Hotel credit card bonuses with low spending requirements
Editor's Note
In the world of points and miles, hotel credit cards play a key role, as they can help unlock your next hotel room door faster. One of the best parts of getting a hotel credit card is that you earn a lucrative welcome bonus that can get you a handful of free nights.
Unfortunately, the biggest welcome bonuses usually require significant spending (typically several thousand dollars) to earn them.
If you want to earn a hotel welcome bonus without breaking the bank, here are nine cards that require spending $3,000 or less. Even better, none of these cards has an annual fee higher than $99, and a couple of cards even have no annual fee.
These cards are great if you're opening your first travel credit card and aren't certain you can meet a high minimum spending requirement. You'll be able to earn a valuable bonus without spending more than you normally would.
Best hotel credit cards with low spending requirements
- Choice Privileges® Mastercard®: Best for budget stays
- Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®: Best for extended stays
- Hilton Honors American Express Card: Best for Hilton with no annual fee (see rates and fees)
- Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Best for Marriott with no annual fee
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Best for an annual free night award
- One Key+™ Card: Best for booking vacation rentals
- World of Hyatt Credit Card (see rates and fees): Best for Hyatt loyalists
- Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card: Best for an anniversary bonus
- Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card: Best for simple redemptions
The information for the Choice Privileges Mastercard, the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard, the One Key+ Card, the Wyndham Rewards Earner Card and the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Comparison of the best hotel credit cards with low spending requirements
| Card | Welcome bonus | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|
Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening — enough to redeem for up to five reward nights at select Choice Hotels properties. Additional fees may apply. | $0 | |
Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening — enough to redeem for up to seven reward nights at select Choice Hotels properties. Additional fees may apply. | $95 | |
Earn 100,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $0(see rates and fees) | |
Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $0 | |
Earn three free night awards* after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn an additional free night award* after spending a total of $4,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening. Additionally, earn up to $100 in statement credits (up to $50 biannually) after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases.
*Nights are valued at up to 50,000 points each. Certain hotels have resort fees. | $95 | |
Earn $350 in OneKeyCash™ after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $99 | |
Earn up to 60,000 points: 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning 2 bonus points total per $1 spent in the first six months from account opening on up to $15,000 spent. | $95 | |
Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. Resort fees may apply and cannot be paid with points. | $0 | |
Earn 45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. Resort fees may apply and cannot be paid with points. | $75 |
Choice Privileges Mastercard
Welcome bonus: Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening — enough to redeem for up to five reward nights at select Choice Hotels properties. Additional fees may apply.
Based on TPG's November 2025 valuations, this bonus is worth $240.
Annual fee: $0.
Notable earning rates: Earn 5 points per dollar spent on stays at participating Choice Hotels properties and 3 points per dollar spent on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores and home improvement stores and on phone plan services.
Why we like it: Cardholders get automatic Gold elite membership in the Choice Privileges program. They'll also receive 10 elite night credits each year and cellular telephone protection, a benefit usually found on cards with annual fees.
To learn more, read our full review of the Choice Privileges Mastercard.
Choice Privileges Select Mastercard
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening — enough to redeem for up to seven reward nights at select Choice Hotels properties. Additional fees may apply.
Based on TPG's November 2025 valuations, this bonus is worth $360.
Annual fee: $95.
Notable earning rates: Earn 10 points per dollar spent on stays at participating Choice Hotels properties and on Choice points purchases, as well as 5 points per dollar spent on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores and home improvement stores and on phone plan services.
Why we like it: The Choice Privileges Select card offers benefits like 30,000 bonus points every account anniversary and an up to $120 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Plus, you'll get 20 elite night credits, which grant you Platinum status in the Choice Privileges program each year and also get you halfway to Diamond status.
To learn more, read our full review of the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Welcome bonus: Earn 100,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Based on TPG's April 2026 valuations, this bonus is worth $500 (including the statement credit).
Annual fee: $0.
Notable earning rates: Earn 7 points per dollar spent on stays at Hilton hotels and resorts (including room charges and on-site spending at restaurants and spas) and 5 points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery), U.S. gas stations and U.S. supermarkets.
Why we like it: The Hilton Honors American Express Card has no annual fee and grants complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status, which gets you access to Hilton's fifth-night-free benefit on award stays. It also has a solid earning rate at Hilton properties and a nice welcome bonus that can get you numerous award nights (especially if you take advantage of the fifth-night-free perk).
Even if you stay at Hilton properties only a few times each year, this card could be worth keeping in your wallet year after year.
To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Honors Amex.
Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Card
Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card
Welcome bonus: Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Based on TPG's November 2025 valuations, this bonus is worth $210.
Annual fee: $0.
Notable earning rates: Earn 3 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program and 2 points per dollar spent at grocery stores and on ride-hailing, select food delivery, select streaming, internet, cable and phone services.
Why we like it: Bonvoy Bold cardholders receive Marriott perks like Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status and 10% bonus points. Plus, you'll get a handful of travel protections and have the ability to pay purchases off over time. This card could be a solid addition to your wallet if you occasionally stay at Marriott properties and want to jump-start earning elite status without paying an annual fee.
To learn more, read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Bold.
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
Welcome bonus: Earn three free night awards* after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn an additional free night award* after spending a total of $4,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening. Additionally, earn up to $100 in statement credits (up to $50 biannually) after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases.
*Nights are valued at up to 50,000 points each. Certain hotels have resort fees.
Based on TPG's November 2025 valuations, this bonus is worth up to $1,500.
Annual fee: $95.
Notable earning rates: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program and 3 points per dollar spent on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases on dining and at gas stations and grocery stores each year.
Why we like it: The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless is a solid option with an annual fee under $100. You'll receive a plethora of perks, including Silver Elite status, 15 elite night credits and an anniversary free night award (valued at up to 35,000 points). This card could be an excellent addition to your wallet, whether you stay at Marriott properties regularly or not.
To learn more, read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless.
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
One Key+ Card
Welcome offer: Earn $350 in OneKeyCash after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $99.
Notable earning rates: Earn 3% in OneKeyCash on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo stays, as well as at gas stations and grocery stores and on dining.
Why we like it: While we don't typically advise booking travel through an online travel agency like Expedia or Hotels.com, this is a solid option for those with no allegiance to any hotel chain.
Plus, if you prefer vacation rentals for stays, you'll earn bonus rewards when booking with Vrbo. You'll also receive perks like $100 in OneKeyCash each anniversary (which can fully cover the annual fee), a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, One Key Gold status and cellular telephone protection.
To learn more, read our full review of the One Key+ Card.
World of Hyatt Credit Card
Welcome bonus: Earn up to 60,000 points: 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning 2 bonus points total per $1 spent in the first six months from account opening on up to $15,000 spent.
Based on TPG's November 2025 valuations, this bonus is worth up to $1,020.
Annual fee: $95.
Notable earning rates: Earn up to 9 points per dollar spent on Hyatt stays and 2 points per dollar spent at restaurants and on direct airfare, local transit and commuting (including ride-hailing services) and gym memberships.
Why we like it: World of Hyatt cardholders receive solid benefits such as an annual free night award for a stay at a Category 1-4 property after each card anniversary and automatic World of Hyatt Discoverist status. The card provides solid earnings and perks for a sub-$100 annual fee.
To learn more, read our full review of the World of Hyatt card.
Apply here: World of Hyatt Credit Card
Wyndham Rewards Earner Card
Welcome bonus: Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. Resort fees may apply and cannot be paid with points.
Based on TPG's November 2025 valuations, this offer is worth $330.
Annual fee: $0.
Notable earning rates: Earn 5 points per dollar spent on Wyndham hotel stays and gas and 2 points per dollar spent on dining and at grocery stores (excludes Walmart and Target).
Why we like it: This card provides Gold elite status in the Wyndham Rewards program, good earning rates at Wyndham properties, discounts on award stays and 7,500 anniversary bonus points if you spend $15,00 on eligible purchases with the card.
With no annual fee, this could be a solid long-term card if you like to stay at Wyndham properties.
To learn more, read our full review of the Wyndham Rewards Earner Card.
Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card
Welcome offer: Earn 45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. Resort fees may apply and cannot be paid with points.
Based on TPG's November 2025 valuations, this offer is worth $495.
Annual fee: $75.
Notable earning rates: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on Wyndham hotel stays and gas and 4 points per dollar spent on dining and at grocery stores (excludes Walmart and Target).
Why we like it: The Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus is the big sibling of the Wyndham Rewards Earner Card. You'll receive the same perks, plus 7,500 bonus points each account anniversary (without a spending requirement) and Wyndham Rewards Platinum elite status.
TPG lead writer Katie Genter has used Wyndham points for 15,000-point nights in Hawaii and 7,500-point nights in South Korea and has gotten excellent value redeeming points for Vacasa stays, though this is more difficult to do now with the lower cap on the average cost per bedroom for 15,000-point nights.
To learn more, read our full review of the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card.
Pros and cons of hotel cards with low minimum spending requirements
Hotel cards with low spending requirements are generally entry or midlevel cards. Having one of these is a great way to get you started in a hotel chain's ecosystem. By holding one of these cards, you'll be able to get some free nights or points from the welcome bonus, earn points on your stays and jump-start or even receive automatic elite status.
Some of these cards are even easier to get approved for than their premium counterparts, as you just need a good credit score. Additionally, since the spending requirements are lower, you could even open multiple hotel cards and earn several different welcome bonuses to diversify your points.
The main downside of the minimal spending requirements is that the welcome bonuses generally aren't as lucrative. However, you could start with these cards and upgrade to more premium hotel cards later on.
Many of the best rewards credit cards have minimum spending requirements of $5,000 or less, with even bigger and better welcome bonuses you can take advantage of once you get the hang of earning and redeeming points.
Related: Battle of the mid-tier hotel cards: Which card outshines the others?
Bottom line
Staying in hotels doesn't have to break the bank. There are numerous hotel rewards credit card options that can help you reduce the costs. Many offer valuable welcome bonuses that can be worth hundreds of dollars — or even close to $1,000.
These cards don't have hefty minimum spending requirements, and you can meet them organically through everyday spending.
These cards provide the best of both worlds by allowing you to reward yourself for your everyday purchases without having to commit to putting a lot of expenses on a card.
Related: How to choose a hotel credit card
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Card, click here.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.