Top No-Annual-Fee Hotel Credit Cards

It’s a common misconception that you need to pay annual fees exceeding $695 to obtain the best travel credit card. If you don’t travel frequently enough to take advantage of all the perks a premium card offers — or if your budget doesn’t allow for such expenses — there are many no-annual-fee options that can meet your needs.

Regarding hotel credit cards, the silver lining is that a no-annual-fee card can provide you with more advantages than you might imagine. Some cards offer complimentary elite status, while others create a pathway for you to earn it through your spending.

Depending on the specific product you select, no-annual-fee cobranded hotel cards can help you earn rewards tailored to particular hotel chains. This is partly due to the enhanced earning rates they offer when booking a stay or making purchases on-site.

The ideal no-annual-fee hotel card will differ based on individual preferences, but currently top contenders include the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Card (see rates and fees).

Both hotel brands have locations worldwide, providing you with numerous chances to earn and redeem points nearly anywhere you go.

Top No-Annual-Fee Hotel Credit Cards

Here are our top selections for the best hotel cards with no annual fees.

• Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card: Ideal for Marriott stays
• Hilton Honors American Express Card (see rates and fees): Ideal for Hilton stays
• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: Ideal for IHG Hotels
• Choice Privileges® Mastercard® (see rates and fees): Ideal for Choice Hotels
• Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card: Ideal for Wyndham stays
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees): Ideal for all hotel types

The details for the Wyndham Rewards Earner card have been gathered independently by Dinogo. The information presented on this page has not been reviewed or supplied by the card issuer.

Analyzing the top no-annual-fee hotel credit cards

*Bonus value is derived from TPG's August 2024 valuations and is not affiliated with the card issuer.

Top No-Annual-Fee Hotel Credit Cards

Marriott Bonvoy Bold Card: The top choice for Marriott

Current welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points plus 1 free night award (worth up to 50,000 points) after spending $2,000 within the first three months of account opening; some hotels may impose resort fees.

Bonus value: Up to $935

Earnings rate: 3 points for every dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2 points per dollar at grocery stores, for ride-hailing services, select food delivery, select streaming, and for internet, cable, and phone services, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Additional benefits: As a cardholder, you automatically qualify for Silver Elite status, which grants you advantages like priority late checkout and a 10% bonus on points earned during stays. This means you can earn up to 14 points per dollar on qualifying Marriott stays (3 points from this card, 10 points as a Marriott Bonvoy member, and 1 point for being a Silver Elite member).

You will also have the chance to enhance your elite status the more you stay with Marriott. This card provides various travel and purchase protections, including baggage loss and delay insurance, among other benefits. Best of all, there's no annual fee (and no foreign transaction fees).

Why we recommend it: As you expand your credit card portfolio, it's wise to include a card that earns transferable points, along with an airline card and a hotel card. If Marriott is your preferred hotel chain (with over 7,000 properties globally, who can blame you?), the Bold card is an excellent starting point. With an instant upgrade to Silver Elite status, the opportunities to climb higher in Marriott's elite status levels are limitless.

For further information, check out our comprehensive review of the Marriott Bonvoy Bold card.

Hilton Honors American Express Card: The best option for Hilton

Current welcome offer: Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $2,000 on the card within your first six months of membership.

Bonus value: $600

Earnings rate: 7 points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 5 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, and 3 points per dollar on all other qualifying purchases.

Additional benefits: It's rare for a no-annual-fee card (see rates & fees) to offer as many advantages as the Hilton Honors Amex card. First, enjoy complimentary Silver Elite status, which provides a 20% bonus on points earned during stays and a fifth night free benefit. Along with a generous rewards rate on Hilton stays and everyday spending, you also receive secondary rental car coverage and no foreign transaction fees (see rates & fees).

Why we recommend it: The Hilton Honors Amex demonstrates that you can enjoy exceptional benefits without an annual fee. Its welcome bonus provides a significant amount of Hilton Honors points, along with numerous opportunities to earn on your daily expenditures. We suggest this card for anyone who frequently stays at Hilton properties while aiming to minimize costs.

For further information, check out our comprehensive review of the Hilton Honors American Express card.

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: The top no-annual-fee option for IHG Hotels

Current sign-up offer: Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 within the first three months of opening your account.

Bonus value: $400

Earnings rate: Up to 17 points for every dollar spent at IHG Hotels & Resorts (comprising 5 points per dollar for being an IHG Traveler cardholder, up to 10 points per dollar for stays as an IHG One Rewards Member, and up to 2 points per dollar for stays with Silver Elite Status, which is a benefit of this card). Cardholders also receive 3 points per dollar spent on utilities, internet, cable, phone services, select streaming services, gas stations, and restaurant purchases, and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.

Additional benefits: This hotel card offers the distinctive advantage of a fourth-night reward, allowing you to stay four nights for the price of three. Additionally, you'll receive a 20% discount on points purchases when you use your card to pay for those points.

Why we recommend it: With thoughtful use of this card, you can maximize your benefits without ever incurring an annual fee.

For further information, check out our comprehensive review of the IHG One Rewards Traveler card.

Choice Privileges Mastercard: The best option for Choice Hotels

Current welcome offer: Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within three months of card membership.

Bonus value: $240

Rewards rate: 5 points for every dollar spent at eligible Choice Hotels, 3 points per dollar spent at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and phone plan services, and 1 point for every dollar on all other purchases.

Additional benefits: You'll receive automatic Gold Elite status, granting you perks such as an elite welcome gift, early check-in, and late checkout. You also gain up to $800 in cellphone protection against damage or theft when you use this card to pay your monthly bill (with a $25 deductible), along with Mastercard World Elite benefits.

Why we recommend it: Achieving elite status with Choice Hotels will elevate your hotel experience, and this card grants you that status at no cost. While it may not be the most rewarding no-annual-fee hotel card available, it provides straightforward benefits, making it a valuable addition to your wallet each year.

For more information, check out our comprehensive review of the Choice Privileges Mastercard.

Wyndham Rewards Earner Card: The top choice for Wyndham

Current welcome offer: Earn 30,000 points after spending $1,000 within 90 days of opening your account.

Bonus value: $330

Rewards rate: Earn 5 points for every dollar spent on Wyndham hotels and gas purchases, 2 points per dollar on dining and grocery store purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®), and 1 point per dollar on all other expenses.

Additional benefits: This card offers no foreign transaction fees, special member room rates, and complimentary Gold status. This includes guaranteed 10% bonus points on eligible stays, free WiFi, preferred room selection, and late checkout. Moreover, you can redeem 10% fewer Wyndham Rewards points for go free® awards on qualifying stays. Plus, earn 7,500 bonus points each year after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases.

Why we recommend it: This no-annual-fee card provides significant value for regular Wyndham guests, thanks to its generous welcome bonus and ongoing Gold elite status.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card: The ideal choice for all hotels

Current welcome offer: Earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 within the first three months of opening your account.

Bonus value: $370

Rewards rate: 1.25 miles for every dollar spent on all purchases.

Additional benefits: While the hotel cards mentioned earlier provide elite perks and exclusive benefits, it can be limiting to stick with just one brand. The VentureOne is our top choice for all hotel stays, offering a straightforward earning structure (unlimited 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase) and an easy redemption process. You can redeem your miles for any hotel or travel charges on your card. If you're a seasoned traveler, you can also transfer your Capital One miles to airline and hotel partners like Air Canada Aeroplan and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer for added value.

Why we recommend it: The flexibility of the VentureOne is a major plus. Although you won't receive hotel elite status with this card, it allows you to pay for stays at any brand. If your goal is simply to earn and redeem travel rewards, this card is an excellent option. Plus, with no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees), the VentureOne can accompany you wherever you go.

For more information, check out our comprehensive review of the Capital One VentureOne card.

Conclusion

Nearly all the no-annual-fee hotel cards featured in this guide provide you with automatic elite status. The best option for you will largely depend on your preferred hotel chain, but make sure to closely examine the ongoing rewards rates and any extra perks that come with the card (such as no foreign transaction fees or various travel and purchase protections).

Also, keep in mind: Since there’s no annual fee on any of these cards, you won’t need to stress about whether you’re maximizing enough value to cover the cost each year.