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Best Credit Cards for Earning Hotel Points in 2024
LA Times Compare Team
+ 1 other
Reviewed By
Blake Esken - Los Angeles Times
A hotel credit card can be the golden key that unlocks a world of benefits usually reserved for elite loyalty program members. The best hotel cards offer hefty credit card welcome bonuses, automatic elite status, and VIP perks that range from complimentary room upgrades to late check-outs and so much more. Some hotel credit cards are co-branded with a specific chain (ideal for loyalists) while others are general travel credit cards with hotel-related perks.
Keep reading to learn more about hotel credit cards and which cards we recommend.
Our top picks for the best hotel credit cards
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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Annual Fee
$95
Welcome Offer
Ending Soon! 60,000 points + $300 travel credit
Regular APR
20.99% to 27.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
Although co-branded cards are unmatched in the benefits they provide for specific hotel chains, if you like to switch up where you stay and aren’t loyal to a particular hotel brand, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card may be just what you’re looking for. With this card, you earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards® points on every purchase, and when you use those points to book hotel stays through Chase Travel, you get 25% extra value. You can also transfer your points at a 1:1 ratio to several hotel loyalty programs. Additionally, with Sapphire Preferred, you can access a $50 annual hotel credit. Whether you prefer to stay at a swanky resort or a budget-friendly hotel, the Chase Sapphire Preferred gives you the freedom to choose and maximize your hotel rewards without being tied down to one specific chain.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Up to 26X Reward Rate
Earn up to 26X points per $1 spent when staying at an IHG hotel. Earn 5X points for every dollar spent at gas stations, U.S. restaurants, and on travel, and 3X points on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$99
Welcome Offer
140,000 bonus points
Regular APR
20.99% to 27.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
For IHG hotel loyalists, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is top tier. With an array of perks like an annual free night, complimentary Platinum Elite status, and a substantial welcome bonus, this card is a fantastic choice for those who frequently stay at IHG hotels.
It does have a $99 annual fee, so if you’re not dedicated to staying with IHG, you may not find enough value for that fee. If you tend to choose this hotel chain time and time again, though, the perks could far outweigh the yearly cost.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Up to 10X Reward Rate
Earn 10X points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually, 10X points on Chase Dining purchases, 5X points on flights booked through Chase Travel, 3X points on non-Chase travel and dining, and 1X points on all non-bonus spending.
Annual Fee
$550
Welcome Offer
60,000 points
Regular APR
21.99% to 28.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
Why we like it
Even though the Chase Sapphire Reserve isn’t a hotel credit card, specifically, it comes with a multitude of flexible travel benefits. Starting strong, it has an annual $300 travel credit that can be used toward hotel bookings (and other travel bookings) made in Chase Travel. Additionally, the points that are earned on the Reserve are through Chase Ultimate Rewards, meaning they’re extra flexible to redeem. Bookings made through Chase Travel are worth 50% more, and they can also be transferred 1:1 to various hotel or airline partners. On top of that, this card has perks like airport lounge access and travel insurance benefits, to give you extra comfort and peace of mind while traveling. If you’re not loyal to a specific hotel brand, the Chase Sapphire Reserve can give you flexibility with your bookings without sacrificing value and rewards.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Up to 12X Reward Rate
Earn 12X points on eligible purchases made directly with Hilton hotels and resorts, 6X points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. supermarkets, 4X points on U.S. online retail purchases, and 3X points on all other eligible purchases.
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Annual Fee
$150
Welcome Offer
165,000 points
Regular APR
20.49% to 29.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is a great choice for Hilton loyalists, offering complimentary Hilton Gold elite status, a high reward rate for Hilton purchases, and a generous welcome offer. Note: All information for The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card has been collected independently by LA Times Compare. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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Card Details
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- Enjoy up to $200 back each year on eligible Hilton purchases when you use your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.
- After you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors.
- Cardholders can benefit from complimentary Hilton Honors ™ Gold Status with their Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.
- If you spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status through the end of the next calendar year.
- Enroll in the complimentary Emerald Club® program, and you can enjoy complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status. Terms apply.
- Swipe your card freely while abroad with no Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- Automatic Hilton Gold status
- Ability to earn a free night with enough spending
- Up to $200 in Hilton statement credits (up to $50 in statement credits each quarter)
Cons
- Has an annual fee
- High spending requirement for Free Night Award
- Limited redemption options
Bottom Line
You won’t get a complimentary Free Night Award with this card but it still offers a multitude of valuable benefits for the Hilton loyalist.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Up to 7X Reward Rate
Earn 7X Hilton Honors Points on eligible Hilton purchases, 5X points on eligible U.S. restaurant, U.S. supermarket, and U.S. gas station purchases, and 3X on all other eligible purchases.
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Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
100,000 Points
Regular APR
20.49% to 29.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
The Hilton Honors American Express Credit Card is an entry-level card with no annual fees that offers an enticing welcome offer, generous category bonuses, complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status, and travel protections.
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Card Details
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- With your Hilton Honors American Express Card, you can benefit from complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status. Plus, if you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees, so you can use your card freely while abroad.
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Automatic Hilton Silver status
- 20% bonus points on eligible stays
Cons
- Low point redemption value
- Need good or excellent credit to qualify
- Fewer perks than some travel cards
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Up to 6X Reward Rate
Earn 6X points per dollar spent at participating hotels, 3X points at restaurants worldwide, 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X points on other eligible purchases.
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Annual Fee
$650
Welcome Offer
95,000 points
Regular APR
20.49% to 29.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
For the Marriott loyalist, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is full of potential. It comes with a high reward rate on Marriott purchases, along with high-value perks like complimentary Platinum Elite status and various statement credits.
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Card Details
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- $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.
- 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.
- $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 ($120) 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.
- Cell Phone Protection
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- Extensive perks
- Generous rewards rate
- Many eligible properties worldwide
Cons
- High annual fee
- Few redemption options
- Large spending requirement for welcome offer
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
Up to 4X Reward Rate
Earn 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualifying purchases at Hyatt Hotels. Earn 2X points on your top 3 spend categories each quarter (categories are: dining, shipping, airline tickets when purchased directly with the airline, local transit & commuting, social media & search engine advertising, car rental agencies, gas stations and internet, cable & phone services), earn 2X points on fitness club and gym memberships and earn 1X points on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$199
Welcome Offer
60,000 points
Regular APR
20.99% to 27.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
If you prefer to stay at Hyatt hotels when on your business endeavors, the World of Hyatt Business card is a must-have. For a moderate $199 annual fee, you can access valuable perks like complimentary Discoverist status (which entitles you to benefits like room upgrades and late checkouts), a Free Night Award, and more. Additionally, this card has a substantial welcome offer and a generous reward-earning rate, so it’s easy to earn points, and those points can be redeemed for even more free nights. Overall, this card is an excellent choice for business travelers who prioritize comfort and convenience.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, and 1X points on other eligible purchases.
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Annual Fee
$695
Welcome Offer
80,000 points
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
The American Express Platinum card offers elite status with two major hotel chains — Hilton and Marriott. We do realize that it has a high annual fee but if you can take advantage of its benefits, it can easily be worth it.
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Card Details
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- $200 Hotel Credit: Receive up to $200 back in statement credits each year for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when paying with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Receive up to $20 back in statement credits every month when you make eligible purchases with your Platinum Card®. This offer applies to Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- Escape the hectic nature of the airport with the American Express Global Lounge Collection®. With complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries, you can enjoy more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer. As of 03/2023.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Maximize savings on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership using your Platinum Card® and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one eligible airline and then get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when you are charged incidental fees by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $200 Uber Cash: Receive Uber VIP status and get up to $200 annually ($15 per month, plus a $20 bonus in December) in Uber Cash on Rides or Eats orders in the U.S. Uber Cash and VIP status are only available to Basic Card Members. To receive this benefit you must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible Card must be a method of payment on your Uber account. This benefit may only be used in the United States. Terms apply.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Get to your gate faster at over 50 airports nationwide with CLEAR® Plus and receive up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership when you use your card. Subject to auto-renewal. CLEARLanes are available at over 100 airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
- Enjoy either a $120 statement credit for a Global Entry application fee every 4 years or a statement credit of up to $85 every 4.5 years for a 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 get access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Use your Platinum Card® to receive up to $100 in statement credits for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com annually (Up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually). Enrollment is required.
- Add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile and enjoy access to exclusive reservations and unique dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- Excellent rewards rate for travel purchases
- Qualify for $1,500+ in statement credits
- Very generous welcome offer
Cons
- High annual fee of $695
- Many statement credit offers are too specific and hard to use
- Non-travel-perks aren’t spectacular
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Earn 5X miles per dollar on hotel stays, vacation rentals or rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2X miles on all other purchases.
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Annual Fee
$95
Welcome Offer
75,000 miles
Regular APR
19.99% to 29.74% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
It’s easy to earn rewards with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, with a rate of 2X miles on every dollar you spend. It also offers a $50 hotel experience credit on eligible stays and a higher reward rate on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
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- Miles don’t expire for the lifetime of the account plus there’s no limit to how many you can earn
- Up to a $120 credit to use toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use miles for reimbursement on any travel purchase—or use them to book a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enhance every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a range of cardholder benefits, such as $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
- Transfer your miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs of your choice
Pros
- Travel insurance protections incuded
- Earn flexible rewards for travel
- Reasonable $95 annual fee
Cons
- Requires good or excellent credit
- No everyday spending bonus categories
- High APR
Compare the best credit cards for hotels
Card
Best for
Reward rate
Welcome bonus
Learn more
Best Overall
1X-5X points
Ending Soon! 60,000 points + $300 travel credit
Best for IHG Loyalists
3X-26X points
140,000 bonus points
Best for Premium Flexible Rewards
1X-10X points
60,000 points
Best for Hilton Loyalists
3X-12X points
165,000 points
Best for Hilton – No Annual Fee
3X-7X points
100,000 Points
Best for Marriott Loyalists
2X-6X points
95,000 points
Best for Hyatt – Business
1X-4X points
60,000 points
Best for Luxury Perks
1X-5X points
80,000 points
Best for Simple Earning & Redemption
2X-5X miles
75,000 miles
What is a hotel credit card?
A hotel credit card is a travel credit card that earns points with a hotel chain, like Hilton or Marriott. If you’re loyal to one hotel brand, a co-branded hotel credit card can reward you for remaining loyal, with perks like free night rewards, elite status, and more.
How do hotel credit cards work?
Hotel credit cards allow you to earn points and rewards, but how much you can earn depends on the hotel’s rewards policy and the type of card you carry. Every dollar you spend can earn points in your card’s hotel loyalty account. You can redeem these points toward hotel-specific perks through the hotel rewards program.
How do hotel rewards programs work?
Hotel rewards programs are a kind of loyalty program offered by a specific hotel or chain. When you earn points with your hotel credit card, you can redeem these points toward perks like room upgrades, free nights, and even credits to use toward the in-room minibar. These available perks vary based on the loyalty program you’re with.
How much are hotel points worth?
Here’s how much hotel points are estimated to be worth with some of the most popular loyalty programs:
| Rewards Program | Estimated Point Value | Estimated Value of 20k Points |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Honors | 0.6 cents per point | $120 |
| IHG One Rewards | 0.8 cents per point | $160 |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 0.8 cents per point | $160 |
| World of Hyatt | 2.4 cents per point | $480 |
| Wyndham Rewards | 1.1 cent per point | $220 |
Benefits of using a hotel card
The benefits a hotel credit card offers can vary from card to card but these are two of the best perks you may be able to get:
Free night rewards
One of the most coveted benefits of a hotel credit card is the ability to earn free nights. Often, this perk rolls around yearly, around your cardmember anniversary. Some cards even offer extra free nights as a part of a new cardholder sign-up bonus after you spend a certain amount within a set time.
Elite status
Many hotel loyalty programs offer complimentary elite status to cardholders. Being an elite member can entitle you to a variety of perks such as room upgrades, bonus rewards on your hotel bookings, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, earlier check-in, late check-out, and more.
How to redeem hotel rewards points for a free night
It’s usually a straightforward process to redeem hotel rewards points, and the process tends to be similar between different loyalty programs. Often, redeeming your points for hotel stays gives you the most “bang for your buck.”
Here’s an example of what the process to redeem points may look like:
- Log into your account on the hotel’s app or website
- Enter your travel details and select “reward nights,” “use points,” or something similar to see properties that will let you redeem points to book them.
- Click “select hotel” or something similar to see more information on what rooms they have available and their rates.
- Select the room you want to book and review the reservation details. If your points cover the entire stay, it should note that. If you need to pay additional to cover the rest, it should also note that.
- Book your free night!
How to maximize hotel rewards
1. Sign up for the hotel’s loyalty program
Most hotel credit cards automatically enroll you in their loyalty program, but not all. Make sure you’re signed up to earn extra points on top of what you already get from your card.
2. Book directly
Typically, you get the most rewards points from your hotel card for booking directly with the hotel chain or through your credit card issuer’s travel portal, rather than through a third-party service.
3. Make sure you can earn the sign-up bonus
These bonuses can be worth thousands of hotel points but require you to spend a certain amount in a set time. Plan accordingly when applying for a hotel credit card to ensure you can earn the bonus.
How to choose a hotel credit card
When choosing a hotel credit card, there are a few key factors you’ll want to consider:
1. Pick a hotel chain.
If you regularly stay with a particular hotel, this step may be a no-brainer. If you’re between a few, think about factors like where certain hotels are located.
2. Look at the sign-up bonus.
Many co-branded hotel credit cards offer generous sign-up bonuses to new card members who spend a certain amount in a set time frame. These bonuses can allow you to earn extra points, free night rewards, and more, depending on the card you choose.
3. Evaluate your spending habits.
Some hotel cards only offer elevated rewards earning on purchases made with their chain while others offer rewards for everyday spending, like on dining or grocery purchases. If you spend more in a certain category than another, look for a card that can reward you for those purchases.
4. Consider the benefits and rewards.
Some hotel cards offer benefits like annual free night rewards, hotel elite status, and airport lounge access. Consider the value of these benefits to you and whether you can utilize them.
5. Budget for annual fees.
Some hotel credit cards have no annual fee, while others charge hundreds of dollars. Think about your budget and whether you’ll be able to get enough value from a card to make its annual fee worth it.
• • • • •
Note: All information for The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card has been collected independently by LA Times Compare. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
• • • • •
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, please visit this page.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, please visit this page.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, please visit this page.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this page.
Hotel credit cards FAQ
Should I get a hotel card?
It’s a good idea to consider a hotel card if you are a regular guest at a specific hotel chain. Many major hotel chains offer a hotel credit card, making it likely your hotel of choice will, too.
Many cardholders can find that they can easily get their money’s worth with these cards. The perks often make up for fees and costs, but only you know whether a hotel card is right for you. Weigh the costs and benefits against your spending habits to make sure you’re making the right choice.
Which credit card is best for hotel rewards?
If you are looking to get hotel rewards points from your credit cards, the best option is to choose a hotel-branded credit card from your hotel chain of choice. Typically, if you are looking to cash out your card points on hotels, choosing cards with hotel-specific points will get you farther than if you were to choose a general travel rewards card.
Here are the best hotel rewards cards for major hotel chains that can help you rack up points:
- Best credit card for hotel rewards from IHG:
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card - Best credit card for hotel rewards from Hilton:
Hilton Honors Surpass American Express Credit Card - Best credit card for hotel rewards from Marriott:
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Credit Card - Best business credit card for hotel rewards from Hyatt:
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
Can hotel points expire?
Yes, hotel points can expire. However, if your account remains active and in good standing, your points often won’t expire.
Here’s the expiration policy of a few popular rewards programs:
| Hotel rewards program | Expiration policy |
|---|---|
| Hilton Honors | Points expire after 2 years of no qualifying account activity |
| IHG Rewards | Points expire after 1 year of no qualifying account activity |
| Marriott Bonvoy | Points expire after 2 years of no qualifying account activity |
| World of Hyatt | Points expire after 2 years of no qualifying account activity |
“Qualifying account activity” usually refers to anything that keeps your account active, like making purchases, transferring points, or redeeming points. This can vary from program to program so make sure you know what is needed to keep your account active with your particular loyalty program.
Are hotel points transferable?
Sometimes, but we don’t usually recommend it. The transfer rate is often sub-par so it’s best to redeem your points toward hotel stays. If you want more flexibility, a general travel rewards credit card can provide more redemption options.
About the Author
The comparison team is a proud partner of the LA Times and is a combination of expert freelance writers, editors, and contributors specially selected for their extensive experience writing and working in the financial industry. Every article written is thoroughly researched, edited, reviewed, and then fact-checked by a member of The LA Times Business Development staff before publication to ensure you receive accurate information.
* Opinions expressed here are those of LA Times Compare and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser or entities included within this content. See our editorial policy for more details.
All products or services are presented in this content without warranty. The information, including card details such as rates and fees, is accurate at the time of publication. Please visit each bank's website directly for the most current information.