How to choose a hotel credit card
Editor's Note
A hotel credit card is a travel rewards card that helps you earn free nights, discounts and even elite status at popular hotel chains. Having one of these cards in your wallet can bring you closer to your next vacation.
Let’s review the best hotel credit cards currently available and discuss what to consider when choosing one.
Comparing the best hotel credit cards
Here are some recommendations for the best hotel credit cards for beginners.
| Credit Card | Best for | Welcome Offer | Earning rates | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-bonus spending rewards | Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of account opening. |
| $95 | |
One Key™ Card | Expedia loyalists who want a card with no annual fee | Earn $300 in OneKeyCash™ after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months. |
| $0 |
One Key+™ Card | Expedia enthusiasts | Earn $400 in OneKeyCash™ after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months. |
| $99 |
IHG | Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months of card membership. |
| $99 | |
Marriott loyalists who want no annual fee | Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. |
| $0 | |
For Marriott travelers | Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees. |
| $95 | |
Hilton loyalists | Earn 155,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. |
| $150 (see rates and fees) | |
Hyatt loyalists | 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 | |
Starter travel | Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening. |
| $95 | |
Premium travel | Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening. |
| $395 | |
Luxury benefits | Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of cardmembership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. |
| $895 (see rates and fees) |
The information for the One Key Card and One Key+ Cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: What are points and miles worth? TPG’s monthly valuations
Frequency of travel
How often do you travel and stay in hotels? If you travel frequently, getting a hotel credit card makes sense. If you don’t travel often or tend to stay in other accommodations, such as Airbnbs, you might be better off with a travel rewards card that earns more flexible rewards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees).
Related: Why I love my Chase Sapphire Preferred card — and will always keep it in my wallet
Are you loyal to a specific hotel chain?
If you prefer to stay at a specific hotel chain, consider applying for one of its cobranded credit cards.
Marriott is my go-to hotel chain, and I hold Titanium Elite status, so a Marriott credit card can help me maximize the points I earn each time I stay. Whatever chain you prefer and stay with the most is the one you should choose for your first hotel card.
Related: Best hotel rewards programs in the world: Which one is right for you?
What benefits do you get?
When researching a hotel credit card, it is important to consider the benefits of the card, which can include:
- Elite status
- Free night certificates
- Travel protections and insurance
- Bonus earnings on hotel stays
- Elite night credits
- The potential for award stays
For example, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card automatically gives you Platinum Elite status, which includes several benefits.
Some hotel cards also give you elite night credits just for holding the card, which can move you closer to a higher status tier. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a good example, as it automatically gives you 25 elite night credits annually.
Additionally, IHG will give you the fourth night free if you hold a credit card and book your stay with points.
Related: Quick Points: Get your fourth or fifth night free on hotel award stays
Earnings structure
Another perk of hotel credit cards is the bonus earnings on hotel stays. Some cards earn more than others, so it’s essential that you choose the right card.
For example, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass earns 12 points per dollar spent on all Hilton stays.
The Marriott family of credit cards earns up to 23.5 points per dollar spent on Marriott stays. IHG cards earn up to 26 points per dollar spent on IHG stays. Meanwhile, Hyatt cards earn up to 9 points per dollar spent on Hyatt stays.
Related: 11 major mistakes people make with travel rewards credit cards
Are you choosing the right welcome offer?
Most hotel credit cards have generous welcome offers, such as bonus points or free nights, that can help you accumulate rewards quickly. Marriott, for example, has six credit cards with varying welcome offers. As a couple of examples:
New Marriott Bonvoy Boundless cardholders can earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees.
And, new Marriott Bonvoy Bold cardholders can earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Welcome offers vary between cards, so you should determine whether you want to earn points or free night certificates. You should also ensure you can meet the minimum spending requirement to qualify for the offer, as that can vary between cards as well.
Related: Best credit card welcome offers of the month
Should you put your everyday spending on a hotel card?
Hotel cards don’t always have the best earnings rate on everyday purchases. However, there are some scenarios where you should put your everyday spending on a hotel card.
If you want to qualify for a welcome offer, put your everyday spending on your new card to ensure you reach the threshold. You should also prioritize your hotel card if you want to earn points toward an upcoming trip.
Related: Best credit cards for everyday spending
Is the annual fee worth it?
Many hotel credit cards charge an annual fee, so you’ll need to determine if you will get enough value from the card to justify paying it.
Welcome bonuses and anniversary certificates can offset some of these annual fees, especially in your first year. A handful of cards will give you a free night certificate every anniversary year just for having the credit card.
For example, the World of Hyatt Credit Card has a $95 annual fee but gives you a free night certificate for any Category 1-4 property after your card anniversary each year. You can easily get a free night that normally costs between $200 and $400, offsetting the annual fee and making the card a no-brainer.
Related: The wild thing I did not to lose a free hotel night, and how you can avoid my mistake
Bottom line
A hotel credit card can be a great way to earn elite status and points toward your next dream vacation. Choose a card that suits your lifestyle and preferred hotel chain. That way, you can maximize the benefits of having a hotel credit card. If you don’t stay at hotels often, opt for a travel card that earns a more flexible currency.
Related: The best hotel credit cards
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Surpass, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex, click here.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
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 $6,000 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.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
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 $6,000 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.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.