Of all card types that are available these days, hotel credit cards seem to make up most of these. That said, it can be quite overwhelming for some people to know how to choose the right or best hotel card that fits their needs.
See our list of the best credit card bonuses here.
However, if you have a co-branded card, you will only be able to redeem your rewards within the hotel chain. I recommend getting a general travel credit card to have access to more rewards.
To make choosing easier for you, we have provided you with a list below of the best hotel credit cards for travel benefits and rewards.
Best Hotel Credit Cards Summary
American Express® Green Card | Best overall card for travel |
The Platinum Card® From American Express | Best card for luxury hotels |
Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Best premium card for earning |
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Best mid-tier card for earning |
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card | Best overall Marriott card |
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card | Best low-cost Marriott card |
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card | Best overall Hilton card |
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card | Best low-cost Hilton card |
IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card | Best overall IHG card |
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. You'll earn: • 5x on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM • 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries • 2x on all other travel purchases • 1x on all other purchases • $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027. Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase TravelSM This card carries a $95 annual fee. |
Hotel Credit Card Features
Some things you should consider when choosing a hotel credit card are:
- Welcome bonus
- Earning potential
- Elite status perks
- Recurring benefits
- Category bonuses
- Spend bonuses
The Best Hotel Credit Cards This Year
The best overall card for travel is the American Express® Green Card with 30k welcome bonus points – worth $600 in value – and triple points on travel worldwide.
The American Express® Green Card offers 60,000 Membership Rewards Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases made during your first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $200 back in the form of a statement credit. You'll earn: • 3X Membership Rewards points on travel including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals. • 3X Membership Rewards Points on transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways. • 3X Membership Rewards points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US. This card does carry a $150 annual fee & no foreign transaction fees. Terms Apply. See Rates & Fees Terms apply. |
The Platinum Card® from American Express is the best card for luxury hotels with 60k welcome bonus points – worth $1,200 in value – and 5x points on prepaid hotel bookings via Amex Travel. You’ll also get automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold and Hilton Honors Gold status.
The Platinum Card® from American Express offers 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. You'll earn: • 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. • 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts(R) or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card(R). The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay. • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required. • The American Express Global Lounge Collection can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023. • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month. • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card. • $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit. • $199 CLEAR Plus Credit: CLEAR Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues. • Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost. • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required. This card comes with a $695 annual fee.¤ (See Rates & Fees), but you cardholders can enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member and Additional Centurion Cards only. Terms Apply. Terms apply. |
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the best premium card for earning on hotel spending with 50k welcome bonus points – worth $1,000 in value – and triple points on travel. You’ll also get $300 in travel credit every year.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase TravelSM. You'll earn • 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. • 3x points on other travel and dining • 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel. This card does carry a $550 annual fee and there are no foreign transaction fees. However, you're able to earn a $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year & up to $120 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®. Member FDIC |
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best mid-tier card for earning on hotel spending with 80k welcome bonus points – worth $1,600 in value – and double points on travel.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. You'll earn: • 5x on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM • 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries • 2x on all other travel purchases • 1x on all other purchases • $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027. Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase TravelSM This card carries a $95 annual fee. |
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card is the best overall card for Marriott hotels with 125k welcome bonus points – worth $1,125 in value – and 6x points on Marriott spending. You’ll also get automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold status, 15 Elite Night Credits every year, a $300 annual Marriott Bonvoy statement credit, a $100 annual Marriott Bonvoy property credit and one Free Night Award each year.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Each Card renewal year, get up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide. With this card, you'll earn: • 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. • 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. • 2X points on all other eligible purchases. • $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide. A Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite member will earn 50% more points on eligible purchases at participating hotels for each U.S. dollar or the currency equivalent that is incurred and paid for by the member. Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck. $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card. This card comes with a $650 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. However, you can receive 1 free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy(R). Certain hotels have resort fees. (See Rates & Fees) Furthermore, enjoy unlimited airport lounge visits when you enroll in Priority Pass Select membership. Terms Apply. |
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card is the best low-cost card for Marriott hotels with a generous welcome bonus and high earning rate on Marriott spending. You’ll also get automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver status, 15 Elite Night Credits every year, and one Free Night Award each year.
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card offers 3 Free Night Awards up to a 150,000 Total Point Value (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. You'll earn: • Up to 17X total points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy • 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining. • 2X points for every $1 spent on all other purchase • 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend. You gain an automatic Silver Elite Status each account anniversary year. Path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each account year. You'll receive 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year & an additional Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary. This card does carry a $95 fee; there are no foreign transaction fees. |
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is the best overall card for Hilton hotels with 150k welcome bonus points – worth $900 in value – and 14x points on Hilton spending. You’ll also get automatic Hilton Honors Diamond status and a $250 annual Hilton resort credit.
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is the best low-cost card for Hilton hotels with 150k welcome bonus points – worth $900 in value – and 12x points on Hilton spending. You’ll also get automatic Hilton Honors Gold status.
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card offers 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with a property in the Hilton portfolio on your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card. That's up to $200 in statement credits annually. You'll earn: • NEW Get up to $200 back each year on eligible Hilton purchases after you use your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card. • Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio. • Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations. • NEW Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases. • Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card. Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status with your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card. Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors Diamond Status through the end of the next calendar year. This card does carry a $150 annual fee & no foreign transaction fees. (See Rates & Fees) Terms Apply. |
The IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card is the best overall card for IHG hotels with 140k welcome bonus points – worth $700 in value – and 25x points on IHG spending. You’ll also get automatic IHG Platinum Elite status, one free night each card membership anniversary and your fourth reward night free.
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. You'll earn: • Up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts • 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. • 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases This card offers several perks that you'll sure enjoy like: an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts (plus, enjoy a reward night when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay) And as long as you're a cardmember, you'll have Platinum Elite status. You'll get Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 ($120 starting 10/1/24) every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card. There is an annual fee of $99. |
Additional Guides
- The Best Hotel Credit Cards For Travel Benefits + Rewards
- The Best Travel Credit Cards: Rewards and Benefits
- Best Credit Cards For Restaurant Purchases
- Best Credit Cards for Supermarket & Grocery Store Purchases
- No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards
Author’s Verdict
If you like to stay with a particular hotel group, a co-branded hotel credit card is a good idea to get. With it, you will be able to receive VIP benefits and earn points towards free nights. Furthermore, make sure you know the difference between co-branded and general travel rewards credit cards when looking for one that best fits your needs!
For more credit cards, see our latest list of the best credit card bonuses!
PROMOTIONAL LINK | OFFER | REVIEW |
Chase Private Client | $3,000 Cash | Review |
U.S. Bank Business Checking | $900 Cash | Review |
U.S. Bank Business Checking | $400 Cash | Review |
Chase Business Complete Checking® | $300 or $500 Cash | Review |
KeyBank Key Smart Checking® | $300 Cash | Review |
Truist One Checking | $400 Cash | Review |
Chase Total Checking® | $300 Cash | Review |
Chase College CheckingSM | $100 Cash | Review |
J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing | Up to $700 Cash | Review |
Chase Secure BankingSM | $100 Cash | Review |
SoFi Checking and Savings Account | $325 Cash | Review |
Huntington Bank Unlimited Plus Business Checking | $1,000 Cash | Review |
Huntington Bank Unlimited Business Checking | $400 Cash | Review |
Huntington Bank Business Checking 100 | $100 Cash | Review |
Fifth Third Bank Checking | $400 Cash | Review |
Axos Basic Business Checking | $400 Cash | Review |
Axos Business Interest Checking | $400 Cash | Review |
Axos Bank Business Premium Savings | $375 Cash | Review |