7 Best Hotel Credit Cards of April 2023

1. Best Overall Value

   IHG(R) Rewards Premier Credit Card

   Our Partner

   • Rewards Rate:

     10x points on IHG purchases

   • Annual Free Night:

     Yes

   • Annual Fee:

     $99

   Learn More

2. Best with No Annual Fee

   Hilton Honors

   Card by American Express

   Our Partner

   • Rewards Rate:

     7x on Hilton purchases

   • Annual Free Night:

     No

   • Annual Fee:

     $0

   Learn More

3. Best for International Travel

   Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant(R) American Express(R) Card

   Our Partner

   • Rewards Rate:

     6x points on Marriott purchases

   • Annual Free Night:

     Yes

   • Annual Fee:

     $650

   Learn More

4. Best for Luxury Travel

   Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

   Our Partner

   • Rewards Rate:

     14x points on Hilton purchases

   • Annual Free Night:

     Yes

   • Annual Fee:

     $450

   Learn More

5. Best for Business

   Marriott Bonvoy Business(R) American Express(R) Card

   Our Partner

   • Rewards Rate:

     6x points on Marriott purchases

   • Annual Free Night:

     Yes

   • Annual Fee:

     $125

   Learn More

Whether on vacation or business, hotels can make or break your travel experience — and your budget as well.

Hotel credit cards can help alleviate some of that cost, or simply make your stay a lot more comfortable and enjoyable thanks to the many benefits they offer.

Here, we picked some of the best hotel credit cards from a variety of hotel chains that can reward frequent travelers and occasional vacationers alike.

Our Top Picks for Best Hotel Credit Cards of April 2023

• IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card —Best Overall Value

• Hilton Honors™ Card by American Express — Best No Annual Fee

• Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card — Best for Budget Travel

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card — Best for International Travel

• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card — Best for Business

• Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Card — Best for Small Businesses

• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card — Best for Luxury Travel

• Other Hotel Credit Cards We Considered

Best Hotel Credit Cards Reviews

Best Overall: IHG(R) Rewards Premier Credit Card

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Our Partner

Pros

• Anniversary free night

• Low $99 annual fee

• TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS statement credit every four years

• 5x points on travel, dining and gas

Cons

• No rental insurance

HIGHLIGHTS

Annual fee

$99

Status upgrade

Platinum Elite Status

Why we chose it: The IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card offers some of the best rewards in its class, including an annual free night, a TSA PreCheck statement credit every four years and 10x on IHG purchases.

The IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card has some of the best rewards and perks available among cards with annual fees in the $100 range.

This includes 10x points for purchases made at IHG properties, which include well-known hotels such as the Regent, Intercontinental Hotels and the Holiday Inn, as well as lower cost options like Hotel Indigo and Candlewood Suites. In addition, cardholders get 10x points for being a hotel member and 6x bonus points for being a Platinum member, a status that’s granted automatically upon card approval.

Beyond the 10x points on hotel purchases, the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card offers 5x points on travel, dining and gas, providing big opportunities to accumulate points toward stays, room upgrades and more.

Like other cards on this list, it also offers a free night every year and a statement credit for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS of up to $100 every four years, a unique benefit in this class.

The card also has a pretty broad suite of insurance coverage, including purchase protection, baggage delay insurance, lost baggage reimbursement and trip cancellation/delay insurance. It lacks any sort of rental insurance, however, which could be a bummer if vacations include a roadtrip.

Best No Annual Fee Card: Hilton Honors

Card by American Express

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Our Partner

Pros

• 7x points at the Hilton

• 5x points at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. restaurants and U.S. gas stations

• Car rental loss and damage insurance*

Cons

• No annual free night

• No trip cancellation/delay insurance

HIGHLIGHTS

Annual fee

$0

Status upgrade

Hilton Honors Silver Status

Why we chose it: Hilton Honors™ Card by American Express’ high rewards on hotel spending as well as everyday categories make it one of the best options for consumers looking for a no-annual-fee hotel card.

With a $0 annual fee, the Hilton Honors™ Card by American Express is an easy choice for anybody looking for rewards without having to pay anything. The card earns 7x points at the Hilton, as well as 5x on everyday categories like U.S. supermarkets, U.S. restaurants and U.S. gas stations, which makes earning free nights and other perks a lot easier than many of its competitors.

Cardmembers get automatic Hilton Honors Silver Status with the card, which earns you 12x additional points per dollar. After spending $20,000 in a calendar year, the card also offers a bump up to Hilton Honors Gold Status, which earns 18x points per dollar, totaling 25x Hilton Honors bonus points per dollar when using the card at Hilton hotels.

The card also offers purchase protection, extended warranty and car rental loss and damage insurance*. Unfortunately, it doesn’t provide flight or baggage insurance.

Best for Budget Travel: Wyndham Rewards Earner(R) Plus Card

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Pros

• Receive 7,500 point bonus each account anniversary

• 6x points on gas

• 4x points on dining and groceries

• Automatic platinum level

Cons

• No annual free night

• No insurance coverage

HIGHLIGHTS

Annual fee

$75

Status upgrade

Wyndham Rewards PLATINUM Level

Why we chose it: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has one of the broadest range of budget options among hotel chains in the USA, and their Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card has enough rewards to take full advantage of it.

While most hotel chains have a very broad range of options, not all have budget hotels widely available nationwide. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts does. With multiple low-cost options such as Days Inn, Microtel Inn & Suites, Travelodge, Super 8 and more all over the country, cardholders will, more often than not, find a budget option for their travels.

The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card will increase savings even further as it offers 6x points on Wyndham purchases, as well as on gas. In fact, gas expenses alone could earn over 7,500 points in a year, enough to redeem for a night at various Wyndham properties, which might make this card even more appealing for road trip enthusiasts. On top of that, it also offers 4x points on dining and grocery stores, as well as 1x point on everything else.

There’s also a 7,500 point bonus each anniversary year, which might be enough for a free night since, as mentioned above, Wyndham has multiple properties with rooms that can go for as low as 7,500 points. If redeemed for a go free® nights cardholders get a 10% discount, leaving 750 points in your account to start saving for the next one. (Do note that rooms for 7,500 points are not available at all participating hotels, so make sure there are rooms at this price where you’re going or save up for a costlier stay.)

There’s also a Wyndham Rewards PLATINUM upgrade, which includes perks such as free Wi-Fi, early check-in (upon request), Avis® and Budget® complimentary rental upgrades, and more.

Unfortunately, the card does not offer insurance or protection beyond standard fraud liability protection, so make sure to have insurance when you get those free rental car upgrades.

Best Hotel Credit Card for Business: Marriott Bonvoy Business(R) American Express(R) Card

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Our Partner

Pros

• 4x points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. gas stations

• 4x points on wireless phone services from U.S. providers and on U.S. shipping services

• Free night award after each renewal, plus additional free night after spending $60,000 in a year

Cons

• $125 annual fee is higher than most competitors

• No flight cancellation/delay insurance

HIGHLIGHTS

Annual fee

$125

Status upgrade

Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status

Why we chose it: Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card offers the chance of two free nights each year and rewards business owners with 4x points on U.S. wireless phone and shipping services. (Terms apply).

The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card offers 6x points at Marriott properties, as well as automatic Gold Elite Status.

In addition to points, Gold Status offers 25% more points than the regular member rate. Cardholders also get 15 Elite Night Credits each anniversary year, which helps reach the next step in the Marriott Bonvoy membership program (Note that you need 50 Elite Night Credits to reach Platinum Elite Status).

The card also offers 4x points for everyday spending and business-related transactions, such as worldwide restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. phone and shipping services.

When it comes to additional hotel perks, the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card offers the usual annual free night reward, and a second free night after spending $60,000 in a calendar year. There’s also a 7% discount on room reservations at all Marriott Bonvoy properties.

Insurance wise, purchase protection, extended warranty, baggage insurance plan and car rental loss and damage insurance are included. Note, however, that it does not offer trip cancellation insurance.

Best for Small Businesses: Wyndham Rewards Earner(R) Business Card

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Pros

• Annual 15,000 point bonus

• 8x on qualifying gas purchases

• 5x on marketing and select utilities

Cons

• No statement credits

• No annual free night

• No travel-related insurance

HIGHLIGHTS

Annual fee

$95

Status upgrade

Wyndham Rewards DIAMOND Level

Why we chose it: The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Card provides high rewards on both hotel purchases and business-related expenses for a modest annual fee, on top of a generous annual bonus that could be redeemed for up to two free nights.

This Wyndham card gives you 8x points at Wyndham, in addition to 12x points as a Diamond level member (automatic upon card approval) — this translates to 20x points per dollar when making eligible purchases at qualifying Wyndham properties.

The card is also roadtrip-friendly as it earns 8x points on gas, which is double what cards in its class offer, and still more than even the most premium cards. Making it even more convenient for cross country trips, Wyndham has the most properties in the U.S. of any hotel chain, and includes budget hotels such as Days Inn and Howard Johnson.

As far as business rewards go, you can earn 5x points on marketing and advertising, including most digital platforms like Google Ads and Facebooks, and on utilities, such as phones and electrical service.

Although it doesn’t offer an annual free night, the card does offer 15,000 bonus points each anniversary year. That can be redeemed for up to two nights, depending on the room cost (Wyndham rooms start at 7,500 points). Cardholders also get a 10% discount when redeeming points for go free® nights, a program that offers nights at a fixed points value, which could be 7,500, 15,000 or 30,000 depending on the hotel.

Unfortunately, there are no insurance policies other than cell phone protection and the standard fraud liability protection, which is this card’s biggest drawback. If you plan on traveling by plane a lot, consider other of our picks for a more comprehensive insurance package.

Best for Luxury: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

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Pros

• $450 annual fee is low compared to other premium cards

• High 14x points reward rate at Hilton properties

• $250 airline fee credit

• Annual free night

Cons

• No TSA PreCheck or Global Entry statement credit

HIGHLIGHTS

Annual fee

$450

Status upgrade

Hilton Honors Diamond Status

Why we chose it: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card delivers on all fronts, from high point earnings to valuable statement credits, all for an annual fee that is much lower than other premium cards.

The Hilton portfolio is one of the largest and most recognized in the world. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers very high rewards for many different categories. This includes 14x points on Hilton purchases, the highest among the cards we researched. It also offers a high 7x points on select travel and U.S. restaurants.

Points aren’t the only way to save, though, as the card offers a variety of statement credits. Cardholders can get a $250 statement credit for their expenses at participating Hilton resorts, a $250 statement credit for airline fees and a $100 property statement credit when booking a minimum two-night stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Resorts or Conrad Hotel & Resorts. (Terms apply.)

There’s also a large amount of insurance coverage, including trip cancellation and delay insurance, baggage insurance plan and car rental loss and damage insurance*.

Best for International Travel: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant(R) American Express(R) Card

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Our Partner

Pros

• $300 dining statement credit

• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit every four or four and half years

• Marriott International has properties in the most countries out of any hotel chain

• Airport lounge access with Priority Pass

  Select (enrollment is required)

Cons

• Very expensive $650 annual fee

HIGHLIGHTS

Annual fee

$650

Status upgrade

Platinum Elite Status

Why we chose it: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card has a wide array of insurance coverage*, along with high-value statement credits and perks that could make up for its high annual fee.

If you have a long list of countries you want to visit, then this Marriott hotel card might be of interest. Marriott International the most countries out of any other hotel chain, with nearly 8,000 properties in 131 countries. This card also provides a statement credit for Global Entry, which makes returning to the U.S. much smoother (cardholders also have the choice of using this credit for TSA PreCheck).

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers 6x points at Marriott properties and a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at luxury hotels The Ritz Carlton or St. Regis. You can also earn 3x Bonvoy points at restaurants worldwide and on tickets purchased directly from airlines, along with a $300 statement credit for dining.

There’s also a long list of insurance coverage for your travels, such as trip cancellation and delay insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance and baggage insurance plans*, among others.

After spending $60,000 in a calendar year, cardholders get an Earned Choice Reward. This can be in the form of five suite nights awards, each of which can be redeemed for a room upgrade, a free night valued up to 85,000 points or $1000 when purchasing a Marriott Boutique Bed for your home.

As other cards on this list, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers a free annual night at participating Marriott properties.

Other Hotel Credit Cards We Considered

World of Hyatt Credit Card

The World of Hyatt Credit Card by Chase shines due to its coverage, which includes baggage delay insurance, lost baggage reimbursement, trip cancellation/delay insurance, purchase protection and rental collision waiver.

Why it didn’t make the cut: While the insurance available with this card is a large plus, its rewards are lackluster, especially given the card’s $95 annual fee.

Pros

• Annual free night

• Large suite of insurance coverage

• Discoverist status automatic upgrade

Cons

• Low reward rate

• $95 annual fee is too much for what it offers

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

This Marriott card by Chase is a great option if you value the Marriott brand, which has the largest hotel network in the world. It offers 6x points at the Marriott, which can become 17x points thanks to member rewards and the automatic Silver Elite Status.

Why it didn’t make the cut: The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card offers exceptional value for its $95 annual fee, but, simply put, the competition offers more for around the same price.

Pros

• One free night annually

• $95 annual fee is low compared to competitors

• 3x points on groceries, dining and gas up to $6,000 combined

Cons

• Spending cap on rewards

Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard®

This card offers up to 20x points when booking at a Best Western, 10x through the card itself and 10x for being a Best Western Rewards® member (the card also gives automatic Platinum status). In addition to these high rewards, cardholders get 40,000 points after spending $5,000 with the card every 12 billing cycles, a very low spending requirement compared to others.

Why it didn’t make the cut: Its hotel-specific rewards are fairly high, but the rewards aren’t enough to compensate up for its $89 annual fee.

Pros

• 40,000x points when you spend $5,000 every 12 billing cycles

• High 10x points in Best Western purchases

• Early check-in and late check-out (based on availability)

Cons

• No bonus rewards on everyday spending

• No insurance coverage

• No annual free night

Best Hotel Credit Cards Guide

• What is a Hotel Credit Card?

• How do Hotel Credit Cards Work?

• How to Choose the Best Hotel Credit Card

• How to Maximize the Value of Your Hotel Credit Card

• How to redeem your Hotel Credit Card rewards

• Latest News on Hotel Credit Cards

What is a Hotel Credit Card?

A hotel credit card is a co-branded card issued by a hotel line and a financial institution such as Chase Bank or American Express. These cards usually provide high reward rates for booking stays, buying tickets for shows or merchandise at all the hotels under the brand’s umbrella. These rewards are in addition to the ones you’ll get as a loyalty member, as these cards will automatically grant you member status with the brand.

Hotel credit cards also include other hotel-related perks such as annual free nights, free Wi-Fi or free breakfasts, as well as various redemption options at the hotels.

Hotel Credit Card vs Travel Credit Cards

While travel credit cards could encompass hotel, airline and general travel-focused cards, travel cards — such as the [​​Chase Sapphire Reserve® or the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — usually reward you for a variety of travel-related expenses, for example, airline tickets and rentals, such as the. Hotel credit cards, on the other hand, are specifically designed to give you higher rewards and specific perks when you make purchases within their hotel line.

Travel cards

• Usually offer much higher rewards for travel purchases, including airfare and rental cars

• Can offer high rewards in hotels regardless of brand

• More versatility and options when transferring reward points

• Offer a wider variety of insurance policies, such as rental insurance and baggage protection

• Tend to have more bonus categories than branded hotel cards

Hotel cards

• Points earned at hotels surpass those of travel cards, which, at the most, grant 10x points, while hotel cards offer up to 14x, on top of points acquired through membership, totaling well past 20x points per dollar

• Have hotel-specific perks such as annual free nights, free Wi-Fi

• Bumps up your member status at the hotel chain, which in turn increases the amount of perks

• Points can be worth a lot more during specific times of the year or in specific hotels within the brand, depending on time, location and any deals available

How do hotel credit cards work?

Overall, hotel credit cards work just like regular credit cards, meaning you’ll have a credit line for an established amount that you can use, and you have to make at least a minimum payment each billing cycle.

Reward structures are also similar to regular credit cards, you earn a certain amount of points, statement credits or other miscellaneous benefits depending on how much you spend and where.

The biggest difference lies in where the card yields the most rewards, certain hotel-specific perks and redemption options.

Hotel credit cards offer a high amount of points per dollar (typically higher than most general travel cards) when making eligible purchases at participating hotels; usually, these purchases are not limited to the booking, but include dining within hotel premises, gift shop purchases and more. These points are added to the points you get as an elite status member of the hotel brand, a status that also comes automatically with card enrollment.

There are also perks such as a free night every year, free breakfast, special discounts, priority booking, early check-in and much more depending on the hotel and the type of card. These, of course, will depend on the category the card fits in according to the price of the annual fee. They’re usually divided into three or four tiers.

Within these tiers, almost all cards are directly comparable with each other in terms of rewards and perks. These are, typically, no annual fee cards, budget or low cost ($50-$99), mid-range ($150-$300) and luxury or premium ($350+).

The different ways to redeem points are also a big deal pertaining to hotel credit cards. When redeemed for statement credits or gift cards, for example, hotel points aren’t normally worth as much as cash back or other point systems, which tend to have a value of one cent per point. However, when redeemed for hotel rooms, they can actually be significantly more valuable. Although limiting, the savings for frequent travelers can more than make up for it.

Do note that the amount of points a night costs can vary drastically throughout the year, as it’s not a fixed value, except in a very few instances.

Pros and cons of hotel credit cards

Pros

• Rewards at the hotel are very high and are added to rewards earned as a member

• Many cards offer at least one free night annually

• Hotel-related perks such as early check-in, free breakfast and room discounts

• Usually offer travel benefits like rewards for buying tickets, travel-related insurance and more

• Many of the major hotel brands have large networks of hotels for different budgets and locations

Cons

• High reward rates are typically limited to purchases within the hotel brand, not everyday spending

• Flight-related perks aren’t as abundant as with more general travel cards

• Points tend to be much less valuable when redeemed outside of the hotel

How to choose the best hotel credit card

Not all hotels are made equal, and neither are their credit cards or membership rewards programs. When choosing a hotel credit card, it’s important to take into account not just the card itself, but the hotels it works with.

Compare credit card basics

As with any other credit card, you should compare features like the annual fee, APR, the issuer and a baseline of the rewards offered.

As mentioned above, there are different tiers, according to the annual fee. Once you’ve decided how much you’re willing to pay, you can start to compare rewards, benefits, insurance and the hotel network. Once you’re comparing within each category, you’ll more easily find standouts that deliver far more benefits than their direct competitors.

Think about how often you travel

If you travel once or twice a year to visit family, you might enjoy the occasional free night, but a co-branded hotel card won’t be the best option for you. Instead, you can take a look at our best travel credit cards. With these cards, there are more travel rewards and benefits like higher points for ticket purchases, flight cancellation insurance and the such, along with higher rewards on everyday purchases.

However, if you travel often for work or you vacation a few times a year, you’ll probably really take advantage of all the benefits that come with a hotel credit card.

As you accrue points, you’ll go up in member status, get more free nights, and enjoy amenities like free Wi-Fi, discounts and priority booking. This could make your trips more comfortable and a lot cheaper.

Analyze rewards and perks

Once you have a list of the cards you’re strongly considering, you can start comparing their rewards. Remember, however, that points systems can vary greatly due to issuer, hotel brand and the actual hotel you try to redeem them at.

With this in mind, look at the versatility each hotel brand has. If their network is large enough and their affiliates cover a wider spectrum of budgets and locations, you can at least get an idea of how many options you’ll have when redeeming.

Consider the everyday spending categories the card rewards you for as well. If your goal is to amass enough points to get free nights or large discounts, you may benefit from high reward rates in categories such as gas, dining and grocery shopping. While some cards could look a lot more tempting than others due to that reward rate at the hotels, others could actually deliver more value through regular spending throughout the year.

Finally, study the perks that aren’t directly related to the points system. These range from standard fraud protection, extended warranties, secondary rental insurance, to more hotel-specific benefits such as the annual free night, member status upgrade and different statement credits.

Consider which hotel brand appeals to you the most

One of the main issues with hotel credit cards is that they’re made for a specific hotel chain. While they can be used for any type of purchase (including rival hotels), the highest reward rates and perks are limited to that brand.

The good news is that hotel chains actually have a lot of different hotels under their name, and some can range from very low cost rooms to fine hotels and luxurious villas in any part of the world. All the big names have thousands of properties across the globe, but all are different, so compare the range of options in terms of prices, locations and variety of properties and amenities. Also, see if you recognize any that you particularly enjoy, or that you already use frequently due to your traveling circumstances.

It’s also a good idea to look at the different perks each brand offers for its elite members. Most hotel credit cards grant a certain level of membership, but the benefits that come with it depend on the hotel’s membership program. Look into the details, whether the program offers free nights, free Wi-Fi, room upgrades or more. The program itself could be a deciding factor in your credit card choice.

How to maximize the value of your hotel credit card

• Use for everyday expenses. One of the best and easiest ways to accrue points is to use your credit card regularly, not just at the hotel. In some cases, cards earn a lot of points for everyday purchases like groceries, gas and utilities. Also, some cards give large bonuses or other perks when a certain spending threshold is reached.

• Use your annual free night. This doesn’t necessarily add to your points, but if the card offers a free night per year (and most do), make sure to not let it go to waste. If you don’t get the chance to travel or vacation, using this perk at the end of the year to relax or take a quick trip somewhere ensures that you truly take advantage of your benefits.

• Look for transfer possibilities. While using your card within the hotel’s loyalty program is likely the best option, there are some cases in which transferring to a partner can increase the value of your points. Read the fine print and look for transfer partners in the card’s network to see if there’s a chance to get more for your points whether through converting them into miles or to a credit card issuer’s points system such as Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

• Investigate which hotels waive resort fees. Resort fees can increase the standard room prices, sometimes significantly so. Some hotel brands waive these fees if you pay with points. Before choosing a card, look for specific hotels within the brand’s umbrella that do this.

• Research prices and overall demand in different seasons. Hotel pricing changes constantly, and the same is true for the amount of points needed to get free nights or room upgrades. Stay on top of these changes to at least have an idea of when and where you can make the most out of your points.

How much is a hotel point worth?

Hotel points vary significantly depending on the card issuer and hotel brand, as well as how, when and where you redeem them.

While you can redeem points for a variety of things, such as gift cards, room upgrades or even retail deals through a hotel’s loyalty program, one of the most common and sought-after perks are free or discounted nights.

Here’s a table showing the approximate range of points needed for a free night in some of the most well-known hotel companies in the world.

Keep in mind, however, that the amount of points needed changes depending on the specific hotel chosen, the style of room, its location and when the points are redeemed as a room’s price can change drastically with the seasons.

Not all chains will have the lowest-cost rooms in the US (or any given country, for that matter) or at the time of booking. As mentioned above, it’s best to research each hotel chain and see what budgets they cover and where before making a final decision.

How to redeem your hotel credit card rewards

In most cases, points are automatically transferred from your credit card program to the hotel’s program after each billing cycle, although in some it might take up to 12 weeks for the transfer.

In order to redeem the points, you need to log into your hotel’s loyalty program and look for redemption options, such as hotel rooms, upgrades, gift cards or transfer points to partners such as airlines or even other hotel chains. You can also use your points to get higher membership status.

Latest News on Hotel Credit Cards

• Postpandemic travel is still booming, which means more demand and higher hotel prices. Take a look at the causes behind the numbers in our article Hotel Prices Are Up a Whopping 54% Right Now

• Southwest Airlines’ December mishap reminded travelers of the importance of understanding their rights when issues like this happen. For a detailed guide on how to protect yourself, read our story: Southwest Mess: What Every Traveler Needs to Know About Flight Refunds

• Credit card debt is some of the highest interest debt you can have, and in the past year, the average credit card debt has gone up. If you’re looking for ways to pay off your balances quicker, here are some steps you can take: How to Consolidate Credit Card Debt

Best Hotel Credit Cards FAQ

What hotels have their own credit card?

Most large hotel chains have their own credit cards, namely Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, Wyndham, Choice and International Hotel Group, among others. Many other known names fall under the umbrella of one of these brands. For example, Howard Johnson belongs to Wyndham and the Holiday Inn belongs to IHG.

Why is it important to have a hotel credit card?

For frequent travelers, a hotel credit card can offer exceptional benefits and help save a lot of money. Free nights and statement credits, flight-related coverage and valuable perks such as free Wi-Fi can make a big difference. However, for people who seldom travel, a hotel credit card might not be the best choice.

Which card is best for hotel rewards?

This depends greatly on the hotel itself, the tier of the card and the yearly fluctuations in prices. According to our research, the IHG(R) Rewards Premier Credit Card — which has a $99 annual fee — offers, arguably, the most value since it offers one of the highest rewards rates in its category, along with a free night and Platinum Elite Status. Premium cards such as the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant(R) American Express(R) Card offer exceptional rewards, but at a much higher cost.

What rewards and perks can you expect with a hotel credit card?

As a baseline, cardholders should expect very high points when booking a room or making eligible purchases inside the hotel, a member status upgrade, something along the lines of a free night award or similar and travel-related perks such as trip cancellation insurance and secondary rental coverage. Depending on how premium the card is and which brand it’s for, these benefits will change, but these features, or a variation, are pretty standard in quality hotel credit cards.

Can you use a hotel credit card for everyday purchases?

Yes, most hotel credit cards are regular credit cards inside the network of Visa, Mastercard or American Express (there are no co-branded hotel credit cards with Discover at the time of this writing) and can be used anywhere these methods are accepted. Some cards even reward everyday spending at gas stations and grocery stores.

Are there any fees associated with using a hotel credit card?

Fees on hotel credit cards are regular credit card fees, which include annual fees, balance transfer fees and cash advance fees, but most of them don’t charge foreign transaction fees due to being travel-centric. There are no fees specific to hotel credit cards, although when using points to purchase free nights, some hotels waive service fees.

How We Chose the Best Hotel Credit Cards

Finding the best hotel credit cards meant looking not just into the cards themselves, but into the different hotel chains that co-branded them, among other factors listed below:

• Points and overall rewards: We compared the amount of points each card gave for eligible purchases at each hotel chain as well as points awarded for everyday spending categories such as dining or gas, which could make accumulating points much easier.

• Hotel-specific perks: Points aren’t the only way to earn with hotel cards. We looked at the perks each card gives you within the hotel or in the process of booking, such as annual free nights, status upgrades, complimentary room upgrades and more. We also compared the perks that each separate hotel offers with the member status the card provides.

• Insurance: When traveling, insurance is a big deal. Hotel cards should have a good amount of coverage, such as trip cancellation and delay insurance, baggage insurance and rental insurance. There’s also other coverages for everyday spending such as extended warranty and purchase protection. We took these insurance policies into account when making our selections.

• Welcome offers: Although welcome bonuses and intro offers in general change consistently, and we don’t include them in reviews, we looked at them to get an idea of what and how much each card regularly offers. Customers should be able to start enjoying their new card as soon as possible.

Summary of Money’s Best Hotel Credit Cards of April 2023

• IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card —Best Overall Value

• Hilton Honors™ Card by American Express — Best No Annual Fee

• Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card — Best for Budget Travel

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card — Best for International Travel

• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card — Best for Business

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