- Some of the best co-branded hotel credit cards include the Hilton Honors American Express Card, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, and World of Hyatt Business Credit Card, among others.
- Some hotel credit cards are co-branded with specific hotel chains, while others are general travel credit cards with hotel-related perks. If you’re loyal to a specific hotel brand, a co-branded card could be tremendously beneficial, but if you stay at different chains, a general travel card may be more suitable.
- Many hotel cards come with premium benefits like free night rewards, complimentary elite status, and more. These cards typically have higher annual fees, but the value of their benefits can far outweigh the yearly cost.
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On This Page
- Key takeaways
- Our top picks for the best hotel credit cards
- Comparing the best hotel credit cards
- Best hotel credit cards of 2024: Editorial reviews
- What is a hotel credit card?
- How do hotel credit cards work?
- Benefits of using a hotel card
- How to redeem hotel rewards points for a free night
- How to choose a hotel credit card
- Are hotel credit cards worth it?
- How we picked our top cards
- Other credit card options
- Hotel credit cards FAQ
- Recommended articles
On This Page
- Key takeaways
- Our top picks for the best hotel credit cards
- Comparing the best hotel credit cards
- Best hotel credit cards of 2024: Editorial reviews
- What is a hotel credit card?
- How do hotel credit cards work?
- Benefits of using a hotel card
- How to redeem hotel rewards points for a free night
- How to choose a hotel credit card
- Are hotel credit cards worth it?
- How we picked our top cards
- Other credit card options
- Hotel credit cards FAQ
- Recommended articles
Best Hotel Rewards Credit Cards of 2024 | Earn Hotel Loyalty Points
LA Times Compare Team
+ 1 other
Reviewed By
Blake Esken - Los Angeles Times
Our top picks for the best hotel credit cards
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best Overall
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Best for IHG Loyalists
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for Premium Flexible Rewards
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Best for Hilton Loyalists
- Hilton Honors American Express Card: Best for Hilton – No Annual Fee
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Best for Marriott Loyalists
- World of Hyatt Business Credit Card: Best for Hyatt – Business
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for Luxury Perks
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for Simple Earning & Redemption
Our top picks for the best hotel credit cards
Advertiser Disclosure
Best Overall
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Earn 5X points on travel booked through Chase, 3X points on dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services, and 1X points on other purchases.
Annual Fee
$95
Welcome Offer
75,000 points
Regular APR
21.49% to 28.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
Although co-branded cards are unmatched in the benefits they provide for specific hotel chains, if you like to switch up where you stay and aren’t loyal to a particular hotel brand, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card may be just what you’re looking for. With this card, you earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points on every purchase, and when you use those points to book hotel stays through the Chase Travel portal, you get 25% extra value. You can also transfer your points at a 1:1 ratio to several hotel loyalty programs. Whether you prefer to stay at a swanky resort or a budget-friendly hotel, the Chase Sapphire Preferred gives you the freedom to choose and maximize your hotel rewards without being tied down to one specific chain.
Best for IHG Loyalists
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Up to 26X Reward Rate
Earn up to 26 points per $1 spent when staying at an IHG hotel. Earn 5X points for every dollar spent at gas stations, U.S. restaurants, and on travel, and 3X points on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$99
Welcome Offer
140,000 points
Regular APR
21.49% to 28.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
For IHG hotel loyalists, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is top tier. With an array of perks like an annual free night, complimentary Platinum Elite status, and a substantial welcome bonus, this card is a fantastic choice for those who frequently stay at IHG hotels.
It does have a $99 annual fee, so if you’re not dedicated to staying with IHG, you may not find enough value for that fee. If you tend to choose this hotel chain time and time again, though, the perks could far outweigh the yearly cost.
Best for Premium Flexible Rewards
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Up to 10X Reward Rate
Earn 10X points on hotels and car rentals through the Chase portal, 10X points on Chase Dining purchases, 5X points on flights booked through Chase, 3X points on travel and dining, and 1X points on all non-bonus spending.
Annual Fee
$550
Welcome Offer
75,000 points
Regular APR
22.49% to 29.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
Why we like it
Even though the Chase Sapphire Reserve isn’t a hotel credit card, specifically, it comes with a multitude of flexible travel benefits. Starting strong, it has an annual $300 travel credit that can be used toward hotel bookings (and other travel bookings) made in the Chase Travel portal. Additionally, the points that are earned on the Reserve are through Chase Ultimate Rewards, meaning they’re extra flexible to redeem. Bookings made through Chase Travel are worth 50% more, and they can also be transferred 1:1 to various hotel or airline partners. On top of that, this card has perks like airport lounge access and travel insurance benefits, to give you extra comfort and peace of mind while traveling. If you’re not loyal to a specific hotel brand, the Chase Sapphire Reserve can give you flexibility with your bookings without sacrificing value and rewards.
Best for Hilton Loyalists
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Up to 12X Reward Rate
Earn 12X points on eligible purchases made directly with Hilton hotels and resorts, earn 6X points on eligible U.S. dining, U.S. gas station, and U.S. supermarket purchases, and earn 3-4X points on other purchases (see card details).
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Annual Fee
$150
Welcome Offer
130,000 points
Regular APR
20.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is a great choice for Hilton loyalists, offering complimentary elite status, a high rewards rate for Hilton purchases, and a generous welcome offer.
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Card Details
More Card Info
- Get up to $200 back each year on eligible Hilton purchases after you use your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.
- Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors ™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® 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.
- Enjoy complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status. Enrollment in the complimentary Emerald Club® program is required. Terms apply.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- Automatic Hilton Gold status
- Ability to earn a free night with enough spending
- Up to $200 in Hilton statement credits (up to $50 in statement credits each quarter)
Cons
- Has an annual fee
- High spending requirement for Free Night Award
- Limited redemption options
Bottom Line
You won’t get a complimentary Free Night Award with this card but it still offers a multitude of valuable benefits for the Hilton loyalist.
Best for Hilton – No Annual Fee
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Up to 7X Reward Rate
Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points per dollar spent on eligible Hilton purchases, 5X points per dollar on eligible U.S. restaurant, U.S. supermarket, and U.S. gas station purchases, and 3X on all other purchases.
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Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
80,000 Points
Regular APR
20.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
The Hilton Honors American Express Credit Card is an entry-level card with no annual fees that offers an enticing welcome offer, generous category bonuses, and travel protections.
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Card Details
More Card Info
- Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Automatic Hilton Silver status
- 20% bonus points on eligible stays
Cons
- Low point redemption value
- Need good or excellent credit to qualify
- Fewer perks than some travel cards
Bottom Line
If you’re opposed to paying an annual fee for a hotel card, this one offers decent rewards for no yearly charge. It’s pretty lackluster on other benefits, though.
Best for Marriott Loyalists
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Up to 6X Reward Rate
Earn 6X points per dollar spent at participating hotels, 3X points at restaurants worldwide, 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X points on other eligible purchases.
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Annual Fee
$650
Welcome Offer
95,000 points
Regular APR
20.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
For the Marriott loyalist, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is full of potential. It comes with a high reward rate on Marriott purchases, along with high-value perks like complimentary Platinum Elite status and various statement credits.
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Card Details
More Card Info
- $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
- With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
- Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year.
- $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
- Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Cell Phone Protection
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- Extensive perks
- Generous rewards rate
- Many eligible properties worldwide
Cons
- High annual fee
- Few redemption options
- Large spending requirement for welcome offer
Bottom Line
This card has plenty of value to outweigh the annual fee if you’re a Marriott loyalist, but could be difficult for the average traveler to justify.
Best for Hyatt – Business
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
Up to 9X Reward Rate
Earn up to 9X points spent at Hyatt — 4X points when you use your card at Hyatt hotels plus 5X base points as a World of Hyatt member. Earn 2X points on your top 3 spend categories each quarter (through 12/31/24, then your top 2 categories each quarter), earn 2X points on fitness club and gym memberships, and earn 1X points on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$199
Welcome Offer
60,000 points
Regular APR
21.49% to 28.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
If you prefer to stay at Hyatt hotels when on your business endeavors, the World of Hyatt Business card is a must-have. For a moderate $199 annual fee, you can access valuable perks like complimentary Discoverist status (which entitles you to benefits like room upgrades and late checkouts), a Free Night Award, and more. Additionally, this card has a substantial welcome offer and a generous reward-earning rate, so it’s easy to earn points, and those points can be redeemed for even more free nights. Overall, this card is an excellent choice for business travelers who prioritize comfort and convenience.
Best for Luxury Perks
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year), 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, and 1X points on other purchases.
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Annual Fee
$695
Welcome Offer
80,000 points
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
The American Express Platinum card offers elite status with two major hotel chains — Hilton and Marriott. We do realize that it has a high annual fee but if you can take advantage of its benefits, it can easily be worth it.
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Card Details
More Card Info
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) 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 Up Benefits are excluded.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $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. Terms Apply.
- $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
- $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
- $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
- Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- Excellent rewards rate for travel purchases
- Qualify for $1,500+ in statement credits
- Very generous welcome offer
Cons
- High annual fee of $695
- Many statement credit offers are too specific and hard to use
- Non-travel-perks aren’t spectacular
Bottom Line
This is quite a spectacular card with incredibly valuable benefits, but the annual fee is objectively very high.
Best for Simple Earning & Redemption
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Earn 5X miles per dollar on hotel stays or rental cars booked through Capital One’s portal and 2X miles on all other purchases.
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Annual Fee
$95
Welcome Offer
75,000 miles
Regular APR
19.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
It’s easy to earn rewards with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, with a rate of 2X miles on every dollar you spend. It also offers a higher rate on eligible travel purchases, and the rewards you earn are simple and flexible to redeem.
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Card Details
More Card Info
- Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Pros
- Travel insurance protections incuded
- Earn flexible rewards for travel
- Reasonable $95 annual fee
Cons
- Requires good or excellent credit
- No everyday spending bonus categories
- High APR
Bottom Line
The massive sign-up offer and generous, flexible rewards make this card a great option for casual travelers.
Comparing the best hotel credit cards
Card name
Best for
Annual fee
Reward rate
Learn more
Best Overall
$95
1X-5X points
Best for IHG Loyalists
$99
3X-26X points
Best for Premium Flexible Rewards
$550
1X-10X points
Best for Hilton Loyalists
$150
3X-12X points
Best for Hilton – No Annual Fee
$0
3X-7X points
Best for Marriott Loyalists
$650
2X-21X points
Best for Hyatt – Business
$199
1X-9X points
Best for Luxury Perks
$695
1X-5X points
Best for Simple Earning & Redemption
$95
2X-5X miles
Find the perfect credit card to reward you for your hotel stays
COMPARE CARDS
What is a hotel credit card?
A hotel credit card is a travel credit card that earns points with a hotel chain, like Hilton or Marriott. If you’re loyal to one hotel brand, a co-branded hotel credit card can reward you for remaining loyal, with perks like free night rewards, elite status, and more.
How do hotel credit cards work?
Hotel credit cards allow you to earn points and rewards, but how much you can earn depends on the hotel’s rewards policy and the type of card you carry. Every dollar you spend can earn you points, and these points add up in your card’s hotel loyalty account. You can redeem these points toward hotel-specific perks through the hotel rewards program.
How do hotel rewards programs work?
Hotel rewards programs are a kind of loyalty program offered by a specific hotel or chain. When you earn points with your hotel credit card, you can redeem these points toward perks like room upgrades, free nights, and even credits to use toward the in-room minibar. These available perks vary based on the loyalty program you’re with.
How much are hotel points worth?
Hotel points can be redeemed at around 1 cent per point, but it varies based on the hotel’s loyalty program.
Here’s how much hotel points are estimated to be worth with some of the most popular loyalty programs:
| Rewards Program | Estimated Point Value | Estimated Value of 20k Points |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Honors | 0.6 cents per point | $120 |
| IHG One Rewards | 0.8 cents per point | $160 |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 0.8 cents per point | $160 |
| World of Hyatt | 2.4 cents per point | $480 |
| Wyndham Rewards | 1.1 cent per point | $220 |
Benefits of using a hotel card
The benefits a hotel credit card offers can vary from card to card but these are some of the best perks you may be able to get:
Free night rewards
One of the most coveted benefits of a hotel credit card is the ability to earn free nights. Often, this perk rolls around yearly, around your cardmember anniversary. Some cards even offer extra free nights as a part of a new cardholder sign-up bonus after you spend a certain amount within a set time.
Best hotel credit cards with free night rewards
| Card | Free Night Reward | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card | Earn a Free Night Reward after spending $15,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year | $150 |
| IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card | Earn a Free Night Reward each cardmember anniversary | $99 |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card | Earn a Free Night Reward every year after your card renewal month | $650 |
Elite status
Many hotel loyalty programs offer complimentary elite status to cardholders. Being an elite member can entitle you to a variety of perks such as room upgrades, bonus rewards on your hotel bookings, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, earlier check-in, late check-out, and more.
Best hotel credit cards with complimentary elite status
| Hotel Chain | Card | Complimentary Elite Status Offered | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton & Marriott | The Platinum Card® from American Express | Gold status – Hilton Honors Gold Elite status – Marriott Bonvoy |
$695 |
| Hilton | The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card | Gold status – Hilton Honors | $150 |
| Hilton | Hilton Honors American Express Card | Silver Elite status – Hilton Honors | $0 |
| Marriott | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card | Platinum Elite status – Marriott Bonvoy | $650 |
| IHG | IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card & IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card | Platinum Elite status – IHG One Rewards | $99 |
| Hyatt | World of Hyatt Business Credit Card | Discoverist Elite status – World of Hyatt | $199 |
Other hotel credit card benefits
Some hotel credit cards may offer high-value benefits like airport lounge access, travel insurance, statement credits, free in-room wifi, free breakfast, and more.
How to redeem hotel rewards points for a free night
It’s usually a straightforward process to redeem hotel rewards points, and the process tends to be similar between different loyalty programs. Often, redeeming your points for hotel stays gives you the most “bang for your buck.”
Here’s an example of what the process to redeem points may look like:
- Log into your account on the hotel’s app or website
- Enter your travel details and select “reward nights,” “use points,” or something similar to see properties that will let you redeem points to book them.
- Click “select hotel” or something similar to see more information on what rooms they have available and their rates.
- Select the room you want to book and review the reservation details. If your points cover the entire stay, it should note that. If you need to pay additional to cover the rest, it should also note that.
- Book your free night!
How to maximize hotel rewards
Sign up for the hotel’s loyalty program
Most hotel credit cards automatically enroll you in their loyalty program, but not all. Make sure you’re signed up to earn extra points on top of what you already get from your card.
Book directly
Typically, you get the most rewards points from your hotel card for booking directly with the hotel chain or through your credit card issuer’s travel portal, rather than through a third-party service.
Make sure you can earn the sign-up bonus
These bonuses can be worth thousands of hotel points but require you to spend a certain amount in a set time. Plan accordingly when applying for a hotel credit card to ensure you can earn the bonus.
How to choose a hotel credit card
When choosing a hotel credit card, there are a few key factors you’ll want to consider:
1
Pick a hotel chain
If you regularly stay with a particular hotel, this step may be a no-brainer. If you’re between a few, think about factors like where certain hotels are located. You don’t want to get a Hilton-branded hotel credit card, for example, and then travel to a destination without Hilton hotels.
If you aren’t ready to commit to one chain yet, general travel credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card can give you elevated rewards for your hotel bookings while allowing you to be more flexible with where you choose to stay.
2
Look at the sign-up bonus
Many co-branded hotel credit cards offer generous sign-up bonuses to new card members who spend a certain amount in a set time frame. These bonuses can allow you to earn extra points, free night rewards, and more, depending on the card you choose. Sometimes, using a tool like CardMatch can help you score an even higher sign-up bonus on select cards.
3
Consider the benefits and rewards
Some hotel cards only offer elevated rewards earning on purchases made with their chain while others offer rewards for everyday spending, like on dining or grocery purchases. If you spend more in a certain category than another, look for a card that can reward you for those purchases.
Additionally, many hotel cards offer annual free night rewards, hotel elite status, and airport lounge access. Consider the value of these benefits to you and whether you’ll be able to utilize them. We’ll explain these benefits in greater detail as you keep reading.
4
Budget for annual fees
Some hotel credit cards have no annual fee, while others charge hundreds of dollars. Think about your budget and whether you’ll be able to get enough value from a card to make its annual fee worth it.
Are hotel credit cards worth it?
Hotel credit cards can be well worth it if you have a certain brand of hotel that you prefer to remain loyal to. However, if you don’t, you may want to opt for a different type of travel credit card with a more flexible rewards system.
How we picked our top cards
We try to find cards that offer luxury perks like a free night each year, among other high-rated rewards. While not every card offers a free night, we’ve also considered other factors like fees, rewards, sign-up bonuses, redemption values, rewards structure, and more to find the best hotel credit cards available to you.
Advertiser Disclosure
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Other credit card options
- Looking for a card that can give you flexible travel or airline rewards? Check out our guides on the best travel rewards credit cards and best airline credit cards.
- Want a credit card that can let you earn rewards on everyday purchases? Head over to our guides on the best cash-back credit cards and the best rewards credit cards.
- Need to rebuild your credit to qualify for one of the top credit cards? Consider getting a credit card for bad credit or a secured credit card.
- Interested in a specific credit card issuer? Explore our guides on the best American Express credit cards, the best Chase credit cards, and the best Capital One credit cards.
Hotel credit cards FAQ
Should I get a hotel card?
It’s a good idea to consider a hotel card if you are a regular guest at a specific hotel chain. Many major hotel chains offer a hotel credit card, making it likely your hotel of choice will, too.
Many cardholders can find that they can easily get their money’s worth with these cards. The perks often make up for fees and costs, but only you know whether a hotel card is right for you. Weigh the costs and benefits against your spending habits to make sure you’re making the right choice.
Which credit card is best for hotel rewards?
If you are looking to get hotel rewards points from your credit cards, the best option is to choose a hotel-branded credit card from your hotel chain of choice. Typically, if you are looking to cash out your card points on hotels, choosing cards with hotel-specific points will get you farther than if you were to choose a general travel rewards card.
Here are the best hotel rewards cards for major hotel chains that can help you rack up points:
- Best credit card for hotel rewards from IHG:
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card - Best credit card for hotel rewards from Hilton:
Hilton Honors Surpass American Express Credit Card - Best credit card for hotel rewards from Marriott:
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Credit Card - Best business credit card for hotel rewards from Hyatt:
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
Can hotel points expire?
Yes, hotel points can expire. However, if your account remains active and in good standing, your points often won’t expire.
Here’s the expiration policy of a few popular rewards programs:
| Hotel rewards program | Expiration policy |
|---|---|
| Hilton Honors | Points expire after 2 years of no qualifying account activity |
| IHG Rewards | Points expire after 1 year of no qualifying account activity |
| Marriott Bonvoy | Points expire after 2 years of no qualifying account activity |
| World of Hyatt | Points expire after 2 years of no qualifying account activity |
“Qualifying account activity” usually refers to anything that keeps your account active, like making purchases, transferring points, or redeeming points. This can vary from program to program so make sure you know what is needed to keep your account active with your particular loyalty program.
Are hotel points transferable?
Sometimes, but we don’t usually recommend it. The transfer rate is often sub-par so it’s best to redeem your points toward hotel stays. If you want more flexibility, a general travel rewards credit card can provide more redemption options.
The comparison team is a proud partner of the LA Times and is a combination of expert writers, editors, and contributors specially selected for their extensive experience writing and working in the financial industry. Every article written is thoroughly researched, edited, reviewed, and then fact-checked by a member of The LA Times staff before publication to ensure you receive accurate information.
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* Opinions expressed here are those of the LA Times Compare Cards Team and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser or entities included within this content. See our editorial policy for more details.
All products or services are presented in this content without warranty. The information, including card details such as rates and fees, is accurate at the time of publish. Please visit each bank's website directly for the most current information.