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Two people can book the same exact hotel room for the same exact price but have totally different experiences. One person may end up in an upgraded room on a high floor in a corner, with extra space and a couch, all while enjoying free breakfast and premium internet, earning a ton of extra points, checking in early, and checking out late.
The other person might get a fine standard room, maybe on a lower floor next to the elevator. Basic internet might be included, but if that person plans to use it heavily for work or streaming, they may want to pay a few dollars a day to upgrade to premium. The breakfast buffet is $20 per person, and late checkout isn’t available, even for a fee — although the hotel is happy to hold their bags until their late flight.
These two people booked the same exact room using identical booking methods (directly with the hotel). So what gets the first person here such better treatment?
The answer: elite status. And you don’t need to spend dozens of nights on the road each year to earn it; some credit cards will grant you status just for having an account in good standing. Read on to see which hotel credit cards offer these free benefits, as well as what you can get when you hold one.
We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
Marriott and Hilton elite status
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Intro offer
100,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 in your first 6 months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Intro offer
100,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 in your first 6 months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
On American Express’s website
Card Details
Rewards
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
Annual Fee
$695
See Rates and Fees
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Intro offer
100,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 in your first 6 months of card membership
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
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Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
If you’re not too particular about which hotel brand you stay at, The Platinum Card® from American Express
could be the perfect option. That’s because it offers complimentary elite status at two major chains — Hilton and Marriott — that together offer more properties than any other brand.
At Hilton, Platinum Card cardholders who enroll their accounts get complimentary Gold level status. This mid-tier status is particularly valuable at Hilton, including free breakfast or a food and beverage credit at most hotels, room upgrades and late checkout subject to availability, a fifth reward night for free any time you stay for four nights using points, an 80% bonus on points earned during paid stays, free water bottles in-room, and more.
Platinum Card members also get Gold status at Marriott when they enroll, although Gold perks at this brand are slightly different. You’ll get a room upgrade at check-in when it’s available, as well as check-out time as late as 2 p.m., complimentary premium internet, a 25% bonus on earned points, and a small welcome gift of bonus points.
Finally, for independent hotels, Platinum cardholders can book through Amex’s Fine Hotels & Resorts program to get perks at a ton of different properties.
The Platinum Card comes with plenty of other perks too, including access to airport lounges, up to $200 a year in Uber Cash credits**, up to an annual $200 airline fee credit**, up to $100 annual in Saks Fifth Avenue credits**, concierge services, access to exclusive events, and more.
Marriott elite status
Marriott and Starwood merged their hotel loyalty programs, and as a result, their portfolios of credit cards were updated and merged as well. Thankfully, the days of confusing branding are behind us — all co-branded Marriott cards have Marriott Bonvoy branding, but some credit cards are issued by Amex, and some are issued by Chase.
In addition to the Platinum Card, which comes with Marriott Gold status, here are the cards that get you status with the Marriott Bonvoy brand.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Intro offer
3 free nights (each worth up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 17X total Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 3X Bonvoy points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining. Earn 2X Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Intro offer
3 free nights (each worth up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 17X total Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 3X Bonvoy points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining. Earn 2X Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Card Details
Rewards
Earn up to 17X total Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 3X Bonvoy points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining. Earn 2X Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Intro offer
3 free nights (each worth up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
18.24% – 25.24% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card gets you Silver elite status with Marriott.
While Silver status doesn’t get you much, it’s still something — you’ll get a 10% bonus on Marriott Bonvoy points earned, priority for late checkout, access to a dedicated customer service line, free Wi-Fi, and more. While it’s not a published benefit, you may also be given preferential rooms. When you spend $35,000 on the card in a given year, you’ll earn Gold status instead.
The card offers 6 points on every dollar spent at Marriott hotels (in addition to the points you’d normally earn for the stay), 3x points at grocery stores, gas stations, and on dining (on up to $6,000 in combined purchases per year), and 2x points on everything else. After your first year, you’ll get a free night certificate every year on your account anniversary, good for any property that costs 35,000 nights or fewer.
With the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card you can currently earn 3 free nights (each worth up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. The card has a $95 annual fee.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
Intro offer
75,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after using your new card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 6x Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Points at eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program. Earn Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3x Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Points on flights booked directly with airlines. Earn 2X Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Points on all other purchases.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
Intro offer
75,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after using your new card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 6x Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Points at eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program. Earn Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3x Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Points on flights booked directly with airlines. Earn 2X Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Points on all other purchases.
On American Express’s website
Card Details
Rewards
Earn 6x Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Points at eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program. Earn Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3x Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Points on flights booked directly with airlines. Earn 2X Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Points on all other purchases.
Intro offer
75,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after using your new card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
17.99% – 26.99% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card comes with automatic Marriott Gold elite status, and cardholders receive up to $300 in annual credit toward purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program (offer ends 9/22/22 and will be replaced with a benefit of up to $25 in statement credits per month for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide), an annual free night certificate good for hotels that cost up to 50,000 points, access to Priority Pass airport lounges**, and plenty more to make up for the $450 annual fee, which isn’t waived the first year.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card offers a solid intro bonus: 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after using your new card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Cardholders earn 6x points on purchases at hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy® program (on top of what they’d normally earn for a stay), 3x points at US restaurants and flights booked directly with the airline, and 2x points on everything else.
Hilton elite status
Hilton’s loyalty program, Hilton Honors, can offer hotel guests great value — even if Hilton points aren’t worth quite as much as other hotel loyalty points, like Marriott, it’s often easier to earn them quickly.
Plus, the status you can get from a credit card is particularly valuable. While there are three personal Hilton credit cards that offer various levels of status, only two of those cards offer status with meaningful perks.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Intro offer
100,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases on the card in the first 3 months of card membership plus up to $100 in statement credits on eligible purchases made on the card at any of the Hilton family hotels in the first 12 months of membership (offer expires 10/26/22)
Rewards
Earn 7x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 5x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 5x Points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 5x on gas at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Intro offer
100,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases on the card in the first 3 months of card membership plus up to $100 in statement credits on eligible purchases made on the card at any of the Hilton family hotels in the first 12 months of membership (offer expires 10/26/22)
Rewards
Earn 7x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 5x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 5x Points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 5x on gas at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.
On American Express’s website
Card Details
Rewards
Earn 7x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 5x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 5x Points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 5x on gas at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.
Intro offer
100,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases on the card in the first 3 months of card membership plus up to $100 in statement credits on eligible purchases made on the card at any of the Hilton family hotels in the first 12 months of membership (offer expires 10/26/22)
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
17.99% – 26.99% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
The entry-level Amex Hilton Honors Card has a decent set of benefits for a no-annual-fee card, including Silver elite status in the Hilton Honors program.
At Hilton, holding Silver status doesn’t get you a ton, but you’ll still be eligible for things like late checkout, free water bottles in your room during stays, a free fifth night on award stays, and bonus points. When you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on the card in a calendar year, you’ll get upgraded to Gold status, which includes the same perks as Silver, plus free breakfast, room upgrades, and more bonus points.
The card offers 7 points per dollar spent on eligible Hilton purchases, 5 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at US restaurants, US gas stations, and US supermarkets, and 3x points on every other eligible purchase.
When you open a new account, you can earn a welcome bonus offer of 100,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases on the card in the first 3 months of card membership plus up to $100 in statement credits on eligible purchases made on the card at any of the Hilton family hotels in the first 12 months of membership (offer expires 10/26/22). For a no-fee card, this is pretty solid, but you can do better with the other Hilton options.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Intro offer
130,000 points after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases on the card in the first 3 months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 12x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 6x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 6x Points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 6x Points on gas at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (offer ends 10/26/22)
Annual Fee
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Intro offer
130,000 points after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases on the card in the first 3 months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 12x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 6x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 6x Points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 6x Points on gas at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (offer ends 10/26/22)
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (offer ends 10/26/22)
Annual Fee
On American Express’s website
Card Details
Rewards
Earn 12x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 6x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 6x Points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 6x Points on gas at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (offer ends 10/26/22)
Intro offer
130,000 points after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases on the card in the first 3 months of card membership
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
17.99% – 26.99% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
With a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (offer ends 10/26/22), the Hilton Honors Surpass® Card is the best mid-range option in Hilton’s line-up.
The Hilton Honors Surpass® Card offers complimentary Gold status, which is potentially an incredible deal. The free breakfast or food and beverage credit alone can make up for the annual fee in just a few stays.
If you spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on the Hilton Honors Surpass® Card within a calendar year, you’ll be upgraded to Diamond status. In addition to the same benefits you’d get from Gold status, Diamond gets you a higher priority for room upgrades, executive lounge access, and more. The card also comes with 10 free day passes to Priority Pass airport lounges.
When you open a Hilton Honors Surpass® Card, you can earn 130,000 points after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases on the card in the first 3 months of card membership. You’ll also get a free weekend night certificate if you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on the card within a calendar year.
The card also has a better-earning rate than the regular Hilton card. It earns 12x points on eligible Hilton purchases, 6x points on eligible purchases at US restaurants, US gas stations, and US supermarkets, and 3x points on every other eligible purchase.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Intro offer
150,000 points after you spend at least $4,000 in your first 3 months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 14x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 7x Points on select travel including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. Earn 7x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Intro offer
150,000 points after you spend at least $4,000 in your first 3 months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 14x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 7x Points on select travel including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. Earn 7x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.
On American Express’s website
Card Details
Rewards
Earn 14x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 7x Points on select travel including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. Earn 7x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.
Intro offer
150,000 points after you spend at least $4,000 in your first 3 months of account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
15.74% to 24.74% variable APR on purchases
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
The Hilton Honors Aspire Card is the premium Hilton card, and even though it has a $450 annual fee, it offers an absurd amount of potential value to blow that away.
Along with a welcome bonus offer of 150,000 points after you spend at least $4,000 in your first 3 months of account opening, the card comes with complimentary top-tier Diamond status without any spending requirement, getting you those room upgrades, executive lounge access, and more, in addition to all the benefits of lower tiers such as free breakfast.
It features up to a $250 airline fee credit per calendar year, and up to a $250 Hilton resort statement credit each card member year — right away that’s $500 in value. The Hilton Honors Aspire Card also offers a $100 Hilton on-property credit every time you book a stay of two nights or longer at a participating Waldorf Astoria or Conrad property — you just need to book through a specific website for cardholders.
Cardholders also get a free weekend night reward each year — regardless of how much they spend — and a second if they spend $60,000 on the card in a calendar year.
The Hilton Honors Aspire Card, naturally, has the highest rewards earning rate of the Hilton cards: 14 points per eligible dollar spent with Hilton, 7x points on eligible flights booked with the airline, car rentals, and at U.S. restaurants, and 3x points on every other eligible purchase.
Hyatt elite status
Hyatt loyalists only have two credit card options, but they’re solid ones. If you’re a fan of the brand and prefer to stay there, here are the cards you should consider to earn elite status.
The World Of Hyatt Credit Card
The World Of Hyatt Credit Card
Intro offer
30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning with 2 points per dollar spent on purchases that normally earn 1 point, up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays (4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member). Earn 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases.
The World Of Hyatt Credit Card
Intro offer
30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning with 2 points per dollar spent on purchases that normally earn 1 point, up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays (4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member). Earn 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases.
Card Details
Rewards
Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays (4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member). Earn 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases.
Intro offer
30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning with 2 points per dollar spent on purchases that normally earn 1 point, up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
18.24% – 25.24% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
The World Of Hyatt Credit Card offers complimentary Discoverist status — Discoverist is the first of three Hyatt elite tiers, followed by Explorist and Globalist. Discoverists are entitled to bonus points during stays, complimentary premium internet, free water bottles, late checkout on request, preferred rooms (though not upgrades), and more.
You’ll also receive five qualifying night credits each year toward the next elite tier, and you’ll earn additional two-night credit every time you spend $5,000, making it easier to earn enough stays for Explorist or Globalist.
The World Of Hyatt Credit Card earns 4 Hyatt points per dollar spent on Hyatt purchases, 2x points at restaurants, on flights purchased directly from the airline, local transit, and gyms, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
The card offers an intro bonus of 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning with 2 points per dollar spent on purchases that normally earn 1 point, up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening. It has an annual fee of $95.
World of Hyatt Business Card
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
9 points total per $1 spent at Hyatt (4 Bonus Points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member). 2 points per $1 spent in your top three spend categories each quarter through 12/31/22, then your top two categories each quarter. 2 points per $1 spent on fitness club and gym memberships. 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
9 points total per $1 spent at Hyatt (4 Bonus Points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member). 2 points per $1 spent in your top three spend categories each quarter through 12/31/22, then your top two categories each quarter. 2 points per $1 spent on fitness club and gym memberships. 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Card Details
Rewards
9 points total per $1 spent at Hyatt (4 Bonus Points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member). 2 points per $1 spent in your top three spend categories each quarter through 12/31/22, then your top two categories each quarter. 2 points per $1 spent on fitness club and gym memberships. 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
18.24% – 25.24% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
The World of Hyatt Business Card comes with automatic Discoverist status for you and up to five employees (includes additional cards).
You’ll earn five annual qualifying night credits for every $10,000 spent in a calendar year towards reaching the next tier elite status. Plus, you can get 10% of your redeemed points back (up to 200,000 points) when you spend $50,000 in a calendar year.
The World of Hyatt Business Card earns 9 points per dollar spent for Hyatt stays and experiences, and 2x points in your top three spending categories (dining, airlines tickets, car rental agencies, local transit and commuting, gas stations, internet/cable/phone services, social media/search engine advertising, or shipping). After December 31, 2023, this will change to your top two categories. You’ll also earn 2x points with fitness clubs and gym memberships (1x on everything else).
New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. And for a limited time, when you apply by October 6, 2022, you’ll get 2 tier-Qualifying Night credits for each night stay between August 23, 2022, and December 31, 2022.
IHG elite status
IHG doesn’t have quite the same brand recognition as chains like Hilton and Mariott, but don’t let that fool you. The mega-chain, which encompasses brands like Holiday Inn, InterContinental, Kimpton Hotels, Hotel Indigo, and others, is one of the world’s biggest hotel companies with more than 5,900 properties in over 100 countries around the world. Plus, you can use IHG points towards purchases on posh resorts, familiar brands, and more.
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
Intro offer
140,000 bonus points and 1 free night after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel. Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
Intro offer
140,000 bonus points and 1 free night after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel. Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Card Details
Rewards
Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel. Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Intro offer
140,000 bonus points and 1 free night after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
18.24% – 25.24% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
The IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card offers free Platinum elite status to cardholders for as long as they keep the account open. Platinum elites are entitled to room upgrades (where available), late checkout, complimentary internet, a welcome gift, bonus points, free drinks in some hotels, and more.
The card comes with plenty of other benefits, including a free night certificate — good for any property that costs up to 40,000 points — on your card anniversary, a fourth award night for free on award stays of three or more consecutive nights, and up to a $100 credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Nexus.
The IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card earns 10 points per dollar spent at IHG hotels (on top of what you’d normally earn for a stay), 5 points per dollar spent at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, and 3 points per dollar on everything else.
The card’s currently offering a 140,000 bonus points and 1 free night after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. It has an annual fee of $99.
IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
Intro offer
140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel. Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, select advertising, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
Intro offer
140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel. Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, select advertising, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Card Details
Rewards
Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel. Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, select advertising, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Intro offer
140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
18.24% – 25.24% Variable
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
Show more
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
The IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card automatically gets you IHG Platinum elite status, which includes benefits like room upgrades, late checkout, complimentary internet, and 60% bonus points on paid bookings. Other benefits that come with the card are free anniversary nights, a fourth reward night free on IHG points stays, and application fee credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and Nexus up to $100 every four years.
The IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card can earn you 10,000 bonus points and $100 statement credit after you spend $20,000 on purchases and make one additional purchase each calendar year, up to $50 per year in United TravelBank Cash, and a 20% discount when you purchase points with your card (can’t use this benefit with other IHG point promotions).
You’ll earn 10 points per dollar at IHG Hotels and Resorts, 5x points on travel, 5x at gas stations, dining, social media, search engine advertising, and at office supply stores (3x on all other eligible purchases).
The IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is currently offering a welcome bonus of 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, for a $99 annual fee.
Choice Hotels elite status
The Choice Privileges loyalty program includes well-known brands like Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and Cambria, so there’s probably a Choice hotel just about anywhere you go. Road warriors and families, in particular, can get good value from Choice points — and having elite status for free from a credit card doesn’t hurt, either.
Choice Privileges Visa Signature Card
Choice Privileges Visa Signature Card
Intro offer
32,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
Choice Privileges Visa Signature Card
Intro offer
32,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
Card Details
Intro offer
32,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
Regular APR
15.74%, 19.99% or 24.99% variable APR
Pros & Cons
Highlights
The Choice Privileges Visa Signature Card doesn’t have an annual fee and comes with a good welcome bonus offer: 32,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.
Cardholders receive automatic Choice Privileges Gold elite status, which is the lowest tier offered by the brand. Gold status comes with a few perks, including a 10% points bonus on stays, early check-in and late checkout, up to nine elite rollover nights, and a welcome amenity.
Wyndham elite status
The Wyndham Rewards program includes three levels of elite status — Gold, Platinum, and Diamond — and Barclays issues credit cards that offer complimentary status across the board.
Wyndham Rewards® Earner Card
Wyndham Rewards® Earner Card
Intro offer
45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
Wyndham Rewards® Earner Card
Intro offer
45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
Card Details
Intro offer
45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
15.74%, 19.99% or 24.99%
Pros & Cons
Highlights
The no-annual-fee Wyndham Rewards® Earner Card comes with entry-level Wyndham Gold elite status. With Gold status, you’ll get perks like a 10% points bonus on paid stays, late checkout when available, and access to preferred rooms.
The Wyndham Rewards® Earner Card has a 45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.
Cardholders also earn 7,500 bonus points each year on their cardmember anniversary if they spend $15,000 throughout the year, and get access to discounts on award and paid stays.
Wyndham Rewards® Earner Plus Card
Wyndham Rewards® Earner Plus Card
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
Wyndham Rewards® Earner Plus Card
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
Card Details
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
15.74%, 19.99% or 24.99%
Intro APR
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months
Pros & Cons
Highlights
The Wyndham Rewards® Earner Plus Card charges a $75 annual fee and comes with a higher level of elite status — Wyndham Rewards Platinum. Platinum members get all the same perks Gold elites do, plus a 15% points bonus on paid stays, early check-in, Avis and Budget rental car upgrades, and the opportunity to status match with the Caesars Rewards loyalty program.
You can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days. Plus, the card offers a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months (then a 15.74%, 19.99% or 24.99% APR).
Wyndham Rewards® Earner Business Card
Wyndham Rewards® Earner Business Card
Intro offer
65,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days and earn 10,000 bonus points after a purchase is made on an employee card
Wyndham Rewards® Earner Business Card
Intro offer
65,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days and earn 10,000 bonus points after a purchase is made on an employee card
Card Details
Intro offer
65,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days and earn 10,000 bonus points after a purchase is made on an employee card
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
18.24%, 22.24% or 27.24% variable based on your creditworthiness
Pros & Cons
Highlights
The Wyndham Rewards® Earner Business Card has a $95 annual fee and comes with automatic Diamond member status (the highest tier level), which includes perks like preferred room choice, late checkout, early check-in, Caesars Rewards status match, Avis and Budget car rental upgrades, suite upgrades, and more.
Additional card benefits include no foreign transaction fees, cell phone protection, complimentary employee cards, and a card member booking discount.
The Wyndham Rewards® Earner Business Card earns 8x points on eligible Hotels by Wyndham and qualifying gas purchases. It also earns 5x points on marketing, advertising, and utility purchases (1x on all other eligible purchases). Plus, you can earn 65,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days and earn 10,000 bonus points after a purchase is made on an employee card.
Bottom line
Ultimately, the best card for you depends on which hotel brand you tend to stay with, how often you stay, and which elite perks you value. If you’re a Hyatt or IHG fan, there are only a couple of cards — if you stay with Hilton or Marriott, there are more choices.
Unless you’re an absolute loyalist, the Platinum Card may be the best pick. It comes with mid-level status at two of the biggest chains, includes free breakfast or a food and beverage credit at Hilton properties, and offers excellent non-hotel perks, like airline lounge access.
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Two people can book the same exact hotel room for the same exact price but have totally different experiences. One person may end up in an upgraded room on a high floor in a corner, with extra space and a couch, all while enjoying free breakfast and premium internet, earning a ton of extra points, checking in early, and checking out late.
The other person might get a fine standard room, maybe on a lower floor next to the elevator. Basic internet might be included, but if that person plans to use it heavily for work or streaming, they may want to pay a few dollars a day to upgrade to premium. The breakfast buffet is $20 per person, and late checkout isn’t available, even for a fee — although the hotel is happy to hold their bags until their late flight.
These two people booked the same exact room using identical booking methods (directly with the hotel). So what gets the first person here such better treatment?
The answer: elite status. And you don’t need to spend dozens of nights on the road each year to earn it; some credit cards will grant you status just for having an account in good standing. Read on to see which hotel credit cards offer these free benefits, as well as what you can get when you hold one.
We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
Marriott and Hilton elite status
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Intro offer
100,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 in your first 6 months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Intro offer
100,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 in your first 6 months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
On American Express’s website
Card Details
Rewards
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
Annual Fee
$695
See Rates and Fees
Show more
Intro offer
100,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 in your first 6 months of card membership
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
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Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
If you’re not too particular about which hotel brand you stay at, The Platinum Card® from American Express
could be the perfect option. That’s because it offers complimentary elite status at two major chains — Hilton and Marriott — that together offer more properties than any other brand.
At Hilton, Platinum Card cardholders who enroll their accounts get complimentary Gold level status. This mid-tier status is particularly valuable at Hilton, including free breakfast or a food and beverage credit at most hotels, room upgrades and late checkout subject to availability, a fifth reward night for free any time you stay for four nights using points, an 80% bonus on points earned during paid stays, free water bottles in-room, and more.
Platinum Card members also get Gold status at Marriott when they enroll, although Gold perks at this brand are slightly different. You’ll get a room upgrade at check-in when it’s available, as well as check-out time as late as 2 p.m., complimentary premium internet, a 25% bonus on earned points, and a small welcome gift of bonus points.
Finally, for independent hotels, Platinum cardholders can book through Amex’s Fine Hotels & Resorts program to get perks at a ton of different properties.
The Platinum Card comes with plenty of other perks too, including access to airport lounges, up to $200 a year in Uber Cash credits**, up to an annual $200 airline fee credit**, up to $100 annual in Saks Fifth Avenue credits**, concierge services, access to exclusive events, and more.
Marriott elite status
Marriott and Starwood merged their hotel loyalty programs, and as a result, their portfolios of credit cards were updated and merged as well. Thankfully, the days of confusing branding are behind us — all co-branded Marriott cards have Marriott Bonvoy branding, but some credit cards are issued by Amex, and some are issued by Chase.
In addition to the Platinum Card, which comes with Marriott Gold status, here are the cards that get you status with the Marriott Bonvoy brand.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Intro offer
3 free nights (each worth up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 17X total Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 3X Bonvoy points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining. Earn 2X Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Intro offer
3 free nights (each worth up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 17X total Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 3X Bonvoy points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining. Earn 2X Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Card Details
Rewards
Earn up to 17X total Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 3X Bonvoy points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining. Earn 2X Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Intro offer
3 free nights (each worth up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
18.24% – 25.24% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card gets you Silver elite status with Marriott.
While Silver status doesn’t get you much, it’s still something — you’ll get a 10% bonus on Marriott Bonvoy points earned, priority for late checkout, access to a dedicated customer service line, free Wi-Fi, and more. While it’s not a published benefit, you may also be given preferential rooms. When you spend $35,000 on the card in a given year, you’ll earn Gold status instead.
The card offers 6 points on every dollar spent at Marriott hotels (in addition to the points you’d normally earn for the stay), 3x points at grocery stores, gas stations, and on dining (on up to $6,000 in combined purchases per year), and 2x points on everything else. After your first year, you’ll get a free night certificate every year on your account anniversary, good for any property that costs 35,000 nights or fewer.
With the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card you can currently earn 3 free nights (each worth up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. The card has a $95 annual fee.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
Intro offer
75,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after using your new card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 6x Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Points at eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program. Earn Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3x Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Points on flights booked directly with airlines. Earn 2X Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Points on all other purchases.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
Intro offer
75,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after using your new card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 6x Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Points at eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program. Earn Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3x Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Points on flights booked directly with airlines. Earn 2X Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Points on all other purchases.
On American Express’s website
Card Details
Rewards
Earn 6x Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Points at eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program. Earn Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3x Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Points on flights booked directly with airlines. Earn 2X Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Points on all other purchases.
Intro offer
75,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after using your new card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
17.99% – 26.99% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card comes with automatic Marriott Gold elite status, and cardholders receive up to $300 in annual credit toward purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program (offer ends 9/22/22 and will be replaced with a benefit of up to $25 in statement credits per month for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide), an annual free night certificate good for hotels that cost up to 50,000 points, access to Priority Pass airport lounges**, and plenty more to make up for the $450 annual fee, which isn’t waived the first year.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card offers a solid intro bonus: 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after using your new card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Cardholders earn 6x points on purchases at hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy® program (on top of what they’d normally earn for a stay), 3x points at US restaurants and flights booked directly with the airline, and 2x points on everything else.
Hilton elite status
Hilton’s loyalty program, Hilton Honors, can offer hotel guests great value — even if Hilton points aren’t worth quite as much as other hotel loyalty points, like Marriott, it’s often easier to earn them quickly.
Plus, the status you can get from a credit card is particularly valuable. While there are three personal Hilton credit cards that offer various levels of status, only two of those cards offer status with meaningful perks.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Intro offer
100,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases on the card in the first 3 months of card membership plus up to $100 in statement credits on eligible purchases made on the card at any of the Hilton family hotels in the first 12 months of membership (offer expires 10/26/22)
Rewards
Earn 7x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 5x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 5x Points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 5x on gas at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Intro offer
100,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases on the card in the first 3 months of card membership plus up to $100 in statement credits on eligible purchases made on the card at any of the Hilton family hotels in the first 12 months of membership (offer expires 10/26/22)
Rewards
Earn 7x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 5x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 5x Points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 5x on gas at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.
On American Express’s website
Card Details
Rewards
Earn 7x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 5x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 5x Points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 5x on gas at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.
Intro offer
100,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases on the card in the first 3 months of card membership plus up to $100 in statement credits on eligible purchases made on the card at any of the Hilton family hotels in the first 12 months of membership (offer expires 10/26/22)
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
17.99% – 26.99% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
The entry-level Amex Hilton Honors Card has a decent set of benefits for a no-annual-fee card, including Silver elite status in the Hilton Honors program.
At Hilton, holding Silver status doesn’t get you a ton, but you’ll still be eligible for things like late checkout, free water bottles in your room during stays, a free fifth night on award stays, and bonus points. When you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on the card in a calendar year, you’ll get upgraded to Gold status, which includes the same perks as Silver, plus free breakfast, room upgrades, and more bonus points.
The card offers 7 points per dollar spent on eligible Hilton purchases, 5 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at US restaurants, US gas stations, and US supermarkets, and 3x points on every other eligible purchase.
When you open a new account, you can earn a welcome bonus offer of 100,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases on the card in the first 3 months of card membership plus up to $100 in statement credits on eligible purchases made on the card at any of the Hilton family hotels in the first 12 months of membership (offer expires 10/26/22). For a no-fee card, this is pretty solid, but you can do better with the other Hilton options.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Intro offer
130,000 points after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases on the card in the first 3 months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 12x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 6x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 6x Points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 6x Points on gas at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (offer ends 10/26/22)
Annual Fee
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Intro offer
130,000 points after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases on the card in the first 3 months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 12x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 6x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 6x Points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 6x Points on gas at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (offer ends 10/26/22)
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (offer ends 10/26/22)
Annual Fee
On American Express’s website
Card Details
Rewards
Earn 12x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 6x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 6x Points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 6x Points on gas at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (offer ends 10/26/22)
Intro offer
130,000 points after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases on the card in the first 3 months of card membership
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
17.99% – 26.99% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
With a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (offer ends 10/26/22), the Hilton Honors Surpass® Card is the best mid-range option in Hilton’s line-up.
The Hilton Honors Surpass® Card offers complimentary Gold status, which is potentially an incredible deal. The free breakfast or food and beverage credit alone can make up for the annual fee in just a few stays.
If you spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on the Hilton Honors Surpass® Card within a calendar year, you’ll be upgraded to Diamond status. In addition to the same benefits you’d get from Gold status, Diamond gets you a higher priority for room upgrades, executive lounge access, and more. The card also comes with 10 free day passes to Priority Pass airport lounges.
When you open a Hilton Honors Surpass® Card, you can earn 130,000 points after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases on the card in the first 3 months of card membership. You’ll also get a free weekend night certificate if you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on the card within a calendar year.
The card also has a better-earning rate than the regular Hilton card. It earns 12x points on eligible Hilton purchases, 6x points on eligible purchases at US restaurants, US gas stations, and US supermarkets, and 3x points on every other eligible purchase.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Intro offer
150,000 points after you spend at least $4,000 in your first 3 months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 14x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 7x Points on select travel including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. Earn 7x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Intro offer
150,000 points after you spend at least $4,000 in your first 3 months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 14x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 7x Points on select travel including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. Earn 7x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.
On American Express’s website
Card Details
Rewards
Earn 14x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 7x Points on select travel including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. Earn 7x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.
Intro offer
150,000 points after you spend at least $4,000 in your first 3 months of account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
15.74% to 24.74% variable APR on purchases
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
The Hilton Honors Aspire Card is the premium Hilton card, and even though it has a $450 annual fee, it offers an absurd amount of potential value to blow that away.
Along with a welcome bonus offer of 150,000 points after you spend at least $4,000 in your first 3 months of account opening, the card comes with complimentary top-tier Diamond status without any spending requirement, getting you those room upgrades, executive lounge access, and more, in addition to all the benefits of lower tiers such as free breakfast.
It features up to a $250 airline fee credit per calendar year, and up to a $250 Hilton resort statement credit each card member year — right away that’s $500 in value. The Hilton Honors Aspire Card also offers a $100 Hilton on-property credit every time you book a stay of two nights or longer at a participating Waldorf Astoria or Conrad property — you just need to book through a specific website for cardholders.
Cardholders also get a free weekend night reward each year — regardless of how much they spend — and a second if they spend $60,000 on the card in a calendar year.
The Hilton Honors Aspire Card, naturally, has the highest rewards earning rate of the Hilton cards: 14 points per eligible dollar spent with Hilton, 7x points on eligible flights booked with the airline, car rentals, and at U.S. restaurants, and 3x points on every other eligible purchase.
Hyatt elite status
Hyatt loyalists only have two credit card options, but they’re solid ones. If you’re a fan of the brand and prefer to stay there, here are the cards you should consider to earn elite status.
The World Of Hyatt Credit Card
The World Of Hyatt Credit Card
Intro offer
30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning with 2 points per dollar spent on purchases that normally earn 1 point, up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays (4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member). Earn 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases.
The World Of Hyatt Credit Card
Intro offer
30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning with 2 points per dollar spent on purchases that normally earn 1 point, up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays (4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member). Earn 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases.
Card Details
Rewards
Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays (4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member). Earn 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases.
Intro offer
30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning with 2 points per dollar spent on purchases that normally earn 1 point, up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
18.24% – 25.24% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
The World Of Hyatt Credit Card offers complimentary Discoverist status — Discoverist is the first of three Hyatt elite tiers, followed by Explorist and Globalist. Discoverists are entitled to bonus points during stays, complimentary premium internet, free water bottles, late checkout on request, preferred rooms (though not upgrades), and more.
You’ll also receive five qualifying night credits each year toward the next elite tier, and you’ll earn additional two-night credit every time you spend $5,000, making it easier to earn enough stays for Explorist or Globalist.
The World Of Hyatt Credit Card earns 4 Hyatt points per dollar spent on Hyatt purchases, 2x points at restaurants, on flights purchased directly from the airline, local transit, and gyms, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
The card offers an intro bonus of 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning with 2 points per dollar spent on purchases that normally earn 1 point, up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening. It has an annual fee of $95.
World of Hyatt Business Card
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
9 points total per $1 spent at Hyatt (4 Bonus Points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member). 2 points per $1 spent in your top three spend categories each quarter through 12/31/22, then your top two categories each quarter. 2 points per $1 spent on fitness club and gym memberships. 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
9 points total per $1 spent at Hyatt (4 Bonus Points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member). 2 points per $1 spent in your top three spend categories each quarter through 12/31/22, then your top two categories each quarter. 2 points per $1 spent on fitness club and gym memberships. 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Card Details
Rewards
9 points total per $1 spent at Hyatt (4 Bonus Points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member). 2 points per $1 spent in your top three spend categories each quarter through 12/31/22, then your top two categories each quarter. 2 points per $1 spent on fitness club and gym memberships. 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
18.24% – 25.24% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
The World of Hyatt Business Card comes with automatic Discoverist status for you and up to five employees (includes additional cards).
You’ll earn five annual qualifying night credits for every $10,000 spent in a calendar year towards reaching the next tier elite status. Plus, you can get 10% of your redeemed points back (up to 200,000 points) when you spend $50,000 in a calendar year.
The World of Hyatt Business Card earns 9 points per dollar spent for Hyatt stays and experiences, and 2x points in your top three spending categories (dining, airlines tickets, car rental agencies, local transit and commuting, gas stations, internet/cable/phone services, social media/search engine advertising, or shipping). After December 31, 2023, this will change to your top two categories. You’ll also earn 2x points with fitness clubs and gym memberships (1x on everything else).
New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. And for a limited time, when you apply by October 6, 2022, you’ll get 2 tier-Qualifying Night credits for each night stay between August 23, 2022, and December 31, 2022.
IHG elite status
IHG doesn’t have quite the same brand recognition as chains like Hilton and Mariott, but don’t let that fool you. The mega-chain, which encompasses brands like Holiday Inn, InterContinental, Kimpton Hotels, Hotel Indigo, and others, is one of the world’s biggest hotel companies with more than 5,900 properties in over 100 countries around the world. Plus, you can use IHG points towards purchases on posh resorts, familiar brands, and more.
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
Intro offer
140,000 bonus points and 1 free night after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel. Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
Intro offer
140,000 bonus points and 1 free night after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel. Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Card Details
Rewards
Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel. Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Intro offer
140,000 bonus points and 1 free night after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
18.24% – 25.24% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
The IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card offers free Platinum elite status to cardholders for as long as they keep the account open. Platinum elites are entitled to room upgrades (where available), late checkout, complimentary internet, a welcome gift, bonus points, free drinks in some hotels, and more.
The card comes with plenty of other benefits, including a free night certificate — good for any property that costs up to 40,000 points — on your card anniversary, a fourth award night for free on award stays of three or more consecutive nights, and up to a $100 credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Nexus.
The IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card earns 10 points per dollar spent at IHG hotels (on top of what you’d normally earn for a stay), 5 points per dollar spent at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, and 3 points per dollar on everything else.
The card’s currently offering a 140,000 bonus points and 1 free night after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. It has an annual fee of $99.
IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
Intro offer
140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel. Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, select advertising, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
Intro offer
140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel. Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, select advertising, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Card Details
Rewards
Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel. Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, select advertising, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Intro offer
140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
18.24% – 25.24% Variable
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
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Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
The IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card automatically gets you IHG Platinum elite status, which includes benefits like room upgrades, late checkout, complimentary internet, and 60% bonus points on paid bookings. Other benefits that come with the card are free anniversary nights, a fourth reward night free on IHG points stays, and application fee credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and Nexus up to $100 every four years.
The IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card can earn you 10,000 bonus points and $100 statement credit after you spend $20,000 on purchases and make one additional purchase each calendar year, up to $50 per year in United TravelBank Cash, and a 20% discount when you purchase points with your card (can’t use this benefit with other IHG point promotions).
You’ll earn 10 points per dollar at IHG Hotels and Resorts, 5x points on travel, 5x at gas stations, dining, social media, search engine advertising, and at office supply stores (3x on all other eligible purchases).
The IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is currently offering a welcome bonus of 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, for a $99 annual fee.
Choice Hotels elite status
The Choice Privileges loyalty program includes well-known brands like Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and Cambria, so there’s probably a Choice hotel just about anywhere you go. Road warriors and families, in particular, can get good value from Choice points — and having elite status for free from a credit card doesn’t hurt, either.
Choice Privileges Visa Signature Card
Choice Privileges Visa Signature Card
Intro offer
32,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
Choice Privileges Visa Signature Card
Intro offer
32,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
Card Details
Intro offer
32,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
Regular APR
15.74%, 19.99% or 24.99% variable APR
Pros & Cons
Highlights
The Choice Privileges Visa Signature Card doesn’t have an annual fee and comes with a good welcome bonus offer: 32,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.
Cardholders receive automatic Choice Privileges Gold elite status, which is the lowest tier offered by the brand. Gold status comes with a few perks, including a 10% points bonus on stays, early check-in and late checkout, up to nine elite rollover nights, and a welcome amenity.
Wyndham elite status
The Wyndham Rewards program includes three levels of elite status — Gold, Platinum, and Diamond — and Barclays issues credit cards that offer complimentary status across the board.
Wyndham Rewards® Earner Card
Wyndham Rewards® Earner Card
Intro offer
45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
Wyndham Rewards® Earner Card
Intro offer
45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
Card Details
Intro offer
45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
15.74%, 19.99% or 24.99%
Pros & Cons
Highlights
The no-annual-fee Wyndham Rewards® Earner Card comes with entry-level Wyndham Gold elite status. With Gold status, you’ll get perks like a 10% points bonus on paid stays, late checkout when available, and access to preferred rooms.
The Wyndham Rewards® Earner Card has a 45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.
Cardholders also earn 7,500 bonus points each year on their cardmember anniversary if they spend $15,000 throughout the year, and get access to discounts on award and paid stays.
Wyndham Rewards® Earner Plus Card
Wyndham Rewards® Earner Plus Card
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
Wyndham Rewards® Earner Plus Card
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
Card Details
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
15.74%, 19.99% or 24.99%
Intro APR
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months
Pros & Cons
Highlights
The Wyndham Rewards® Earner Plus Card charges a $75 annual fee and comes with a higher level of elite status — Wyndham Rewards Platinum. Platinum members get all the same perks Gold elites do, plus a 15% points bonus on paid stays, early check-in, Avis and Budget rental car upgrades, and the opportunity to status match with the Caesars Rewards loyalty program.
You can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days. Plus, the card offers a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months (then a 15.74%, 19.99% or 24.99% APR).
Wyndham Rewards® Earner Business Card
Wyndham Rewards® Earner Business Card
Intro offer
65,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days and earn 10,000 bonus points after a purchase is made on an employee card
Wyndham Rewards® Earner Business Card
Intro offer
65,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days and earn 10,000 bonus points after a purchase is made on an employee card
Card Details
Intro offer
65,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days and earn 10,000 bonus points after a purchase is made on an employee card
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular APR
18.24%, 22.24% or 27.24% variable based on your creditworthiness
Pros & Cons
Highlights
The Wyndham Rewards® Earner Business Card has a $95 annual fee and comes with automatic Diamond member status (the highest tier level), which includes perks like preferred room choice, late checkout, early check-in, Caesars Rewards status match, Avis and Budget car rental upgrades, suite upgrades, and more.
Additional card benefits include no foreign transaction fees, cell phone protection, complimentary employee cards, and a card member booking discount.
The Wyndham Rewards® Earner Business Card earns 8x points on eligible Hotels by Wyndham and qualifying gas purchases. It also earns 5x points on marketing, advertising, and utility purchases (1x on all other eligible purchases). Plus, you can earn 65,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days and earn 10,000 bonus points after a purchase is made on an employee card.
Bottom line
Ultimately, the best card for you depends on which hotel brand you tend to stay with, how often you stay, and which elite perks you value. If you’re a Hyatt or IHG fan, there are only a couple of cards — if you stay with Hilton or Marriott, there are more choices.
Unless you’re an absolute loyalist, the Platinum Card may be the best pick. It comes with mid-level status at two of the biggest chains, includes free breakfast or a food and beverage credit at Hilton properties, and offers excellent non-hotel perks, like airline lounge access.