Choosing the right hotel credit card can feel daunting, especially with many options offering enticing perks and rewards. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler looking to unlock luxury stays for less or someone planning your next family vacation, choosing the best hotel credit card can turn ordinary trips into extraordinary experiences.
However, with so many hotel credit cards on the market, how do you select the one that delivers the most value? You’ll want to select a card that aligns with your travel goals and enhances your overall hotel experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider, so you can start traveling smarter—and saving more.
1. Look at the Welcome Bonus
One quickest way to earn free hotel stays is through a credit card’s welcome bonus. Many hotel credit cards offer bonuses worth several nights’ accommodation, but there’s more to it than just the number of points. Consider both the size of the bonus and the spending requirement to achieve it.
For example, with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, a welcome bonus of 100,000 points—after spending $5,000 in the first three months—could get you up to five free nights at select Marriott properties.
If you’re looking for the best hotel rewards credit card, it’s worth comparing these bonuses to see which one fits your spending habits and travel goals. Keep in mind that a welcome bonus alone might not make it the best hotel credit card—you’ll also want to evaluate the ongoing benefits.
2. Know Your Travel Style: Chain Loyalty vs. Flexibility
Choosing between a co-branded hotel credit card and a general travel rewards card depends largely on your travel habits. If you’re loyal to a particular hotel chain, a co-branded card can offer free nights, upgrades, and extra points on every stay.
If you’re asking yourself, “Do you need a credit card to book a hotel?” In most cases, yes. Hotels often require a credit card for reservations and incidentals, and using the best hotel rewards credit card can help you earn points on every stay.
For frequent Hilton guests, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass card offers a solid rewards program and automatic Gold status, which includes benefits like room upgrades and complimentary breakfast.
However, if you like to stay at various hotels or boutique properties, a general rewards card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred may be the best credit card for hotel points. It allows you to earn and transfer points across multiple hotel loyalty programs.
3. Evaluate Point-Earning Potential
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The best hotel credit cards reward more than just hotel stays; they also offer bonus points for everyday purchases like dining, groceries, and gas. Some cards even provide higher rates of return in these categories, making it easy to accumulate points outside of travel.
For instance, the IHG Rewards Premier Card offers up to 10x points on IHG hotel stays, 5x on dining and gas, and 3x on all other purchases. Other perks include no foreign transaction fees when you use this card abroad and statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS.
If you’re looking for the best free credit card for hotels, the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card allows you to earn without an annual fee while still offering decent rewards for everyday spending.
4. Weigh the Annual Fee Against the Perks
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Many premium hotel credit cards come with annual fees, but don’t let that deter you—these fees can be offset by valuable benefits. A single free anniversary night or elite status upgrades can easily outweigh the cost of the card. When choosing the best hotel credit card, consider if the perks justify the annual fee.
For instance, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express card charges a $650 annual fee but offers a free night award valued at up to 85,000 points, which can be worth more than the fee itself.
If you don’t travel frequently, you may want to consider the best free credit card for hotels that offer rewards without an annual fee. The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is one example, offering 60,000 Bonus points plus a free night award with no annual fee.
5. Consider Elite Status Benefits
One of the biggest perks of hotel credit cards is automatic elite status, which can significantly elevate your stay. Elite status is typically tied to a hotel’s loyalty program and can unlock many benefits beyond just earning points. Depending on the card and the loyalty program, elite status can offer perks such as:
- Room upgrades: Upgrade to a better room, such as a suite or a room with a better view, without paying extra.
- Late check-out: Many elite statuses offer guaranteed late check-out, allowing you to enjoy more time at the hotel without additional charges.
- Free breakfast: Several hotel chains, like Hilton and Marriott, offer complimentary breakfast to guests with elite status, a perk that can save you a substantial amount over the course of a stay.
- Bonus points: Elite status often comes with a points multiplier, allowing you to earn even more rewards on every stay.
For business travelers, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire card offers top-tier Diamond status, which includes perks like premium room upgrades and access to executive lounges—making it a contender for the best credit card for hotels.
6. Look at Foreign Transaction Fees
If you frequently travel internationally, be sure to choose a card with no foreign transaction fees. These fees can quickly add up, eating into the rewards you’ve earned with your hotel rewards credit card. Many of the best credit cards for hotel points, like the World of Hyatt Credit Card, waive these fees, making them ideal for frequent international travelers.
7. Check Redemption Options
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Before signing up for a hotel credit card, make sure the redemption process is flexible and straightforward. Some of the best hotel credit cards allow you to redeem points for free nights even during peak travel times, while others offer a “points and cash” option to stretch the value of your rewards.
Additionally, look at how valuable each card’s points are. The best credit card for hotel points is one that gives you maximum value when you redeem them for stays, allowing you to get more out of your hard-earned rewards.
Takeaway
With the right hotel credit card, everyday purchases can turn into incredible travel rewards. Whether you’re after free nights, elite status, or valuable perks like upgrades and free breakfast, there’s a card out there that fits your travel style. Now that you’re armed with these essential tips, it’s time to compare options and find the best hotel credit card that aligns with your needs.
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