If traveling to extraordinary destinations by booking hotels and resorts by points or a combination of points and cash appeals to you, these are the winning cards you want to consider keeping in your wallet.
Here’s a comprehensive look at how to evaluate hotel credit cards in 2024, what to look for, and how to make the most of your card.
What you get with a Hotel Credit Card
Common perks of Hotel Credit Cards include:
- Free Nights
- Room Upgrades and Freebies
- Early Check-In and Late Check-Out
- Accelerated Elite Status
How to choose the best Hotel Credit Card
- Hotel Group Loyalty
- Annual Fees
- Rewards Rate
- Sign-Up Bonus
- Perks Beyond Points
- Foreign Transaction Fees
Choosing the right Hotel chain
- Marriott
- Hilton
- InterContinental
- Wyndham and Choice
How to compare Hotel Credit Cards
- Annual Fee
- Rewards Rate
- Sign-Up Bonus
- International Acceptance
Perks that enhance your stay
- Free Checked Bags
- Airport Lounge Access
- Car Rental Insurance and Travel Protections
Is a Hotel Credit Card right for you?
Pros:
- Sign-Up Bonuses
- Perks
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
Cons:
- Annual Fees
- Complicated Redemption
- Higher Interest Rates
Making the most of your Hotel Credit Card
- Time Your Application
- Use Your Card for Everyday Spending
- Take Advantage of Perks
Top Hotel Credit Cards for 2024
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best for travelers who want flexible rewards.
I love the Chase Sapphire Preferred because it gives me flexibility without locking me into one hotel chain. With 5x points on travel through Chase, 3x on dining, and 2x on other travel purchases, I’m earning points every time I hit the road or grab a bite. The best part is the ability to transfer points to hotel partners or use them directly through Chase’s travel portal, where they’re worth 25% more. For a $95 annual fee, it’s perfect for me when I want to keep my travel options open, whether it’s a luxury resort stay or a last-minute booking.
- Earn 5x points on travel through Chase, 3x on dining, and 2x on other travel purchases.
- Points can be redeemed for travel, cash, or transferred to hotel and airline partners.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Best for frequent travelers who prefer straightforward miles.
The Capital One Venture Rewards card is a no-brainer for me when I want to keep things simple. Earning unlimited 2x miles on every purchase means I never have to think about categories or spending limits. Plus, I can redeem those miles for travel purchases or transfer them to over 15+ travel loyalty programs. It’s super straightforward, which is exactly what I need when I just want to book a hotel and get on with my trip. With an annual fee of $95, it’s a strong option for uncomplicated travel rewards.
- Earn unlimited 2x miles on every purchase, simplifying rewards.
- Redeem miles for travel purchases or transfer them to over 15+ travel loyalty programs.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Best for business travelers who want luxury perks and rewards.
When I’m in the mood for luxury, the Amex Platinum Card is my go-to. Earning 5x points on hotels booked through AmexTravel.com is great, but it’s the extra perks that really make a difference for me. With access to Centurion Lounges and automatic hotel elite status, I’m treated like a VIP at every step of my journey. The up to $200 airline fee credits are a nice touch, and the card’s premium benefits make it perfect for those indulgent getaways. Keep in mind the annual fee is $695, so it’s tailored for serious travelers who want the best.
- Earn 5x points on flights and hotels through Amex Travel.
- Access Centurion Lounges, enjoy hotel elite status, and receive up to $200 in airline fee credits.
- Terms Apply. See rates and fees.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Best for premium travelers who want luxury benefits at a lower fee.
The Capital One Venture X Re10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, and 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
- 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, and 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Best for luxury travelers seeking premium benefits and rewards.
When I’m in the mood for luxury, the Amex Platinum Card is my go-to. Earning 5x points on hotels booked through Amex Travel is great, but it’s the extra perks that really make a difference for me. With access to Centurion Lounges and automatic hotel elite status, I’m treated like a VIP at every step of my journey. The up to $200 airline fee credits are a nice touch, and the card’s premium benefits make it perfect for those indulgent getaways. Keep in mind the annual fee is $695, so it’s tailored for serious travelers who want the best.
- Earn 5x points for flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- Access Centurion Lounges, enjoy hotel elite status, and receive up to $200 in airline fee credits.
- Terms Apply. See rates and fees.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa
Best for Marriott loyalists who want automatic elite status.
If you often book with Marriott, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa can help you get more out of your stays. You earn 6x points on Marriott hotel stays and 2x points on other purchases, so your rewards build up quickly. The Silver Elite status provides extra perks during your stays, and the annual free night is a valuable addition, especially with an annual fee of just $95. This card is perfect for those who appreciate consistency and want to make the most of their Marriott loyalty.
- Earn 6x points on Marriott hotel stays and 2x points on all other purchases.
- Receive Silver Elite status and an annual free night award valued at 35,000 points.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Best for IHG fans who want generous hotel rewards and perks.
For those who prefer staying at IHG hotels, the IHG One Rewards Premier card offers exceptional value. With up to 26x points on IHG stays, 5x on travel and dining, and 3x on other purchases, it’s easy to accumulate rewards quickly. The card also provides Platinum Elite status and an annual free night, making it a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their IHG experience with valuable perks and extra rewards. The annual fee is $99, making it a solid value for IHG regulars.
- Earn 10x points on IHG hotel stays, 5x points on travel and dining, and 3x points on all other purchases.
- Enjoy Platinum Elite status and an annual free night.
Marriott Bonvoy Bold
Best for casual travelers looking for no-annual-fee rewards with Marriott.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Best for Hilton loyalists who want high rewards and elite status.
- Annual fee: $150
- Terms Apply. See rates and fees.
World of Hyatt Visa
Best for Hyatt fans who want to quickly achieve elite status.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Best for premium travelers seeking high-end perks and flexible rewards.
I earn 10x points on hotels and car rentals and 5x points on flights booked through Chase Travel. Plus, the $300 annual travel credit automatically applies to travel purchases like flights, hotels, and ride-shares, making every trip smoother. Add in Priority Pass Select lounge access, premium travel protections, and other perks like DoorDash and Lyft benefits, and I feel like I’m traveling in style every time. With an annual fee of $550, this card delivers top-tier perks and flexibility for any traveler.
- Earn 10x points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel, 5x on flights, and 3x on other travel and dining.
- Receive a $300 annual travel credit, access to Priority Pass lounges, and premium travel protections.
- Additional perks include up to $120 credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS, plus complimentary memberships for DoorDash DashPass and Lyft Pink.
Kurt’s key takeaway
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