Best Hotel Credit Cards – Earn Free Nights
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For those who love to travel and are especially loyal to a particular hotel brand, the best hotel credit cards offer plenty of perks to reward you for your allegiance. Whether you choose a co-branded hotel card for a specific chain or a credit card that rewards you for any type of travel, the best hotel credit cards offer you competitive rates and major bonuses.
Choosing the best hotel credit card is no easy task. With a sea of options available, it’s hard to always know which one is a good fit for your specific travel needs. Today we’re living our travel dreams through you by reviewing the best hotel credit cards available. A few of the cards are co-branded, meaning they are specific to a hotel brand. And other cards allow you to earn rewards from any hotel, no matter where you’re traveling. The best cards offer generous sign-up bonuses, simple reward structures, and flexible options for redemption.
Jump To
Overview of the best hotel credit cards
Card | Best for |
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Travel insurance and protections |
Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Frequent travelers |
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card | Luxury travel perks |
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card | Comprehensive reward structure |
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card | Lowest annual fee with substantial earning potential |
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card | No annual fee |
Hilton Honors American Express Card | Hilton Honors Program Members |
The World of Hyatt Credit Card | Hyatt loyalists |
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Straightforward program |
Best For Fast Claims
- Up to $250,000 emergency medical coverage for international trips
- Real-time travel care
- Quick claims processing & reimbursements for eligible claims
The best hotel credit cards
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Card Name
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
APR
21.49%-28.49%
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent, Good
Annual Fee
$95
Special Offer
Earn 60,000 bonus points
Special Offer Terms
after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Rewards Rate
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
Terms
Why We Like It
- Generous bonus points offered.
- High points for travel and dining purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards® and points on all purchases.
- Complimentary one-year access to DashPass.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Card Name
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
APR
22.49%-29.49%
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Annual Fee
$550
Special Offer
Earn 60,000 bonus points
Special Offer Terms
after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Rewards Rate
Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Terms
Why We Like It
- Generous bonus points offer.
- Annual travel credit on your account anniversary.
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs.
- Access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
- Up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Card Name
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
APR
20.99% - 29.99%
Recommended Credit Score
Good, Excellent
Annual Fee
$650
Special Offer
Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points
Special Offer Terms
after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Rewards Rate
Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
Why We Like It
- Platinum Elite members earn 50% more points on eligible purchases at participating hotels.
- Earned Choice Award benefits that include suite nights awards, free night awards and discounts.
- Fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Elite status.
- Priority Pass Select for unlimited access to over 1,200 lounges.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Card Name
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
APR
20.24% - 27.24%
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent, Good
Annual Fee
$95
Special Offer
Limited Time Offer! Earn 100,000 Bonus Points
Special Offer Terms
after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card!
Rewards Rate
Earn up to 17X total points for every $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® and 2X points on all other purchases.
Terms
Why We Like It
- Earn 3 Free Night Awards bonus as well as one Free Night Award every year after the account anniversary.
- Automatic Silver Elite Status.
- No foreign transaction fees.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Card Name
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
APR
21.49% - 28.49%
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent, Good
Annual Fee
$99
Special Offer
Earn 5 Free Nights
Special Offer Terms
after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Rewards Rate
Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Why We Like It
- One Reward Night each account anniversary year at eligible IHG hotels worldwide.
- Automatic Platinum Elite status.
- Statement credit of up to $100 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS.
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
Card Name
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
APR
21.49% - 28.49%
Recommended Credit Score
Good/Excellent
Annual Fee
$0
Special Offer
Earn 100,000 bonus points
Special Offer Terms
after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Rewards Rate
Earn up to 17 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on purchases on monthly bills, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Why We Like It
- No annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Card Name
Hilton Honors American Express Card
APR
20.99% - 29.99%
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent, Good
Annual Fee
$0
Special Offer
Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points
Special Offer Terms
after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Rewards Rate
Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio. Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
Why We Like It
- Generous introductory bonus offer.
- Automatic Hilton Honors Silver status.
- No annual or foreign transaction fees.
The World of Hyatt Credit Card
The World of Hyatt Credit Card
Card Name
The World of Hyatt Credit Card
APR
20.24% - 27.24%
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent, Good
Annual Fee
$95
Special Offer
Earn 30,000 Bonus Points
Special Offer Terms
after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
Rewards Rate
Earn up to 9 points total per $1 spent at Hyatt - 4 Bonus Points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels & 5 Base Points per $1 you can earn as a World of Hyatt member
Terms
Why We Like It
- Generous bonus points.
- Complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status.
- One free night each year at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Card Name
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
APR
19.99% - 29.99%
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent, Good
Annual Fee
$95
Special Offer
Limited-time offer: For a limited time, earn 75,000 Miles
Special Offer Terms
once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening, plus receive a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit in your first cardholder year – that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
Rewards Rate
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day. 5 Miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Terms
Why We Like It
- 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, which is equivalent to $750 in travel
- You can earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase
- $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Two complimentary visits per year to Capital One Lounges
- 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Best For Fast Claims
- Up to $250,000 emergency medical coverage for international trips
- Real-time travel care
- Quick claims processing & reimbursements for eligible claims
Summary of the best hotel credit cards
Card | Bonus | Rewards | APR | Annual fee |
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Earn 60,000 bonus points | Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more. | 21.49%-28.49% | $95 |
Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Earn 60,000 bonus points | Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. | 22.49%-29.49% | $550 |
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card | Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points | Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. | 20.99% - 29.99% | $650 |
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card | 7Limited Time Offer! Earn 100,000 Bonus Points | Earn up to 17X total points for every $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® and 2X points on all other purchases. | 20.24% - 27.24% | $95 |
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card | Earn 5 Free Nights | Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases. | 21.49% - 28.49% | 21.49% - 28.49% |
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card | Earn 100,000 bonus points | Earn up to 17 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on purchases on monthly bills, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases. | 21.49% - 28.49% | $0 |
Hilton Honors American Express Card | Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points | Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio. Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card. | 20.99% - 29.99% | $0 |
The World of Hyatt Credit Card | Earn 30,000 Bonus Points | World of Hyatt Credit CardEarn up to 9 points total per $1 spent at Hyatt - 4 Bonus Points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels & 5 Base Points per $1 you can earn as a World of Hyatt member | 21.49% - 28.49% | $95 |
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card | 25k /spend $500 in 3 mos | 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day. 5 Miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. | 19.99% - 29.99% | $95 |
FAQs
What are hotel rewards?
Of course, the biggest reward using earned hotel reward programs is earning free stays but often hotels and airlines partner and can share points so you could earn free flights. Many travel rewards cards provide airport lounge access for free, reimbursement for enrollment in TSA Precheck, and bonus points on your account anniversary.
Are credit card offers worth it?
Many credit card issuers may offer welcome bonuses, such as a free weekend night and a large number of points if you spend a certain amount within the first 3 months. Using the card for all of your charges could mean you quickly earn the free night(s) and are worth the enrollment.
How can I earn elite status?
When you stay at a property often, you earn more rewards. Most hotels offer tiers — silver elite status, hold elite status, platinum elite status — and the higher the status, the bigger the perks. Someone at the highest tier, for example, will get an upgrade with every stay, no points required.
Do I have to use points for hotel rewards?
Most hotel loyalty programs have other options besides hotel travel. These give your rewards for being loyal to the hotel and may include upgrades and late checkout. Depending on the program, you can use your rewards points towards gift cards, shopping excursions, cash back, charitable donations and merchandise. You typically receive the most value from a hotel credit card when you use the rewards towards travel, so keep the value of the points in mind whenever you decide to redeem your rewards.
Do I have to travel to earn points?
If you’re unsure how much traveling you’ll be doing (thanks COVID-19) then look for a travel card that allows you to earn points on everyday purchases. Cards such as the IHG® Rewards Club Traveler Credit Card earn 2x the points for gas, groceries, and restaurant purchases. Other hotel credit cards offer additional points for services such as DoorDash, giving you plenty of opportunities to earn while you’re staying home.
Best For Fast Claims
- Up to $250,000 emergency medical coverage for international trips
- Real-time travel care
- Quick claims processing & reimbursements for eligible claims
Why should you use the best hotel credit cards?
If you must travel for work or you simply enjoy traveling as a hobby, then why not use a credit card that rewards you with additional bonuses and perks
Traveling with a credit card is safer from a financial protection standpoint. With the credit cards featured, all have access to customer service and additional travel protection.
Hotel credit cards are designed for travelers loyal to a particular hotel brand. If this is you, then choosing a credit card that rewards you for your loyalty is the way to go.
The bottom line
Whether for work or play or if you only dream of being able to travel again, these credit cards offer serious rewards and travel benefits for the cardholder. These cards may be the best hotel credit cards, but they’re also smart options for everyday purchases. With each of these cards, earning points for future travel is practically effortless.
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Writer
Sara Coleman is a former corporate gal turned creative entrepreneur. She began writing professionally several years ago and now contributes to multiple websites, blogs, and magazines. She’s also an avid reader and can’t resist a great historical fiction novel. Sara holds a BA in journalism from the University of Georgia and can be found supporting her Bulldogs every chance she has. She resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her wonderfully supportive husband and three children. When she’s not ushering her kids to sports and dance lessons, she can be found creating content for her own website, TheProperPen.com.
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