Best credit cards of current year

Best hotel credit cards of March 2024

Using the right hotel credit card is a great way to earn room upgrades, free night stays and more. CardRatings editors reveal the best credit cards for popular hotel brands. View More

The best hotel credit cards can help you stretch your dollar or upgrade your home-away-from-home experience whether you’re a frequent business traveler or an occasional traveler interested in annual trips with your family. The good news is there is a hotel rewards credit card for just about everyone – whether you’re a loyal customer of a particular hotel, you use your credit card mostly for everyday purchases, or you want the flexibility to use your points for any travel-related purchases.

You don’t have to be a jetsetter to make the most of these hotel credit cards. In fact, many of our favorite options below don’t charge an annual fee, making them great complements to your “everyday” cards. Most of these cards also offer bonus rewards on everyday purchases in addition to money spent at hotels, so they make sense to use beyond travel. Every purchase counts when it comes to saving up for your next getaway.

Many of these hotel credit cards can earn you elite status, free night stays, or even just simple perks like complimentary drinks and snacks upon arrival; It’s always nice to be appreciated. View Less

author Jennifer Doss
Terms apply; see the online credit card application for full terms and conditions of offers and rewards.

20+ years

finding the best card for you

1,500+ cards

in our database

5,000+ cardholders

polled about their cards

243 reviews

from our experts

List of Winners

  • CardName – Best for Transferring Rewards to Hotel Loyalty Programs
  • CardName – Best for Flexible Hotel Redemptions
  • CardName – Best for Hilton Hotels
  • CardName – Best for IHG Properties
  • CardName – Best for Hyatt Hotels
  • CardName – Best for Marriott Bonvoy Properties
  • CardName – Best for Business Travel
  • CardName – Best for Luxury Hotel Experiences
  • CardName – Best Hotel Card with Airline Rewards
  • CardName – Best for Flexible Hotel Rewards

At CardRatings.com we discuss the most up-to-date news and trends within the credit card space. Since we first pioneered the concept of online credit card reviews in 1998, our team of financial experts has provided comprehensive and unbiased credit card reviews for more than 175 cards, plus hundreds of additional resource articles to help educate everyday cardholders so they can feel more confident about their card choices. All our content is written and reviewed by industry experts. Though our content may occasionally contain references to products from our partners, we maintain strict editorial integrity and advertiser relationships and compensation never influences ratings, reviews or featured products. The difference between editorial content and advertising must always be clearly stated. Learn more.

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CardName discontinued 

EditorRating
 
foreign_fee AnnualFees
Why We Like It: Unlike hotel cards that are tied to specific properties and brands, you can transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to several frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs. Plus, your points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel through Chase's Ultimate Rewards portal.

Read our full CardName review.

Welcome Bonus
60,000 points Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months
Annual Fee
AnnualFees
Regular APR
RegAPR
Credit Score
CreditScoreNeeded

The Bonus: Cardholders earn 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. That equals $750 in travel when redeemed through the portal.

The Annual Fee: AnnualFees

The Rewards: You earn five points per $1 on travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards; three points per $1 on dining (eligible takeout and delivery included), select streaming services and online grocery store purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs); two points per $1 on travel; and one point per $1 on other purchases. You can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to numerous frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs.

Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded

PROS:

  • Save with a $50 annual hotel credit for a stay booked through the Ultimate Rewards portal.
  • Points can be transferred to the IHG Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt programs, among other travel partners.
  • Receive an annual points bonus equal to 10% of your total purchases from the previous year.

CONS:

  • To get this card's great benefits, you must pay a AnnualFees annual fee.
  • Unlike co-branded hotel credit cards, there are no brand specific perks such as complimentary elite status or free nights.
  • Hilton fans will be disappointed to see there is no option to transfer points to the Hilton Honors program.
Current Scores Past Scores
Overall Score 86.6 75.9
Rewards Program Satisfaction 8.6 7.5
Customer Service 8.7 7.9
Website/App Usability 8.8 7.7
Likelihood of Continuing to Use 8.7 8.2
Recommend to a Friend/Colleague 8.6 7.1

*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.

CardName discontinued 

EditorRating
 
foreign_fee AnnualFees
Why We Like It: Cardholders can earn two miles per $1 spent on all purchases, making this a lucrative card for hotel bookings and, since it isn't a branded hotel card, you can redeem your all those miles for travel-related purchases, including hotel stays, regardless of the company/brand.

Read our full CardName review.

Welcome Bonus
75,000 miles Earn a one-time 75,000 mile bonus when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months
Annual Fee
AnnualFees
Regular APR
RegAPR
Credit Score
CreditScoreNeeded

The Bonus: Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within three months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

The Annual Fee: AnnualFees

The Rewards: This card gives you two miles for every $1 you spend, so you never have to plan your purchases to maximize your miles. Then, you can redeem your miles for hotels, flights, car rentals, cruises and other travel-related purchases. So, for example, you can fly any airline, stay at any hotel, anytime and not have to worry about blackout dates. Plus, you can transfer your miles to multiple leading travel loyalty programs if you choose.

Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded

PROS:

  • While not specifically for hotels, this is a solid all-purpose travel rewards card offering two miles per dollar spent.
  • Venture Miles come with several flexible redemption options including the opportunity to transfer miles to the hotel loyalty programs.
  • The card comes with additional perks such as 24-hour travel assistance services and travel accident insurance.

CONS:

  • You won't get any complimentary hotel elite status with this card.
  • The card comes with a $95 annual fee but it can be easily offset by its valuable benefits.
Current Scores Past Scores
Overall Score 76.0 81.9
Rewards Program Satisfaction 7.7 8.2
Customer Service 7.2 8.2
Website/App Usability 8.2 8.0
Likelihood of Continuing to Use 7.9 8.5
Recommend to a Friend/Colleague 7.2 8.1

*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.

CardName discontinued 

EditorRating
 
foreign_fee AnnualFees
Why We Like It: This card earns generous rewards for stays at Hilton properties as well as on everyday purchases, and there's no annual fee to worry about offsetting. American Express is a CardRatings advertiser.

Read our full CardName review.

Welcome Bonus
100,000 points Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the card in the first six months of card membership.
Annual Fee
AnnualFees
Regular APR
RegAPR
Credit Score
CreditScoreNeeded

The Bonus: Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the card in the first six months of card membership.

The Annual Fee: AnnualFees

The Rewards: Earn 7X Hilton Honors bonus points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Honors portfolio of brands. Earn 5X points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X points for other eligible purchases on your card.

Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded

Added Perks: Enjoy no foreign transaction fees as well as complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Gold status through the end of the next calendar year. Enrollment required for select perks.

PROS:

  • As the entry level Hilton Honors credit card, this card does not charge an annual fee.
  • Cardholders receive complimentary Silver Status and get Gold Status if they spend $20,000 in a year.
  • You'll only have to spend $2,000 within six months of opening your account to earn 100,000 bonus Hilton Honors points.
  • Enrollment required for select perks.

CONS:

  • The earning potential with the Hilton Honors American Express Card is lower than what you could get with other Hilton cards.
Current Scores Past Scores
Overall Score 79.9 79.6
Rewards Program Satisfaction 8.0 7.9
Customer Service 8.0 8.1
Website/App Usability 8.2 8.0
Likelihood of Continuing to Use 8.0 8.2
Recommend to a Friend/Colleague 7.6 7.8

*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.

CardName discontinued 

EditorRating
 
foreign_fee AnnualFees
Why We Like It: This card offers you a reward night's stay after every card anniversary as well as each time you redeem your points for any consecutive four-night stay at an IHG hotel, which makes it an incredibly valuable card to have on hand if IHG properties are your hotels of choice.

Read our full CardName review.

Welcome Bonus
165,000 points Earn 165,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first three months from account opening
Annual Fee
AnnualFees
Regular APR
RegAPR
Credit Score
CreditScoreNeeded

The Bonus: Earn 165,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

The Annual Fee: AnnualFees

The Rewards: You earn up to 26 points per $1 spent at IHG hotels and resorts. Earn 26 points per $1 spent at IHG hotels; five points per $1 spent on travel and at gas stations and restaurants; and three points per $1 on everything else.

Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded

PROS:

  • This card has a solid welcome offer right now: New cardholders earn 165,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within three months of opening an account.
  • Cardholders can save with a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus application fee reimbursement every four years.
  • The card comes with valuable perks such as Platinum Elite status, a free reward night on your account anniversary and a free reward night when you redeem points for any consecutive four-night stay at an IHG hotel.

CONS:

  • If you're looking for a free rewards credit card, you'll likely want to keep looking. This card charges an AnnualFees annual fee; however, it does offer a lot of great rewards to help offset this.
  • With popular brands such as Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza, IHG hotels are often associated with economy and business travel. That means this card might not be the best option for those who prefer to stay at higher-end, luxury properties.
  • You won't be eligible for the current bonus point offer if you've received a new card member bonus from this card in the past 24 months.
Current Scores Past Scores
Overall Score 78.2 74.9
Rewards Program Satisfaction 7.8 7.5
Customer Service 8.5 7.3
Website/App Usability 7.6 7.6
Likelihood of Continuing to Use 8.3 7.6
Recommend to a Friend/Colleague 7.1 7.6

*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.

CardName discontinued 

EditorRating
 
foreign_fee AnnualFees
Why We Like It: This card is a darling among the travel rewards fanatics set. That's because Hyatt properties offer excellent value for the rewards and have locations in some truly spectacular places. Plus, that welcome offer could be worth as many as eight reward nights in a hotel or two nights at an all-inclusive resort! Information related to The World of Hyatt Credit Card has been collected independently by CardRatings and was neither reviewed nor provided by the card issuer

Read our full CardName review.

Welcome Bonus
35,000 points Earn 35,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in the first three months. Additionally, earn two points per $1 on up to $15,000 spent in the first six months on purchases that normally earn one point per $1.
Annual Fee
AnnualFees
Regular APR
RegAPR
Credit Score
CreditScoreNeeded

The Bonus: Earn 35,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn two points per $1 on up to $15,000 spent in the first six months on purchases that normally earn one bonus point.

The Annual Fee: AnnualFees

The Rewards: Earn nine points per $1 spent at Hyatt (that's four bonus points for using your card and five base points per $1 you'll earn as a World of Hyatt member). Earn two points per $1 at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly with airlines, on local transit and commuting, and on fitness club/gym memberships.

Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded

Additional features: You'll receive a free night at a Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort every year after your account anniversary; earn a second free night if you spend at least $15,000 in your anniversary year on the card. Take advantage of your complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status as a cardholder and receive five qualifying nights every year toward your next status tier.

PROS:

  • The 35,000 bonus points offered to new cardholders are enough to redeem for eight nights at Category 1 properties depending on travel dates.
  • World of Hyatt members receive nine points per dollar spent on Hyatt properties and experiences when paying with this card. Travel, restaurant and fitness club purchases earn two points per dollar spent and all other spending earns one point per dollar, so it's great for more than just travel.
  • Cardholders receive at least one free night at a Category 1-4 property each year.

CONS:

  • To earn the bonus points, you'll need to spend $3,000 within three months of opening an account. That level of spending may be hard for some households to achieve.
  • Although the cost is reasonable for a rewards card, there is a AnnualFees annual fee.
  • While there is an option to earn a second award night each year, you'll need to spend $15,000 to get it.
Current Scores Past Scores
Overall Score 78.7 71.9
Rewards Program Satisfaction 7.9 7.9
Customer Service 7.9 7.1
Website/App Usability 7.9 7.4
Likelihood of Continuing to Use 7.9 7.6
Recommend to a Friend/Colleague 7.6 7.1

*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.

CardName discontinued 

EditorRating
 
foreign_fee AnnualFees
Why We Like It: Several years ago now, Marriott, SPG (Starwood) and the Ritz-Carlton rewards programs joined forces. The resulting Marriott Bonvoy program offers hotel guests of those brands more opportunities than ever to rack up points and stay where they want to stay. This card helps you collect points for all those hotel brands, plus rewards you with an annual free night. Information related to the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card has been collected independently by CardRatings and was neither reviewed nor provided by the card issuer

Read our full CardName review.

Limited Time Bonus
100,000 points For a limited time, earn 100,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first three months
Annual Fee
AnnualFees
Regular APR
RegAPR
Credit Score
CreditScoreNeeded

Welcome Offer: For a limited time, earn 100,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first three months from account opening.

The Annual Fee: AnnualFees

The Rewards: Rack up up to 17 points per $1 spent at more than 7,000 participating Marriott Bonvoy properties. Earn 3X total points on up to 6,000 in combined purchases at gas stations, restaurants and grocery stores each year. You also earn two points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. Enjoy automatic Silver Elite Status each account anniversary year and earn Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each account year.

Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded

PROS:

  • If you want to maximize your Marriott Bonvoy rewards, this is a great option for you. Cardholders receive up to 17 points per $1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties as well as two points per $1 spent on other purchases and 3x points on certain purchases up to an annual spend cap (details in Card Details)
  • Automatic Silver Elite Status means you'll get perks such as priority late checkout and free WiFi at Marriott brand hotels.
  • You'll receive a free award night every year after your account's anniversary. Plus, cardholders receive 15 elite night credits each year and one additional elite night credit for every $5,000 you spend.

CONS:

  • This card does come with a AnnualFees annual fee, although it is easily offset by the card's many benefits.
  • If you don't stay at Marriott properties frequently, the card's benefits may have little value for you.
Current Scores Past Scores
Overall Score 81.4 74.9
Rewards Program Satisfaction 8.0 7.5
Customer Service 8.5 7.6
Website/App Usability 8.1 7.8
Likelihood of Continuing to Use 8.4 7.9
Recommend to a Friend/Colleague 8.0 7.1

*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.

CardName discontinued 

EditorRating
 
foreign_fee AnnualFees
Why We Like It: This card is excellent if business takes you on the road often. Not only does it offer points for your Hilton purchases, it also offers you extra points on select business and travel purchases.

Read our full CardName review.

Welcome Offer
130,000 points Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on your new card in the first three months
Annual Fee
AnnualFees
Regular APR
RegAPR
Credit Score
CreditScoreNeeded

The Welcome Offer: Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on your new card in the first three months.

The Annual Fee: AnnualFees

The Rewards: You pick up 12 points for every $1 spent directly with participating Hilton properties; six points for every $1 spent at U.S. gas stations, on U.S. purchases for shipping, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants; and three points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.

Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded

Added Perks: You can earn up to two free night rewards each calendar year. Earn your first reward after spending $15,000 in a calendar year and earn another reward after spending an additional $45,000 in the same calendar year. Additionally, you'll also enjoy 10 complimentary airport lounge visits each calendar year after a one-time signup with Priority Pass Select.

PROS:

  • This card provides extra bonus points for popular business categories.
  • Business travelers are sure to appreciate the 10 free visits to Priority Pass airport lounges that come with this card (enrollment required)
  • All cardholders receive complimentary Gold Elite Status which comes with perks such as room upgrades and a free fifth night on standard room reward stays of five nights or more.

CONS:

  • This card comes with a AnnualFees annual fee.
  • While you can earn an upgrade to Diamond Elite Status, it is only available after spending $40,000 in a year.
  • Those who don't stay frequently at Hilton properties may find the benefits of this card to be limited.

We have not polled this card yet, but would love to hear your thoughts on it if you are a cardholder. Comment below or email us at editor@cardratings.com to share more about your experience.

EDITOR'S NOTE

Hilton Honors points can then be redeemed for free stays at more than 4,800 Hilton properties or for other travel services or entertainment options. While Hilton Honors points can be earned on hotel stays and through select Hilton purchases, the quickest way to rack up Hilton Honors points is by using a Hilton Honors credit card. 

Hilton Honors credit cards automatically help you achieve elite Hilton Honors status, which only adds to point earning ease. Learn more about earning and using Hilton Honors points in our Hilton Honors rewards program guide. 

CardName discontinued 

EditorRating
 
foreign_fee AnnualFees
Why We Like It: Although it comes with a premium price tag, card membership offers a number of luxury experiences which can easily offset that cost. Cardholders enjoy perks like Luxury Property credits, free night awards, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, and more. (Enrollment may be required for select benefits.)

Read our full CardName review.

Welcome Bonus
185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership.
Annual Fee
AnnualFees
Regular APR
RegAPR
Credit Score
CreditScoreNeeded

The Bonus: Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership.

The Annual Fee: AnnualFees

The Rewards: Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines; 2X points on all other eligible purchases.

Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded

Additional Perks: The luxury perks offered with this card are numerous. Here's just a taste of what membership offers: As a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite member you can earn 50% more points on eligible purchases at participating hotels for each U.S. dollar or the currency equivalent that is incurred and paid for by the member; Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases, card members are eligible to select an Earned Choice Award benefit; Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your card; Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®; Each calendar year you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status; Priority Pass select enrollment, which gains you unlimited access to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries; cell phone protection; and more. Terms apply. Enrollment required for select benefits.

PROS:

  • If you're trying to gain Elite Status within the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, having this card is an easy way to get you there. Membership automatically gains you Platinum Elite status, and then each calendar year you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to cards offered by American Express.
  • Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases, card members are eligible to select an Earned Choice Award benefit. Benefit options include: Five Suite Night Awards, a free night valued at 85K points, and mattress and box spring $1,000 discount from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Reward earning isn't restricted to just hotel stays. Cardholders can also earn rewards on restaurant purchases worldwide and airline purchases made directly with the airline, as well as a boost of 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Terms apply. Enrollment may be required for select benefits.

CONS:

  • If you're truly a luxury traveler the annual fee isn't hard to offeset; however, if you don't think you'll utilize the luxury perks that the card offers, it's likely not worth the price.
  • The rewards rate offered on eligible Marriott Bonvoy property stays is nice, but it's not quite as high as you might expect for a card with such a high annual fee. This card is more about its numerous perks.
Current Scores Past Scores
Overall Score 74.9 79.0
Rewards Program Satisfaction 7.5 7.9
Customer Service 7.5 7.8
Website/App Usability 7.4 7.9
Likelihood of Continuing to Use 7.6 8.2
Recommend to a Friend/Colleague 7.4 7.9

*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.

CardName discontinued 

EditorRating
 
foreign_fee AnnualFees
Why We Like It: This card is packed full of benefits that make it worthy for any serious traveler. If you frequently fly in addition to frequently staying in hotels you're likely to love what this card has to offer. In fact, if you're looking hotel-specific benefits, you'll appreciate that this card offers you up to $200 in statement credit annually on prepaid bookings made with your card with American Express Travel at Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection (minimum two-night stay required).

Read our full CardName review.

Welcome Bonus
80,000 points Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new card in the first six months
Annual Fee
AnnualFees
Regular APR
RegAPR
Credit Score
CreditScoreNeeded

The Bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.

The Annual Fee: AnnualFees

The Rewards: Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 spent on these purchases per calendar year) and 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com.

Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded

Added Perks: Enjoy complimentary access to the Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations around the world; enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the U.S. annually; and much more. Terms Apply. Enrollment required for select benefits.

PROS:

  • Complimentary access to the Global Lounge Collection is an awesome perk for anyone who spends a lot of time in airports.
  • There are plenty of benefits and credit opportunities to more than offset the annual fee if you take advantage of all. Enrollment required for some benefits
  • Enjoy complimentary status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors.
  • Receive either a statement credit available every four years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit available every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership through any Authorized Enrollment Provider for TSA PreCheck (up to $85).
  • Enrollment required for select benefits.

CONS:

  • The annual fee is sizable so this card is only worth it for frequent travelers who can take advantage of the card's numerous perks.
  • This is a more general travel rewards card so it doesn't earn quite as heavily on hotel rewards. However, because it's not a co-branded card, it does offer you some added flexiblity in how you travel.
Current Scores Past Scores
Overall Score 77.8 88
Rewards Program Satisfaction 7.7 7.5
Customer Service 8.1 7.6
Website/App Usability 7.8 7.5
Likelihood of Continuing to Use 7.9 7.8
Recommend to a Friend/Colleague 7.6 7.3

*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.

CardName discontinued 

EditorRating
 
foreign_fee AnnualFees
Why We Like It: In addition to three points earned on hotel stays, this card offers $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) through thankyou.com once per calendar year. Plus, it also offers bonus rewards on air travel, and at gas stations, restaurants and supermarkets. Citi is a CardRatings advertiser.

Read our full CardName review.

Welcome Bonus
60,000 points Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months. Plus, for a limited time, earn 10 points per $1 on hotels, car rentals and attractions (excluding air travel) booked via the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
Annual Fee
AnnualFees
Regular APR
RegAPR
Credit Score
CreditScoreNeeded

The Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening, worth $600 in gift cards or travel rewards when redeemed at thankyou.com. Plus, for a limited time, earn 10 points per $1 on hotels, car rentals and attractions (excluding air travel) booked via the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.

The Annual Fee: AnnualFees

The Rewards: Earn three points per $1 spent at gas stations, air travel and hotels; three points per $1 spent at restaurants and supermarkets; and one point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Credit Needed: CreditScoreNeeded

PROS:

  • Travel internationally with this card without worrying about the added cost of foreign transaction fees.
  • Transfer ThankYou® Points to participating airline loyalty programs to get flights fast. There is no fee, and the minimum transfer is only 1,000 points.
  • Outside of transferring rewards for flights, points can also be redeemed for gift cards including for department and home stores, and restaurants, or use ThankYou® Points to shop online at Amazon.com or BestBuy.com.
  • The perk of $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more through thankyou.com once per calendar year offsets the annual fee.

CONS:

  • Though it can easily be offset, there is an annual fee to take into consideration.
  • This card offers a lot of flexibility in how you can earn rewards, but reward redemption with hotels is a bit limited. If you want to use your rewards strictly for hotel stays and there's a hotel you love, a co-branded hotel credit card might be the better fit for you.
Current Scores Past Scores
Overall Score 84.5 76.7
Rewards Program Satisfaction 8.3 7.6
Customer Service 8.5 7.7
Website/App Usability 8.5 7.8
Likelihood of Continuing to Use 8.6 7.8
Recommend to a Friend/Colleague 8.5 7.8

*Scores above reflect the results of surveys with actual cardholders. Full methodology below.

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FAQ

Because the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio houses so many different hotel chains, from extended stay options such as TownePlace Suites to luxury properties like The Ritz-Carlton, the CardName tops our list for the best credit cards for hotel rewards.

Not only does this card earn users up to 17 points per dollar spent at more than 7,000 participating Marriott Bonvoy properties, but it also earns two points for every dollar spent on everything else (and three points per $1 on up to $6,000 combined spending at gas stations, grocery stores and on dining each year), making it great to use on more than just hotel stays. Earning two points on "other" purchases is an solid rate, even for the best rewards credit cards. So whether you're shopping for groceries, booking plane tickets, or a hotel stay, this card will earn you bonus rewards on it all. Plus, it offers an excellent welcome bonus opportunity to new cardholders as well as a Free Night Award every year after your account anniversary. And because so many different hotels fall under the Bonvoy brand, it's great for a wide range of people.

The best credit card for hotel rewards will depend greatly on your personal travel habits and preferences though. Families or business travelers could benefit most from a card affiliated with IHG One Rewards since that brand operates properties catering to each of these groups. Meanwhile, luxury travelers may prefer to get a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded card since The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and W Hotels fall under the Marriott umbrella.

We believe all the cards listed above provide good value and excellent benefits. However, the best credit card for hotel rewards will be the one that provides perks you'll actually use. Start by looking for cards affiliated with the hotels you stay at most frequently and then compare the benefits and fees of each one to make your selection.

Hotel credit cards are typically affiliated with a specific brand's loyalty program. For instance, the World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors are all hotel loyalty programs that have co-branded credit cards affiliated with them. There are also some travel rewards credit cards, such as the CardName, that let you earn points which can be transferred to multiple hotel loyalty programs.

Although each card will have its own terms, all hotel credit cards typically work in the same way. Cardholders earn points for purchases, and those points can be redeemed towards hotel stays, upgrades or other perks through a hotel's loyalty program.

Most co-branded credit cards offer extra points for purchases made at the brand's properties. For example, the CardName discontinued offers three points per dollar spent on all purchases outside of bonus categories, but money spent at participating Hilton properties will earn seven points per dollar.

Learn more about how hotel credit cards work, their benefits, and who should get a hotel credit card.

Who should get a hotel credit card infographic

Each hotel credit card will have its own set of benefits, but these benefits generally fall into the following categories:

  • Rewards points
  • Elite status
  • Travel and purchase perks

Rewards points are offered universally by hotel credit cards. These points are awarded based on how much you spend, and they can be redeemed through a hotel's loyalty program. For example, the CardName earns points for the IHG One Rewards program while the CardName earns points for the Marriott Bonvoy program.

There are also some general travel rewards cards that will earn transferable points. The CardName is a good example. It earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points which, as of this writing, can be transferred to IHG One Rewards, World of Hyatt and Marriott Bonvoy programs.

Elite status is the next benefit of having a hotel credit card. Many cards, such as the CardName, provide cardholders with complimentary elite status within a hotel loyalty program and provide a fast-track to higher status levels. Having elite status can mean receiving perks ranging from free water upon check-in to complimentary upgrades to late check-out times.

Beyond rewards points and elite status, hotel credit cards can come with an assortment of other valuable perks. These benefits may vary significantly by card but could include purchase protection, trip delay insurance, free rewards nights and access to airport lounges.

Learn more about the benefits of having a hotel credit card.

Yes, hotel credit cards are worth it, that is if you regularly stay in hotels when you travel. If you're more of an Airbnb-er or a prefer to stay in a friend's guest bedroom, you might not befit as much from a hotel credit card, but even if you only stay in a hotel a couple times a year, a no-annual-fee credit card might still be worth it.

Hotel credit cards earn rewards every time you make a purchase so they're a great way to help offset the cost of your next hotel stay. Co-branded cards offer bonus rewards at particular hotel chains, so if you're loyal to a particular brand, a co-branded hotel card can really help you save. Plus, many hotel loyalty programs can help you earn things like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, service credits, free high-speed internet, late check out and even free night stays. These things might not matter much to the occasional hotel traveler, but if you spend a lot of time in hotels these types of perks can be invaluable.

author
Jennifer Doss
CardRatings Executive Editor

Jennifer Doss is a credit card analyst and the executive editor of CardRatings.com. She has worked as both a print and online journalist and has over a decade of experience in the media industry. Her published work has covered a broad range of topics, from finance and technology to travel and dining. Through extensive travel experiences and her personal interest...Read more


Survey Methodology: CardRatings commissioned Op4G in September and October 2022 to conduct surveys among 1,554 cardholders nationwide. CardRatings website analytics from Jan. 1, 2022-Aug. 31, 2022 were used to determine a selection of the most popular cards and additional cards were included to add survey breadth. Responses to each of nine questions were given on a scale of 1-10 and respondents’ scores were then averaged under broad topics. To determine the overall score, responses from questions 1-8 were summed and the answer to “How likely are you to recommend this card to a friend, coworker or family member?” was double weighted. “Current Scores” reflect scores from the most recent survey (2022); “Past Scores” reflect scores from the 2021 survey.

Ranking Methodology: CardRatings experts review the fine print, details, perks, rewards and features of hundreds of cards and compare them side-by-side with similar cards. A card that makes an excellent balance transfer card may not make a great cash-back rewards card even though it offers those rewards. While the Best of the Year list is announced annually, that list – and all other “best of” lists on CardRatings – are regularly reviewed and updated as issuers change the terms and features of each card often.

To see the rates and fees for the cards featured in this post, please visit the following links: CardName (See Rates and Fees); CardName (See Rates and Fees); CardName (See Rates and Fees); CardName (See Rates and Fees)

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Disclaimer:

The information in this article is believed to be accurate as of the date it was written. Please keep in mind that credit card offers change frequently. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. See the online credit card application for full terms and conditions on offers and rewards. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit card prior to applying.

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