At Travel Freely, we know that getting your hands on the best hotel credit cards can be a game-changer for the way you do free travel. With the right card, you can get incredible hotel stays at next-to-nothing prices, free nights, bonus perks and more.
So to help you build up that point strategy for great accommodations, we’ve gathered the best hotel credit cards in this article and outlined how each card can benefit you the most. Also check out the tips we’ve included to get the most out of your hotel credit card and other opportunities that can enhance your free travel experience.
Travel Freely Members Glenn and Janet used points to stay at the Hyatt Regency in Maui, HawaiI!
How do Hotel Credit Cards work?
Before we give you our list of best hotel credit cards, let’s talk about how they work.
Hotel credit cards are pretty straightforward. Most come with a generous sign-up bonus or “welcome offer” for meeting a minimum spending requirement. These points translate into free nights when booking an award night with points on their site. Some of the more premium cards (i.e. with higher annual fees) can include some elite status and extra perks like free breakfast.
One thing I like about the hotel cards with annual fees is that most come with one annual free night every year. This free night redemption easily outweighs the annual fee and encourages my wife and I to use them! As a couple, that means we can stack our annual free nights for a great weekend trip. I tend to keep my hotel cards (instead of cancel them) each year because of this free night value.
Just my opinion, but I tend to like the Hyatt and Marriott programs the best. Those are the ones I am most familiar with and feel good about the value I get when redeeming them. Hyatt points normally carry the highest overall value, and you can always top up your account by transferring Chase points to Hyatt (instantly) at a great 1:1 ratio. There are many people who love Hilton, but I haven’t found the value with Hilton compared to Marriott and Hyatt.
Below you will see options for co-branded cards (specific “Hotel” credit cards) and some options for bank cards such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred that offer far more flexible options via the Chase Travel℠ portal, transfer partners, and exclusive hotel program. If you are brand new and do not have the Chase Sapphire Preferred, I would strongly recommend that card before you look at hotel cards.
Table of Contents
- Best Co-Branded Hotel Credit Cards
- Best Flexible Travel (Hotel) Credit Cards
Best Co-Branded Hotel Credit Cards
Hyatt
Despite starting late in the hotel industry landscape (1957), Hyatt is now one of the most recognized hotel brands in the world. With hundreds of hotels covered in its World of Hyatt rewards program, great earning opportunities, and unique membership perks, it’s easy to see why Hyatt is a top choice among free travelers. Hyatt recognizes and awards your loyalty strongly with generous benefits so you’re always guaranteed great bonuses.
Hyatt currently has one personal card, “World of Hyatt Credit Card“, and one business card, the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card. As I mentioned above, if you have Chase Ultimate Rewards, the transfer to World of Hyatt Points is 1:1!
This is a two-tiered signup bonus with the first bonus being 30,000 points earned after spending $3,000 on the card within the first 3 months. The second bonus offer is dependent on how much you spend, where you'll earn 2x points per dollar spent in the first 6 months (on purchases that normally earn 1x point), on up to $15,000 spent.
For the small business owner who loves Hyatt, this is an intriguing offer. If you have high monthly spending, this card will also help you earn Globalist status.
Why we love it:
- Although not as big as other contenders, there are lots of Hotel Brands that are under Hyatt, giving you access to hundreds of accommodations. Here are some of their brands to name a few: Andaz, Thompson Hotels, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Destination Hotels, and Joie de Vivre.
- Generous offer on free nights you get a free night for every 5 different brands you stay with Hyatt and that includes both regular and award stays. You also get a complimentary free night for every year you keep the card.
- The freebies and perks you get with Hyatt easily offset the annual $95 fee for the card.
Benefits:
- Getting the Hyatt personal credit card automatically gives you a “Discoverist Status” which entitles you to an additional percentage of bonus points for all your stays, room upgrades, late checkouts when available and more. In addition, you’ll be able to achieve higher elite status quickly because you’ll receive qualifying-night credits for ever year you keep your card. Despite it being a “status,” it’s not a ton of value.
- No foreign transaction fees.
The beach across the street from the Hyatt in Santa Barbara.
Our stay at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands in Carmel, CA, should have cost us $1,426.00. But, it was $0.00. No taxes. No valet fees.
Marriott
What started as a root beer stand in 1927, Marriott is now a hotel chain with more hotel rooms than any other in the world. So if you look at it, it’s a no-brainer to get access to Marriott’s hotel credit cards. Over the years Marriott’s Bonvoy Rewards program also merged with two other hotel rewards programs: the Starwood Preferred Guest and Ritz-Carlton Rewards.
Check out our Marriot Bonvoy Complete Guide here for an in-depth look into this rewards program.
Marriott has a lot of options when it comes to credit cards, but here are two of the best Marriott cards on our list:
- Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $3,000 in 3 monthsWith this unique offer, you'll earn 3 free night awards (up to 50,000 points per night). The free nights expire 12 months after they are earned. This is a solid card from Marriott, plus there are many benefits, such as the annual free night certificate you receive on each account anniversary.
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
185,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points after you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months.
With an annual fee of $650, perks include Platinum status, dining credits and a free night award annually (after your card renewal month). This is a very intriguing card for those looking for instant status and a lot of Marriott benefits. Terms apply.
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months
The Marriott Business Amex card offers several perks for those who love to stay at Marriott hotels. Certain hotels have resort fees. Terms apply.
These cards are different in their own ways, but here are some features you may want to take note of:
- Having a Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card automatically gets you a Silver Elite Status with Marriott Bonvoy Rewards. This Silver Elite Status comes with nice perks such as additional bonus points on all hotel stays and late checkouts based on availability.
- Having a Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant credit card grants you a Platinum Elite Status with Marriott Bonvoy Rewards. Benefits of the Platinum Elite status includes additional bonus points from stays, late checkouts and access to a dedicated reservations line for elite status holders.
Why we love it:
- As the largest hotel chain in the world, Marriott offers a wide range of hotels including ultra-luxury resorts, family-friendly hotels, and economical roadside stops. With Marriott being present in nearly every corner of the world, you can be sure that this card will be put to good use.
- Marriott houses a collection of so many hotel brands, such as Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, W Hotels Worldwide, The Ritz-Carlton, Bulgari Resorts and Hotels and more.
- Get great value for your points when you “Stay 5, Pay for 4.” This is Marriott’s incredible offer that allows you to redeem five nights for the cost of four nights. This perk is available for everyone.
- You can also transfer Marriott points to airlines, including many valuable loyalty programs with difficult-to-earn airline miles. However, the ratio is 3:1 in most cases, which is not great value.
Benefits:
- Racking up Marriott points can be very easy taking into account the considerable welcome bonuses and powerful point earning potential from Marriott expenses, U.S. restaurants, flights, and other expenses.
- Marriott also offers different levels of elite status which are sometimes automatic or complementary. With elite status, you can earn even more points, credits, and free nights.
Sheraton Kauai, beachside with the pool and palapas in the background
During our stay at Kauai Sheraton at Poipu Beach, we paid only $156.25 for what should have been $1,656.25 for 5 nights.
IHG
If Marriott started out as a root beer stand, IHG’s humble beginnings start with a brewery! From William Bass’s brewery in the 1700’s, the Bass family later expanded into the hospitality industry, building its own hotel chains, and then ultimately purchasing Holiday Inn International. The IHG brand later came after several buyouts and acquisitions. Today, what is now known as IHG or the InterContinental Hotel Group is one of the largest hotel brands in the world with over 5000 hotels worldwide and counting.
Your best options for IHG is the Chase IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card. With IHG’s Rewards Club Program, the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card is a great card for everyday spend, given IHG’s hefty sign-up bonus. Although the value of the rewards are not as comprehensive as Marriott’s or Hyatt’s, access to IHG’s 5000+ hotels stands as one of the top reasons why this card deserves your time and investment.
This card is sometimes overlooked due to other larger hotel programs. It can be valuable if you'll use the annual free night stay and fourth night free when booking award stays.
Why we love it:
- With IHG you have access to thousands of hotels around the world. Their catalog of brands includes Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, Kimpton, and InterContinental Hotels.
- IHG Premier cardholders get a fourth night award where fees for your fourth night are waived during award stays of four nights or more.
- On top of all the rewards and perks that come with being an IHG cardholder, IHG has frequent promotions such as discounts on accredited restaurants and bars.
Benefits:
- Every cardmember year, IHG gifts its members with an anniversary reward night certificate valid at IHG hotels.
- Get Global Entry/TSA Precheck credits of up to $100 every four years.
- IHG cardholders automatically become IHG Platinum elite status holders which comes with point bonuses on IHG stays. Platinum Elite status holders are also eligible for various upgrades and late checkout (when available). As a Platinum Elite member, your IHG points won’t expire.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Founded by Conrad Hilton in 1919, the Hilton Brand is now a multinational company that boasts of nearly a million rooms across thousands of properties in over 100 countries worldwide. Those numbers alone definitely show how big of a player Hilton currently is in the hotel industry. Hilton’s rewards program is known as Hilton Honors.
We’ve listed two best hotel credit cards for Hilton; these are:
- American Express Hilton Honors Aspire
150,000 Hilton Honors Points after you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months.
If you stay at Hilton properties throughout the year, you should really consider this high-end card. Lots of great benefits with a total value that exceeds the higher annual fee. Annual Free Night Reward upon signup and every year upon renewal. Terms apply.
- American Express Hilton Honors Surpass Card
130,000 Hilton Honors Points after you spend $3,000 in the first 6 months.
For those who love Hilton, this is a great option for a welcome offer and an easy way to get and/or keep Hilton Gold status. Know that Hilton points are lower in value relative to other rewards programs, so don't be enamored by the big earning bonuses. Terms apply.
Here are some distinctions that you may want to take note of with regards to these two cards:
- The Hilton Honors Aspire card costs more in annual fees but grants automatic Diamond Elite Status. This status comes with a free weekend night reward each year. You also get a wide range of elite status perks, including unlimited Priority Pass lounge access for the cardholder and two other guests.
- The Hilton Honors Surpass card comes at a lower annual fee and automatic Gold Elite Status. Hilton’s Gold elite status includes benefits such as 5th night free offers during award stays, free resort fees and free visits to Priority Pass. As of July 2021, Hilton Honors Gold (and Diamond) members will receive a food & beverage credit OR complimentary breakfast at properties in the United States. The offering depends on the hotel brand as does the credit amount, which ranges from $10-25 per person per day.
Why we love it:
- Hilton Honors cards have built-in elite status that grants you access to loads of the most valuable perks. These include no resort fees on reward stays, space-available upgrades, free in-room and lobby Wi-Fi, late check-out, and more. Also, as of July 2021, all Gold and Diamond Elite members receive a food & beverage credit OR free breakfast at properties in the United States.
- Hilton is home to brands like Waldorf Astoria, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Curio, Signia and more.
- Elite status holders can also enjoy the “5th night free” offer on Hilton award bookings. This applies to every 5th night on reservations of up to 20 consecutive nights, and you can use it an unlimited number of times.
- No foreign transaction fees
(Photo: Hilton.com) Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock. What should’ve been a 2-night stay worth $691.36 cost us only $85.44.
Here’s the view from Hilton Santa Clara by Levi’s Stadium before walking over to the Coldplay concert. We got the room completely for free.
Best Non-Branded Hotel Credit Cards
Chase Credit Cards
Travel Freely’s most recommended card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of our top recommendations for best hotel credit cards. Simply put, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers an awesome signup bonuses and great redemption value. If you’re looking for hotel stays, you can use your Chase points to book within the Chase Travel Portal or transfer points at 1:1 directly to their hotel partners: IHG, Marriott, and Hyatt. Go here for specifics on hotel redemptions with Chase points.
Why we love it:
- When you use the Chase Travel Portal to redeem your points, you can get 25% more redemption value on hotels, airfare, car rentals and cruises.
- Chase has a number of travel partners which you can transfer your points to so you get even more perks. For hotels, Chase is partnered with IHG® Rewards Club, Marriott Bonvoy™, and World of Hyatt®.
- When you transfer your points to any of these three hotel programs, you can book free nights and have your points count toward earning an Elite Club Status that can lead to more bonuses.
- Read our article 6 Reasons Why We Love the Chase Sapphire Preferred
Spa and hot springs at Royal Corin during our trip to Costa Rica. We booked our stay at Royal Corin with our Chase Points.
What should have been $625.96 for our stay at Royal Corin, we got for free with Chase!
How to Book Hotels with Chase Ultimate Rewards
Check out this video below on how you can make the most out of booking hotels with your Chase points. Sometimes, the offers on the portal may not be the best offer that’s out there so do take the time to check this video for insider tips on how you can maximize your points for hotel bookings:
Also check the full article on booking hotels with Chase Ultimate Rewards here.
American Express Credit Cards
Getting great value with AMEX points for hotels is a bit different. It’s best to transfer your points to their partners (Choice, Hilton, Marriott) or book through The Hotel Collection (The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay) or Fine Hotels and Resorts (Platinum cardholders only) to receive some extra perks. If you are looking for best available rates without extra benefits, it’s better to use Chase points if you have them.
Here are the two most popular American Express cards:
- American Express Gold Card
90,000 MR points for $6,000 spend in 6 months + 20% (up to $50) in statement credits for restaurant purchases your first 3 months
A must-have for anyone who loves Amex points. Some of the highest returns (4x!) for spending at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S). Definitely worth a spot in your wallet. Terms apply.
- American Express Platinum Card
100,000 points for $8,000 spend in 6 months + 10x on dining for 6 months up to $25K
An ultra-premium card loaded with benefits and perks, especially for the frequent traveler. Terms apply.
Each card has its own specialty, but here are some of those that stand out:
- The Amex Gold card provides you with cash credits that you can use towards hotel expenses such as for food, spa services and other hotel facilities. The Amex Gold also grants you access to travel discounts and amenities as part of The Travel Collection by Travel Leaders Group program.
- With the Amex Platinum, cardholders can unlock complimentary access to a number of exceptional travel services. Platinum Card members are automatically Gold status holders for with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy programs, which entitle you to some solid on-property benefits, such as late checkout and bonus earnings on stays. Another special perk for this card is that you can enjoy benefits such as daily breakfast for two* and available room upgrades with the FINE HOTELS & RESORTS® Program that lists over 1,000 properties. This card also grants you access to numerous airport lounges that fall under the American Express Global Lounge Collection®.
*Starting in early July 2021 and through the end of the year, Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond members will receive a food & beverage credit in place of free breakfast at properties in the United States. The credit will vary by Hilton brand and will range from $10-25 per person per day.
Why we love it:
- Amex Membership Rewards points do not expire! This means that you aren’t pressed for time on when to redeem your points so that you can save them for even higher value rewards.
- Thanks to the Amex’s wide network of partners and the transferable nature of Membership Rewards® Points, you can move your points over to other loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors which grants you access to a multitude of premium destinations. If you get to catch the occasional Amex transfer bonus, you can get more hotel points or airline miles than the usual ratio.
Final Thoughts
Booking the best hotel accommodations are a great way to upgrade your travel experience, and more so if you get them for free! So when choosing a hotel credit card, make sure you spend the time to check out the perks and offers you can get, as well as the flexibility of the card. Look into features such as transferring of points to other rewards programs, or added benefits for other travel needs – flights, food, car rentals, insurance and more.
