Finding the best credit card for hotel rewards can be a daunting task, as there are many options available and each one offers a unique set of benefits and rewards. However, with a little research and careful consideration of your travel habits and needs, you can find a credit card that will help you save money on your hotel stays and earn valuable rewards such as free nights, room upgrades, and other perks. In this article, we will discuss some of the top credit cards for hotel rewards and help you determine which one is the best fit for you.
Factors to consider when choosing a hotel rewards credit card
Affiliated hotels: If you have a particular hotel chain that you prefer to stay at, you may want to choose a credit card that is affiliated with that chain and offers additional rewards or perks when you stay at their properties.
Earning rate: Look for a credit card that offers a high earning rate for hotel purchases. This will allow you to rack up rewards more quickly.
Bonus categories: Some credit cards offer bonus rewards for hotel purchases made within certain categories, such as luxury hotels or resorts. If you frequently stay at these types of properties, a card with bonus categories could be a good fit.
Redemption options: Consider the options available for redeeming your rewards. Can you redeem your points or miles for free nights at any hotel, or are you limited to a specific list of properties?
Annual fee: Many hotel rewards credit cards come with an annual fee, which can be offset by the value of the rewards you earn. However, if you don’t stay at hotels often, a card with a higher annual fee may not be worth it.
Other perks: Look for a credit card that offers additional perks, such as room upgrades, free breakfast, or late checkout, as these can add value to your hotel stays.
Foreign transaction fees: If you travel internationally, you may want to choose a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees, as these fees can add up quickly.
Top hotel rewards credit cards
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card: This card offers 6x points per $1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, as well as 2x points on all other purchases. Cardholders also receive a free night award every year and can earn additional free nights by spending a certain amount on the card.
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: This card offers 14x points per $1 spent at participating Hilton properties, as well as 7x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com, and 3x points on all other purchases. Cardholders also receive a free weekend night award every year and can earn additional free nights by spending a certain amount on the card.
- IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card: This card offers 10x points per $1 spent at participating IHG hotels, as well as 2x points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants. Cardholders also receive a free night award every year and can earn additional free nights by spending a certain amount on the card.
- World of Hyatt Credit Card: This card offers 4x points per $1 spent at Hyatt properties, as well as 2x points on fitness club and gym memberships, airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, and local transit and commuting. Cardholders also receive a free night award every year and can earn additional free nights by spending a certain amount on the card.
- Radisson Rewards Premier Visa Signature Card: This card offers 9x points per $1 spent at Radisson properties, as well as 5x points on gas, grocery, and dining purchases, and 2x points on all other purchases. Cardholders also receive a free night award every year and can earn additional free nights by spending a certain amount on the card.
How to maximize your hotel rewards
Choose the right credit card: As mentioned earlier, it’s important to choose a credit card that aligns with your travel habits and needs. Look for a card that offers a high earning rate for hotel purchases and has redemption options that work for you.
Use the card for all of your hotel purchases: To maximize your rewards, use your hotel rewards credit card for all of your hotel purchases, including room charges, meals, and incidentals.
Take advantage of promotions and bonuses: Many hotel rewards programs offer promotions and bonuses for members, such as bonus points for staying a certain number of nights or for booking during certain periods of time. Keep an eye out for these promotions and take advantage of them when possible.
Use your rewards wisely: When redeeming your rewards, consider the value you are getting for your points or miles. Some redemption options may offer better value than others, so be sure to compare your options before making a decision.
Consider transferring points: If you have a credit card that allows you to transfer points to hotel loyalty programs, this can be a good way to maximize your rewards. Just be sure to do the math and make sure the transfer offers good value.
Use hotel loyalty program perks: If you frequently stay at hotels within the same chain, it can be worth it to join their loyalty program. This can give you access to additional perks such as room upgrades and early check-in/late check-out.
Stay with partners: Many hotel loyalty programs have partnerships with airlines, car rental companies, and other travel partners. Look for opportunities to earn rewards through these partnerships, as they can help you maximize your rewards and get more value for your points or miles.
Frequently asked questions about hotel rewards credit cards
Can I earn hotel rewards on any credit card?
Most credit cards will allow you to earn rewards on hotel purchases, although the earning rate and redemption options may vary. Hotel rewards credit cards tend to offer more generous rewards and perks specifically for hotel purchases.
Do hotel rewards credit cards have an annual fee?
Many hotel rewards credit cards do have an annual fee, although there are some no-annual-fee options available as well. The annual fee can be offset by the value of the rewards you earn, so it’s important to do the math and determine whether the fee is worth it for you.
Can I redeem my hotel rewards for cash back?
This will depend on the specific credit card and rewards program you are using. Some hotel rewards programs allow you to redeem points or miles for cash back, while others may only allow you to redeem them for hotel stays or other travel-related rewards.
Are hotel rewards worth it?
Whether hotel rewards are worth it will depend on your travel habits and the specific credit card and rewards program you are using. If you stay at hotels often and are able to take advantage of the rewards and perks offered, then a hotel rewards credit card could be a good choice for you. However, if you don’t stay at hotels frequently, a card with a higher annual fee may not be worth it.
Can I transfer hotel rewards to other loyalty programs?
Some hotel rewards programs allow you to transfer points or miles to other loyalty programs, such as airline frequent flyer programs. However, this will depend on the specific program and the terms and conditions of the transfer. It’s always a good idea to read the fine print and do the math to make sure the transfer offers good value.