Best hotel credit cards of July 2024

Julie Sherrier

BLUEPRINT

Updated 5:14 a.m. UTC July 1, 2024

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Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, having the right hotel credit card can unlock luxury accommodations and exclusive benefits. If you’re looking for complimentary stays, VIP upgrades or premium perks during your trip, a credit card affiliated with your favorite hotel chain can enhance your travel experience.

To help you decide which credit card is best for you, we’ve compiled an exclusive list of the best hotel credit cards of 2024.

our partner

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Partner Offer

BLUEPRINT RATING

Rates & fees / Terms apply

Apply Now

On American Express’s secure website

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn 5 Membership Rewards® Points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and on flights booked directly with airlines or AMEX travel. The airline benefit is limited to the first $500K in purchases per calendar year. Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on other eligible purchases.

Editor’s take

Pros

Over $1,500 in travel and entertainment credits can offset the annual fee.
Comprehensive lounge access benefit.
Generous travel and purchase protections.

Cons

High annual fee and spending requirements.
Amex’s once-per-lifetime rule limits welcome bonus eligibility.
Annual statement credits have limited use.

The Platinum Card® from American Express is packed with unparalleled luxury travel perks. Cardmembers have access to a wide range of airport lounges, mid-tier hotel elite status and a comprehensive set of travel protections.

Card details

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
$200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
$200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
$695 annual fee.
Terms Apply.

Best hotel credit cards

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card*: Best hotel credit card.
The World of Hyatt Credit Card*: Best for Hyatt loyalists.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card *: Best for top-tier elite status.
Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card*: Best for Wyndham hotels.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Best for Marriott loyalists.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card*: Best low-annual-fee Marriott card.
The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for elite status with Marriott and Hilton.
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card*: Best for high rewards on any hotel.

Why trust our credit card experts

Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of credit cards and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best card for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

84+ cards analyzed.
12+ data points analyzed.
5-step fact-checking process.

Best hotel credit card

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn 10X points at IHG® Hotels and Resorts with the card, earn 10X points from IHG® for being an IHG® One Rewards member, plus 6X points from IHG® with Platinum Elite Status (a benefit of this card); Earn 5X points on travel, gas stations and restaurants; Earn 3X points on all other purchases.

Editor’s take

Pros

Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent at IHG hotels.
Free night after your account anniversary each year.
Redeem three nights, get a fourth consecutive night free.

Cons

$99 annual fee.
Value per point may be low compared to competing hotel chains.
Potentially high APR.

If you frequently stay at IHG properties, you’ll love the generous rewards rate you can earn with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card. It does charge a low annual fee, but that’s reasonable considering what the card has to offer.

Card details

Annual fee: $99.
Rewards: Earn 10 points per $1 at IHG Hotels and Resorts, another 10 points per $1 as an IHG One Rewards member, 6 points per $1 from IHG with Platinum Elite Status (a benefit of this card), 5 points per $1 on travel, dining and gas stations and 3 points per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 140,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
APR: 21.49% to 28.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
Foreign transaction fees: None.
Perks and benefits: Free night after your account anniversary, redeem three award nights and get a fourth consecutive night free, automatic Platinum Elite status, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, credit of up to $100 to reimburse Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS.

Best for Hyatt loyalists

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn up to 9 points total per $1 spent at Hyatt – 4 bonus points per $1 on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & 5 bonus points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member. Earn 4 points per $1 on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels and 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships. All other eligible purchases earn 1 point per $1.

Editor’s take

Pros

High rewards potential on hotel bookings through Hyatt.
Points don’t expire.
Free night certificate each year.

Cons

There’s a $95 annual fee.
Hyatt doesn’t have as expansive a footprint as Marriott and Hilton.
High APR.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card is a great option for Hyatt loyalists. It provides an annual free night perk, a strong rewards program and the opportunity to redeem points for valuable award stays. Plus, it comes with complimentary Discoverist status and solid travel and purchase protections — all for a reasonable annual fee.

Card details

Annual fee: $95.
Rewards: 9 points total per $1 at Hyatt — 4 points points on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels and 5 base points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member. Earn 2 points per $1 at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: 30,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months, plus up to 30,000 points by earning 2 points per $1 total on up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening (then 1 point).
APR: 21.49% to 28.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
Foreign transaction fees: $0.
Perks and benefits: One free night at any category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort every year after your card opening anniversary, plus an extra free night if you spend $15,000 on the card throughout the year, one year of no-extra-charge DashPass, automatic Discoverist status and credits toward the next level of World of Hyatt elite status, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, Visa Signature Concierge and purchase protection.

Best for top-tier elite status

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn 14X Hilton Honors bonus points on eligible purchases at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio; Earn 7X points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants; Earn 3X points on other eligible purchases.

Editor’s take

Pros

High rewards rates on Hilton bookings, flights and dining.
Annual credits and complimentary Diamond status.
A free night each calendar year with the potential to earn two additional nights after required spend.

Cons

High $550 annual fee.
Hilton points often have a lower redemption value than competing programs.
May require significant effort to take advantage of the annual credits.

The Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express offers many perks and benefits for travelers seeking a premium hotel card and luxury travel experience. Though the annual fee is fairly steep, the benefits and rewards from this card are stellar for those who frequent hotels within the Hilton portfolio, fly regularly and spend heavily on dining out.

Card details

Annual fee: $550.
Rewards: 14 Hilton Honors points per $1 at hotels or resorts in the Hilton Portfolio, 7 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and U.S. restaurants and 3 points per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: 175,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $6,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends 7/31/24.
Perks and benefits: Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status, annual free night reward with the opportunity to earn a second free night after spending $30,000 on the card in a calendar year and an additional night after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, up to $400 in statement credits (up to $200 semi-annually each calendar year) for eligible purchases through participating Hilton resorts, up to $200 airfare statement credit (up to $50 per quarter) on flights booked directly with airlines or via amextravel.com, up to $100 in property credit when you book a two-night minimum stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts or Conrad Hotels & Resorts, (enrollment required for select benefits).
APR: 20.99% to 29.99% variable APR on purchases
Foreign transaction fees: None.

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Best for Wyndham hotels

Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Welcome bonus

Earn 100,000 bonus points

Earn 6 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases made at participating By Wyndham hotels and at gas stations; Earn 4 points per $1 spent on eligible restaurant and grocery store purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®); Earn 1 point per $1 spent on purchases everywhere else.

Editor’s take

Pros

High rewards rates on Wyndham hotel stays, gas and groceries.
Valuable welcome bonus and account anniversary bonus points.
Automatic Wyndham Rewards Platinum status.

Cons

$75 annual fee.
Redemptions other than Wyndham bookings likely to offer subpar value.
Lacking in travel and purchase protections.

The Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card earns points on hotels, gas and groceries at a reasonable annual fee, making it an excellent choice for road warriors. And, you automatically get Wyndham Rewards Platinum status for holding this card. However, Wyndham is not known for its luxury hotel offerings, so be sure to check that the company’s properties are in line with your expectations before committing to this rewards program and a card with an annual fee.

Card details

Annual fee: $75.
Rewards: 6 points per $1 on Hotels By Wyndham and gas purchases, 4 points per $1 on restaurants and grocery purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: 100,000 points, enough for up to 13 free nights at participating properties, after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. Free nights can require up to 30,000 points per bedroom at participating properties and are subject to availability. Resort fees may apply and cannot be paid with points.
APR: 0% intro APR on Wyndham Timeshare purchases made in the first 6 billing cycles, then a variable APR of 20.99%, 25.24% or 30.24% on purchases and balance transfers. A 0% introductory APR on balance transfers made within the first 45 days is applicable for the first 15 months. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
Foreign transaction fees: 0% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
Perks and benefits: Wyndham Rewards Platinum status, annual bonus of 7,500 points, 10% discount when redeeming for go free® awards.

Best for Marriott loyalists

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Partner Offer

BLUEPRINT RATING

Rates & fees / Terms apply

Apply Now

On American Express’s secure website

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.

Editor’s take

Pros

Free Night Award worth up to 85,000 points every year after Card renewal month.
Up to $300 annual dining statement credit for eligible purchases.
Up to $100 Marriott Bonvoy property credit for qualifying charges.

Cons

$650 annual fee.
Potentially high APR.

The steep annual fee means the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant is not for the casual traveler. It is ideal, however, for the frequent Marriott patron who values luxury benefits. With perks including top-level elite status and dining statement credits, this card is for those who make Marriott hotels their home away from home.

Card details

Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
$300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
$100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. 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®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card 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. Terms apply.
Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month’s wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
$650 Annual Fee.
Terms Apply.

Best low-annual-fee Marriott card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn 6 points for every $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3 points for every $1 spent each year (up to $6,000) on combined grocery stores, gas stations and dining purchases and 2 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Editor’s take

Pros

Free Night Award.
Travel protections including baggage delay insurance.
Automatic Silver Elite status.

Cons

$95 annual fee.
Free Night Award worth less than you could get with a more premium Marriott card.
Elevated rate on groceries, gas and dining is capped.

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless is a strong mid-tier hotel card for those who stay at Marriott properties somewhat frequently. With a relatively low annual fee, it’s more affordable to carry than many of the other Marriott co-branded cards, but still offers strong perks like Gold Elite status and a free night perk.

Card details

Annual fee: $95.
Rewards: Earn 6 points per $1 at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, 3 points per $1 each year on combined grocery stores, gas stations and dining purchases (up to $6,000 spent) and 2 points per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn three Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
APR: 21.49% to 28.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
Foreign transaction fees: $0.
Perks and benefits: Free Night Award after your account anniversary (valued at up to 35,000 points), automatic Silver Elite status, earn Gold Elite status after spending $35,000, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip delay reimbursement.

Best for elite status with Marriott and Hilton

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Partner Offer

BLUEPRINT RATING

Rates & fees / Terms apply

Apply Now

On American Express’s secure website

BLUEPRINT RATING

Editor’s take

Pros

Over $1,500 in travel and entertainment credits can offset the annual fee.
Comprehensive lounge access benefit.
Generous travel and purchase protections.

Cons

High annual fee and spending requirements.
Amex’s once-per-lifetime rule limits welcome bonus eligibility.
Annual statement credits have limited use.

Card details

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
$200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
$200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
$695 annual fee.
Terms Apply.

Best for high rewards on any hotel

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn an unlimited 5 points per $1 on hotels, 4 points per $1 on airlines, 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

Card details

Annual fee: $95.
Rewards: 5 points per $1 on hotels, 4 points per $1 on airlines, 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.
APR: 21.24%, 26.24%, or 29.99% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. An intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies for 120 days from account opening. After that, a fee of up to 5% for each balance transfer, with a minimum of $5, applies.
Foreign transaction fee: None.

Compare the best cards

Credit Card

Credit score

Best For

Annual Fee

Welcome Bonus

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best hotel credit card

$99

140,000 points

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best for Hyatt loyalists

$95

Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best for top-tier elite status

$550

Earn 175,000 points

Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best for Wyndham hotels

$75

Earn 100,000 bonus points

Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best for Marriott loyalists

$650

Earn 95,000 points

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best low-annual-fee Marriott card

$95

Earn 3 Free Night Awards

Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best for elite status with Marriott and Hilton

$695

Earn 80,000 points

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best for high rewards on any hotel

$95

60,000 points

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Best hotel credit cards of July 2024

Best hotel credit card: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Why it’s the best

In exchange for a reasonable annual fee, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card * The information for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers both a generous welcome bonus and a bevy of benefits. You will automatically qualify for Platinum Elite status, free award nights, up to $50 United TravelBank Cash when booking United travel and an application fee reimbursement for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS.

Pros

Free anniversary night stay every year you renew your card.
Free fourth night when redeeming for stays of four or more consecutive nights.
You can combine points and cash to book your stays.

Cons

IHG points are worth 0.5 to 0.7 cents each.
No intro APR for purchases or balance transfers.
Free anniversary night award is capped at 40,000 points.

Card details

Welcome bonus: 140,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Annual fee: $99.
APR: 21.49% to 28.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
Credit score: Good, Excellent.

Best for Hyatt loyalists: The World of Hyatt Credit Card

Why it’s the best

With The World of Hyatt Credit Card * The information for the The World of Hyatt Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , you’ll automatically receive Discoverist status, along with two qualifying night credits every time you spend $5,000 on the card. Plus, you’ll get a free night at any category 1-4 Hyatt property every year after your anniversary and an extra free night once you spend $15,000 in a calendar year. You are also treated to solid travel protections, including baggage delay and lost luggage insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance and secondary car rental coverage.

Pros

Free night award every account anniversary.
Five qualifying night credits towards your next tier status each year.
Automatic Discoverist status.

Cons

Hyatt has fewer properties than its competitors.
No intro APR for purchases or balance transfers.
Low value if transferring points to travel partners.

Card details

Welcome bonus: 30,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months, plus up to 30,000 points by earning 2 points per $1 total on up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening (then 1 point).
Annual fee: $95.
APR: 21.49% to 28.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
Credit score: Good, Excellent.

Best for top-tier elite status: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Why it’s the best

If you want to elevate your Hilton stays with all the perks offered through its highest Diamond status level, then look no further than the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card * The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. (terms apply). Diamond status includes room upgrades, 100% points earning bonus on stays, fifth night free on reward stays, spa discounts, 48-hour room guarantees and more. You can quickly offset the high annual fee with statement credits: up to $400 annually for eligible purchases made directly with participating Hilton Resorts, up to $50 statement credit each quarter for eligible flight purchases made directly with the airline or via amextravel.com, up to $189 CLEAR® Plus credit and an up to $100 property credit (two-night minimum stay required). Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Pros

More than $800 in potential annual credits.
Automatic Diamond status.
Generous travel protections.

Cons

High annual fee.
No airport lounge access.
High spending requirement to earn the welcome bonus.

Card details

Welcome bonus: 175,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $6,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends 7/31/24.
Annual fee: $550.
APR: 20.99% to 29.99% variable APR on purchases.
Credit score: Good, Excellent.

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Best for Wyndham hotels: Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card

Why it’s the best

With award nights starting as low as 7,500 points and the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card * The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. point value exceeding 1 cent per point, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to access free nights just with the card’s welcome bonus alone. While you won’t get a free night award with this card, you will receive a 7,500-point bonus each anniversary year after spending $15,000 on the card. Plus, Wyndham Rewards members earn a guaranteed 1,000 points with every qualified stay.

Pros

Automatic Platinum Elite status.
Low annual fee.
Generous welcome bonus.

Cons

No travel protections.
No annual statement credits.
Limited redemption options.

Card details

Welcome bonus: 100,000 points, enough for up to 13 free nights at participating properties, after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. Free nights can require up to 30,000 points per bedroom at participating properties and are subject to availability. Resort fees may apply and cannot be paid with points.
Annual fee: $75.
APR: 0% intro APR on Wyndham Timeshare purchases made in the first 6 billing cycles, then a variable APR of 20.99%, 25.24% or 30.24% on purchases and balance transfers. A 0% introductory APR on balance transfers made within the first 45 days is applicable for the first 15 months. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
Credit score: Good, Excellent.

Best for Marriott loyalists: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Why it’s the best

If you’re a frequent Marriott customer, then shelling out a high annual fee for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (terms apply, rates & fees) in exchange for exclusive perks might make sense. One of the best perks is the ability to qualify for an annual free night award for a room worth up to 85,000 points per night. You’ll also get automatic Platinum Elite status and 25 Elite Night Credits toward higher status. There is also an up to a $300 statement credit per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, and an up to $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property credit at select properties on two-night bookings and an application fee statement credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck (up to $100). Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Pros

Automatic Platinum Elite status.
Up to $300 in statement credits annually towards eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide.
Generous free night award.

Cons

High annual fee.
Points are generally valued at 0.7 cents each.
High spend requirement to earn a second free night award.

Card details

Welcome bonus: 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership.
Annual fee: $650.
APR: 20.99% to 29.99% variable APR.
Credit score: Good, Excellent.

Best low-annual-fee Marriott card: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Why it’s the best

If you’re looking for a more affordable Marriott Bonvoy card, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card * The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. may fit the bill. The card offers a free night anniversary night award for up to 35,000 points and the ability to earn free nights as a welcome bonus. It also offers some basic travel protections, such as lost or delayed baggage insurance and trip delay reimbursement.

Pros

Annual free night award.
Generous welcome bonus.
Some travel protections.

Cons

Low elite status.
High spend requirement to elevate to Gold Elite status.
Potentially low redemption values.

Card details

Welcome bonus: three Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $95.
APR: 21.49% to 28.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
Credit score: Good, Excellent.

Best for elite status with Marriott and Hilton: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Why it’s the best

When you want a broad range of high-end hotel perks, pack The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply, rates & fees). The card offers which means you’re eligible for upgrades, late checkouts and other fancy perks as soon as you check in.

Other hotel-centric benefits include an up to $200 annual statement credit towards prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, plus eligible stays booked through Amex come with their own elite benefits like an experience credit and late checkout. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Pros

Elite status with Hilton and Marriott and elite perks in other eligible hotel bookings (enrollment required).
Statement credits worth over $1,500.
Airport perks like Global Lounge Access and Trusted Traveler application fee credits (enrollment required).

Cons

Steep $695 annual fee.
Mediocre rewards rate on hotel spending outside of Amex Travel.
Can be difficult to utilize all available statement credits.

Card details

Welcome bonus: 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Annual fee: $695.
APR: See Pay Over Time APR.
Credit score: Good, Excellent.

Best for high rewards on any hotel: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card

Why it’s the best

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card * The information for the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers industry-leading rewards on hotel spending, without tying you to a specific brand. Owning a hotel cobranded card may get you higher rewards than this one, but the elevated rewards earned on the Autograph Journey card are far more flexible and can be earned on any hotel without having to book through an issuer’s portal.

Pros

Generous rewards on hotels, airlines and restaurants.
High-value travel insurances including trip cancellation and interruption protection.
Easy to use $50 annual airline statement credit (with a minimum $50 airline purchase).

Cons

No elite hotel status included.
Limited travel transfer partners.
There’s an annual fee and it’s not waived the first year.

Card details

Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Annual fee: $95.
APR: 21.24%, 26.24%, or 29.99% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. An intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies for 120 days from account opening. After that, a fee of up to 5% for each balance transfer, with a minimum of $5, applies.
Credit score: Good, Excellent.

Methodology

Our credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings. Factors we considered included:

Hotel-specific earn rates: 41%
Hotel awards/free nights: 25%
Hotel status: 10%
Booking flexibility: 10%
Annual fee: 5%
Travel insurances: 4%
Annual credits or bonuses: 2%
Estimated annual earnings overall: 2%
Rewards flexibility: 1%

What is a hotel credit card?

Hotel credit cards reward you for spending on hotel bookings. Many hotel cards come with an automatic status level, elevating your experience and earning you upgrades or on-site amenities. There are two main categories of hotel credit cards:

Hotel-specific cards: If you prefer hotel stays with one particular chain, a cobranded hotel card might be a good fit. You will typically earn the most points per dollar on purchases within the hotel group and can get benefits like automatic elite status or an annual free night.
General travel rewards cards: These cards are great for folks who aren’t loyal to just one hotel chain, or want to earn points they can use outside of hotel stays. They offer more flexibility and allow you to be strategic in getting the most out of your points.

Should you get a hotel credit card?

There’s no straightforward answer as to whether you should get a hotel credit card. Frequent travelers loyal to a particular hotel chain will benefit the most from carrying a hotel card in their wallet. If you travel frequently for work or often stay in hotels, getting a card that increases your rewards potential can pay off in the long run.

Here are some questions to keep in mind as you consider hotel credit cards:

What are your travel goals?
Are you willing to pay an annual fee in exchange for perks such as free night awards and elite status?
Do you have a favorite hotel chain?
How often do you stay at hotels?
What benefits would make your life easier when traveling?
What spending categories does most of your budget go towards?

Know that hotel cards are generally marketed to consumers with good-to-excellent credit, so if your credit score is below 670, you may not qualify for one.

Also, keep in mind that with cobranded hotel cards, your highest earning category will be at that hotel group. So if you’re seeking the opportunity to earn bonus points on other spending categories, a different rewards card might be a better choice than a hotel card.

Evaluating rewards potential

Using government data and other publicly available information, we estimate that a household in the U.S. that would be in the market for a hotel card has an annual income of $84,352 and $25,087 in expenses they are likely to be able to charge to a credit card.

Let’s break down that spending for a card like the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card * The information for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. to see how much this sample household could earn throughout the year. Here are our estimates:

SPENDING CATEGORY	SPENDING AMOUNT	POINTS PER DOLLAR	POINTS EARNED
IHG stays	$868	26	22,568
Other travel	$2,073	5	10,365
Gas	$2,228	5	11,140
Dining	$3,526	5	17,630
Other	$16,392	3	49,176
Total	$25,087		110,879

That adds up to a total of 110,879 points earned annually. Given that the average value of IHG points is about 0.5 to 0.7 cents each, those points could be worth around $554 to $776.

Award stays may start as low as 7,500 points per night at lower-end properties and go up to 100,000 points or more per night at higher-end hotels.

If our sample annual points estimate isn’t enough for your dream redemption, note that IHG offers a Points + Cash feature where you can make up the gap by paying the difference. That, plus the added value of the Free Night Award can help reduce the out-of-pocket cost of a great vacation.

Guide to hotel credit cards

When deciding if a hotel card is right for you, look at the welcome bonuses each offers. Some cards offer large point bonuses once you spend a certain amount on your card within a specific time frame. This can be especially helpful if you want to redeem points for a hotel stay in the coming months.

Consider your spending patterns as well to see if they align with the elevated bonus categories offered by a card. For example, some hotel cards offer generous points for grocery store, dining and gas purchases. Find a hotel credit card that gives you the most points per dollar in the areas where you spend the most.

You’ll also need to consider the value of the points a hotel card offers. Some points are worth at least 1 cent per point while others may have a value of .05 cents when redeemed for hotel stays.

There are numerous hotel credit cards on the market, so you should always do your research to figure out the best one for your situation. These cards can offer great value if you know how to use them properly.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Booking your hotel stay with a hotel credit card can be helpful, especially if the card rewards you with bonus points for your reservations. Plus, if your hotel card conveys elite status, you can take advantage of any perks your status offers, such as early or late check-in, free Wi-Fi, spa credits, etc.

However, you don’t necessarily have to book with your hotel credit card if you are an elite status member. You may already qualify for those perks as long as you include your loyalty member status on your reservation.

Credit score requirements vary between cards. Generally speaking, it’s best to have a good-to-excellent credit score when applying for a hotel credit card, which typically means having a FICO Score of at least 670. However, keep in mind that issuers look at a range of factors when considering your application including your income, current debts and history of making payments on time.

While having a hotel credit card can certainly enhance your travel experiences through automatic elite status and free night stays, it may fall short in travel protections. Plus, hotel card rewards points generally have a lower value than other types of travel rewards cards.

It may be best to pair a hotel card with another travel card, such as one that allows you to redeem points for all types of travel expenditures, such as airfare.

Yes, you can earn points through spending or bonuses and redeem those points for free nights at a hotel.

Also, many hotel credit cards offer a free night award. To earn award nights, you may have to meet a certain spending threshold, wait for your card’s yearly anniversary or stay a certain number of nights. Plus, some free night awards are subject to availability and may not be available at all properties, so you’re not necessarily guaranteed a free night that’s exactly when and where you want it.

^{For rates and fees for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card please visit this page.}

^{For rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.}

Editor’s note: This article contains updated information from previously published stories:

*The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, The World of Hyatt Credit Card, Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card and Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Julie Sherrier

BLUEPRINT

Julie Stephen Sherrier is a personal finance writer and editor based in Austin, TX. She is the former senior managing editor for LendingTree, responsible for all credit card and credit health content. Before joining LendingTree, Julie spent more than a decade as the managing editor and then editorial director at Bankrate and CreditCards.com. She also served as an adjunct journalism instructor at the University of Texas at Austin.

Robin Saks Frankel

BLUEPRINT

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

Grace Pilling

BLUEPRINT

Grace Pilling is a deputy editor for credit cards at USA TODAY Blueprint. She believes credit cards are the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure tools of the financial world and gets excited about helping people discover the best credit card strategy for their unique goals. Prior to joining Blueprint, Grace worked on and led personal finance teams at Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MoneyUnder30 and MoneyGeek. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and writing and a diploma in editing and publishing.