Top Travel Credit Cards for Hotels in 2024

This series on credit cards, points and miles, and travel budgeting is presented in collaboration with The Points Guy.

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Selecting the right hotel allows you to fully experience a destination. Exceptional design, cultural events, and delightful cuisine can transform your stay from tourist to traveler. The best travel credits for hotels can expedite your journey, packed with valuable perks.

The top travel credit cards offer exclusive rewards and benefits, often granting cardholders VIP status while traveling. Perks include early check-in, late check-out, complimentary breakfasts, room upgrades, and even free nights. Elevating your travel experience has never been easier with the best hotel credit cards, making your getaways even more enjoyable.

Maximizing points and miles for travel savings

You can enjoy valuable benefits from a hotel credit card without a hefty annual fee. Fees typically range from $0 to $695, with many top cards offering ample perks that justify their costs. With numerous hotel credit cards available, how do you find the best ones? If you’re considering a hotel credit card and need guidance, our curated list is here to assist you.

While what constitutes “the best” card varies by individual, we’ve selected options based on factors such as welcome bonuses, ongoing benefits, travel protections, and elite status perks. All the chosen cards have no foreign transaction fees, allowing for hassle-free use abroad without the additional 3% charge. Furthermore, each card we selected caters to different traveler preferences and brand loyalties.

Here’s an overview of the top travel credit cards for hotels:

Top hotel travel credit cards for 2024

• Top Hilton Card: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card*
• Top Hyatt Card: World of Hyatt Credit Card
• Top Marriott Card: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
• Top IHG Card: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
• Best for Families: Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card
• Best for Hotel Perks Across Brands: The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Best for Flexibility: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

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Top Hilton Card: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is undeniably the premier Hilton credit card and arguably the best hotel credit card overall. It uniquely offers automatic top-tier elite status, providing exceptional perks such as complimentary food and beverage credits, club lounge access, and 100% bonus points on paid stays. Plus, it features a generous welcome bonus that can be exchanged for up to 30 free nights at Hilton hotels.

Crucially, the Aspire Card is loaded with ongoing benefits that justify the $450 annual fee, including a $250 annual resort credit, up to $250 in airline fee credits, an annual free night reward, and Priority Pass Select membership for airport lounge access. Additionally, it earns up to 14 points per dollar on eligible Hilton hotel purchases, making it an outstanding way to accumulate Hilton points.

Welcome bonus: Receive 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $2,000 on the Card within the first 6 months of membership. This offer ends on 1/8/2025.

Rewards: Accumulate 14X points when staying at Hilton hotels and resorts; 7X points on flights booked through airlines or American Express Travel; 7X points for rental cars from rental companies; 7X points for dining at U.S. restaurants; and 3X points on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Enjoy automatic Hilton Diamond status, Priority Pass Select membership, an annual $250 resort statement credit, up to $250 in airline fee credits, an annual free night reward, secondary rental car insurance (with some exclusions for international destinations), and a baggage insurance plan.*

Credit score: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $450. Refer to rates and fees.

Advantages

• A generous welcome bonus allows you to earn up to 30 complimentary nights at a Hilton property.
• This is the sole hotel credit card that grants top-tier elite status.
• Credits for hotel and airline fees can offset the $450 annual fee.

Drawbacks

• Annual fee is quite high.
• Redemption options are limited beyond the Hilton brand.

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Top Hyatt Card: World of Hyatt Credit Card

World of Hyatt stands out as one of the most sought-after hotel rewards programs, featuring a diverse range of unique hotel brands, impressive elite status benefits, and competitive redemption rates. The World of Hyatt Credit Card is an ideal choice for accumulating Hyatt points and enjoying elite status perks. While its welcome bonus may not be the highest, it can still provide significant value, as complimentary nights at Hyatt properties begin at just 3,500 points.

This card offers an annual free night award valid at Category 1-4 hotels, making it well worth the $95 annual fee. Cardholders automatically receive Hyatt Discoverist status and can earn additional elite night credits through spending, progressing all the way to Globalist. Overall, the World of Hyatt Card is fantastic for loyal customers eager to earn free nights and achieve elite status quickly.

Welcome bonus: Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Receive 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months of account opening. Additionally, earn up to 30,000 more Bonus Points by getting 2 Bonus Points for every $1 spent in the first 6 months on purchases that typically earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.

Rewards: Earn 4 points for every dollar spent at Hyatt hotels; 2 points per dollar at restaurants, for airline tickets bought directly from airlines, local transit, and gym memberships; 1 point for every dollar spent on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Receive an annual free night at a Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel; gain automatic Hyatt Discoverist status, plus 5 annual elite night credits toward the next status tier; earn two elite night credits for every $5,000 spent; trip cancellation and interruption insurance; baggage delay insurance; lost luggage reimbursement; secondary rental car insurance; and no foreign transaction fees.

Required credit score: Good to excellent.

Annual fee: $95. See rates and fees.

Pros

• Welcome bonus of up to 60,000 points available.
• The annual free night benefit helps cover the $95 annual fee.
• High spenders can achieve top-tier Diamond status solely through credit card expenditures.

Cons

• To earn the complete welcome bonus, you need to spend $15,000 on the card.
• The free night award is limited to only four out of eight Hyatt categories.
• Subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule; approval is unlikely if you’ve opened five cards from any bank in the last 24 months.

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Top Marriott Card: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card

As the largest hotel chain globally, Marriott provides more hotel credit card options than any other. Currently, there are four personal co-branded cards available, with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card being the top choice for most users. This card effectively combines valuable benefits with a reasonable annual fee.

Cardholders can earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after making $5,000 in purchases within the first six months of membership. Additionally, after spending $15,000 annually, cardholders receive a free night award valid for stays at hotels costing 50,000 points or fewer, which is quite generous.

The Bonvoy Bevy grants automatic Marriott Gold Elite Status, typically requiring 25 nights. Gold Elite members earn 25% more points on paid stays, enjoy space-available upgrades, late checkout, and 250-500 bonus points per stay, along with other benefits. The card also offers 15 elite night credits each year to help you reach higher status faster.

Welcome bonus: Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points by spending $5,000 on your new Card within the first 6 months of membership.

Rewards: Earn 6X points at Marriott hotels; 4X points at U.S. supermarkets and global restaurants (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases, then 2X points); 2X points on all other spending.

Travel benefits: Automatic Bonvoy Gold Elite Status; 15 elite night credits each year towards the next status level; an annual free night after $15,000 in spending (valid for award nights at or below 50,000 points); earn 1,000 bonus points per stay; trip delay insurance; baggage insurance; secondary rental car insurance*; no foreign transaction fees.

Credit score required: Good to excellent.

Annual fee: $250. See rates and fees.

Pros

• Automatic Gold Elite Status, with the ability to earn your way to a higher level.
• Enhanced welcome bonus and rewards in popular spending categories.
• 1,000 bonus points for each qualifying Marriott stay.

Cons

• Significant spending requirement to qualify for the complete welcome bonus.
• Limited geographic areas for bonus category earnings and caps on point accumulation.
• High annual fee.

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Top IHG Card: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Among the three credit cards offered by Chase under IHG One, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers the best overall value. It features a generous welcome bonus and strong rewards for both travel and daily spending. The annual free night award, limited to 40,000 points, still provides great value for the $99 annual fee.

Cardholders can maximize their points with a complimentary fourth night on award stays and a 20% discount on purchasing IHG points. Since IHG often sells points for 0.5 cents each, buying points for specific redemptions can be a smart choice.

The IHG One Rewards Premier card offers generous rewards for credit card spending, providing up to 10 points per dollar spent and an additional 10,000 bonus points when you reach $20,000 in spending within a calendar year. You'll also automatically receive Platinum elite status, unlocking benefits like 60% more bonus points, guaranteed room availability, late check-out, and more.

Welcome bonus: Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after making $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

Rewards: You can earn up to 26 points per $1 spent when staying at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Earn 5 points per $1 on travel purchases, gas stations, and restaurants, and 3 points per $1 on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Receive an annual free night award (valid for nights costing 40,000 points or less); enjoy IHG Platinum status; get a fourth night free on award night bookings; a $100 statement credit and 10,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 each year; a 20% discount on purchasing IHG points; no foreign transaction fees; and insurance for trip cancellation, lost luggage, and baggage delays.

Credit score required: Good to excellent.

Annual fee: $99. Refer to rates and fees.

Pros

• The annual free night is valid at hotels that cost 40,000 points per night or less.
• Enjoy a fourth night free on consecutive award nights, potentially saving you 25% on point bookings.
• IHG Platinum elite status provides several valuable benefits.

Cons

• IHG does not provide an award chart, making it difficult to determine which hotels are priced at or below 40,000 points per night.
• Since IHG points can often be purchased for around 0.5 cents each, accumulating them through credit card spending may not be the most efficient way to maximize value.

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Best choice for families: Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card

The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card is an excellent choice for families seeking a hotel credit card. With free night awards available starting at just 7,500 points per bedroom, families can redeem their points at hotels, vacation rentals, condos, and various family-oriented properties. This flexibility is perfect for families needing multiple rooms, as Wyndham offers spacious accommodations and affordable redemption rates.

The Wyndham Rewards Earner Card grants automatic Platinum elite status, providing families with added perks during their hotel stays. With up to 4X points earned on popular spending categories, free nights become even more accessible. Additionally, when redeeming Wyndham points, cardholders receive a 10% discount to maximize their points' value. At a $75 annual fee, this card is an economical choice for families.

Welcome bonus: Receive 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening.

Rewards: Earn 6X points on qualifying purchases at Hotels by Wyndham and gas stations; 4X points on eligible dining and grocery purchases (not including superstores like Walmart® and Target®); 1X point on all other purchases (excluding Wyndham Timeshare resort down payments).

Travel benefits: Upgrade to Wyndham Rewards Platinum elite status, enjoy a cardmember booking discount, receive an annual 7,500-point bonus, and incur no foreign transaction fees.

Credit score required: Good to excellent.

Annual fee: $75.

Pros

• Generous welcome bonus that can be used for up to ten nights at Wyndham hotels.
• Points are further enhanced with a 10% rebate on award bookings.
• The card provides significant bonuses in popular spending categories.
• Families can benefit from early check-in and late checkout with the Platinum status upgrade.

Cons

• Annual fee of $75.

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Ideal for hotel benefits across various brands: The Platinum Card® from American Express

For those seeking hotel benefits without being locked into one loyalty program, The Platinum Card® from American Express is an excellent option. This card grants Gold Elite Status with both Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy. Additionally, cardholders can enjoy elite-like perks at select hotels through the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program. Benefits may vary by location but typically include free nights, complimentary breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, room upgrades, hotel credits, and more. 

The Amex Platinum card comes with a significant annual fee but offers various statement credits, including $200 each year for American Express Travel hotel bookings (Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay). If you prefer flexibility over loyalty to a single hotel chain, this card allows you to transfer points to Hilton, Marriott, or Choice Hotels, making it an excellent option. Authorized users also benefit from Gold status upgrades.

Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 within the first six months of account opening. 

Rewards: Receive 5 points for every dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel on amextravel.com (up to $500,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar); 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel; and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Enjoy Hilton and Marriott Gold Elite Status; $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay; receive up to $240 in annual digital entertainment credits; up to $200 in annual airline fee credits; up to $200 in monthly Uber cash; up to $300 in annual Equinox credits; a $155 Walmart+ Credit; up to $100 in annual credits at Saks Fifth Avenue; a $199 annual CLEAR® Plus credit; access to the Amex Global Lounge Collection; elite status with Avis, Hertz, and National rental cars; trip delay insurance; trip cancellation and interruption insurance*.

Credit score required: Excellent.

Annual fee: $695. See rates and fees.

Pros

• Hotel status benefits extend to both the primary cardholder and authorized users.
• Receive an annual $200 hotel credit for bookings made through American Express Travel (the Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay).
• Enjoy additional perks at thousands of hotels across various brands through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts benefits.

Cons

• Significant annual fee, plus $175 for up to three authorized users.
• The current welcome bonus is not the highest offered for this card.
• Approval follows Amex’s once-per-lifetime rule, meaning if you've already received a welcome bonus for this card, you won't be eligible for another.

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Best for versatility: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card 

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice for those seeking a hotel credit card without being tied to a specific currency. This card allows you to earn Capital One miles, usable for travel expenses (including hotel stays) at a rate of one cent per mile. Additionally, these miles can be transferred to over a dozen airline and hotel programs, offering ultimate flexibility. Capital One’s 1:1 hotel transfer partners include Accord, Choice Hotels, and Wyndham.

Although transferring miles typically offers the greatest value, redeeming them for hotel reservations is easy and straightforward. If you prefer the latter option, you’ll find the Venture X more appealing than a co-branded hotel card. Additionally, this card features an annual $300 travel credit applicable to hotel bookings made through Capital One Travel, where you can earn 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars. 

Welcome bonus: Receive 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months of opening your account.

Rewards: Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel; 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel; 2X miles on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: $300 annual travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel; 10,000 bonus miles on each card anniversary; access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass Select membership; up to $120 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years; complimentary PRIOR subscription, 6-month Cultivist membership; $300 toward Gravity Haus social club membership; cell phone protection (up to $800); Hertz President’s Circle status; access to Premier Collection hotels for exclusive discounts and perks; primary rental car insurance; trip cancellation and interruption coverage; trip delay reimbursement; travel accident insurance; lost luggage reimbursement; travel and emergency assistance services.

Credit score: Excellent.

Annual fee: $395. Refer to rates and fees.

Pros

• Attractive welcome bonus with excellent earning potential on daily purchases.
• Points hold a value of 1 cent each for travel expenses or can be transferred to airline and hotel partners.
• An annual $300 travel credit that can be used for hotel reservations. 

Cons

• Capital One's hotel transfer options are restricted to Accor Live Limitless, Choice Privileges, and Wyndham Rewards.
• The $300 travel credit is only valid for reservations made through Capital One Travel.

Should you pay for travel with cash or redeem points?

Who is a good candidate for a hotel credit card?

If you often find yourself staying in hotels, a hotel credit card could be beneficial. These cards usually come with rewards like complimentary nights, bonus points on stays, elite status, and hotel credits. Additionally, they may offer perks such as access to airport lounges and travel insurance. Annual fees for hotel credit cards can vary from $0 to $695, providing options for all budgets.

Even if you only make one hotel reservation each year, having a hotel credit card could still be advantageous.

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How to select the ideal hotel credit card

When selecting the best hotel credit card, it’s crucial to assess your travel preferences and spending patterns. If you consistently stay with one hotel chain, a co-branded hotel credit card will allow you to earn points more quickly. However, if you prefer a variety of hotel brands, a non-branded card like the Amex Platinum may offer better benefits across multiple chains.

After confirming that a hotel credit card suits your needs, focus on the hotel chain you frequent most (such as IHG, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, Wyndham, etc.). Acquiring a co-branded credit card can enhance your experience and expedite your journey to elite status. If a hotel chain provides several credit card options, it’s essential to evaluate the annual fees and perks to find the best match.

While some hotel credit cards have high annual fees, they often provide resort credits and complimentary night awards that can justify the cost. For instance, the Hilton Aspire Card grants elite Diamond Status, typically requiring 60 nights and significant spending. Thus, despite its $450 annual fee being higher than the $95 fee of the Hilton Surpass card, it can be a valuable investment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are hotel credit cards a good investment?

Hotel credit cards can provide significant value depending on your hotel stay frequency and the benefits they offer. An excellent hotel credit card will reward your top spending categories and deliver ongoing advantages like elite status and complimentary nights.

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What are the advantages of booking hotels with a credit card?

Using a credit card to book hotels is advantageous as it offers greater protection and security compared to other payment methods. Credit cards enable you to dispute charges if issues arise, such as overcharges or unauthorized holds. Additionally, many credit cards come with extra perks like travel insurance, rewards, and travel credits.

Hotels typically place incidental holds on your credit card upon check-in, which can vary from $50 to $100 or even more. Using a debit card deducts this amount from your account, restricting access to those funds for other purchases. In contrast, credit card holds are temporary, making it more advantageous to book hotels with a credit card.

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What is the typical hold amount hotels place on your credit card?

The amount held by a hotel credit card can differ by location. Typically, hotels will place a hold equal to your total stay plus an extra amount for incidentals.

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Is a credit card necessary for booking a hotel?

It varies by hotel. Some may require a credit card for reservations, while others might accept cash or alternative payment methods. It's advisable to confirm with the specific hotel prior to booking.

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*Eligibility and benefit levels depend on the Card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. For further information, please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Editorial note: The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by these entities.