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 put you closer to your next vacation.
Here are some things to consider and questions to ask before choosing a hotel credit card.
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 suited with a travel rewards card that earns more flexible rewards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.
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?
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Non-bonus spending rewards | Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening, plus receive a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year. |
|
$95 |
| One Key™ Card (see rates and fees) | Expedia loyalists who want a card with no annual fee | Earn $400 in OneKeyCash™ after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of cardmembership. |
|
$0 |
| IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card | IHG | Earn 170,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. |
|
$99 |
| One Key+™ Card (see rates and fees) | Expedia enthusiasts | Earn $600 in OneKeyCash™ after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of cardmembership. |
|
$99 |
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card | Low fee Marriott loyalists | Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first three months from account opening. |
|
$95 |
| Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card | Mid-tier annual fee | Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points, plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first six months of cardmembership. |
|
$150 (see rates and fees) |
| Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (see rates and fees) | Starter travel | For a limited time, earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com. |
|
$95 |
| Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card | No annual fee | Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in your first three months from account opening. |
|
$0 |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Premium travel | Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel. |
|
$395 |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | Luxury benefits | Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases in your first six months of cardmembership. |
|
$695 (see rates and fees) |
What benefits do you get?
When researching a hotel credit card, it is important to consider the benefits of the card, which can include:
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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 pay 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: What are points and miles worth? TPG’s monthly valuations
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 after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Each night is valued up to 50,000 points; certain hotels may have resort fees.
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.
Related: Here are the best credit card welcome offers
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 the fee.
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
See rates and fees for the Amex Platinum, click here.
See rates and fees for the Hilton Honors Surpass, click here.