A travel rewards card that earns unlimited miles on every purchase.
Rewards: 2 miles per $1 on every purchase.
Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Fee Credit: $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Fee Credit: $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardCheck Here
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card - - Earn 2x miles on every purchase, and use your miles for flexible travel rewards, including flights, hotels, and car rentals.
Pros
- Simple 2x miles on every purchase.
- Big sign-up bonus.
- Global entry/PreCheck credit.
Cons
- High annual fee ($95).
- Limited bonus categories.
Key Features
Rewards: 2 miles per $1 on all purchases.
APR: 20.99% – 28.99% variable.
Annual Fee: $95.
Bonus: 75,000 miles after $4,000 in 3 months.
APR: 20.99% – 28.99% variable.
Annual Fee: $95.
Bonus: 75,000 miles after $4,000 in 3 months.
Why Is Recommended
Ideal for travelers who want simple, straightforward rewards with global travel benefits.
7.
American Express® Green Card
- American Express® Green CardCheck Here
American Express® Green Card - - Great for eco-conscious travelers with hotel benefits.
8.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is a travel rewards card that offers unlimited 1.5 points for every dollar spent on all purchases, with no annual fee. Points can be redeemed for travel expenses such as flights, hotel stays, vacation packages, and more.
Unlimited 1.5X Points: Earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases.
No Annual Fee: No yearly fee, making it an easy, cost-effective card to carry.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travel.
0% Introductory APR: 0% on purchases for the first 12 billing cycles (then 18.24%–26.24% variable APR).
Online Travel Redemption: Use points to book travel through the Bank of America Travel Center.
No Annual Fee: No yearly fee, making it an easy, cost-effective card to carry.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travel.
0% Introductory APR: 0% on purchases for the first 12 billing cycles (then 18.24%–26.24% variable APR).
Online Travel Redemption: Use points to book travel through the Bank of America Travel Center.
- Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit cardCheck Here
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card - - Perfect for earning travel rewards without an annual fee.
Pros
- Simple, flat-rate rewards structure
- No annual fees or foreign transaction fees
- 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months
Cons
- Lower rewards rate compared to premium travel cards
- No bonus categories or sign-up bonus for travel
- Limited flexibility for transferring points to airline/hotel partners
Key Features
1.5X points on all purchases
No annual fee
0% intro APR for 12 months
No foreign transaction fees
No annual fee
0% intro APR for 12 months
No foreign transaction fees
Why Is Recommended
This card is recommended for those who want a straightforward, no-fee travel rewards card. It's great for someone looking for an easy-to-manage card that earns rewards on every purchase without worrying about rotating categories or complex redemption rules.
9.
Radisson Rewards™ Premier Visa Signature® Card
Earns Radisson Rewards points on hotel stays and purchases.
Provides valuable perks like elite status and free night certificates.
Provides valuable perks like elite status and free night certificates.
10 points per dollar on Radisson hotel stays.
2 points per dollar on dining, grocery stores, and other eligible travel purchases.
1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Sign-up bonus: 85,000 Radisson Rewards bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Free Night Award: Earn one free night at any Radisson property (up to 50,000 points) each year after cardmember anniversary.
Gold Elite Status: Complimentary Gold Elite status with benefits like room upgrades and early check-in.
2 points per dollar on dining, grocery stores, and other eligible travel purchases.
1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Sign-up bonus: 85,000 Radisson Rewards bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Free Night Award: Earn one free night at any Radisson property (up to 50,000 points) each year after cardmember anniversary.
Gold Elite Status: Complimentary Gold Elite status with benefits like room upgrades and early check-in.
- Radisson Rewards™ Premier Visa Signature® CardCheck Here
Radisson Rewards™ Premier Visa Signature® Card - - Best for Radisson hotel stays and bonuses.
Pros
- High points earning rate for Radisson hotel stays (10 points per dollar).
- Complimentary Gold Elite status for cardholders.
- Strong sign-up bonus and annual free night award.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- $75 annual fee.
- Points earned on non-hotel purchases (1 point per dollar) is relatively low.
- Free night certificate is limited to properties that cost up to 50,000 points.
Key Features
10 points per dollar on Radisson hotel stays.
85,000-point sign-up bonus.
Free night certificate every year (up to 50,000 points).
Complimentary Gold Elite status.
$75 annual fee.
85,000-point sign-up bonus.
Free night certificate every year (up to 50,000 points).
Complimentary Gold Elite status.
$75 annual fee.
Why Is Recommended
For frequent Radisson hotel guests, this card offers significant rewards and benefits, including high points earning on hotel stays, a free night award each year, and complimentary Gold Elite status. It's a good choice for those looking to maximize their Radisson Rewards.
10.
Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Plus Card
A co-branded credit card that earns Wyndham Rewards points for hotel stays and other purchases.
Offers travel benefits and access to Wyndham Rewards program perks.
Offers travel benefits and access to Wyndham Rewards program perks.
3 points per dollar on Wyndham hotel stays.
2 points per dollar on dining, grocery stores, and eligible travel purchases.
1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Sign-up bonus: 45,000 Wyndham Rewards bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
Free Night Award: Earn a free night after every year of card membership (up to 15,000 points).
No annual fee.
2 points per dollar on dining, grocery stores, and eligible travel purchases.
1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Sign-up bonus: 45,000 Wyndham Rewards bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
Free Night Award: Earn a free night after every year of card membership (up to 15,000 points).
No annual fee.
- Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Plus CardCheck Here
Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Plus Card - - Ideal for Wyndham travelers with low fees.
Pros
- No annual fee, making it cost-effective for occasional travelers.
- Free night certificate every year.
- Good point earning structure, especially for Wyndham stays and dining/travel-related expenses.
- Easy-to-use rewards program for Wyndham Rewards members.
Cons
- Limited bonus categories compared to other hotel cards.
- Points earned on non-Wyndham purchases (1 point per dollar) are relatively low.
- Free night certificate is limited to properties that cost up to 15,000 points.
Key Features
3 points per dollar on Wyndham hotel stays.
Free Night Award each year.
45,000-point sign-up bonus.
No annual fee.
Free Night Award each year.
45,000-point sign-up bonus.
No annual fee.
Why Is Recommended
The Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Plus Card is ideal for those who frequently stay at Wyndham hotels and want to earn points quickly on travel-related purchases, including dining. The lack of an annual fee and the annual free night certificate make it a solid option for budget-conscious travelers.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hotel credit card can transform your travel experiences, helping you unlock exclusive benefits, save money, and enjoy memorable stays. By selecting a card tailored to your travel preferences, you can maximize rewards and enhance your adventures. Explore the options above to find the card that best fits your needs and start reaping the rewards today!