Best hotel credit cards of November 2024: Free nights and more
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- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best Starter Hotel Card
- Hilton Honors American Express Card: Best no-annual-fee hotel card
- The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Best for business travel
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Best for Marriott fans
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Best for everyday spending
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Best Marriott business card
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for luxury benefits
- One Key™ Card: Best for hotel deals
- One Key+™ Card: Best for Vrbo
- The World of Hyatt Credit Card: Best Point Value
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Best for Marriott Fans
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Best for IHG Stays
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Showing 12 results
Intro offer
$300 Chase Travel℠ Credit + 60,000 bonus points
Rewards Rate
1x - 5x
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
20.99% - 27.99% Variable
Why you'll like this: This card’s potential value far exceeds the annual fee.
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees, Terms ApplyIntro offer
Earn 100,000 points
Rewards rate
3X - 7X
Annual fee
$0
APR
20.49%-29.49% Variable
Why you'll like this: It offers terrific short- and long-term value for Hilton guests with its welcome offer and everyday bonus categories.
Best for business travel
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees, Terms ApplyIntro offer
Earn 175,000 Bonus Points
Rewards Rate
3X - 12X
Annual fee
$195
Regular APR
20.49% - 29.49% Variable
Why you'll like this: The stellar hotel credits, automatic Gold Status and travel rewards potential set this card apart if you typically book with Hilton for business trips.
Best for Marriott fans
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees, Terms ApplyIntro offer
95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points
Rewards rate
2X - 6X
Annual fee
$650
APR
20.49%-29.49% Variable
Why you'll like this: It packs some of the best Marriott perks available, offering exceptional value with its award nights, annual credits and elite status.
Best for everyday spending
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees, Terms ApplyIntro offer
Earn 165,000 points
Rewards rate
3X - 12X
Annual fee
$150
APR
20.49%-29.49% Variable
Why you'll like this: Complimentary Gold Status enhances the already great rewards rates to make this card a lucrative option for groceries, gas and online shopping.
Best Marriott business card
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees, Terms ApplyIntro offer
3 Free Night Awards
Rewards Rate
2x - 6x
Annual fee
$125
Regular APR
20.49% - 29.49% Variable
Why you'll like this: You can maximize your rewards on business trips with complimentary Gold Elite status, an annual Free Award Night and other Marriott perks.
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees, Terms ApplyIntro offer
Earn 80,000 points
Rewards rate
5X - 5X
Annual fee
$695
APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Why you'll like this: It earns rewards with any hotel brand in its travel portal and packs more than $1,500 worth of benefits and credits, plus valuable Marriott and Hilton loyalty status.
Intro offer
Earn $400 in OneKeyCash™
Rewards Rate
1.5% - 3%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR
Intro offer
Earn $600 in OneKeyCash™
Rewards Rate
2% - 3%
Annual fee
$99
Regular APR
19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR
Intro offer
Up to 60,000 Bonus Points
Rewards Rate
2X - 9X
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
20.99% - 27.99% Variable
Why you'll like this: Few cards offer more value for Hyatt fans than this one.
Intro offer
Earn 125,000 Points
Rewards Rate
2X - 17X
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
20.99% - 27.99% Variable
Why you'll like this: Automatic Silver Elite status offers a ton of up-front value.
Intro offer
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points
Rewards Rate
3X - 26X
Annual fee
$99
Regular APR
20.99% - 27.99% Variable
Why you'll like this: This card offers a generous spread of perks that make it easy to earn value.
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Compare Bankrate's top 2024 hotel credit cards
Card name | Best for | Rewards highlights | Bankrate score |
---|---|---|---|
|
Starter hotel card |
5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ 3X points on dining, select streaming services and online groceries 2X points on all other travel purchases. |
5.0 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Chase's secure site
|
|
No annual fee |
7X points on eligible Hilton purchases 5X points on eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations 3X points on all other purchases |
4.3 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees
, Terms Apply
|
|
Business travel |
12X points on eligible Hilton purchases 5X points on made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year 3X points on all other eligible purchases |
4.1 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees
, Terms Apply
|
|
Marriott fans |
6X points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines 2X points on all other purchases |
4.6 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees
, Terms Apply
|
|
Everyday spending |
12X points on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels and resorts 6X points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations 4X points on U.S. online retail purchases 3X points on other eligible purchases. |
4.7 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees
, Terms Apply
|
|
Marriott business card |
6X Marriott Bonvoy Points on participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels 4X points on restaurants, U.S. gas stations and wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping 2X Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card points on all other eligible purchases. |
4.7 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees
, Terms Apply
|
|
Luxury benefits |
5X points on up to $500,000 of directly booked flights with airlines per calendar year and 5X on prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com |
4.8 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees
, Terms Apply
|
|
Hotel deals |
3% in OneKeyCash on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo
3% in OneKeyCash at gas stations, grocery stores and on dining 1.5% in OneKeyCash on other purchases |
4.0 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Wells Fargo's secure site
|
|
One Key fans |
3% in OneKeyCash on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo
|
4.0 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Apply now
on Wells Fargo's secure site
|
|
Point value |
Up to 9X points for Hyatt stays – 4X points on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5X points from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
2X points at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline
1X points on all other eligible purchases
|
|
|
Marriott fans |
Up to 17X points at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® program
3X points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
2X points on all other purchases
|
|
|
IHG stays |
Up to 26X points when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts 5X points on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants 3X points on all other purchases |
|
What is a hotel credit card?
A hotel credit card is a travel card that typically rewards its users for making purchases at a specific hotel brand. You earn points in a hotel chain’s loyalty program by using the card to book rooms at the chain’s hotels or resorts and by making eligible non-travel purchases. Other incentives may include free nights, elite status, upgrades and access to the hotel chain’s travel partners.
There are two types of hotel credit cards. The first is a co-branded hotel card that works through a partnership between an issuer and a hotel brand. These cards usually include enrollment in the hotel's loyalty program. Another type is a general travel rewards card that offers hotel-related perks and benefits without being exclusively associated with a single hotel chain.
Pros and cons of hotel credit cards
Whether or not a hotel card is the right choice for you depends on your travel habits, budget and financial priorities. Make sure to weigh the pros and cons before choosing a particular card.
Pros
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Hotel cards regularly offer lucrative welcome offers for new cardholders who meet the spending requirements within a specified period.
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A co-branded hotel card will likely offer a higher-than-average rewards rate on eligible hotel purchases compared with a general travel card.
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Late check-in, complimentary breakfast and room upgrades are some of the perks offered by co-branded hotel credit cards. Many hotel cards also offer expedited pathways to elite status with even more perks.
Cons
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To get the most value from your card, you might have to navigate complicated rewards programs and redemption processes. The value can also decline significantly when you transfer points to travel partners or redeem for merchandise.
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Although rewards rates are high with some co-branded hotel cards, the points’ redemption values may not be worth as much as those earned with non-branded travel cards.
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Whether you opt for a co-branded hotel card or a general travel rewards card, you’ll most likely have to pay an annual fee of $95 or more if you want noteworthy perks at hotels.
Tips for choosing the best hotel credit card for you
The right hotel card for you will vary based on your travel habits and preferences. Here are a few first steps to help you in your search.
Expert advice for hotel credit cards
Hotel credit cards can be worthwhile, but it’s best to know how to manage them effectively to make them worth the spot in your wallet.
Tips for maximizing hotel credit cards
Here are some of our top tips for maximizing your hotel credit cards so you can get the best returns.
Bankrate Insight
Here’s how a Bankrate expert uses his hotel credit card
Bankrate credit cards writer Ryan Flanigan appreciates the everyday value he can get from the Hilton Honors Amex Surpass.
This card has great practical use for my everyday needs. I go to this card early and often in the year to earn the free night as quickly as possible. If I spend just in the 6X bonus categories, that’s 90,000 points in my pocket. That’s great value for the annual fee. The quarterly Hilton credits also give me a boost while staying on property. This card can almost always be found in my wallet.— Ryan Flanigan, Writer, Credit Cards
What people say about hotel credit cards
You may be wondering whether it’s worth it to get a hotel credit card. The short answer — it depends on your travel needs. We explored what people on social media thought about their experience with hotel credit cards and brands.
Frequently asked questions about hotel credit cards
How we assess the best hotel credit cards
When evaluating the best hotel rewards cards, we consider a mix of factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether cards offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders, from earning rewards in popular categories to scoring a large sign-up bonus or high-value perks. Whenever possible, we also feature cards that are available at various credit levels and price points.
We analyzed over 150 of the most popular rewards cards and scored each based on its rewards rate, estimated annual earnings, welcome bonus value, APR, fees, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup of the best hotel cards.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key factors in our rewards card scoring methodology and details we considered when putting together our list.
Hotel cards fall into our “Rewards card” sooring category. Our rating methodology for these cards focuses heavily on rewards value — what kind of return we’d expect based on the average person’s spending and a card’s added bonuses and annual fee.
Here’s how overall scoring breaks down for rewards and cash back cards.
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Value 65.00%
-
Flexibility 15.00%
-
Perks 15.00%
-
Customer experience 5.00%
*Information about all credit cards marked with an asterisk has been collected independently by Bankrate. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.